Government access television
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Government Access Television (GATV) is a type of television channel created by government entities (generally local governments) and broadcast over cable systems or, in some cases, over-the-air broadcast television stations. GATV programming generally deals with public affairs, board meetings, explanation of government services, and other public-service related programming.
Regulations regarding GATV is administered by The US Code, Title 47, Section 531, and is enforced by the Federal Communications Commission. Since cable systems are privately-owned entities (unlike broadcast television), the requirement for the carriage of GATV channels is often drawn out in local franchise agreements for the municipality it operates in.
