Public access channels in Chicago and across the United States have been a beacon of independent media potential, and have been a great resource for activists and others in local communities across the United States. And now, here's a chance to help out in return.

The FCC currently has a comment window open on the issue of local cable franchises, the main funding mechanism for public access channels; currently, Big Telecom and Big Cable are pushing for their favored interests, and public access television could be snuffed out along the way. You can follow the instructions here to comment. (Update: Free Press has also setup an online comment form.)

But act quickly. The deadline is Monday, February 13 for public comment. Commenting only requires a couple of minutes; the response doesn't have to be long, but it can make a difference later on.

Update: It has made a difference already.

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