Cable Television Advisory Committee Meeting March 27, 2026

The Town of Amherst Cable Television Advisory Committee held a meeting on March 27, 2026, primarily to discuss the upcoming renewal of the cable license agreement with Comcast, which expires in October 2026. The committee reviewed the current contract terms, including capital grants, operational grants, and declining cable subscriptions, noting that Comcast is proposing to maintain most existing terms but is moving away from certain provisions like HD channels and local customer service offices. The discussion emphasized the importance of conducting an ascertainment process, including public surveys and hearings, to assess community needs and Comcast's compliance with the current contract. The committee also considered the impact of pending FCC and state legislation on financial contributions and service obligations. Next steps include developing a survey tailored to negotiation needs, scheduling public hearings (preferably during the academic year), and preparing a negotiation roadmap with legal counsel involvement. No formal votes were recorded during this meeting, but action items focused on gathering data and planning for contract negotiations.