Public, educational and governmental (PEG) access channels are an important platform for community media. One of the few broadcast venues open to average citizens, they allow people to exercise their right to free speech, learn what’s happening in their communities, and watch their local government at work.

In exchange for lucrative franchise agreements between communications companies and local communities, video providers have long offered PEG access channels, facilities and equipment that broadcast local voices, cover local issues and show exactly how local government operates.

PEG access channels encourage community residents to be active in government and educational affairs by airing city council and school board meetings. They also allow for targeted programming to reach particular segments of the community that might not be served by major outlets.

The federal Cable Act explains why PEG access is so important: "Public access channels are often 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."

For more information about PEG, see saveaccess.org or visit the Alliance for Community Media.