Ham Lake Declines To Support MACTA’s Public Access Funding Modernization Campaign

Ham Lake Declines To Support MACTA’s Public Access Funding Modernization Campaign

The city of Ham Lake has opted not to support the Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Administrators (MACTA) in its campaign to modernize funding for public, educational, and government (PEG) access channels. MACTA has been advocating for updated legislation that would ensure sustainable financial support for community media, particularly as traditional cable franchise fees—historically a key revenue source—face declines due to shifting consumer behaviors and industry changes.

Despite MACTA’s efforts to rally municipalities across Minnesota, Ham Lake officials decided against endorsing the initiative, citing concerns over potential financial implications, regulatory impacts, or differing priorities for local funding. The decision could have implications for public access programming in the region, potentially affecting the availability and quality of community-driven content.

SOURCE: Ham Lake City