HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-AOC-2023-11-07 1
MINUTES Access Oversight Committee (AOC) (As approved December 5, 2023)
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 5 PM
The AOC held its meeting by ZOOM Conferencing.
Present: chair Rich DePaolo, secretary Wayles Browne, vice chair Wies van Leuken,
(later) Paul Smith; Access Coordinator Alex Wiers; Lauren Kelly (Director of
Government Affairs - Finger Lakes Region, Charter Communications); Sean Ryan
(Supervisor, Public Access, Charter); John Palma and Jim Grimes (One Diversified
L.L.C., Kenilworth NJ).
01. Call to Order by DePaolo 5:03.
02. Agenda Additions and/or Deletions: none.
03. Playback System - Discussion. Wiers had submitted quotes by Diversified for 2
playback systems: the Tightrope CBL-VIOLITE-600 and the Hypercaster A10 B100-4+
Playback Server. DePaolo screenshared the information. Two representatives from
Diversified were at hand to answer questions. Wiers explained the Tightrope Violite.
There is a one-time fee for annual software updates. The quote includes 2 extra years
of "hardware insurance." Palma: describes it as a total of 5 years support. Replacement
of equipment items, if needed, would take 3 to 4 hours. Van Leuken asks how long the
equipment is expected to last. Palma: it has been on the market for 7 years, so it is new,
but it ought to last 10 years. DePaolo asks about the manufacturer's warranty; Palma:
it's 1 year; his company can support the equipment beyond 5 years.
DePaolo asks about UPS backup [power supply]: should we get a bigger one to handle
more equipment? Wiers suggests accepting the manufacturer's recommendation.
Van Leuken wonders: is there no audio control, no switcher, no archiving? These are in
the quote for the Hypercaster. Wiers: both include loudness control, just that audio
control software is in the Violite package. He prefers Violite: it's simpler for a small
broadcast studio. We now have 'Buffalo' mass storage; Violite has 8 TB (terabytes), not
expandable, while the Hypercaster has 4 TB but is expandable.
Grimes: an external storage could be added. Palma advises: don't skimp on installation
time.
Browne favors the lower-cost system. Palma: there are more possibilities with the
higher-cost one, including streaming. DePaolo: could we stream with the Violite
system? Palma: It could stream but would need a streaming device. Grimes: the
Tightrope Violite does offer streaming but would require a server (not essential to buy it
now).
DePaolo: the iNet equipment (serving Educational, Government channels, etc.) is
currently in the Head-End building next to PEGASYS. If it got relocated into PEGASYS,
could this device handle it? Wiers: doesn't know. DePaolo warns: if Charter relocates
this iNet equipment into PEGASYS to use this equipment there, I will cry wolf if that
happens. Kelly: no such plans.
Questions from van Leuken: is 1 hour of training for Wiers enough? (vs. 4 people, as is
written in the quote). Palma: "1 hour telephone training for 4 people" is straight from the
manufacturer. But we can train 1 person for 1 hour for $80. Either of the two
manufacturers will answer later questions that come up. Grimes: maybe 2 hours training
for Wiers; further questions answered as part of service. Palma: So make it $160.
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DePaolo: If we don't take the additional coverage, would we be able to get coverage
during a repair? Could we resurrect the presently-used system? Wiers: doubts we
could.
Wiers points out that these new systems can convert file formats.
DePaolo leans toward additional hardware insurance. If a new playback server comes
up and outdates the old server, could we get the new server as a replacement? Grimes:
yes.
(Paul Smith joins the meeting.)
Van Leuken: At present we need a switcher to do a live show. Will we need more
switchers? Wiers: "Black Magic" has 12 inputs; that would be enough so no additional
switcher needed. (Grimes and Palma leave.)
Van Leuken: we do not have enough funds left from the 2023 budget to make this
purchase this year. The 2024 funds become available on January 1.
Kelly: will look into the account fund tomorrow. Hopes the manufacturer could hold the
price till the first of the year. DePaolo: maybe offer a deposit? Van Leuken: we have
$9K available to do so.
DePaolo: Should we write a resolution? Who should contact Diversified? Kelly: Wiers or
I will write tomorrow. DePaolo: we can call a special meeting if needed.
Consensus of members: get the Tightrope Violite device with 2 hours training.
04. Public Comments: none.
05. Comments by AOC members: none.
06. Approval of Minutes of the October 3, 2023 Meeting. Moved by van Leuken,
seconded by Browne. Approved 4-0 with minor changes.
07. Access Studio Coordinator Reports
a. Access Studio Coordinator Report, October 6, 2023. AOC concluded that this
was Wiers's summary of the Oct. 3 meeting but not part of the official minutes.
b. Access Studio Coordinator Report for November 7 meeting (attached). DePaolo
screenshared it. Van Leuken: glad to see that the equipment has arrived. Wiers: the
monitors are installed. He will need some time to get familiar with the new camera first
before he is ready to train producers to use it.
08. Member Reports
a. PEGASYS Policies and Procedures Manual review. DePaolo and van Leuken
met to finalize the changes requested at the last meeting. The table of contents and
references in the text were corrected so that they point to the right sections and page
numbers. Van Leuken proposed that in section 4.1 we add "The PEGASYS meeting
room is available to producers by appointment for production meetings." Smith suggests
"There is a conference room available to producers, and it may be reserved." Browne:
"available upon notification to staff." AOC leaves in the wording "by appointment."
