Why Cable Still Matters in Michigan – and Why We’re Fighting for It
Who still has cable? It’s not just about watching TV — it's about how Michigan funds local media, roads, parks, and public safety. This video dives into how legislation like House Bill 4965 nearly dismantled a crucial funding stream that supports community media centers across the state.
The Michigan Community Media Association (MICMA) stepped up when the stakes were high. What started as support between centers quickly turned into full-blown advocacy: educating lawmakers, building coalitions, and defending the future of public access media.
With more people switching from cable to streaming and fiber, the METRO Act fees are now under scrutiny. Michigan charges just 5 cents per foot for fiber rights-of-way—compared to $1 or more in other states. As tech evolves, so must the legislation.
Once these community media resources are gone, they don’t come back.