| Ownership | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Chicago Access Corporation |
| History | |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Links | |
| Website | http://www.cantv.org |
| Availability | |
| Terrestrial | |
| Cable | Channels 19, 21, 27, 36, 42 |
Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV) is a public, educational, and government access (PEG) cable television service in Chicago, Illinois. The organization is funded by cable companies as part of their cable franchise agreements with the City of Chicago.[1] The companies are also required by law to carry the network's five channels.[2]
In 1983, the Chicago Access Corporation (CAC) was established by the City of Chicago as an independent nonprofit tasked with managing the public access channels in Chicago.[3]
CAN TV operates five cable television channels in Chicago. They are available on AT&T, Comcast, RCN, and WOW:
Any Chicago nonprofit or resident can submit noncommercial content to CAN TV for free, and over 10,000 new, local programs are shown on the network every year.[5] Submitted videos include independent productions and programs made using equipment and facilities provided by CAN TV.
Groups who produce programs using CAN TV's publicly accessible studio and equipment represent a wide range of communities, including seniors,[6] attorneys,[7] and people with disabilities.[8]
Chicago-based nonprofits also host live call-in shows from a dedicated studio at CAN TV. These programs are shown live on cable television in Chicago and online, with topics including youth media training,[9] neighborhood development,[10] and domestic violence.[11]
CAN TV also provides unedited coverage of community events in Chicago, offering live coverage of some events on cable television and online. Past coverage includes public forums,[12] political events like protests and hearings,[13] and arts events.[14]
Programs produced by CAN TV include:
Past community-produced programs on CAN TV include:
Independent programming carried on CAN TV includes:
Chicago residents can choose from a wide range of classes at CAN TV to gain the skills needed to make a video. After becoming members, residents then get access to the equipment they trained to use, including digital cameras, edit suites, and a TV studio.[18]
