By Greg Horner, Senior Editor.
Emotions ran high as Delta College hosted its second public forum to discuss the upcoming FCC auction, which could see Delta’s Q-TV go off the air to make room for broadband and internet communications. The gathering was much like the first, with the majority of those in attendance speaking out against the possible sale of the Tri-city PBS broadcaster.
“It’s like selling your grandmother’s wedding ring,” says Micaela Hernendez. “When that money runs out what are you going to do after that? It may help out for a certain time, but then what? I want my son to be able to grow up and watch legitimate, entertaining, yet informative stuff.”
The forum was once again hosted by President Jean Goodnow, Board Chair Mike Rowley, Executive Director Pam Clark and Broadcasting General Manager Tom Bennett. The Board of Trustees has granted Goodnow, Rowley and Clark authority to make the decision on how the college will proceed. No decision has been made on what action Delta College will take in regards to Q-TV; the only decision that has been made is that Delta will participate with the FCC auction.
Andy Rogers, a resident of Bay City, spoke out against the Board’s handling of the decision. “I think the process up until now has been flawed all the way around. I was not happy to hear about the upcoming auction the way I heard about it, through third parties, but there’s enough blame to spread around… But you did the right thing by opening up public forums and to your credit it has really helped to get the word out.”
Scott Seeburger believes that those responsible did their best in dealing with the FCC’s rules. “I believe that Delta College has done an excellent job in working with the short amount of time in communicating this issue. I don’t see all public broadcasting outfits going to this level of public discussion, so I applaud them.”
Clark encourages those with an opinion about the auction to send emails and letters to Delta. “We ask that if you have neighbors or friends…please ask them to mail in a letter…to express their thoughts because we are keeping tabs.”
Clark believes the forums did a good job in informing people about the FCC auction and that it is important for the Board to hear the public’s opinion. “The people who have come have been very supportive. They’ve said that the information we’ve shared has been helpful, and of course most of them have been very, very, staunchly in favor of keeping the station… but it’s nice to hear their perspectives on why.”
Members of the public are encouraged to submit their opinion to WDCQ@delta.edu or by mail to:
FCC Spectrum Auction
Delta College
Office #A-156
1961 Delta Road
University Center, MI 48710
