1981
City of West Allis establishes West Allis Community
Communications Corporation (WACCC) as grant making entity and
advocate for public access programming in cable franchise
agreement awarded to West Allis Cablevision. Mayor appoints
WACCC board members. WACCC organizes as taxable, private
foundation.
West
Allis Cablevision pursues lucrative City of Milwaukee cable
franchise contract, WACCC encourages West Allis organizations
and citizens to partake in public access programming. Community
television managed by the cable company flourishes with a
large,
welcoming staff and new production equipment. Community radio
also becomes popular.
1984
Warner Cable is awarded City of Milwaukee cable franchise.
Having lost franchise war, West Allis Cablevision is less
motivated
to encourage community participation. Public access programming
is limited to 6:00-9:00 p.m.
1984
West Allis Community Programmers Association (WACPA) is
established and vows to fight for original promise in franchise
agreement.
1985
WACCC awards WACPA $10,000 grant to support booth at
Wisconsin State Fair Park and produce a daily program for
airing on
public access channel. WACCC awards other grants.
1989-1991
WACPA members get appointed to WACCC board and
encourage the establishment of non-profit status and the hiring
of
staff person to act as community organizer. In 1991, independent
contractor is hired to promote broader participation in public
access programming.
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