PITTSFIELD – Today, Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D- Pittsfield) was honored as the 2015 Legislator of the Year by Massachusetts Community Media, Inc. – also known as MassAccess -- during the organization’s spring conference.  MassAccess is a non-profit organization that serves and supports 150 local access cable television stations and community media centers across Massachusetts.

Senator Ben Downing and MassAccess President Bill Nay.

MassAccess states that public, educational and governmental access television stations across America annually produce more hours of original, non-repeated programming than ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox Network combined.

“Senator Downing enjoys a strong relationship with Pittsfield Community TV and appreciates the vital role community media centers play in providing residents access to local government meetings, sporting events, concerts, news and other community happenings,” said Bill Nay, President of MassAccess.

"Local access providers and community media are key partners on discussing the important issues in our regions and the state,” said Downing. “I have enjoyed working with local volunteers and staff, especially at my hometown PCTV, who work tirelessly to ensure community groups and events are accessible not only to those who attend, but to the broader community. I am humbled by this award and look forward to our continued partnership."

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