Two pieces of news from Madison City Channel:
First, Madison City Channel is thrilled to announce that we have once again been named as finalists in the annual Programming Awards competition for the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). For the eighth time out of the lastT nine years, we are finalists in the category of “Video Text/Bulletin Boards” for Tanya Anderson’s fine work on our Community Bulletin Board. We will find out our final standing at the annual NATOA conference, held this year in Atlanta, at the awards banquet on September 19. Wish us luck and join us in celebrating our successes!
Secondly, after nearly thirty-five years on cable channel 12, we have been informed that on August 12, Madison City Channel will be moving on the Charter cable system to channel 994. This move is a direct consequence of the passage of the so-called “Video Competition Act” by the Wisconsin Legislature last year. We will be part of Charter’s new “Public Affairs Neighborhood” which will include channels such as Wisconsin Eye (channel 995) and the various C-Span channels (996-998).
Even though this “Public Affairs Neighborhood” will still be part of Charter’s broadcast basic tier of service, after August 12 you will need a digital converter box or a television with a built-in “QAM tuner” to continue to receive Madison City Channel. If you are currently a subscriber to any of Charter’s digital services and have a converter box, you’re all set. No additional action nor expense on your monthly bill will be needed. If you don’t have any digital services, please contact Charter to arrange to add a digital converter box to your service. It is my understanding that Charter will shortly begin carrying Madison City Channel on both 12 and 994 until August 12th.
While changing our channel location after all these years is certainly a challenge, there’s no question that digital television is the future, so we are optimistic this transition will go smoothly. Also, you will still as always be able to access virtually all of Madison City Channel’s award-winning programming through our website at www.madisoncitychannel.tv.
Please stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the transition date of August 12. Keep checking our channel and the website as always, and as usual thanks for your continued support of Your City – Your Government – Your Channel – Madison City Channel!
