Mission Viejo OKs Cable Channel for Public’s Use

The city’s first locally run cable access channel, dubbed MVT for Mission Viejo Television, has been approved by the City Council.

The station, broadcast on Channel 31, will be operated out of Mission Viejo High School.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all service organizations, all youth groups, everyone in the city,” Mayor Robert D. Breton said. “Everyone will be able to produce their own program. It’s a tremendous educational, cultural, athletic and entertainment opportunity for the city.”

Local programs are currently operated by Dimension Cable out of the firm’s San Juan Capistrano headquarters. The firm charges about $52,000 annually to produce the community programs.

The city’s cable contract also calls for Dimension Cable to donate $157,000 for the purchase of video equipment.

Channel 31 will be operated under a partnership agreement with the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.

Mission Viejo High School has set up a 4,000-square-foot studio next to its library. The studio has been provided with equipment through a $300,000 state grant.

“We already have a lot of future Steven Spielbergs coming out of Mission Viejo High School,” Breton said. “I’m sure this new studio will be a magnet for the school. Kids will want to move to our area to participate in this program.”

The public will have access to the studios for about 20 hours each week. The next step is for the city to set guidelines and establish procedures for groups and individuals who seek use of the facility.

“We’ve already received many calls from people who are anxious to go to the studio,” Breton said. “We want every citizen in the city to have true access to our own station.”