County Releases Proposals to Run Half Moon Bay Public Access TV Station

Last week, San Mateo County announced its recommendation that Pacifica Community Television (Channel 26 on Comcast) take over the operations of Half Moon Bay and the unincorporated Coastside's public access television station later this year.

Based on the county's recommendation, the city of Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County's Public Works Department, and Pacifica Community Television are starting a contract negotiation process that the county has projected will be complete by mid-April, according to a project timeline published by the city and county in its request for proposals originally sent out to potential bidders.

If negotiations are successful with Pacifica Community Television, the contract is anticipated to begin on September 12, according to the timeline.

Currently, programming is provided by Mid-Coast Community Television (MCTV), based in El Granada. MCTV has run the station since 1985, which currently broadcasts on Channel 27 on the Comcast cable system.

Three applicants -- MCTV, Pacifica Community Television, and Redwood City-based Peninsula Television sent in proposals in response to the Request for Proposals issued by the county last December.

The county released the proposals to the public on Tuesday. To view the proposals, click on the PDF documents in the media box to the right.