spot_imgspot_img

Proposed legislation would restore $1.6M in funding for the Seattle Channel

spot_img

(The Center Square) – The Seattle City Council’s proposed 2025-2026 budget balancing package restores funding for Seattle Channel programming and halts proposed layoffs at the government-access television channel.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposed 2025-2026 budget would have cut six positions from the Seattle Channel. These positions include three video specialists, one information technology professional, and two strategic advisors.

The six position cuts would have saved the city $1.6 million, or less than 1% of the city’s $1.9 billion general fund. The city currently faces a $250 million deficit during the next budget cycle.

Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss proposed legislation as part of the 2025-2026 budget balancing package that restores the $1.6 million in reductions to the Seattle Channel.

Seattle Channel is struggling because revenues to the Cable Television Franchise Fund from cable subscription fees continue to decline as fewer people use traditional cable television.

In 2023, the fund brought in $6.1 million to the city. In 2024, it’s estimated to have dropped to $5.5 million in 2024 and will continue to decrease to approximately $5.46 million in 2026.

The $1.6 million in cuts was deemed necessary by Harrell’s office in order to balance the Cable Television Franchise Fund.

“It is fine for us on a one time basis to use general fund to fund the Seattle Channel, but it is a very dangerous precedent to set because they have been able to retain their independence through the fact that they have been receiving cable funding, which has been declining,” Strauss said during Wednesday’s Select Budget Committee meeting.

Strauss said he asked the question on the dais of who was watching Seattle Channel via cable and only received one response.

The city also has franchise agreements with the cable television companies operating in Seattle. Under the current agreements, the city levies a 10% utility tax on the gross subscriber revenues of cable television operators, which accounts for about 90% of the operators’ total revenue.

This franchise fee is deposited into the city’s Cable Television Franchise Fund. Cable television utility revenues have dropped from $15 million in 2021 to an estimated $11.7 million this year.

In 2025 and 2026, the cable television utility fund is estimated to collect $10.1 million and $9.4 million.

Strauss is also expected to bring forward legislation creating an expert work group to recommend ways to create a sustainable future for the Seattle Channel. The work group will work to identify more secure funding sources for the channel.

“I applaud Councilmember Strauss for advancing a collaborative approach dedicated to identifying a sustainable, long-term path forward for Seattle Channel’s original programming,” Harrell said in a blog.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Yvette Clarke To Lead a Historic Congressional Black Caucus

Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford is passing the torch as...

Justice Department Report Finds Systemic Civil Rights Violations by Memphis Police Department

The Justice Department released a 73-page report Wednesday detailing...

Evers guarantees no National Guard troops for deportations

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s governor says he won’t...

Snohomish County using $1.5M in ARPA funds to improve extreme weather centers

(The Center Square) – Snohomish County is utilizing $1.5...

Ohio bill would stop tax credits for renting to illegal immigrants

(The Center Square) – A bill that would stop...

Voters to vote Saturday on constitutional amendments

(The Center Square) — Louisiana voters face critical decisions...

Candidate complains Illinois county officials violated campaign finance law

(The Center Square) – A former county board candidate...

David Perdue to serve as Trump’s ambassador to China

(The Center Square) – Former U.S. Sen. David Perdue,...

More like this
Related

Yvette Clarke To Lead a Historic Congressional Black Caucus

Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford is passing the torch as...

Justice Department Report Finds Systemic Civil Rights Violations by Memphis Police Department

The Justice Department released a 73-page report Wednesday detailing...

Evers guarantees no National Guard troops for deportations

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s governor says he won’t...

Snohomish County using $1.5M in ARPA funds to improve extreme weather centers

(The Center Square) – Snohomish County is utilizing $1.5...