Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV)

Hearing Segments:

01: Ald. Burke

02: Ald. Stone

03: Ald. Stone

04: Ald. Suarez

05: CAN TV's Barbara Popovic

13: Commissioner Reyes

14: Ald. Stone and Commissioner Reyes

City Council Committee on Finance:
Hearing on CAN TV Funding

October 31, 2008

The following clips are from CAN TV's coverage of the Chicago Committee on Finance hearing on the ordinance to fund CAN TV sponsored by Alderman Bernard L. Stone (50th) and Committee Chair, Alderman Edward M. Burke (14th). Complete hearing coverage can be seen here. Arguments for the ordinance are available here.

The ordinance addresses a funding gap caused by CAN TV’s outdated funding structure, as well as routing 1% of gross revenues from state video franchise holders to CAN TV for PEG use, with the City of Chicago getting a 5% franchise fee from state holders.

The Committee on Finance recessed without voting on the ordinance prior to hearing testimony from over 100 Chicago residents who attended the hearing in support the ordinance.

01: The Committee on Finance Chair, Alderman Edward M. Burke (14th Ward), opens the October 31, 2008 hearing on an ordinance to fund Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV.)

02: Alderman Bernard L. Stone (50th) presents the CAN TV funding ordinance.

Alderman Stone, who sponsored the ordinance along with Alderman Burke, gives background on CAN TV funding and the need for the ordinance. He notes the ordinance is in response to the City's 2004 resolution calling for a funding solution to address funding challenges facing CAN TV.

03: Alderman Stone notes that 36 Alderman supported the ordinance as introduced.

04: Alderman Ray Suarez asks about state funding.

05: CAN TV's Executive Director, Barbara Popovic, testifies in favor of the ordinance.

Ms. Popovic testifies that the ordinance is reasonable, is consistent with applicable laws, and will stabilize CAN TV's funding to assure the organization can fulfill its mission to serve the public.

06: Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. supports the ordinance & questions CAN TV's Barbara Popovic.

07: Alderman John A. Pope supports the ordinance and speaks to the importance of CAN TV's services in the community.

08: Alderman Joe Moore expresses his support of the ordinance.

09: Alderman Ed H. Smith expresses his
long-time support of CAN TV.

10: Alderman Patrick J. Levar speaks in favor of the ordinance, and commends Alderman Stone and Alderman Burke for putting the ordinance on the agenda.

11: Alderman Richard F. Mell expresses support and his hope that the issue can be permanently resolved.

12: Alderman Burnett notes that the ordinance will help local nonprofits that need CAN TV's assistance during hard economic times.

13: Commissioner Norma Reyes opposes the ordinance and presents a substitute.

Commissioner Reyes testifies against Alderman Stone’s ordinance and in favor of a substitute ordinance presented by the City that fails to address CAN TV’s current funding gap and cuts state funding for CAN TV to 0.5%, with the City receiving 5.5%.

14: Alderman Stone opposes Commissioner Reyes' substitute.

Alderman Stone rejects the City’s contention that it should receive half of the 1% allocated from state law for PEG use on top of the 5% franchise fee that it already collects. Alderman Stone points to the City’s cable ordinance, which established CAN TV as the City’s PEG designee and called for it to be adequately funded to fulfill its mission. Following the questioning of Commissioner Reyes, Alderman Burke recesses the hearing until a future date to be announced.