Broadcast rights: A bibliography

The literature on public, educational, and government (PEG) access channels has focused on production rather than audience analysis, which hinders our understanding whether such channels remain relevant forums for public expression and a source of community information in an increasingly digitized and converging media landscape. To address this gap, this study draws on random sampled survey data in Austin, Texas to analyze the audience of PEG access channels. Findings suggest that public access television remains relevant for underprivileged populations, especially racial minorities and less educated people. Online media do not reduce the importance of cablecasting public access content to local residents. Compared to non-viewers, viewers of public access channels have significantly higher social capital. This research has practical implications because many PEG channels across America have been cut back or shut down due to budget cuts.