Peabody Access Telecommunications, Inc.

Peabody Access Telecommunications, Inc. (PAT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community media center located at 119 Foster Street, Building 13, Suite 2B in Peabody, Massachusetts.

On November 17, 2005, Comcast and Mayor Michael J. Bonfanti, on behalf of the City of Peabody, signed a Cable Renewal License. It provides for the funding of a non-profit organization to manage facilities for what the Cable Act describes as non-commercial Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) access programming.  Peabody Access Telecommunications, Inc. (PAT) was established on June 1, 2006 to fulfill that commitment, and since then has provided its members free use of production equipment and facilities, channel time, and training in video production

WHAT IS ACCESS?

The Cable Act describes public access channels as “the video equivalent of the speaker's soap box or the electronic parallel to the printed leaflet. They provide groups and individuals who generally have not had access to the electronic media with the opportunity to become sources of information in the electronic marketplace of ideas." 

Public access channel content consists of video programming and other electronic information produced, directed, and engineered by community volunteers. The programming is either produced or acquired by nonprofit community groups, neighborhood organizations, social service agencies, and individual citizens. It focuses on many aspects of community life, ranging from the services and activities of community organizations to the opinions and beliefs of individuals in the community.

Educational access is developed or acquired by school or college employees, students, and school volunteers. It typically focuses on distance learning, school activities, and information that the school/college wants to get out to the community or share among schools.

Government access is created or acquired by local government employees, elected officials, and volunteers. It typically focuses on information about services provided by local, State, and regional governments, issues faced by local governments, and public meeting coverage. Government access is also used for other purposes, such as providing training to City employees or exchanging information between City agencies and other institutions.

The content of the material carried on PEG access is determined by the individuals, groups, or organizations that produce or provide it. Access program content is controlled by the group, organization, institution, or individual that produces or provides a program. PEG access is noncommercial in nature though it does allow for PBS-style credit for underwriters or sponsors.  Programming on educational channels may include credit classes for a fee that must be paid in order to obtain academic credit.