Van Leuken proposed that the 48 hours limit for equipment check out be removed from
the reservation form (page 24). Smith: in 3.3d, page 8, let's drop "Lock tilt locks" and
"Do not power down"; rather say "Do not switch off or power down individual pieces of
equipment in any production area" (not just in the studio). DePaolo: "when finished with
equipment at PEGASYS." Smith adds a sentence to 4.3 and suggests changing
"syndicated" programming. Calls for a spelling check. AOC approved the changes.
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A resolution to approve the final draft of the PEGASYS' Policies and Procedures Manual
was moved by Browne and seconded by DePaolo.
WHEREAS, the current Policies and Procedures Manual (“Manual") for the PEGASYS
Community Media Center (“PEGASYS”) was last amended by the Access Oversight
Committee (“AOC”) on May 20, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the AOC wishes to update the Manual to reflect changes in operating
procedures for the better functioning of PEGASYS; and
WHEREAS, the AOC has reviewed these changes at their meetings of June 6, August
1, October 3 and November 7, 2023; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the AOC approves the final draft of the Manual as hereto attached;
and be it further
RESOLVED, that this amended Manual will be known as the PEGASYS Policies and
Procedures Manual of November 7, 2023 and will go into effect immediately.
Passes 4-0.
DePaolo: we'll send this final version of the Manual to Charter as well as to AOC and
Wiers.
b. Purchase of Miscellaneous Equipment/2023 Budget - update. See Access
Studio Coordinator Report.
c. Purchase of Play Back System/2024 Budget - discussion. Discussed under 03.
d. Access to PEGASYS Building - update. Tabled till next meeting.
e. Governmental Access Channel - report. See attached Notes of September 3,
2023 on the Zoom meeting with Robert Henry (Media Production Assistant, Tompkins
County Communications and Public Information Department).
f. AOC Member's reappointment - follow-up. Browne has been reappointed and
sworn in.
g. PEGASYS Website - Resolution. DePaolo screenshares a Resolution to update
the website as proposed by Smith. Smith: This is still a work in progress; invites
suggestions. DePaolo proposes that Smith and Wiers begin working together on this.
DePaolo moved and van Leuken seconded a resolution to update the PEGASYS
Website
WHEREAS, the PEGASYS website at <https://pegasys.yourwebsitespace.com> or
<https://pegasys.webstarts.com/> requires a design overhaul; and
WHEREAS, the Access Oversight Committee (AOC) has reviewed proposed changes;
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the AOC approves the attached re-design of the website and; be it
further
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RESOLVED, that the AOC requests that Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”)
directs the Studio Coordinator to implement current and future changes as mutually
accepted by AOC (or its designate), and Studio Coordinator.
Passed 4-0. Smith will write to Wiers with the suggested changes.
h. Showcasing PEGASYS awards and photographs at PEGASYS - Follow-up.
Tabled till next meeting.
i. Common Council meetings on Government Channel 15. DePaolo: DeFendini
forwarded a message from acting city clerk Alan Karasin reporting that "we believe we
have everything in place on our side to broadcast Zoom meetings on cable access at
the same time it is streaming on YouTube". He asked who to contact at Charter.
(DePaolo shares the e-mail with Wiers and Kelly.) Wiers: will look into it.
j. Outreach Committee. Tabled till next meeting.
k. Request for recording AOC Meetings. AOC is willing to have Wiers record them.
09. Old Business
a. Streaming Channel 13. Smith: keep on agenda for future meetings.
10. New Business: none.
11. Next meeting: 5 pm, Tuesday, December 5.
12. Adjournment 7:08.
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Authority: City of Ithaca code Chapter 18, "Cable Access Oversight Committee".
Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca 11-5-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-17.
Available at https://ecode360.com/8386207.
Page on the City website: https://www.cityofithaca.org/369/Cable-Access-Oversight-
Committee
Contact information for AOC members:
City of Ithaca: Wayles Browne, secretary <ewb2@cornell.edu>.
City of Ithaca: Common Council liaison 2022- Jorge (George) DeFendini
<gdefendini@cityofithaca.org>.
City of Ithaca: Paul Smith <smithcommapaul@hotmail.com>.
Town of Ithaca: Rich DePaolo, chair <rd@richdepaolo.com>,
<RDePaolo@town.ithaca.ny.us>.
Village of Cayuga Heights: Wies van Leuken, vice chair <pmv4@cornell.edu>.
Web site for the PEGASYS Community Media Center studio, with program schedules:
https://pegasys.webstarts.com/index.html or https://pegasys.yourwebsitespace.com/
studio location, mailing address: 612 West Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850
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Notes of Zoom Meeting with Robert Henry, Media Production Assistant, Tompkins
County Communications and Public Information Department
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11AM
Present: Rich DePaolo, Robert Henry, Wies van Leuken
This meeting was called to get a better understanding of the Governmental Channel 15
operations. Its manager Robert Henry had been invited to an Access Oversight
Committee meeting, but could not attend because AOC meets at a time when he is
responsible to film County meetings.
Henry is responsible for the content of Channel 15. He produces and schedules
programming for the Governmental Channel and manages its Bulletin Board. The
systems he presently uses are due for a complete overhaul in the coming months. For
Channel content he works with the County's Community Partners: Cooperative
Extension, Youth Services and County Departments.
Henry was asked if he could fill Channel 15 with more programs, such as the info videos
he produces and other videos he posts on the County's website. He said that this could
be done once the new system is in place.
