Please use the letter below and the talking points to stimulate your own thoughts about what an independent media resource center means to you. Share and share widely. This is not a test...

Talking Points

• Access Tucson is funded through cable franchise fees NOT tax dollars.
• The proposal would eliminate Access Tucson and severely dismantle the City's own channel.

We Lose:

• A 30 year video archive of Tucson history created by Tucsonans
• Community media education center
• Hyper-local programming
• National independent news and features
• Community gathering space 
• Distribution of programming
• Media production resources
• And so much more...

In light of the proposed cut of all Access funding, we need to point out that Access Tucson Community Media offers an open forum for recording and presenting the political, artistic and cultural life of Tucson on TV. It is made available to everyone in the community via basic cable TV or the Internet.

The savings presented by the City Manager pale in comparison to the worth of this treasure. How do you put a price tag on democratic access to the powerful medium of television? Freedom of speech on television is more important than ever. Do we cede all control of media production and platforms to corporations whose only concern is making money? Or will Tucson remain steadfast in keeping community media accessible to all, rich or poor, popular or overlooked, young or old?

Access Tucson has been planning a celebration of its 30-year anniversary in Tucson and started the process of surveying our archive of media. We have 30 years of election coverage and art and culture, including everything from the Tucson Poetry Festival, to Folklorico dance, to the Tucson Boys Chorus. We have a wealth of documentaries, interviews with past Mayors, Council Members, Senators and Congressional representatives. Access has represented almost every nonprofit in the community, disseminating information swiftly to the communities they effect. We have educated thousands of people, from youth to the elderly, in both the use of TV equipment and in understanding the manipulative power of the medium.

Now is NOT the time to say: "we cannot afford this."

Finally, it should be clear that funding for Access Tucson comes from donations, services such as classes and cable subscriber fees from Cox cable-not from the City of Tucson's revenue sources. However, the City does spend money on maintaining the building that houses Access and Channel 12.  

What about a new arrangement-coupling Access Tucson with Channel 12? Both could move to a smaller, less expensive and a more efficient facility and still serve the City of Tucson. Access Tucson would enjoy partnering more closely with the K-12 schools, the Pima County Library, and Channel 12. The equipment, expertise and the will to do it is here. Do not let Access Tucson disappear! Hyper-local programming is vital to a healthy democracy. 

Here's how to contact Mayor and Council. Please send a copy to each Council Member, the City Manager and the City Clerk's office. Please send a copy to Access Tucson as well: lhorner@accesstucson.org or fax 520-792-2565. 

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild  

520-791-4201

Email: mayor1@tucsonaz.gov

City Manager

Email: citymanager@tucsonaz.gov

Regina Romero, Council Member

Tucson, Arizona 85745

E-Mail: ward1@tucsonaz.gov

Paul Cunningham, Council Member

Ward Two

7575 E. Speedway

Karin Uhlich, Council Member

E-Mail: ward3@tucsonaz.gov

Southeast Ward Four

Richard Fimbres

Email: Richard.Fimbres@tucsonaz.gov

Steve Kozachik

Email: ward6@tucsonaz.gov

City Clerk's Office

P.O. Box 27210

Tucson, AZ  85726-7210

Phone: 520-791-4213

Fax: 520-791-4017

TTY: 520-791-2639

Budget recommendations as outlined in the City Staff powerpoint presentation.

April 8th is the next regularly scheduled Mayor and Council meeting. Stay tuned to this channel (while you can) for more information and how you can participate at that meeting!

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