Article 29 authorized the appropriation of $500,000 from the PEG Access Enterprise Fund for Milton Access TV (MATV). While the funding was approved unanimously, the discussion revealed significant long-term financial threats to the town’s community media outlet. As residents shift from traditional cable to streaming services, the franchise fees that fund MATV are stagnating.

Town Administrator Nick Milano warned that Comcast subscribers in town have dropped to approximately 4,000, creating a revenue plateau. The town is currently monitoring state legislation, specifically bills S2556 and H91, which seek to tax streaming services to support community media. Members expressed concern that without a new revenue stream or legislative relief, the sustainability of MATV’s local coverage and public access programming remains at risk.

Vote: Passed 201-0-2