Regarding the Bulletin Board: Henry explained that requests for Bulletin Board postings
should be Emailed to him at <rhenry@tompkins-co.org>. He will then provide the Power
Point template that must be used. If that format is a problem he will work with the
requester. He was asked if directions could be posted on the TC website. This can be
done once the system's update is completed.
When other municipalities or government organizations want to have their ZOOM
recorded meetings cablecast on Channel 15, they should submit a request to Henry
with the link to the program. He will then work with the requester to set up a schedule.
Henry was contacted by the School Board that used to have their meetings shown on
Channel 15, but no concrete plans were made to resume cablecasts. He was briefly in
touch with the City's Technology Department this spring about City meetings being
cablecast on Channel 15.
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PEGASYS Policies and Procedures Manual
Ratified November 7, 2023
PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 Green Street, Ithaca, NY
Ithaca, NY
a service
of
Charter Communications, Inc.
City of Ithaca
Town of Ithaca
Village of Cayuga Heights
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Table of Contents
1 GENERAL 04
1.1 Public, Educational and Governmental Access Television 04
1.2 PEGASYS Community Media Center and Participating Municipalities 04
1.3 Hours of Operation 04
1.4 Access Oversight Committee (AOC) 05
1.5 Eligibility 05
1.6 Records maintained 06
2 TRAINING OFFERED AT PEGASYS 06
2.1 Training Courses 06
2.2 Training Course Requirements 06
2.3 Certification in Production Skills 06
2.4 Producer Certification 07
3 BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT RULES 07
3.1 Building Rules 07
3.2 Care of and Responsibility for Equipment 07
3.3 Use of Equipment 07
4 THE PRODUCTION PROCESS 08
4.1 Production Planning 08
4.2 Production and Equipment Reservations 08
4.3 Commercial Rentals 09
5 CABLECAST REQUESTS AND PROGRAM SUBMISSION RULES 09
5.1 Cablecast Requests 09
5.2 Program Submission Rules 10
6 PROGRAM CONTENT RULES 11
6.1 Free Speech Rule 11
6.2 Commercial Content Restrictions 11
6.3 Illegal Content Restrictions 12
6.4 Indecent Content Restrictions 13
6.5 Program Ownership and Distribution Rights 14
7 MISCELLANEOUS 14
7.1 PEGASYS Awards 14
7.2 PEGASYS Archive 14
7.3 Publicity 14
7.4 Bulletin Board 14
7.5 Conflict with Franchise Agreements 15
8 APPENDIX 15
8.1 PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement 16
8.2 PEGASYS Producer Responsibility Agreement 17
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8.3 PEGASYS Training Request Form 18
8.4 PEGASYS Talent Release 19
8.5 PEG File Uploading Instructions 20
8.6 PEGASYS Commercial Rentals 22
8.7 Studio Reservation Form 23
8.8 Field Equipment Reservation Form 24
8.9 Editing Reservation Form 25
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PEGASYS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL (“The Manual”)
1 GENERAL
1.1 Public, Educational and Governmental Access Television
Public, Educational and Governmental (“PEG”) Access Television was created to
provide a public free speech forum. The Federal Cable and Telecommunications Acts
of 1984, 1992 and 1996 permit local governments to require local cable operators
such as Charter Communications, Inc. d/b/a Spectrum in New York State (“Charter”)
to provide equipment, facilities, and channel space for Public, Educational and
Government access, as compensation for their use of local rights-of-way. These
channels must be carried on the basic tier of cable service. In Tompkins County, they
are: Public Access on Channel 13, Educational Access on Channel 16 and
Governmental Access on Channel 15.
1.2 PEGASYS Community Media Center and Participating Municipalities
The PEGASYS Community Media Center (“PEGASYS”) is the place where local
individuals, groups, educational institutions and governments can use the PEG
channels to transmit non-commercial programs in Tompkins County. PEGASYS is
funded by Charter, Participating Municipalities and their cable subscribers. Charter
owns and operates the access system, pursuant to its franchise agreements with the
City of Ithaca and other municipalities. Participating Municipalities are municipalities
that per their franchise agreements provide the funding for PEGASYS’ Staff (“Staff”)
and equipment. Currently these are the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca and Village of
Cayuga Heights.
PEGASYS has a fully equipped and staffed studio for the creation and cablecast of
PEG programming, a television studio, playback room, mini studio, editing stations, a
viewing area, portable video kits, a meeting room, a training room and Staff office. It is
accessible to people who use a wheelchair. PEGASYS is located at 612 West Green
Street, Ithaca, NY, which is it's mailing address. However, it can only be accessed
from Charter's parking lot gate at 519 West State Street by contacting the Access
Coordinator from the gate, at: 607-272-7272.
1.3 Hours of Operation
PEGASYS has the following hours of operation:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
PEGASYS observes the following seven holidays each year:
New Year’s Day
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Memorial Day
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Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Other changes in hours of operation will be posted on the PEGASYS Notice Board
(outside the main entrance) and forwarded by mail or Email to all producers and
members of the AOC no less than two weeks in advance, when practicable.
1.4 Access Oversight Committee (AOC)
Oversight of PEG Access Television and PEGASYS is carried out by the Access
Oversight Committee, a 5-member Committee, appointed by the Mayor of Ithaca with
Common Council's approval. It has representation from Participating Municipalities
and majority representation from the City of Ithaca. It monitors and makes rules for
PEGASYS, its hours of operation and staffing, and recommends equipment budgets
for public, governmental and educational access pursuant to the City’s 2003 Franchise
Agreement and Chapter 18 of the City Code. The AOC’s contact information,
agendas and minutes are available at the City of Ithaca’s website:
https://www.cityofithaca.org/369/Cable-Access-Oversight-Committee. The AOC
receives its correspondence at Ithaca’s City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, NY
14850 or by Email to the AOC's Chair Person. The Committee welcomes inquiries,
concerns and comments from Producers.
