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RVTV asks Medford council to build community studio By JESSICA SMITH Rogue Valley Community Television officials say they can't meet the demand for Medford-based programming, so they want city leaders to consider building a TV studio in town. "It's just supply and demand," said Joe Brett, RVTV operations manager. "There's more demand than we can accommodate." RVTV, which broadcasts local programs on cable public access channels, produces shows in its studio at Southern Oregon University. But the studio is booked round-the-clock, Brett said. "We're absolutely maxed out," he said. "We're really at a point where we can't generate any more programming. If community television is going to grow, it's got to have a facility in Medford." RVTV officials propose renovating the motor pool building at the Santo Community Center into a TV studio that would be made available to college and high school students, government and community agencies and residents. Under a proposed agreement with the city, RVTV would lease the studio space at the Santo Center, a city-owned complex at McAndrews Road and Columbus Avenue. Brett presented the idea to the Medford City Council at a study session Thursday. The council took no formal action, but several members endorsed the concept. "It's time," Councilman John Micheals said. "We're regional leaders. We should act like it." A studio in Medford would eliminate the need for some Jackson County residents to make the drive to RVTV's Ashland studio, he noted. Renovation of the motor pool building, which is vacant, would cost about $300,000, RVTV officials estimate. A preliminary financing plan calls for using revenue bonds that would be repaid over 10 years through fees charged to local cable subscribers. Medford subscribers would pay 65 cents a month to help build and operate the additional studio. Annual operational costs are estimated at $75,000 to $125,000. Though supportive of the studio, most council members say they want to know what community members think before committing to the plan. The city is expected to survey cable subscribers before making a decision. "It's a good thing," Councilman Bill Moore said. "But we need to know what the public wants to pay for." Reach reporter Jessica Smith at 776-4481, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.