Wilmington Seeks New Operator to Lead Comcast Channel 28 Public Access Programming
September 13, 2024
The City of Wilmington is inviting proposals for the management of its Public Access and Leased Access (PALA) television station, Comcast Channel 28. Interested parties have until Friday, October 18, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. to submit their bids.
Wilmington’s PALA station serves as a vital platform for local voices, community news, and public commentary, playing a critical role in the city’s communications landscape. This solicitation represents a significant opportunity for individuals or entities to manage and develop programming that resonates with the local audience, while establishing a sustainable and potentially revenue-generating operation.
For more information: Scope of Services may be obtained by emailing
procurement@wilmingtonde.gov.
The City will host a pre-bid meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the James Baker Conference Room, located on the 9th floor of the Louis L. Redding City/County Building, 800 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE. The meeting will provide potential applicants the chance to ask questions and gain key insights about the management responsibilities, with a site tour immediately following the session.
Proposals must align with the Scope of Services outlined by the City, which can be obtained by emailing procurement@wilmingtonde.gov.
Background on the Comcast Public Access/Leased Access Agreement
The City of Wilmington and Comcast of New Castle County, LLC, entered into a Cable Franchise Agreement on November 19, 2012. This agreement granted Comcast a non-exclusive franchise for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a cable system within the City. As the franchise approaches a renewal, with Comcast seeking a five-year extension, the City and Comcast will jointly select a third-party operator to manage Channel 28’s programming and associated studio. This third-party management arrangement aims to ensure that the public access channel continues to serve as a voice for Wilmington’s diverse communities.
Proposals are due no later than Friday, October 18, 2024, by close of business at 4:30 p.m.