1.5 Eligibility
a. To use PEG channel time, you must reside in Tompkins County, be at least 18
years old, sign the PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement found at Section
8.1, page 16, and follow the rules of this Policies and Procedures Manual (“the
Manual”). Use of channel time is free.
b. You are considered a Provider, when you schedule time for programs that have not
been produced by you.
You are considered a Producer when you produce programming for cablecast on PEG
channels, with or without PEGASYS equipment and facilities, and are certified as
Producer.
c. To use PEGASYS’ production facilities, you must fulfill the requirements of Section
1.5-a above, complete PEGASYS training, be certified by Staff for all PEGASYS
equipment you plan to use and sign the PEGASYS Producer Responsibility
Agreement (Section 8.2, page 17).
d. Use of the PEGASYS’ production facilities is free for residents of Participating
Municipalities (Section 1.2). Use by others is subject to a bi-annual Usage Fee,
currently set at $20.00 for individuals and $50.00 for organizations. This Usage Fee is
due when you first receive training, and every six months thereafter.
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e. Minors between the ages of 14 and 18 are permitted to assist with video
productions when an adult takes legal responsibility for the minor's use of PEGASYS’
equipment and facilities. Exceptions may be made at Staff discretion or by the AOC if
no agreement can be reached with Staff.
1.6 Records maintained
Use of the PEGASYS facilities and equipment and PEG Channels is tracked by Staff
with the use of Charter's data management and storage system. In accordance with
the requirements of New York State regulations at 16 CRR-NY 895.4 (c)(10),
PEGASYS staff is required to maintain records of the use of the access channels,
including the names and addresses of persons and organizations providing
programming for these channels. These records must be available locally for public
inspection upon request and retained for a minimum of two years.
2 TRAINING OFFERED AT PEGASYS
2.1 Training Courses
PEGASYS provides training courses throughout the year for Studio, Editing or
Portable Field Production Equipment. Training consists of lectures and hands-on
experience in production techniques. A training syllabus will be provided as part of the
training. Courses are scheduled on a regular basis. Custom and advanced training
are available upon request.
2.2 Training Course Requirements
No prior experience is required or assumed for the basic studio, editing or portable
courses. There is one pre-requisite: the applicant must demonstrate his or her
intention to produce or participate in the production of PEG access programming at
PEGASYS. To enroll, submit the PEGASYS Training Request Form at Exhibit 8, page
18, to PEGASYS staff.
2.3 Certification in Production Skills
Trainees will be certified to work with any piece of equipment once they have, in the
judgement of PEGASYS Staff, successfully completed the relevant training course.
Trainees who have not used their production skills for more than 6 months, or who
Staff believes have not attained a minimum proficiency, may be required to refresh
their knowledge by repeating training courses or demonstrating proficiency to Staff.
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2.4 Producer Certification
To be certified as a Producer, a trainee must have:
a. successfully completed the training requirements for the type of production (studio,
portable, editing) their program will require;
b. demonstrated knowledge of the PEGASYS Policies and Procedures Manual
(“Manual”).
Once certified, a Producer can schedule channel and production time to produce
programs using any category of equipment (studio, editing, portable) for which they
have been trained.
3 BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT RULES
3.1 Building Rules
No food or drink is allowed while using production equipment in or outside PEGASYS.
No smoking is allowed on its premises.
3.2 Care of and Responsibility for Equipment
Staff will examine equipment and facilities at the end of all reservations. Producers
should report all equipment problems they noticed. Producers are fully liable for any
damage or loss to the facilities and equipment issued to them resulting from
negligence or misuse. Staff will determine the proper course of treatment (repair or
replacement) for damaged equipment and bill this amount to the responsible producer.
Such actions must be reported to the Access Oversight Committee. Disputes over
liability should be brought before the AOC for a final decision.
3.3 Use of Equipment
a. Never attempt to repair equipment. NO EXCEPTIONS. Report any equipment
problems promptly to Staff. This also applies to equipment checked out for field
productions.
b. Do not attach external devices to studio equipment without prior staff approval.
This does not apply to laptops.
c. The PEGASYS Studio and equipment therein must be left in the same condition as
it was when you found it. Do not re-patch, re-configure, or alter any setting on
equipment. If you are unsure about any procedure or piece of equipment, ask staff to
assist you.
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d. When finished with equipment at PEGASYS:
• Return cameras to initial location and coil the cameras multi-cables (in
“over/under” manner);
• Do not switch off or “power-down” individual pieces of equipment;
• Return appropriate equipment to the office and wait for staff to check before
you leave.
e. Staff must perform an inspection of the studio before the end of the reservation
period.
4 THE PRODUCTION PROCESS
4.1 Production Planning
Staff is available to help Producers get the most from PEGASYS’ production facilities.
It is best to make an appointment for time-intensive production consultations. The
PEGASYS meeting room is available to Producers, by appointment, for production
meetings.
