Cities and cable companies enter into contracts so that a cable company will provide TV services to people who live in that city. 

The City of Holyoke is currently renegotiating its contract with Comcast. The new contract will last for 10 years – from 2024 to 2034 – so it is important both to the city and its residents. Holyoke Media is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is funded, in large part, by the contract between the city and Comcast. 

Right now, the city is in the ascertainment phase of contract renegotiation. In this context, “ascertainment” means that the city is gathering information and asking questions about the contract. One way that the city gathers information is by hearing from residents. 

One way that the city hears from residents is by residents submitting written comments. If you would like to submit written comments, you may fill out the form at the bottom of the page or send an email to fays@holyoke.org.

Another way that the city hears from residents is by hosting an Ascertainment Hearing, a special public meeting where residents may attend and speak directly to Mayor Joshua Garcia, lawyers who work for the city, and lawyers who work for Comcast.

The city is hosting an Ascertainment Hearing on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 6 p.m. 

How to participate:

• Attend in person at Holyoke Media,  1 Court Plaza (entrance on Suffolk Street).
• Attend remotely via Zoom.
•  Watch live on cable channel 15 in Holyoke
• Watch the live stream.

Helpful information for residents about the cable contracting process

Consider reviewing the current cable contract, which has been in effect since  2014 and must be renewed in 2024.

These  things may  be negotiated as a part of the cable contract:

• Line extensions – Getting cable service extended into new parts of the city.
• Senior discounts – Getting reduce pricing for senior citizens
• Public Access – Requiring the provider to adequately fund local public access

These things may not be negotiated as a part of the cable contract:

• Internet – Federal law prohibits local governments from including internet in municipal cable contracts.
• Channel offerings – The local cable contract cannot require that a provider either carry or not carry specific channels.
• Pricing – The local cable contract cannot establish or require specific pricing.

What Holyoke Media is requesting the city include in the contract

Holyoke Media submitted formal comments and  a list of anticipated future equipment needs.

Our requests include:

• Continuation of a senior discount.
• The ability to broadcast public access content in high definition (HD).
• Full funding of the city’s broadcast equipment needs for municipal meetings.
• The inclusion of our programming in the Electronic Program Guide.
• Maintenance of funding levels for community access.