The new STATEWIDE LETTER PORTAL (above) is now live to support the COMMUNITY MEDIA REINVESTMENT ACT (S2581 and A5900)! If you’re a resident of New York State, it’s crucial that you use this portal to send a message in support of this bill.
This legislation is vital because it will:
- Create dedicated funding for Community Media in every City, Town, and Village across New York.
- Generate equal revenue for the General Fund of each municipality, replacing income lost due to the decline in cable franchise fees—a key source of support for local budgets.
How Can You Help?
- Enter your address and zip code into the portal.
- Customize the message with your own first paragraph, if you’d like.
- Your message will be sent to your local legislators, key sponsors, and committees who can help advance this bill.
Why is This Urgent?
We need this bill included in the NY State budget as it would generate an additional $270 million for New York State from streaming media and satellite. Currently, 30 other states are already taxing digital media—New York shouldn’t be left behind! Massachusetts is also working on a similar bill.
By adding your voice, you’ll be helping to increase municipal incomes and ensure that hyper-local community media survives and thrives, particularly in underserved areas. This bill also aims to expand broadband access to areas with few homes per mile, which traditional cable has missed.
Important Resources:
- Updated Income Projection Table: Click HERE to see the latest projections for 2024.
- Research Paper: Download “REVENUE STREAMS: HARNESSING DIGITAL MEDIA COMMERCE TO REINVEST IN NEW YORK’S TOWN AND CITIES” by Lee Shaker & Antoine Haywood from this website. It provides valuable insights into the importance of Community Media and the steps needed to secure its future.
Get Involved Nationally:
To learn about what the ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY MEDIA is doing on the national level, visit their policy and advocacy page.
Contact Us for More Information:
- If you have a relationship with your House Representative, reach out to ACM President Mike Wassenaar at [email protected].
- If you know your NY State Assemblyperson or Senator and want to advocate for Community Media, watch the video “The Future of Community Media in New York State” and contact Anthony Arrien at [email protected]. A volunteer from ACMNY can accompany you on a legislative visit to provide a presentation while you express your support as a constituent.
Together, we can make a difference for Community Media in New York State!
In Alliance,
Erica Bradley
Chair, Alliance for Community Media of New York
[email protected]