4.2 Production and Equipment Reservations
Production time and equipment will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be able to reserve studio, editing or portable facilities or equipment you must:
a. be a Certified Producer; and
b. have a current Public Access Cablecast Agreement and Producer Responsibility
Agreement on file (Section 8.1, page 16 and Section 8.2, page 17)
To reserve studio, editing or portable facilities or equipment, fill out the appropriate
Reservation Form (Studio, Field Equipment or Editing) found at Section 8, pages
23, 24 and 25, and forward it to PEGASYS staff, by mail, Email or by coming to
PEGASYS and filling out the form(s) in person. You have the option to make
multiple reservations for the year in which you are making the request. Such
reservations expire at the end of the year and must be renewed by January 1 for
the following year. Notwithstanding the above, you can request no more than four
(4) 2-hour reservations at a time for the Mini Studio. Your reservation typically will
be confirmed within 2 PEGASYS business days.
Cancellations of reservations must be made no later than 24 hours before the
scheduled date.
Producers are responsible for assembling their own crew. All crew members must
have completed PEGASYS training. Although producers may not expect PEGASYS
Staff to serve as crew on their productions, Staff may serve as crew on productions, at
the sole discretion of Staff and Staff may submit their own productions for playback on
Channel 13.
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4.3 Commercial Rentals
Tompkins County residents who wish to use equipment for non-public access
purposes, may choose to make a rental arrangement. Reservations for non-
PEGASYS related projects will be possible on a short-term basis and only when the
requested equipment is not reserved or used for PEGASYS projects. Such rentals are
subject to the Rental Fee Schedule, attached at Section 8.6, page 22. Staff will
determine if the renter’s prior training on the PEGASYS equipment is sufficient.
Disputes should be brought before the AOC for a final decision.
5 CABLECAST REQUESTS AND PROGRAM SUBMISSION RULES
5.1 Cablecast Requests
Meet with Staff to set up a timeslot for your program or series on Channel 13.
Using Channel time is subject to the rules and requirements set out below:
a. Any resident of Tompkins County who meets the eligibility requirements of Section
1.4 may submit media to PEGASYS. There is no charge to use the PEG channels.
b. Programs by individuals and community groups will be scheduled on the Public
Channel. Programs by educational institutions and governing institutions will be
scheduled respectively on the Educational Channel and the Government Channel.
Persons requesting channel time on E or G Channels must be authorized by an
educational or government institution to do so. Cablecasting time is available on a
first-come, first served basis, with preference given to locally produced, live and new
programs.
c. Cablecast requests for Single or Series programs will be scheduled within five days
of the eligibility confirmation of Section 1.4.
d. Series programs are multiple programs with the same title. A Series may be live or
pre-recorded, locally produced or produced outside Tompkins County and may be
scheduled daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. As series reservations are made in
advance of receiving, or production, of episodes, it is important that media are
delivered by the deadlines of Section 5.2-b. If this proves not possible, programs will
be scheduled upon media delivery only. If timeslots are repeatedly not used, Staff will
contact Producer.
e. Cablecast requests for live studio programs may be made by Producers certified on
studio use as described at Section 2. Requests for studio and cablecast time must be
made simultaneously and allow at least half an hour before and after the show for set-
up and clean-up.
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f. Each submitted program will be scheduled for 6 plays.
g. In the event of a problem or error with a scheduled cablecast, PEGASYS offers the
remedy of additional scheduled plays.
h. A Program Sponsor is defined as an individual or organization not directly involved
in the production of an access program, that contributes money or goods to cover
production expenses and that receives acknowledgment in the program credits.
Production expenses may include cash, goods, services or labor used to produce an
access program. Contributions to support a program may be acknowledged by a
sponsor notice up to 10 seconds in length at the beginning and end of the program.
The sponsor’s name and logo may be used. The acknowledgment should take a form
such as: "Sponsored in part by ABC Corp.;" "Clothing provided by ABC Corp." Other
information about the sponsor, such as telephone, address, slogans, product
information or product display is considered commercial content and is not permitted.
5.2 Program Submission Rules
a. Media Formats accepted: A variety of media formats in Standard Definition are
accepted. Several media formats, including MPEG-2, AVI and MP4, can be uploaded
through the PEG file upload system (“the PEG Server”) using the PEG File Uploading
Instructions found at Section 8.5, page 20, and as further instructed by Staff. Consult
Staff before uploading other formats. Be aware that formats other than MPEG-2, will
be converted to MPEG-2 for playback, imposing an extra level of compression and
loss of video quality.
A dedicated computer is available at PEGASYS for producers who prefer to upload
their programs at PEGASYS.
Media not uploaded must be delivered or mailed to PEGASYS. Currently the only
media accepted in such manner are DVD's.
b. Media Delivery and Deadlines: Media must be delivered in person, by mail or
through Charter’s PEG file upload system by these deadlines:
1. Programs must be on the PEG Server by 7 PM on the PEGASYS business day
prior to the day of scheduled cablecast, unless other arrangements have been made
with Staff.
2. DVD's must be delivered to PEGASYS during its business hours by 7 PM, 2
PEGASYS business days prior to the day of scheduled cablecast, unless other
arrangements have been made with Staff. DVD's that have completed their
cablecast schedule will be left on the Media Pick-up Shelf. Media not collected in 30
days will be discarded.
c. The Producer’s name must be identified in a credit at the end of each locally
produced program.
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Producers using PEGASYS equipment are strongly encouraged to tag their program
with an acknowledgment such as: “Produced for (or “at” or “with equipment from”) the
PEGASYS Community Media Center, Ithaca, NY.”
d. Audio Levels should be between -20 and -12 dB for digital media. It is not possible
to adjust playback audio level output for individual programs.
e. Programs should be preceded and followed by at least 5 seconds of video black.
