What Is Public Access TV?

Public access TV provides the PUBLIC with free ACCESS to the use of television, via the cable television network, as a way to reach other members of a community. Cameras, editing equipment, and technical direction are made available through an agreement with the cable service provider which, in Martha’s Vineyard’s case, is Comcast.

Island residents can create any kind of programming they want, whether it be sharing a special interest or talent, or educating the community on local historical or environmental issues, or even entertaining them with an artistic or musical program.

How is MVTV different from Plum TV?

Plum TV is a local commercial cable channel that sells advertising time.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Television is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that is controlled and operated by island residents. No commercial or political advertising appears on the station. Additionally, MVTV consists of not one but three channels, a cable-access model familiarly known as PEG (public, education, government).

PEG stations typically provide viewers with one channel for publicly-produced programs, one educational outlet for education shows or programming produced by students in the local school system, and a Government channel for local government meetings.

How Is It Funded?

The cable service provider makes periodic payments of an agreed upon percentage of its annual gross revenues, which is then used to operate the PEG Access TV station and upgrade its equipment and facilities. As our equipment, facility and personnel needs grow, we may also supplement our budget with fundraising efforts.