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SD 399

An Act to modernize funding for community media programming

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 17 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill modernizes community media funding mechanisms to support local public access television and civic programming amid technological and viewership changes.

Referred to the committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
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Bill Summary · SD 399

Legislative bill overview

SD 399 modernizes funding mechanisms for community media programming in Massachusetts by updating statutes governing how public access television and community media stations receive financial support. The bill aims to reflect current media consumption patterns and technological changes that have occurred since existing funding structures were established. It adjusts state appropriations and potentially revenue-sharing formulas to sustain local public media operations.

Why is this important

Community media stations serve as critical platforms for local government broadcasts, educational content, and civic participation—especially in smaller municipalities where commercial media may not provide adequate coverage. With cord-cutting and shifting viewership habits, traditional funding models have become unstable, threatening the infrastructure many towns rely on for government transparency and community information. Modernizing this funding ensures continuity of these essential services.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Determining how state funding increases will be distributed among communities, and whether some municipalities will shoulder disproportionate costs
  • Technology standards: Defining which platforms and delivery methods qualify for public funding (streaming, broadband, traditional cable) when budgets are limited
  • Local control vs. state oversight: Balancing community autonomy in programming decisions against state accountability for public funds, particularly regarding content standards and accessibility requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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