For DVDs, no menu is preferred. DVDs with menus and multiple titles are acceptable,
but some menus do cause playback problems.
f. There are no program length restrictions, except that programs must fall within the
time slots for which they were scheduled.
g. Media that include violence, adult language or nudity should have a warning
advisory preceding the program. This is required in cases of indecent content as
more fully described at Section 6.4.
h. Media will be rejected if they have audio or video instability or have been physically
damaged.
6 PROGRAM CONTENT RULES
Individuals or organizations submitting media to PEGASYS accept legal responsibility
for the content of their programs, including liability for content that is found to be in
violation of civil law, criminal law or the Manual, as further described below.
6.1 Free Speech Rule
In accordance with national, state and local regulations, PEGASYS, Charter
Communications and municipalities may not exercise editorial control of program
content on access channels, except to prohibit commercial or obscene programming.
6.2 Commercial Content Restrictions
The PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement (Section 8.1, page 16) includes a
clause affirming that the submitted program does not contain commercial content.
Programming will be considered commercial when it:
a. depicts or discusses products, services or businesses with the intent or substantial
effect of benefiting or enhancing a profit-making enterprise. Exception: Works of art,
music and literature may be presented or discussed, provided they are not presented
as products for sale.
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b. directly solicits funds or other things of value. Exception: 501(c)3 organizations may
discuss fundraisers.
c. solicits funds for candidates for public office. Note: programs may discuss or
advocate voting for specific candidates.
d. conducts lotteries or provides lottery information.
Penalty for Violation: Individuals or organizations determined to be submitting
commercial programming will be suspended from use of the public access channel for
a period of up to six months. Staff will report suspensions to the AOC. Contested
violations can be brought to the AOC for a final determination.
6.3 Illegal Content Restrictions
The PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement (Section 8.1, page 16) also
includes a clause affirming that the presented program does not contain illegal
content.
Several content areas may give rise to questions of legality:
a. Obscene programming is a criminal offense defined in New York State Penal Law:
New York: Penal Law Section 2325.00(1) defines a program as obscene; if (a) the
average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that
considered as a whole, its predominant appeal is to the prurient interest in sex, and (b)
it depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner, actual or simulated: sexual
intercourse, sodomy, sexual bestiality, masturbation, sadism, masochism, excretion or
lewd exhibition of the genitals, and (c) considered as a whole, it lacks serious literary,
artistic, political and scientific value. Predominant appeal shall be judged with
reference to ordinary adults unless it appears from the character of the program or the
circumstances of its dissemination to be designed for children or other specifically
susceptible audience.
b. Harassment is a criminal offense defined in New York State Penal Law:
The New York State Penal Code defines criminal harassment as conduct intended to
harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person.
c. Fighting Words: A legal doctrine that permits prior censorship of words that create a
clear and present danger of inciting an audience to disorder or violence.
Charter or municipalities may not exercise prior restraint by determining that a
program contains illegal material and refusing to cablecast it. This determination must
be made through the legal system. Any person, including Charter staff, who feels that
an illegal program has been or will be cablecast on a public access channel, may
request that the local district or municipal attorney commence an action seeking a
declaration that the program is illegal and an order enjoining the cablecast of the
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program. Charter must obey all court injunctions and decisions directing it not to
cablecast a program.
A person who feels (s)he has been personally injured by the producer’s program may
bring a civil suit asking that it be enjoined from further cablecast and possibly asking
for monetary compensation as well.
Examples of civil tort issues that may arise in media:
a. Copyright Infringement: Copyright infringement is the unauthorized use of
copyrighted material in a manner that violates one of the copyright owner's exclusive
rights, such as the right to reproduce or perform the copyrighted work, or to make
derivative works that build upon it.
b. Defamation of Character: The issuance of a false statement about another person,
which causes that person to suffer harm.
c. Invasion of Privacy: A violation of the right to be left alone, and to control
information about oneself. However, public figures have less privacy, and this is an
evolving area of law as it relates to the media.
The information in this section is intended solely to help individuals and organizations
that cablecast on the PEG channels understand issues of legality in access television
programming. They are advised to consult an attorney if they feel that their program
may expose them to liability.
Penalty for Violation: Individuals or organizations determined to be submitting illegal
programming will be suspended from use of the public access channel for a period of
up to six months. Staff will report suspensions to the AOC.
6.4 Indecent Content Restrictions
A program is considered to contain “indecent content” when it contains excessive
vulgar language, nudity, graphic depiction of violence, degradation, sexual or
excretory activities or invasive medical procedures. Programming with indecent
content is permitted by law on public access channels, but with restrictions to protect
children and provide parents with the means to control viewership in their households.
Individuals submitting programming are responsible for notifying PEGASYS Staff
when their program contains such material and for attaching the following advisory
message to the start of their program: “The following program contains material
which may be offensive to some viewers or inappropriate for viewing by
children or other audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.”
Programming with indecent content will be scheduled only between the hours of 10:00
pm to 4:00 am.
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Penalty for Violation: Individuals or organizations who fail to notify Staff that their
program includes indecent content or who fail to attach a viewer advisory to such
programming will be suspended from use of the public access channel for a period of
up to six months. Staff will report suspensions to the AOC. Contested violations can
be brought to the AOC for a final determination.
