1970s| 1980s| 1990s| 2000s
1980 and 1985 Access flourished under the management of the City, and the City hired its first Public Access Coordinator. The organization's name was changed to Ann Arbor Community Access Television, and it was managed by the Office of Cable Communications. $50,000 capital equipment upgrade, increased staffing (primarily student interns and volunteers), and a close relationship with the University of Michigan resulted in an increase in all service areas. The Municipal Access channel was created in 1981, with a mandate to provide coverage of public meetings and public information efforts.
1985 The cable system was sold once again. Increased franchise fees and capital funding for access were successfully obtained. This marked a critical point in CTN's development, as the staff structure was stabilized and provisions were made for on-going equipment acquisition. In addition, the three access channels (Public, Educational, Municipal) were made available for distribution to other communities served from the system's main head-end. Between 1986 and 1990, $140,000 was invested in studio, editing, and portable equipment. The facilities were not state-of-the-art, but they were available and operable.
1988/89 A consultant was hired to evaluate the operation and make recommendations to the City regarding a reorganized management structure and new services. Although excellent in many areas, the access operation implemented numerous service and policy changes suggested by the consultant.
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