Town Meeting approved Article 29, authorizing $500,000 for Milton Access TV (MATV) for fiscal year 2027. The funds are drawn from the PEG Access Enterprise Fund, which is supported by franchise fees from cable subscribers. However, officials warned that the rise of cord-cutting is creating a looming fiscal challenge for the station's future sustainability.

Town Administrator Nicholas Milano reported that the number of cable subscribers in Milton has dwindled to just over 4,000, causing MATV revenues to stagnate at levels seen eight years ago. To combat this, MATV is advocating for state legislation, specifically bills S2556 and H91, which would allow the town to assess user fees on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to create a new revenue stream.

A representative from Precinct 4 spoke passionately in favor of the funding, arguing that local access television is vital for government transparency. With no exaggeration, Milton's democratic process could not function without Milton Access TV. Democracy dies in darkness, she told the body, urging members to contact state legislators to support new revenue options for community media.

Motion: That the town vote to appropriate $500,000 from the Peg Access Enterprise Fund for fiscal year 2027 cable related purposes consistent with the town's franchise agreements with Comcast of Milton, Inc. and RCN Telecom Services of Massachusetts LLC.

Vote: Passed 201-2-2