6.5 Program Ownership and Distribution Rights
Program ownership rights belong exclusively to the producer of the program, except
that PEGASYS reserves the right to rerun the Program on the access channel, and to
use short clips from the program in promotional material for PEGASYS.
7 MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 PEGASYS Awards
The PEGASYS Awards is an annual video competition and awards ceremony for
PEGASYS producers organized by volunteers. It is a celebration of the best in local
PEG access programming. All producers are encouraged to contribute their best work
to this competition.
7.2 PEGASYS Archive
All producers are strongly encouraged to donate programs to the PEGASYS Archive
that is maintained by Staff and used to fill in gaps in the programming day. Staff is
looking for programs of varying lengths, with topics which are not time-sensitive, from
1 hour or less in length. To submit a program(s), forward a notice to
PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com, letting Staff know the program is on the PEG Server
and available for the Archive.
7.3 Publicity
PEGASYS provides listings of upcoming programs as part of its cablecasts on
Channel 13. Additional information is at its website at https://pegasys.webstarts.com/
7.4 Bulletin Board
The Community Bulletin Board (CBB) is an electronic bulletin board for posting
upcoming community events, public service announcements and other notices of
public interest. It runs on the Public Access channel when other programs are not
scheduled. It is available at no charge for non-commercial events. Space is limited to
a few lines of text: what, when, and where the event will be held, and contact
information, if desired. Items for the Community Bulletin Board should be Emailed to
PEGASYS Staff at Charterbulletins.nyIthaca@charter.com
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Ithaca’s community radio, WRFI, shall be used as the Bulletin Board’s background
audio, at the sole discretion of the Access Oversight Committee.
The Governmental Bulletin Boards run on the Governmental Access channel and are
administered by the Media Production Assistant at Tompkins County.
7.5 Conflict with Franchise Agreements
If language in this Manual is in conflict with a Franchise Agreement between Charter
and a Participating Municipality, that of the Franchise Agreement shall take
precedence.
8 APPENDIX
1. PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement
2. PEGASYS Producer Responsibility Agreement
3. PEGASYS Training Request Form
4. PEGASYS Talent Release
5. PEG File Uploading Instructions
6. PEGASYS Commercial Rentals
7. Studio Reservation Form
8. Field Equipment Reservation Form
9. Editing Reservation Form
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PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel.: 607-272-7272; Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement
Program Title _____________________________________________________
Length: ___: ___: ___ Format: ________ Local / Syndicated [circle one]
Series? Yes / No [circle one] Series frequency: Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly
Check here if the show may include indecent content ____ [scheduled 10pm-6am only]
Producer/Provider Name: _____________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________ e-mail: _____________________________
I hereby request that Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) cablecast this Program or
Program Series on the public access channel. I assume sole legal responsibility for all Program
contents. I have obtained all necessary approvals, clearances and licenses for all material
included in the Program(s). I attest that the Program(s) contain no material which is
commercial, obscene or otherwise illegal, as described in the PEGASYS Policies and
Procedures Manual (“the Manual”) and by law. I understand that I may be held criminally or
civilly liable for such content appearing in the Program(s). I understand that Charter must make
available my contact information to members of the public who request it.
I have read and understood the Manual regarding cablecast rights and obligations, and agree to
abide by them. I understand that failure to follow the Manual may result in Charter’s refusal to
cablecast the Programs and/or restriction of my right to submit additional programming. I
understand that in the case of programming produced through the facilities of the PEGASYS
Community Media Center, failure to follow the Manual in the creation of these programs may
result in suspension of my access privileges. I also understand that submitting commercial
programming for cablecast on public access channels will result in the suspension of my access
privileges for up to six months. My signature hereupon shall indicate my acceptance of these
responsibilities. I have read all the forgoing, and understand its provisions as they apply to me
and the Program(s).
This Agreement expires on December 31 of the year that it is signed.
____________________________________________ _________________
Signature of Producer/Provider Date
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PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel.: 607-272-7272
Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
PEGASYS Producer Responsibility Agreement
Program Title _____________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________ Phone: _________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
Municipality: ____________________________________ ID Verified: _____________
Email: ____________________________________________
Please read carefully and sign below:
1. I understand and agree that using PEGASYS Community Media Center’s (“PEGASYS”)
equipment requires that I accept responsibility for any loss or damage, whether intentional or
accidental, to that equipment while it is in my possession, except in the case of ordinary wear
and tear or damage resulting from a verifiable pre-existing defect.;
2. I understand and agree that this equipment is to be used for the purpose of providing non-
commercial programming for PEGASYS channels.;
3. I have read and understand the current PEGASYS Policies and Procedures Manual (“the
Manual”), and agree to abide by the rules stated therein, including the responsibility to ensure
that all guests and crew I invite to PEGASYS do so as well. I understand and agree that failure
to follow the Manual may result in my privileges to use PEGASYS facilities being suspended.
This Agreement expires on December 31 of the year that it is signed.
Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ________________
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PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
tel.: 607-272-7272. Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
Training Request Form
Today’s date: _______________
Name: _________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________ Email: __________________________
Municipality of Residence: __________________________________*
PEGASYS provides video training and production facilities to allow residents of
Tompkins County to produce programs for our channels. Please check the type of
involvement or interest that fits you best:
__________ I want to be on TV as a host or actor
__________ I want to produce a program about ______________________
__________ I want to know how to operate equipment and I am willing to help other
producers with their programs.
