Plympton Kicks Off Cable License Renewal, Praises Public Access TV

Residents emphasize importance of Area 58 for transparency, community engagement

PLYMPTON, MA - June 3 - The Plympton Board of Selectmen launched the town's cable television license renewal process Saturday, holding a public hearing to gather community input on cable-related needs and interests.

The current license with Comcast expires on June 30, 2025. Federal and state law require the town to hold public proceedings as part of the renewal process.

Residents and town officials alike emphasized the vital role that public access television, provided through Area 58 Community Access Media, plays in promoting transparency and keeping the community informed and engaged.

"It's really just important about transparency. I think that's the key to it, is maintaining that transparency across our town government," said Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy. "It improves credibility in terms of the boards and committees and the business that's being conducted."

Selectman John Traynor echoed those sentiments, stating, "Getting transparency so that people can dial in and find out what's going on is important, really important."

Several speakers highlighted how public access TV serves as a crucial information source for seniors and those unable to attend meetings in person.

"Not everyone in the town, particularly the seniors, are computer agile, so being able to flip on their television and watch it is important," said Colleen Thompson, Director of Elder Affairs for Plympton.

Marilyn Browne, a member of the Finance Committee, added that the programming "offers that opportunity for people who may be ill or weather-related incidents and they can't get out."

Local newspaper publisher Deb Anderson praised Area 58 as "vital" to her business. "When I can't be in three places at once, thank God, Area 58 can be, and they can tape it, and I can refer to it, and I can get double-checked quotes," she said.

The hearing also sparked discussion among selectmen about potential technology upgrades to further enhance transparency and accessibility of town government.

Selectman Mark Russo suggested exploring financial presentation software that could create visual representations of the town's $14 million budget. "If we could present it in a more vibrant way, I think that would be really helpful in a lot of ways," Russo said.

The board also discussed the possibility of sharing IT services with neighboring towns or the Silver Lake school district to address technology needs more efficiently.

"I think one of the weaknesses that we have is we don't have a technology person who can cover all the bases for us," said Traynor.

Dennehy agreed to look into options, noting it could be a priority item to work on over the next year, particularly when preparing next year's budget.

The cable license renewal process will remain open for further public input. Written comments can still be submitted for consideration by the town.

Michael Galla, senior government affairs manager for Comcast, attended the hearing and expressed willingness to work with the town through the renewal process.

"I'm looking forward to starting the renewal process, as you guys are tonight," Galla said. "I'm here to listen. This is obviously your ascertainment hearing for you guys to ascertain your needs and what you're looking for, and then we take that back, and we'll come up with a really good license that works for both parties."