Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin introduces bill to save PEG Funding!

Federal bill for PEG!
The Community Access Preservation Act of 2009 is Introduced by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, long-time PEG advocate

The Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels praises long-time advocate of public, education, and government access television, Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D - Wisconsin, 2nd District) for introducing the Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act of 2009. The bill would have a strong positive effect on public, education, and government access channels in Wisconsin.

The CAP Act, which was introduced yesterday, would resolve problems that have arisen because federal cable law, new state video franchise laws, and recent FCC decisions have not been working successfully together to safeguard local community-based PEG channels. In Wisconsin, video providers like AT&T and Charter Communications have taken advantage of the situation to undermine non-profit PEG channels.

Wisconsin PEG stations would benefit from the CAP Act in several ways. The CAP Act would make clear that federal cable law and regulations apply equally to all land-line companies competing for cable customers. The CAP Act would also level the playing field by requiring all video providers to place PEG on discrete channels in a manner that is equivalent to the treatment of standard commercial broadcast channels. AT&T would not be able to bury PEG under a series of menus on channel 99 like they do today. Charter would not be able to continue to carry Wisconsin PEG channels in remote areas of the spectrum that are prone to FM broadcast interference.

The CAP Act would also provide reassurance to the thirty or so PEG access stations in Wisconsin that rely on PEG fees. The bill would allow stations to use PEG fees for any PEG-related purpose, not just capital or facilities. PEG fees scheduled to end on January 1, 2011 because of Wisconsin's Act 42, might not end on that date, if the FCC study required under this bill is not completed by that time. The study would examine how state video franchise laws have affected PEG stations. Support for PEG channels would continue until the FCC concludes its analysis so that PEG stations do not go under while the FCC considers the issue. Many states with state video franchise laws have seen a sharp decline in community-based PEG channels.

"Decisions at the state and federal level have combined to create a crisis for PEG. With the CAP Act, Rep. Baldwin effectively addresses the most immediate problems and opens the door to the future by preserving support for PEG while the FCC conducts its study. This bill is critical to us. Wisconsin's rich community access heritage is on the line," said Mary Cardona, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels.

Advocates of PEG channels are urged to contact their Member of Congress and ask that they co-sponsor Rep. Baldwin's bill. The House of Representatives' switchboard number is (202) 224-3121 or go to this link: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Chicago Tonight's Rich Samuels in the WYOU Studio

WYOU Education Director, Robert Lughai and filmmaking partner Tashai Lovington were interviewed today in the WYOU studio by Rich Samuels, the host of the long-running show Chicago Tonight on WTTW in Chicago. Samuels is doing a piece on the urban backyard chicken movement that is sweeping the country and Lughai & Lovington are the producers of the feature-length documentary Mad City Chickens.

Rich also graciously agreed to do a short Public Service Announcement in support of the station.

Smart Transit Recording in the Studio Today

Smart Transit is a new show premiering in October on WYOU. Produced by Rick Richards, the show will explore public transportation in Madison and Dane County.

Episode 1 was recorded in the studio today with special guest Al Matano.

Watch for Smart Transit airing Friday nights at 9:00pm with repeats throughout the week.

WYOU at Fighting Bob Fest

WYOU Chair Rick Richards with Tammy Baldwin


WYOU Executive Director Barbara Bolan oversees the filming as Mike McCabe and Tammy Baldwin are interviewed on WORT radio by Mary Gutknecht. (Volunteer Dave Ruhland on camera)

WYOU Honors Volunteer

At tonight's WYOU board meeting, Executive Director Barbara Bolan presented a special plaque to honor the many hours of work that volunteer Beth Zurkowski has given to the station. Beth went above and beyond the call of duty during last spring's pledge drive, and her efforts continued to assist the station for this summer's Hands-On event.

New WYOU Program Schedule is Here!

We have a brand new schedule starting in September. New shows, new times, new look!

Just some of the highlights include Grit TV at 7:00pm prime time directly following Democracy Now! Hear in Madison a brand new local music show produced by WYOU airing at 8:00pm Saturdays. A new alternative transportation program at 9:00pm Fridays. And much much more! Most shows have repeat airings at different times throughout the week for your viewing pleasure.

Go to our online schedule to see all the new changes.

More Images from Ride-the-Drive

Mayor talks about Ride-the-Drive on WYOU

Ride-the-Drive Live on WYOU

Tune in today 10:00am(ish) - 1:00pm as we go live with coverage of the Ride-the-Drive event here in Madison.

Ride-the-Drive is a celebration of Madison's commitment to healthy, active lifestyles by riding, walking, skating, or strolling along some of our city's most beautiful streets. FREE, open–to–the–public, and a family event with plenty of activities and entertainment along the 6–mile route for kids and adults of all ages, Ride the Drive is a whole new way to experience our great city.

Bring your neighbors, bring your friends, bring out the entire family, and join us for a car–free, care free celebration of Madison.

WYOU camera teams will be out roaming the streets, talking to folks, filming people eating food on the pavement of East Washington Avenue, and covering the live bands performing in the middle of intersections.

Final Youth Video Camp of the Summer

Today we finished up our final youth video camp of the summer. Over the last 3 months, we've been having groups of school kids here at the station teaching them a variety of hands-on skills. Video production, TV and film development, camera use, acting and editing were just some of the subjects. Depending on the focus of the group and the age level, the kids would either work in front or behind the camera (or both). Some classes had the kids in the editing room, out on live shoots, or deep into the hands-on of creating short narratives and documentary films.

Most of the groups of kids came to the station through a joint venture with the Wisconsin Youth Company. Additional groups included the Madison School and Community Recreation, foreign exchange students, Cub Scouts, home schoolers and more.

Below is one of the many short films produced by the students.

July 31, WYOU Youth Immersion Video Camp

Two weeks before the 31st WYOU hosted a youth camp in correspondence with the Wisconsin Youth Company. We've done camps like this for years, but never anything as special and in-depth as this camp.
The kids learned how to use cameras, edit their films on the computer, and got to experience a live filming on the 31st. They produced a few short skits--fully edited--and also footage of a circus camp.

WYOU at the Atwood Summerfest

The Atwood Summerfest is a great opportunity to enjoy live music, eat food, buy local and handmade goods, play games, make art and, of course, have a drink. Free for all ages, it's a great way to spend a nice summer day. WYOU went to film the goings-on on the 25th.