By Samantha Joseph
Staff writer
MARTIN COUNTY - More residents now have access to the county's government television station, thanks to an offer from AT&T U-verse to broadcast it at no charge.
AT&T U-verse is carrying the signal, and the county is using a piece of equipment it already owned to allow the service, said MCTV 20 station manager David Graham.
The station's still called MCTV 20, most likely because it's been available on Comcast channel 20.
But AT&T U-verse subscribers can now access it on channel 99.
"We've had a number of people calling asking why they couldn't get MCTV on U-verse," Mr. Graham said. "We found it was possible to get it to them."
The 10-year-old station provides 24-hour programming. In the past decade, it has expanded its format to cover a broad range of community events.
The station broadcasts government meetings, including the school board, county commission and planning agency.
But in addition to government coverage, its regular programming highlights area events and educational shows.
One feature, Pets on Parade, for instance, showcases adoption animals at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and gives advice to pet owners.
Another program, Heroes Among Us, produced in conjunction with the county's Veterans Services Office, presents human-interest stories out local military personnel and veterans.
The county doesn't have an estimate of how many people watch the local channel, but it reaches all area Comcast and AT&T U-verse subscribers.