The Board of Selectmen reviewed plans to renegotiate the town’s cable franchise agreement in advance of a new contract cycle beginning in 2027 and discussed the role of 16‑23 Studios in determining local public‑access priorities.

Town Administrator Brendan explained that municipalities in Massachusetts negotiate franchise agreements with cable providers and that Essex currently receives 1.25% of a potential 5% surcharge on customer bills; the remainder funds the regional public access entity, 16‑23 Studios. Before finalizing town negotiating positions, 16‑23 Studios will conduct an ascertainment process — a community survey — to gather resident input on services and priorities.

The Selectmen noted the town will participate with three other Cape Ann communities to negotiate collectively with Comcast and with 16‑23 Studios; each town will adopt its own franchise terms at the end of that process. Separately, the board voted to appoint Rob Fitzgibbon as the Town of Essex representative to the 16‑23 Studios Board of Directors for a two‑year term ending 06/30/2027; the board’s motion was forwarded as its recommendation to 16‑23 Studios.