Public access is back in Lansing. Thanks to the
Lansing Public Media Center, it’s now better than ever.
After a law change a few years ago, cable companies are no longer compelled to provide studio space and video equipment for public use. Without a location or equipment for production, Lansing has been a loss of public access television for three years.
Starting July 1, the wait is over. The new Lansing Public Media Center will open with 12,000 square feet of studio space, e
ducation opportunities and a full menu of video recording equipment ready to be checked out by the public.
“This isn’t going to be what public access used to be,” says Dominic Cochran, Director of the Office of Community Media for the City of Lansing. “It’s all high-end gear, and we’ll be outfitting an actual studio.”
That studio, which will temporarily be located at the Washington Street Armory, will also be top notch. A full green screen will allow the public to produce video with virtual backgrounds as advanced as any seen on professional networks.
The funding for the center comes from Comcast, and varies annually from $100,000 to $400,000 based on the cable company’s revenue.
“That money, by law can only be spent on this type of endeavor,” says Cochran. “You can’t use it as a political football. During tough budget time, it’s a bright spot in the budget.”
The center will open July 1 and the new website launched June 1 with sign up and class information.
Source: Dominic Cochran, Office of Community Media
Writer: Natalie Burg, News Editor
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