Could Fountain Valley Study New Ways to Reach Residents in More Languages?

What is happening?

At its October 6, 2026, study session, Fountain Valley staff are presenting an overview of the Public Cable Television Authority (PCTA), a joint authority serving Fountain Valley, Westminster, and Stanton. Staff are asking the City Council whether it wants to explore additional ways to share city information with residents.

Possible options could include a modern platform for multilingual content, digital distribution, and livestreaming. This is an initial question about whether to study the options further. The city is not requesting funding or a change to its current services.

What does PCTA do now?

The staff report says PCTA monitors television and video customer-service standards. It also helps residents address some problems with providers, manages public-television revenue, and supports government-access programming.

In Fountain Valley, PCTA supports broadcasts of City Council and Planning Commission meetings, operates Fountain Valley Television (FVTV), streams content online, and supports some community programs.

PCTA has different funding streams. Franchise and administrative fees support its operations, and some franchise-fee revenue goes back to member cities. The Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) support fee is 1% of video providers’ gross revenue. That money is restricted to eligible public-television facilities, equipment, and related costs.

Why is the city asking about communications?

The staff report says traditional cable revenue is declining while residents increasingly get information online and through digital devices. Fountain Valley wants feedback on continuing to use PCTA services and whether to explore additional or alternative ways to communicate.

If the Council wants further research, staff would review available platforms, services, costs, and possible effects on the General Fund. Staff would then return to the Council at a future meeting. The agenda does not give a deadline for that research.

When is the meeting?

The study session starts at 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The meeting is at Council Chambers, 10200 Slater Avenue, Fountain Valley.

The city streams the meeting on its official YouTube channel. People who want to speak can fill out a blue speaker card and give it to the City Clerk before the public-comment period. Each speaker has up to three minutes. Zoom participants should use the chat to identify the agenda item and raise their hand to request to speak.

What remains undecided?

The Council has not decided whether to direct staff to do more research. If it does, the next questions will include which platform fits the city’s needs, whether it can serve residents who do not use English, and what it could cost.