 "Photo: Meg Loucks")
On the last day of the regular programming for the Austin Music Network, the city council approved a contract that allows Austin Music Partners to take control of Channel 15 and begin broadcasting new music programming early next year.
The partnership, which includes Time Warner Cable, proposed this idea earlier, and the finalized contract, organized by AMP's Connie Wodlinger, offers to continue music programming through advertising revenue instead of city funding.
AMP will spend $25 million over five years, aiming to bring the station's coverage area to cities such as San Marcos, Smithville and Lockhart.
Starting today, Austin Community Television, which operates three public access stations, will run archived AMN shows on Channel 15 until AMP begins broadcasting in early 2005.
After tabling the issue to create a revised draft, the council unanimously approved AMP's proposal.
"The process has been lengthy, but I feel very positive about the outcome," Wodlinger said after the decision.
The proposal says local music and entertainment will be the "backbone" of the new network, comprising 75 percent of programming.
But Louis Meyers, former general manager of AMN, said the new network might not be able to appeal to a larger audience and retain the local music focus.
"There are problems with building a larger market. Your alternative band in Austin might have no appeal in Amarillo," Meyers said.
In the wake of two "Best of Austin awards" from The Austin Chronicle, AMN had no funding from the city to continue programming, Meyers said. Funding for AMN this year was cut from $700,000 to $13,300, as the city planned to end funding altogether when the network's 10-year contract expired Thursday.
The approval of Austin Music Partners' proposal allows the city to enjoy a music channel without any cost, said John Stephens, the city's Chief Financial Officer.
AMP promises to air 10 local advertisements a day. The city is hoping that the ads will attract tourists from other parts of the state.
"I am proud of what we accomplished this year, but it feels like the end of a war," Meyers said.
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