Comcast has 12,000 customers in Holyoke as its current 10-year contract enters the final year.
Aaron L. Saunders of Comcast speaks during public hearing on Holyoke's cable television contract Thursday evening, while Alex Morse listens in the background.
HOLYOKE - A station for residents to produce their own cable television programs, companies to compete against Comcast and an increased say in channels were among topics expressed Thursday at a public hearing on cable TV service.
"It's just such a joy for the family and such a joy for the kids and, I don't know, there's just something powerful about the children seeing" their work on TV, said Nancy Howard, of Pearl Street.
Mayor Alex B. Morse held the hearing at the War Memorial as part of the process in which the city is negotiating a new cable TV contract. About 30 people attended the hearing.
The current, 10-year contract with Comcast expires in next October. Comcast has about 12,000 customers in Holyoke, Morse said.
A Comcast representative at the hearing refused to say whether the company is amenable to providing a public access station or programming choices.
Aaron L. Saunders, manager of government and community relations for Comcast, referred questions later to Comcast spokeswoman Laura Brubaker Crisco, who wouldn't address such questions last week from The Republican and MassLive.com
“While we can’t comment on specifics related to franchise discussions, I can tell you that we value our relationship with the city of Holyoke and its residents, and look forward to the renewal process over the next year and reaching an agreement that is beneficial to all,” Brubaker Crisco wrote in an email.
During the hearing, Saunders said Comcast looked forward to the contract renewal process and noted the company had given out $40,000 in student scholarships here.
Morse said information from the hearing would be sent to Comcast.
"Thus, the testimony that you will give tonight is very important," Morse said.
As for competition, Morse said, the city in March expects to issue a request for proposals from companies that want to bid on the cable contract.
The city has no authority over the rates the cable TV provider charges customers or the programming it offers, he said.
Many of those who spoke were like Sandy Ward, of Nonotuck Street. She said a public access station would allow for an expression of the artistiic talents and ethnic backgrounds of residents.
"I would very much like to see that opened up," Ward said.
William F. Welch, of Martin Street, was among those offering caution. A public access station could work if well regulated, he said.
"There's nothing to eliminate what could be construed as hate speech by some people from being broadcast....There is nothing to prevent somebody from having a talk show in the nude," Welch said.
Millie Marengo, of the Sisters of St. Joseph here, said senior citizens struggle to fit rising cable bills into fixed incomes. She suggested Comcast offer a package of channels for seniors or at least a fixed monthly rate for seniors.