Two community media nonprofits in Sacramento, Access Sacramento and the Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium (SECC), are pursuing a merger to address significant funding challenges. The urgency arises as a county budget proposal threatens to drastically reduce the financial support that sustains their local channels and educational programs. Both organizations believe that merging is their best chance to maintain student media education and community-focused content.
County staff have projected a decline in cable revenue, prompting leaders of both nonprofits to delay a crucial vote initially scheduled for September. This decision allows them to finalize their merger plans and solidify a funding request. The outcome of this initiative will depend on the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission’s meeting on Thursday at 14:30.
Funding Cuts and Budget Concerns
The proposed county budget includes significant cuts to the grants provided to local public-media organizations, raising alarms for the future of community programming. According to The Sacramento Bee, county staff have modeled potential revenue declines of 15%, 20%, and 25%. If these projections hold, cable revenue could drop to approximately $8 million next year and further decline to around $5 million by the end of the decade.
Joe Barr, the board chair of Access Sacramento, expressed concern over the lack of communication from Commission Executive Director Shawn Ayala prior to the budget discussions. The nonprofits have formally requested that the county maintain full funding for their Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) operations through fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Proposed Merger Details
The merger plan involves integrating the operations of Access Sacramento into SECC, which would serve as the principal governing and financial entity. This consolidation aims to modernize their approach, shifting from a traditional cable model to a digital-first strategy that emphasizes streaming, training, and workforce development.
In their public funding update, SECC highlighted that this merger is essential for preserving services focused on education and community engagement. They contend that a unified organization can better navigate the challenges posed by declining cable revenue while also enhancing the reach of community media.
Access Sacramento currently operates local channels 17 and 18, offering media classes, equipment loans, and studio time, critical for neighborhood storytelling and hands-on training. With the planned integration, both organizations hope to secure their educational programs and gradually diversify their revenue sources.
The upcoming commission meeting represents a pivotal moment for local media in Sacramento. SECC has encouraged supporters to submit public comments to the commission, advocating for the retention of PEG and operational funding. Interested parties can follow the meeting on Metro Cable 14 or via the commission’s livestream.
The outcome of this merger and budget proposal will not only impact the future of Access Sacramento and SECC but also the local community’s access to essential media education and programming.
