Editor:

In response to the many inquiries concerning the lack of programming on Greenville Public Access Television, Time-Warner channel 5, this summer, the GPAT advisory panel wants to pass along the following information:

1. The station has been experiencing technical difficulties with first the hard drive on the computer which controls the programming and ,secondly, with the computer program itself.

2. We are negotiating a maintenance agreement with TelVue, the equipment provider, to make necessary repairs and adjustments. As GPAT’s total yearly operating budget is less than $6,000 (the majority of which is a franchise fee from Time-Warner) we are somewhat limited in our bargaining power.

3. Our long-time Channel 5 director resigned several months ago and took a position with CNN in Atlanta, leaving the station without his technical expertise.

4. Control of the station is transitioning from city auspices to the Greenville City Schools this summer. With the recent changes in administration at Memorial Hall and the High School and the summer break, certain functions have not been fulfilled. This should be corrected with the beginning of the school year.

When the above items are satisfactorily addressed within the next few weeks, we expect Channel 5 to be back on the air better than ever, both in clarity of picture and sound as well as in program content.

GPAT presents local programming, public service announcements, governmental communications, school events, and other informational materials which benefit the community. As an advisory board, we reassure you that GPAT will return in the near future and continue to serve an important role in enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.

GPAT Advisory Board

Alex Warner, President; Bill Peden, Vice-president; Holly Finnarn, Secretary; David Compton, Clarence Godwin, Jon McGreevy, John Person, Marc Saluk and Jim Surber