Canton's Cable License Renewal Committee will meet Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m. to discuss renewing Verizon's cable television license in town, according to the committee's posted agenda.
The Verizon renewal is the sole item on the agenda. Comcast, which also serves Canton cable subscribers, is not listed.
The meeting will be held via Zoom. Residents can join with Meeting ID 899 1082 2044 and Passcode 023465, or by calling +1-646-931-3860.
What's at stake
Cable franchise agreements govern what services providers must offer, what fees subscribers pay and how much funding flows to Canton Community Television, which broadcasts on Verizon channels 41, 42 and 43 and Comcast channels 6, 8 and 22. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 166A, a renewal license can run up to 10 years.
State law requires at least one public hearing before the Select Board, which holds final authority over the license, grants a renewal. The state's cable license renewal guide also calls for reviewing the operator's performance and surveying community needs as part of the process.
The state's cable licenses page lists a "Canton Verizon Cable License (2026-2031)." The status of that listing could not be confirmed from available records.
Who's on the committee
The Select Board reappointed Louis Jutras, Town Administrator Charles E. Doody and Tanya Willow to the committee in April 2024. A fourth member, Stephen Marshall, was listed as expiring in February 2024 and does not appear on the reappointment list.
No additional committee meetings have been posted. The Select Board holds final authority over the license.
