For Immediate Release

GO-TV Gets a Boost from New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef

Ann LeClair, GO-TV treasurer, receives check from Assemblywoman Sandy Galef

Ossining Public Access TV Station Raises Almost $4,000 in Quest to Stay Afloat

Ossining, NY (April 2004) Greater Ossining Television (GO-TV) received some extra help today from New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, who provided the local public access TV station with a personal donation of $150. “I know it’s not a lot of money, but I wanted to do my part to support this valuable ‘voice of the community’,” said Ms. Galef. “GO-TV has continued to provide a vital service to the local community, and I think it’s important for people to come out and lend their support.”

Ms. Galef has currently airs two shows on GO-TV, “Speak Out with Sandy Galef, and “Dear Sandy.”

In January, GO-TV embarked on its first major fundraising campaign and to date, has raised almost $4,000. GO-TV expects a $7,000 shortfall this year, and more than $30,000 for 2005.

At the heart of the issue are the Cablevision Franchise Fees, which are paid to Cablevision by its customers, then passed on to local municipalities. Every other Westchester municipality except Ossining distributes these fees -- either fully or partially --- to their local public access TV station.

The Village of Ossining currently receives $200,000 in Franchise Fees, while the Town receives $60,000. GO-TV has been lobbying for a share of these funds for more than a year, providing both municipalities with extensive research on the subject, as well as a slide presentation of other public access TV stations in Westchester.

Having access to the Cablevision Franchise Fees would allow GO-TV to relocate to a more visible location and expand its hours of operation to better serve the public. Currently, GO-TV is located in a tiny classroom at Ossining High School, with zero visibility to the community. The public studio hours are now Tuesdays through Fridays, from 6:00 p. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“We want to thank Sandy for her contribution, as well as all those who have been helping to keep GO-TV on the air,” said Ann LeClair, GO-TV Treasurer.

For more information on how to help, please call (914) 723-7745 or check the GO-TV Website at wwwgreaterossiningtv.org.

GO-TV broadcasts public access on Channel 18, and government access on Channel 78. Now in its 9^th year of operation, GO-TV serves the Village and Town of Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and parts of Chappaqua, Pleasantville, Valhalla and Mount Pleasant. GO-TV televises a growing number of community activities and provides a variety of original programs, in addition to broadcasting regular and special meetings of the Ossining Town and Village Boards.

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