Lower Merion & Narberth PATV Chairman's Message

Dear Friends of Lower Merion and Narberth Public Access Television (PATV),

I'm honored to Chair PATV's Board of Directors and proud to be a part of the charter members who were convened by the founder, in October 2005, to create the non-profit organization that would manage Lower Merion and Narberth Public Access Television.

This is a unique experience because Public Access Television channels are often created from the top down and managed that way also. Not so with your Public Access. This channel was launched through the efforts of a grassroots movement from the community itself. Funding of this channel is also different from most other Public Access channels, which are usually supported by local cable industry revenues, aka a percentage of the cable franchise fees, or cable grants. Currently, there is discussion at the national level about improving funding for Public Access to preserve the right of 'regular people' to use television; but meanwhile, the Township and Borough, as well as corporations and residents, are helping directly with their contributions. In 2009, PATV will develop print materials and television promotions for the launch of sponsorship levels in order to hire production staff and acquire additional equipment and services.

Call Irene - our founder and full-time volunteer - at (610) 642-0499 to visit the home-office studio and to learn how to use television. As a resident, I produce a program titled 'Newsmakers' and I challenge you to produce your own program. Television production is not just for professional news anchors. We make it easy for you to learn. This is our mission.

Perry Hamilton - Chairman