What is PEG Access?

PEG stands for Public, Education and Government Access Television. Pursuant to Section 611 of the Federal Communications Act, local franchising authorities may require cable operators to set aside channels for public, education, or government (PEG) use.

Public Access: The availability of television or radio broadcast facilities, as provided by law, for use by the public for presentation of programs, as those of community interest. (American Heritage Dictionary)

Public Access channels are available for use by the general public. WCTV is committed to provide a vehicle for the airing of locally produced programming, created by a diverse variety of individuals, groups, and organizations within our community. This programming is non-commercial in nature, and the producer has full creative and editorial control. In the production and airing of this programming, WCTV makes channel access, a full range of equipment, facilities, and expertise available to all segments of our richly diverse community. WCTV may not exercise editorial control except over unprotected speech or obscenity.

Educational Access channels are used for productions designed to educate the public. WCTV administers Channel 20 to allow the airing of programming produced by WCTV staff, as well as faculty, staff or students of community educational institutions. WCTV also downlinks satellite programming of educational value. Other programs on this channel include activities of schools or colleges, fully televised courses of instruction, and other programs of educational value to the community.

Government Access channels are used for government-related programming. WCTV provides gavel-to-gavel coverage of more than 20 government meetings per month, including Richmond Common Council, Wayne County Council, Board of Works and Safety, Richmond Parks and Recreation Board of Directors, Centerville Town Council, Richmond Power and Light Board, Human Rights Commission and Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals. WCTV staff produce shows about government, including City Connections and County Connections. Election returns are aired live and public debates are broadcast.

Because Wayne County does not have a commercial television station, Whitewater Community Television serves as an outlet for information and education. WCTV works in conjunction with other media, universities and county governments to provide the best information possible to the residents of Wayne County.