1994-09-12Cable Television Advisory Commission
CIty of Beverly, Mamchus~tts
Members:
Dan Mm?hy - Chairman
AI Toney- AssL Chairman
Amy 3iemasko
.,Arth,,r Crandall
Susan Alvey
lohn Hurley
Robert Tauzella
Thomas O'Connor
Elizabeth MeGlymm
Cable Television Advisory Commission
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Meeting of September 1:2, 1994 - Beverly Public Lbrary
Present - McGlynn, Alvey, Murphy, Siemasko, O'Connor,
Tanzella, Torsey; From Continental - David Dane, Jill Stark,
Jane Lyman
There being a quorum present, the meeting convened at 7:05
p..m
Highlights:
· Commuulcations · No citizens allended.
A letter was read from Eileen Kneeland, a former Cable
Commission member. (Attached to this report) She deseribecl, in
general ternS, what she said were dif~c ties in producing a cable
television show called "The Little Boo~e~There followed a far-
ranging discussion of the show, its effectiveness and whether
sizable commitments of time and effort by Continental Cablevision
personnel and citizen volunteers is achieving the desired benefits in
terms of educational value and impact among young viewers._
Members generally agreed to support continuance of the show in
some form, but to study commitments of production staff and
training tim_e, with the goal in mind of using resources for the benefit
of most of the viewers most of the time.
A letter (attached) was read from Paul B~and, editor of the
Beverly Times. Mr. Briand complained of the fiered system of
program offerings. He was infom.~ by CC that the system was
established in its current form because of necessary reception
criteria.
· Dan Murphy for the Techology SubCommittee reported that
so-called Hollings bffi was still being considered in the 3euam~ If
passed this bffi would essentially deregulam the. telecommunica-
lions industry and thus would have far re_~-hing consequences for'
the provision of cable television service in Beverly and every other-
services over its lines to television service consumers. The com--
puter service is being offered at an additional fee. David Dane said.
this service might reach the Nort Shore by latc 1995.
· Amy Siemasko, for the Education Subcommitftc, reported she had
met with Lawrence Chase, School Superintendent, who seemed
enthusiastic about use of cable television to enhance education.
Report - Pa~e Two
Mrs. Siemasko said one possibility might be to highlight the work of the School
Facilities Committee. She suggested use of the "/ill and lira" forTnat to highlight school plant
deficiencies. She also met with Mr. Casale of the Beve~y High School. Mr. Casale reported
having been very pleased with the staff of Continental Cablevision in the past and he looks
forward to new programs. Mrs. Siemasko reported that although every school has a cable
drop, notevery classroom is equipped with television receivers. She said the program "Cable
in the Classroom," offered by the cable industry is being used. She will attempt to suryey the
frequency of its use. '
* Thomas O'Connor reported that at one time in the past an attempt was made to televise
Sunday church services for later delivery to shut-ins. The effort failed because of poor
cooperation from clergymen, he said.
, h was agreed to meet on October 17, 1994.