Michigan Government Television

Michigan Government Television (MGTV) is a public affairs Government-access television (GATV) cable TV channel begun by state cable providers. Modeled on C-SPAN, the programming covers events and proceedings within the state government, including sessions of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. When MGTV launched on July 15, 1996, programming included House and Senate committees, commission meetings from within the executive branch and state board of education, press conferences, speeches by policy makers, and events made available by the state’s universities.

In October 1996, MGTV made Michigan only the second state to air oral arguments from the state's Supreme Court.^[1] Live coverage of the House of Representatives and Senate began in October 1997.

Due to limited funding, MGTV only airs five hours a day (9:00 am to 2:00 pm) on weekdays, and during special events like Governor's speeches. Because of the limited schedule, MGTV usually shares time with Public-access television, Leased access or infomercial channels.

In January 2013 MGTV discontinued satellite delivery to cable stations to focus on internet delivery of its signal. Many Government Access television stations discontinued carriage at that time.

References

1. ^ "Michigan Supreme Court action to appear online". mlive (Michigan Live). 30 July 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-07.