A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME
While City TV, Santa Monica’s public access channel, has called offices at 525 Broadway home since 1999, it hasn’t been the ideal location for producing quality programming. City TV has managed to win many awards despite the restrictions that come with operating in a confined space. But imagine what could be possible with more room?
The answer to that question could come sooner than another prime-time drama involving doctors in a busy ER. That’s because the council is expected to ask the city manager to enter into a lease agreement for a 4,700-square-foot facility on 19th Street that is large enough to accommodate the creation of new shows.
Currently, City TV must rent studio space or shoot entirely on location in lieu of taping in a studio, which has hindered the development of new programming, according to a city staff report. With the new space, which is currently an auto repair shop at 1654 19th St., City TV could expand its programming.
As part of the lease agreement, City Hall would be able to purchase the facility during the first year of the lease at an estimated cost of $3.2 million.It would also have the right of first refusal.
If City Hall decides not to buy the space, its lease would be good for 10 years, with two five-year-renewal options. Rent for the first year is estimated at $168,100. Additional costs to City Hall include janitorial services and utilities, which are estimated to be $2,100 per month. On-site parking is free. City Hall would also have to make tenant improvements — studio and control room, lighting, sound proofing, acoustics, equipment, editing bays, painting and carpeting — to the tune of $1.5 million.
To help offset the costs, City Hall plans to use funding from Time Warner, the city’s cable provider, which is required by law to provide 1 percent of its gross revenues to facilitate public, education, and government access to the cable system. So far City Hall has received approximately $240,000 per quarter.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 8, 2008. Read the original PDF.