CCTV History

Contra Costa Television (CCTV) is a public service provided by the Board of Supervisors. In 1986, the Board adopted a work plan developed in consultation with a committee composed of citizens, cable operators and city representatives and dedicated a percentage of cable television franchise fees for CCTV.

First, a community survey was conducted which clearly demonstrated awareness and demand for community programming. The County subsequently began to develop its production capacity by providing a grants program for departments, video training workshops and industrial quality cameras and editing equipment. A Production Manager was hired to assist with training and productions. In 1993, over 150 hours of programming was produced and aired each Monday night throughout Contra Costa County on community access channels.

Next a feasibility study was conducted by Hammett and Edison for the proposed countywide interconnected community television channel. They determined that a microwave fiber optic interconnect system was feasible. Negotiations were completed in August 1993 with the cable operators in the County for the construction of a channel as an integral part of the newly adopted Cable Television Ordinance.

The interconnected channel now airs 24-hours a day on all cable systems in Contra Costa County. The channel airs many forms of local governmental and educational programming as well as information about programs and services available to County residents.

For more information:

10 Douglas, Suite 210
Martinez, California 94553
Phone: (925) 313-1180
Fax: (925) 313-1185