Hadley Media launches survey in advance of cable renewal

HADLEY — A once-a-decade cable renewal process is getting underway with a community survey being put together by Hadley Media.

Hadley Media Director Alex LaMarche on Tuesday announced that residents’ input on the Charter Spectrum service is being sought in advance of the contract renewal or adjustments in 2024.

A negotiated contract, which happens every 10 years, includes cable and internet, as well as the franchise fees associated with the public, educational and governmental access run by Hadley Media.

The franchise fees are the only funding source for the department that broadcasts and records public meetings and municipal events.

“With the expansion of many video-on-demand streaming services over the internet, cable revenue for the department continues to drop every year,” LaMarche said. “Knowing this information will help us make financial decisions for the future of the department to stay stable, growing and relevant.”

The survey, which will determine how Charter Spectrum is doing in terms of customer service and how the town is currently consuming entertainment, comes as both state and federal legislation has been filed to protect sufficient funding for access stations.

Residents who have cable, as well as those who have “cut the cord,” are encouraged to participate in the survey.

“The survey questions were crafted in order to get input from residents regardless of whether or not they have cable at home,” LaMarche said.

Select Board Chairwoman Jane Nevinsmith said the feedback, both positive and negative, will help her board in the negotiations on the next 10-year deal.

Copies of the survey will be made available on the town’s website, while paper copies are at Town Hall, the Hadley Public Library and the Hadley Council on Aging.

To participate in the survey online, go to: https://www.hadleyma.org/home/news/town-hadley-charter-survey

Survey responses can be provided until March 17.