Comcast deal would include funding to create media hubs at Pittsburgh rec centers

Pittsburgh’s proposed contract renewal with Comcast would include funding to help create digital media hubs at three of the city’s recreation centers.

Under the proposed 10-year agreement, Comcast would support the digital hubs and upgrade the City Channel and PCTV to high definition. Funding would come from an upfront grant of $475,000 and then annual grants that, based on Comcast’s current subscribership in Pittsburgh, could total $4.4 million over the next decade.

Comcast also would continue to pay the city franchise fees totaling 5% of gross revenues from providing cable services in Pittsburgh. It also will continue to provide a private institutional network to serve the city’ public safety facilities until the upcoming launch of the city’s NetPGH network.

The digital media hubs would be at the Ammon and Warrington recreation centers in the Hill District and Beltzhoover, respectively, as well as the new Thaddeus Stevens rec center in Elliott.

At the hubs, residents would have access to digital technology tools, including the ability to create video programming that could be broadcast live to the city’s public access channel.

The city also plans to create additional mini-media labs at recreation centers elsewhere the city.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership with Comcast in helping us to bridge the digital divide in our city,” said Mayor Bill Peduto.

“With their support, we will be able to deliver modernized services to our neighborhoods, give residents the opportunity to create cable programs and improve the quality of digital city services,” he added.

Alka Patel, vice president of government and external affairs for Comcast’s Keystone Region, said the company is “proud to serve (Pittsburgh’s) residents and businesses with our innovative products and service.”

City Council will review and vote on the tentative agreement after a public hearing.