For over 30 years, Access Tucson has served the Tucson community at little to no cost, educated thousands of people, and served independent voices and nonprofits alike in a commitment to open, independent media access for residents of our city. The City of Tucson needs to reconsider its decision to cut off funding for this valuable community resource. Tucson deserves community media and a voice for all its citizens. Please do not let Access Tucson disappear!
Why is this important?
The city of Tucson, which once gave Access Tucson more than a million dollars a year from cable franchise fees, had whittled that amount to just $150,000 this year. Even with staff taking pay cuts, the money has simply run out. Plans for a City sponsored "community media center" do not offer currently offer enough funding to keep the lights on. In the meantime, there is no funding at all to bridge the time between the end of existing funds and the awarding of a city contract. Without a last minute increase in funding, Access Tucson will close for good. Please join us in asking the city for a reasonable transition plan and a proposal that will keep community media alive in the Old Pueblo!
