Will L.A. City Council and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Ever Resuscitate Public Access TV?

Will the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ever help resuscitate public access television in Los Angeles? It's a question public access advocates continue to put forward, although it seems to fall on deaf ears.

In response, public access TV producer Leslie Dutton, actor Ed Asner, and others have launched a web site for the Public - Television Industry Coalition, hoping to somehow force the politicians into action.

L.A. Weekly published a December, 2008, cover story about how local and state politicians essentially shut down public access TV in L.A.

In an excerpt from the article, we wrote:

"The 12 no-charge (public access TV) studios (in Los Angeles) have given rise to a vibrant public-access community, peopled at various times by the likes of sexologist and porn-site operator Dr. Susan Block; respected whistleblower Leslie Dutton; substitute teacher and government-policy expert John Walsh, who slams politicians with such vigor and disdain he appears to be on the verge of a heart attack; and grandmotherly Francine Dancer, who go-go dances.

"It is the same system that in New York spawned the infamous Robin Byrd Show, which celebrated gay and straight sexuality with nude guests and erotic dancing, and in Austin, Texas has inspired 450 independent citizens to produce a staggering array of uncensored on-air content.

"But due to a state law written for AT&T by former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in the fall of 2006, cable-television companies are being allowed to escape a 31-year-old requirement to give back to the public from which they draw their riches. Lawmakers in a few weeks can finally shut up the little guys."

And that's exactly how things played out, with nothing much changing over the past two years.

Dutton and the Public-Television Industry Corporation are looking to turn things around with renewed lobbying efforts.

Contact Patrick Range McDonald at pmcdonald@laweekly.com.

Tags:

Antonio Villaraigosa, Ed Asner, Leslie Dutton, Patrick Range McDonald, public access TV

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Mark

The LA City Council led by Eric Garcetti doesn't like criticism and imposes rules during public speech only when those comments are negative. For example, Zuma Dogg gets cut off if he brings up the fact that Alarcon was indicted by the LA County DA for falsifying his residential address. Under Council rules imposed by Garcetti, you can't use an individual Councilpersons name, you have to address the legislative body.

But when congratulations are in order, public speakers who compliment INDIVIDUAL Councilmembers by name are allowed to speak.

So the Councilmembers like Garcetti have no backbone and are scared of any criticism. That is why even Rosendahl will give lip service to restoring public access, but no real muscle behind his words.

PS: If it wasn't for the LA Weekly and honest, hard working reporters like Mr. McDonald the people of LA would only hear press releases from LA politicians. The Weekly understands its role in a Democracy exercising their First Amendment Rights.

Too bad Eric Garcetti and his colleagues don't understand that and make every effort to shut down free speech in Council chambers and in Cable TV public access, where Cable TV is regulated by the City under a Franchise agreement.

Leslie Dutton

The Public Television Industry Corporation (P-TIC) was formed to restore the public channels in Los Angeles. As the producer of Full Disclosure public affairs program we have attempted to get our shows on the only remaining public channels in L. A without success. Our Special Series entitled "Saving Public Access Television in America" featured producers from DCTV, San Antonio, TX, Sacramento Access and L.A., who share the same concerns, but our City fathers could not find a place on their channels to show this four part seires. These shows are featured on public channels all across America now, but not in our home town. I wonder why?

arlene peck

I wondee why since i was very incrimental in forming this committee with you i have been totally out of the loop... and not informed of anything that you have been planning. My show is still showing, in places like Atlanta.. but, you are right.. not in our home town.. arlene peck