Should Comcast be allowed to defund MVTV? The answer is a resounding no. Not now, not ever. Why? Because Comcast has a virtual monopoly on Martha’s Vineyard. Yes, one might go Direct TV. We might want to pretend that there is competition on Martha’s Vineyard, but we all are acquainted with TV reality on the Island. We can see, discern and recognize that within their practical, fundamental and effective structure is a simulated concern for its customers, which we can place in the category of make-believe.

If it weren’t for MVTV I would not have been able to learn the intricacies of how our community television station works. I have been able to benefit from what MVTV has to offer. I learned how to use imovie on my Mac from classes offered by MVTV that allowed me to produce a movie.

None of what I learned would have been possible without the dedication of all members of the MVTV staff.

MVTV, a nonprofit, provides a service that can be accessed by any member of the Martha’s Vineyard Community.

If Comcast truly believes in freedom of the press, they must continue funding MVTV. If they don’t do that, the truth of their business is structurally oriented to profit and profit only. With a virtual monopoly on Martha’s Vineyard, the only thing that defunding MVTV will do is add to their profit margin.

Peter Cabana

Vineyard Haven