While I was in Nashville surfing the channels on the hotel's television, I noticed a Channel called Metro3 Government TV. We have something similar in Memphis called AC Wharton TV which is produced by our Memphis Library System. This station features good public interests stories about people and events in Memphis while the Mayor is the Talk Show Host.I am proud to say that our Memphis Library System is one of the best in the country and a Department of Government that should make us feel proud. They are probably the lowest paid. but most efficient and effective in delivering service with good customer service skills. Through this department we have a television station which is a public service.
The Metro3 Government TV produces all the county's public meetings and shows them repeatedly on a schedule for the public to access. There is value in this approach for the citizens. Many of the citizens are at work when these meetings take place so they seldom get a chance to participate or see their government in action. The most faithful voters in our city are senior citizens. Yet, they are the one with the greatest digital divide. So, down-streaming on the computer is not a option for so many citizens. Here's a simple idea to the City of Memphis and County Commission: Produce your meetings on the public television stations. It's a simple solution to bring transparency to government.
We once enjoyed having public radio broadcasts of the City Council meetings. It was a popular service to our community. However, we lost that service when the City of Memphis decided to stop its funding of Memphis City Schools. I couldn't blame them for terminating the service. A smart councilwoman once told me, "When you come to kick a butt, remember you are bringing a butt." Well, the termination of that service to our citizens was the "Butt" the City Council brought. But, I am happy to announce it has been restored. So, listening on the radio 88.5 FM is an option. Maybe, the goodwill of the Schools will encourage the City to also show goodwill and pay them their $57 million dollar judgement.
But, we still need television access with multiple viewing options. Here are the benefits:
- Informs your constituents of the issues discussed
- Brings government to the homes of its citizens through television
- Encourage more voter participation for the next election
- Models good government for our children to emulate, and
- Supports transparency in government
Come on, I believe you can find the resources for this service to help your citizens appreciate a transparent government.
By the way, Today is a City Council Day, I have been live streaming your committee meetings for the last two hours but there is no feed. I called your office and was told the meeting was in session and they would alert IT of the problem. This rarely happens with television. Another reason to consider Thomas Edison's quote, "When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this, you haven't."
