News

  • 23 May 2023 6:56 AM | Christine Strak (Administrator)

    What Is a Member Spotlight?

    A member spotlight is a brief profile we would like to publish about one of our members to introduce you to the rest of the community, highlight your accomplishments, and thank you for being a member.

    Additionally, your “spotlight” will be shared on MACTA’s newsletter, website, and social media. Your OK will grant MACTA approval to share your spotlight!

    Would you or a colleague like to be featured in our Member Spotlight? Please complete this brief submission form and email a high-resolution photo of you at work to our office for consideration.

  • 25 Apr 2023 2:39 PM | Christine Strak (Administrator)

    NATOA has launched the Call for Entries period for the 38th Annual Government Programming Awards! The annual GPA awards recognize excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming produced by local government agencies. Categories cover a variety of programming including, among others, community events, documentary, public affairs and public service, interview/talk show, performing arts, sports, election coverage and children’ s issues. Celebrating over 35 years of programming excellence, the GPA’s celebrate the achievements of programmers across the nation.

    All entries must be submitted online and you must provide a link to an online video of your entry via YouTube or Vimeo. No DVD or paper entries will be accepted.  

    Members & GPA Entrants:

    Please note that you will need to "log in" to access the entry area. If you do not know your password, simply enter your e-mail address and the system will e-mail you a new password. 

    Click here for complete qualification information

  • 24 Apr 2023 1:33 PM | Christine Strak (Administrator)

    Contact: Mike Lynch, Legislative Director (703) 519-8035 x 202

    For Immediate Release – April 21, 2023 - The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) welcomes this opportunity to join with cities, towns, counties and advocates for consumers, civil rights and digital equity as well as the community broadband industry and utilities in supporting the Community Broadband Act. Thank you, Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) for reintroducing the Community Broadband Act of 2023 (H.R. 2552). This legislation will empower local governments to ensure their residents have equitable broadband access by removing roadblocks for public-private partnerships and locally-owned broadband providers.  

    Municipal broadband gives equal opportunity for access to fast, affordable internet while future-proofing infrastructure and providing equal opportunity for access to broadband. Municipal broadband can increase public safety by providing faster, more reliable communications to local police departments, fire stations and EMT's as well as improved traffic-signal management and real-time local and statewide intelligent transportation systems to coordination and notification. NATOA has supported this bill in the last three sessions of Congress because the Community Broadband Act is legislation that seeks to make sure local governments and their constituents have the tools needed to address broadband equity in their communities by prohibiting state laws that ban or limit broadband systems administered by municipalities, co-ops, Tribes or public-private partnerships. 

    NATOA members believe this bill will eliminate preemptive and restrictive laws harming local governments' ability to address digital discrimination. Local governments are often hampered by outdated or ineffective state laws and federal rules that impede our efforts to address digital equity and inclusion with our tools at hand, such as the prudent management of the public rights-of-way and public property. At the local government level, we know well how to be responsive to local needs, including by providing nondiscriminatory access to broadband services. State laws that limit municipal broadband or public-private broadband partnerships hamper our efforts to address digital equity, deploy networks and provide digital services to areas that lack equitable access to affordable, high-quality broadband. 

    NATOA appreciates the Community Broadband Act of 2023’s intent to remove burdens on local governments that may be preventing both efforts and access to federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to address long-standing digital discrimination in some communities.  The tremendous infusion of federal broadband funding and support stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law should be available to residents of all states. 

  • 21 Dec 2022 12:00 PM | Christine Strak (Administrator)

    Take advantage of our LIMITED TIME special discounts before rates increase January 1st!

    You are cordially invited to #NATOA23 in Long Beach, CA October 2 - 5, 2023

    DID YOU KNOW: NATOA’s Conference is the premiere educational event for local government telecommunications professionals working on communications, multimedia, programming, wireless, broadband, franchising and siting issues in today’s ever-changing landscape. 

    Join local government professionals from across the country and learn the latest on emerging issues and cutting edge technology in your field.

    FEATURINGExperts from all facets of telecommunications sharing case studies, solutions and proven strategies to enhance your skills, your profession and your community. 

    Get practical insights on the latest trends while participating in interactive panel discussions, immersive conference workshops and peer networking in beautiful Long Beach, CA.

    Check out everything Long Beach, CA has to offer.

    Register now!

  • 2 Dec 2022 6:46 AM | Christine Strak (Administrator)

    Joe Conlon, Engineering Manager, CSTE, has been actively engaged as a volunteer, public access producer, board member, and eventual employee at TST and NDC4, since he was a student at South St. Paul High School, starting around 1988.  Joe joined the nonprofit Board of Directors in 1990 and served on the board about six years before being hired as a staff member in December 1997.  In his current role Joe manages the audio/visual engineering needs of our facility, production truck, and four city council chambers, helps to oversee public access services, and spearheads many productions of multi-camera live events with our state-of-the-art production truck.

  • 30 Sep 2022 6:28 PM | Christine Strak (Administrator)

    It seems that many people are talking about elections this fall and MATCA would like to talk elections as well…board elections to be exact!  The MACTA Board is looking for members who would be interested in running for a board seat to help in the planning and leadership of the organization.  Four board seats will be up for election this fall and now is the time for any MACTA members to join the three incumbents who have indicated that they wish to run once again.  If you’re interested in finding out more about running for the board, getting a board candidate form, and learning more about the schedule of board meetings contact Board President Eric Strouse at estrouse@ctnstudios.com.   A separate email regarding running for the board will be coming to members shortly.

    Here are some important dates to remember:

    • October 11 – deadline for submitting a board candidate interest form 
    • October 18 – voting begins
    • October 26 – voting ends
    • October 27 – candidates notified of results
    • October 28 – results announced to membership
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