The Cable Advisory Committee is laying the groundwork for a city-operated television station to become a reality.
The group met last night after its members were approved at the Jan. 2 council meeting. John Kaplow [pictured above] was selected as chairperson at last night’s meeting. The committee also elected Doug Ferrari as vice chairman and Ed Salvas as recording secretary.
The committee will meet on the first and third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the city manager’s conference room, Kaplow said.
Kaplow gave members a tour of the small room in City Hall that the group will use as its studio, he said. He brought members up to speed on administrative information and what needs to be done before the cable station can be up and running.
The group needs to establish bylaws and a mission statement first. Kaplow is requesting information on other towns from JAG, the Jersey Access Group, a trade association for public television channels, he said.
The cable advisory committee will also establish a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to handle funding, Kaplow said. This will enable the group to hold fundraisers for operations, and to accept donations.
He also gave committee members specific duties based on their backgrounds. Amy Quinn will act as legal liaison. Deputy Mayor John G. Loffredo will be the council liaison. Nancy Leidersdorff, who works in marketing for AMC [the American Movie Channel, based in New York City], will take care of marketing and public relations for the committee. John Fredrickson, who has a background in education, will be the Asbury Park Board of Education liaison. Kevin Kane will be the liaison to equipment vendors.
The cable advisory committee’s next meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 14, in the city manager’s conference room on the second floor of City Hall.
