Access Channel 5 began operations in June 1995 from studio facilities located in the old railroad depot at 16 Water Street in Mayville. In November 2000 the studio re-located to Chautauqua Lake Central School at 100 North Erie Street in Mayville. The channel serves approximately 5,200 homes in Mayville, Chautauqua, North Harmony, Sherman, Ripley, Westfield and Portland. The channel is independently operated and administered by the Access Channel 5 Public Access Committee. Participating municipalities appoint committee members. Funding is provided by participating municipalities from franchise fees paid by the cable TV company. A small amount of revenue comes from the sale of videotapes and from producer contributions. All staffing is by unpaid volunteers. The channel is available to the public on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis.