Tell Your Own Story on Dubuque TV with a $10K Community Grant

Wayne's World, Party Time, Excellent, wee-ooo, wee-ooo, wee-ooo! Sorry, when I think local broadcast systems, I can't help but think back to the classic 90's SNL skits (and movies) featuring Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey. I also reminisce about my early years in electronic media at Wartburg College, where for several years I enjoyed work at both the radio station 89.9 KWAR-FM and W-TV8, a local broadcast channel for Waverly and the college which now has a streaming option, called "Knight Vision", who knew?! The reason this all comes back to mind is that you, my local Dubuque friends, have the chance to run some of your own programming.

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Honest Question: are YOU the next Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross? Well, the City of Dubuque has officially opened applications for its Community PEG Access Equipment Grant, and it’s a pretty solid opportunity for anyone who’s ever thought, “Hey, I could make something worth watching.” PEG stands for public, educational, and governmental access; those local cable channels that spotlight city meetings, school programs, documentaries, and the kind of hometown stories you don’t see anywhere else. These programs are essentially the "front porch" of local media, and Dubuque is inviting more folks to get involved.

Through this grant, the city will help fund video equipment for up to five individuals or organizations who want to produce original, non-commercial programming for Dubuque’s PEG channels. Individuals can apply for up to $5,000 in equipment, while organizations can request up to $10,000. That could mean cameras, audio gear, lighting, or other tools needed to get a project off the ground. This isn't some big Hollywood expenditure; just solid, usable gear that gets the agreed upon job done.

Applicants will need to put together a programming proposal, list the equipment they’re requesting, explain how they plan to use it, and include price quotes. If selected, recipients will have 18 months to create and deliver the agreed-upon programming and submit a final report. Applications are due Sunday, February 22, 2026, and will be reviewed by the City’s Cable TV Commission.

This program is funded through PEG support dollars provided by Mediacom under the city’s former cable franchise agreement. It's basically local cable money coming back to support local voices. If you’ve got a story to tell, a feasible show idea, or just miss the magic of "community" TV, this may just be your chance to shine. If you're ready for your close up, follow this link. Party time? Maybe. Excellent? Totally!

If I were to do a show, it would be on hiking our local trails; check them out!