Local independent cable programmers elect officers

Charles H. “Charlie” Stogner, CEO of StogMedia, Jackson, Ms. has been re-elected president of the national leased access programmers association. Duane Polich, Info-Ad Systems, Bellevue, Wa., was re-elected vice-president and Chris Folsom, TVCamden, St. Mary’s, Ga. was elected secretary/treasurer at a recent board meeting in Jacksonville, Fl.

LAPA is a non-profit trade association for LAPers (leased access programmers) who take advantage of federal law that mandates local cable operators make available channels for independent, un-affiliated programmers.

Many of the members like Folsom operate much like ‘cable-captive’ TV stations providing coverage of local events more in small town newspaper style than TV. LAPer Jody Mintken of GrandCountyTV, Winter Park, Co. operates a 24 hour channel focusing on local real estate and lifestyles.

Stogner’s firm is the only known nationwide user of leased access and has affiliates who use airtime on local cable sites from Connecticut to California.

Leased access is available to anyone who meets some minimum criteria FCC allows cable operators to place on its use.