Twp. officials support OCTV

Oxford Township officials made it abundantly clear they support Oxford Community Television (OCTV).

Last week, the township board voted 7-0 “to continue with Oxford Community Television to provide local cable television services in the Oxford community.”

The motion was passed in response to repeated visits from ex-station manager Ken LaPlace, a critic of OCTV who has been attempting to persuade the township board to privatize the services the local station provides.

LaPlace, who served as station manager from July 2012 until the cable commission voted unanimously to fire him in July 2013, owns a private production company called PVN-TV Motion Pictures in Brandon Township.

Last week, LaPlace attended the township board for the third time since July. He was planning to speak again under public comment reserved for items not listed on the meeting agenda, but was not allowed to because the board voted to place the issue on that agenda.

“I was told I couldn’t be on the agenda,” LaPlace said.

“Well, you were just put on the agenda,” replied Supervisor Bill Dunn.

“I’m not prepared for the agenda,” LaPlace said.

“Well then, we’re going to show you what’s going to happen,” Dunn responded.

When the agenda item came up, Treasurer Joe Ferrari made a motion to continue with OCTV. There was no discussion preceding or following the vote.

OCTV is not supported by local tax dollars. The station is primarily funded via the franchise fees paid by people who subscribe to cable TV services provided by Charter Communications and AT&T U-verse.

Oxford Township and Village, Addison and Leonard all receive these fees, then contribute a portion or all of them to OCTV. Oxford Township is the largest contributor, giving 100 percent, or $285,000, of its franchise fees to OCTV.

 

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