The status of cable access channels in Texas: A pilot study

Cable access channels have been regarded as a valuable electronic forum for the public since the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) enforced the cable access rules in 1972. The researcher examined the current status of cable access channels in Texas during 1994. The operation of cable access channels regarding channel availability, programming, producers, administration, production resources, operating budgets, program sources, and frequency of channel use was investigated. A total sample of 390 mail questionnaires were sent to randomly selected Texas cable systems. Fifty-eight questionnaires were completed and returned for a response rate of 15 percent. The survey results suggested that cable operators designated public, educational, and governmental access channels according to franchise requirements. However, the cable operators did not provide sufficient production capability, channel promotion, and technical assistance to access channel producers. In addition, cable companies appeared to control the administration of access services and were the main financial source for access operations .