UPDATED: January 7, 2020 – After a careful review of the Midland Community Television (MCTV) Rules and Regulations and the applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Statutes and Rules on Candidate Appearances and Advertising, a decision has been made by the City Attorney to restore regular programming of “People Over Politics”, moderated by Sarah Schulz, and “Hometown Heroes”, moderated by Annette Glenn. The shows were temporarily removed from the network following the receipt of a cease and desist demand from the law firm Dickinson Wright in Washington, DC. Both shows will be returned to MCTV’s cable and digital channels for broadcast.
Both shows clearly relate to public interest issues and the moderators are simply informing viewers of their identities; the percentage of political information is minimal. The review also found no evidence of commercialization for profit or financial gain and that both parties have paid all appropriate fees and have fully followed their MCTV user agreements.
It is unfortunate that the airing of public interest issues have become politicized. MCTV and the City of Midland will remain neutral and treat all parties equally regardless of any party affiliation or party positions.
Additional questions should be directed to the Midland City Attorney’s Office at AT@midland-mi.org or (989) 837-3395.
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January 3, 2020 – Please be advised that “People Over Politics”, as moderated by Sarah Schulz, as well as “Hometown Heroes”, as moderated by Annette Glenn, has been temporarily removed from the Midland Community Television (MCTV) network schedule and its digital channels following the receipt of a cease and desist demand from the Michigan House Republican Campaign Committee. This demand states that the “People Over Politics” program is being used as “long-from [form] campaign advertisement”.
The City is currently reviewing MCTV’s Rules and Regulations and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Statutes and Rules on Candidate Appearances and Advertising. Until this matter is resolved, both “People Over Politics” and “Hometown Heroes” have been temporarily removed from the MCTV network schedule and its digital channels.
The public awareness programs aired by both Sarah Schulz and Annette Glenn have become politicized and the City is now forced to resolve the legality of airing these programs with their current moderators.
The City hopes to resolve this in a very timely manner.
Additional questions should be directed to the Midland City Attorney’s Office at AT@midland-mi.org or (989) 837-3395.
