In this alarming study released by the Benton Foundation and the Alliance for Communications Democracy, we learn how the decisions of local governments and changes in laws are combining to spell doom for many local access stations. Local access is being disproportionately targeted as counties take monies elsewhere.

In an age of media consolidation, local voices need a channel in communities around our country where everyday people can be heard. Local access is at the heart of a community's viability and engaged citizenry. Local media centers for public access also enhance media literacy and help school a new generation in  the very valuable multimedia skill set not found in public schools today at the dawn of the internet age.

Learn more and participate in this important issue; stand for your local media center. In Asheville, it's the WNCCMC (Western North Carolina Community Media Center), #1 in North Carolina for more creative content generated and a model for media centers around the country. Let's scrutinize wasteful spending and keep what is vital to our community and citizens.