Have you ever wondered how television programs about Chelmsford and its many activities get produced and broadcast to you? The Town creates its local programming through a nonprofit corporation, Chelmsford TeleMedia, that exists solely for this purpose. Such telecasts are called “access programs” because a portion of the channel capacity on Comcast's (and, soon, Verizon's) cable-television system has been set aside so the Town and its citizens can have “access” to the power of television broadcasting.

Chelmsford TeleMedia is responsible for providing Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) access facilities and equipment for the residents of the Town, through the Chelmsford Media Center at the Parker Middle School. The funds to staff and operate our facility come from cable subscribers, not from the Town. You see this amount reflected on your monthly bill as an "access fee."

Incorporated in 1984, our nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation was created by a handful of town residents to provide volunteers, financial support, and public relations for the Town's single access channel.

Today Chelmsford TeleMedia and its talented staff produce and broadcast local (access) programming on cable channels 8, 10, and 22. Matt Scott, our director, is an award-winning producer with more than 25 years' experience in broadcast television.

But local volunteers are the heart and soul of public-access television. They're trained by our staff to produce, direct, or crew all types of productions. If you're interested in any aspect of video production and would like to get involved, please contact us via email or call the studio at 978-251-5143.

Corporation Governance

Anyone who lives or works in Chelmsford is eligible to be a member of Chelmsford TeleMedia's nonprofit corporation. (Inquire at the studio for details.) The corporation's annual meeting is held in December.

Our activities are managed by a seven-member Board of Directors, chosen to staggered three-year terms from the corporation's members. The current directors and officers are: Kelly Beatty (president), Stephen Cain (treasurer), Brad Hare (sectretary), Fred Barzyk, Susan Julian Gates, Scott Glidden, and Dennis Ready.

Click on the links below to access PDF copies of Chelmsford TeleMedia's bylaws and the current Comcast and Verizon contracts:

• CTM Bylaws
• Comcast contract (2006)
• Verizon contract (2009)