At the city council worksession on June 19, Greenbelt Access Television (GATe) declared its revised mission not just to continue to cover educational and public events, but to become the community channel for Greenbelt. GATe laid out its past efforts and new developments, including a new cloud-based playout system and revamped teaching programs as well as a goal of producing “more relevant stories that are important to residents,” said GATe president, Frank Gervasi.
Several board members were present including Gervasi, Vice President Bob Zugby and Secretary Konrad Herling. Among the staff members were CEO Andy Zmidzinski, office manager Phoebe McNab and animation instructor George Kochell.
GATe was chartered to promote and provide public access in 1986, as an outgrowth of the municipal access system started in 1982, according to its memorandum of understanding with the city. Municipal access focuses on governmental affairs, with GATe concentrating on public and educational subjects. In 1996, GATe was given space at the Community Center, for which it pays a monthly fee of $442. At times, when GATe is asked to work on specific government events, the rent is decreased in accordance with the costs involved. It is primarily volunteer run with a paid staff.
GATe can be viewed on Verizon Channel 19 and Comcast Channel 77. It is also available through online streaming at greenbeltaccesstv.org.
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