__________ I was recruited to help on the program: _____________________
* PEGASYS Usage Fees
To be eligible to put programs on a PEG channel or take a training course, you must
live in Tompkins County. There are no fees for residents of the City of Ithaca, Town of
Ithaca or Cayuga Heights. Fees for other residents are $20 and $50.00 for
organizations (as represented by a single designee) for a 6-month period.
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PEGASYS Talent Release
Date: ______________________
By signing below, I give permission for my voice and image to be used by [producer name]:
_____________________________ for the program: “___________________________,”
to be cablecast on cable channel 13 and other non-commercial distribution. If you provide your
email address, we will contact you with the date and time that this program will be cablecast.
Print Name Sign Name Email Address
1. ______________________ _______________________ ______________________
2. ______________________ _______________________ ______________________
3. ______________________ ________________________ ______________________
4. ______________________ ________________________ ______________________
5. ______________________ ________________________ _____________________
6. ______________________ ________________________ _____________________
7. ______________________ ________________________ _____________________
8. ______________________ ________________________ _____________________
9. ______________________ ________________________ _____________________
10. ______________________ ________________________ _____________________
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PEG FILE UPLOADING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Request Credentials
To get ready to upload your shows, please send a request via Email to
PEGFTPDelivery@charter.com so that an account can be created for you on our File
Transfer Protocol (FTP) site. You will then receive a username and password to gain
access to the site.
2. To access the FTP site:
a. Download and install the free program FileZilla: https://filezilla-project.org/
b. In FileZilla: go into Site Manager, hit New Site, in Host enter 24.97.95.222
Make sure you select SFTP as your protocol when setting up, enter port 22, set
Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol, set Logon Type to Normal, enter your
username and password into the appropriate fields. You will get a warning labeled
Unknown Host Key, this is normal. Choose "Always trust this host, add this key to the
cache" then hit OK.
c. Once you have established connectivity to the site you will see a folder labeled with
the title of your show. Please drag and drop your show file into this folder.
3. Uploading your Program Files
Please make sure you use the agreed upon title format for your shows.
The preferred title format for weekly show is: the full name of the show, underscore
then date. (Example: NatureConnections_1-15-23). For monthly shows it is: the full
name of the show, underscore then the first 3 letters of the month and year it will air.
(Example: NatureConnectons_JAN23). And absolutely NO spaces in the titles.
4. Lead Time
Uploading deadlines are listed at Section 5.2, "Program Submission Rules".
5. Notification
Once your upload is complete, please send an Email to PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
to let staff know of your uploads. You will receive a reply back with a confirmation.
6. Formats
The formats of uploaded shows must be compatible with PEGASYS' playback system.
Please follow these guidelines to ensure that they will play properly on the air. Check
with staff before uploading formats not listed here.
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Recommended Formats
MPEG-4 (.mp4)
Video codec: H.264 HIGH profile, up to level 4.0
1920 x 1080 (29.97 fps, interlaced)
1280 x 720 (59.94 fps, progressive)
720 x 480 (29.97 fps, interlaced)
Constant and variable video bitrate encoding up to 6Mb/s
Chroma Sampling: 4:2:0
Audio Format: AAC-LC
128 kb/s, 192 kb/s
44.1 kHz; 48 kHz
Other Formats
MPEG-2
Video codec: MPEG-2 program stream, MAIN profile, MAIN or HIGH level
1920 x 1080 (29.97 fps, interlaced)
1280 x 720 (59.94 fps, progressive)
720 x 480 (29.97fps, interlaced)
Constant and variable video bitrate encoding up to 6Mb/s
Chroma Sampling: 4:2:0
Audio Format: Layer-2
128 kb/s, 192 kb/s
44.1 kHz; 48 kHz
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PEGASYS Commercial Rentals
PEGASYS facilities are available for commercial rental during hours not designated for PEG
access use. Facility rentals do not include Staff. Pre-requisite for use is prior training on
PEGASYS equipment or equivalent experience. Reservations for studio or editing facilities
must be made at least one week in advance. Reservations for portable equipment are available
on very short-term basis only. Confirmation can be made no more than 48 hours in advance in
order to preserve priority for access use. Payment is required at the time of rental.
Current Rates are:
Main Studio $110 / hour
Non-Linear Editing Computer on-site $50 / hour
[Adobe Premiere CS6]
JVC GY150U Digital Camera
[including tripod, AC adapter, mic and 2 batteries] $60 / up to 24 hours
Sony NX5 Digital Camera
[including tripod, AC adapter, mic and 2 batteries] $75 / up to 24 hours
GoPro Hero 2 Digital Camera
[including 1 battery and 1 mount of choice] $25 / up to 24 hours
Accessories Type A: [per item] $10 / up to 24 hours
[individual lights with stands/reflectors, Mics [wired or wireless], tripods, other smaller items]
Accessories Type B: [per item] $40 / up to 24 hours
[multiple light kit, Premiere edit laptop, Video switcher, digital audio recorder]
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PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 W Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel: 607-272-7272, Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
Studio Reservation
Date: ________________________
Program Title: ____________________________________________________
Producer's Name: _________________________________________________
Phone #: ______________ Cell #: _____________ Email:________________
This reservation is for: Mini Studio:____________ Main Studio:_____________
For Day/Date: ____________________________________________________
Start Time: ____________________ End Time: ______________________
I want to make multiple reservations* for the same day & time with the same crew
as listed below ______________
Frequency: Weekly _______ Monthly _________ Other __________________
* (1) There is a limit of four (4) 2-hour reservations per request for the Mini Studio
(2) Multiple Reservations expire on December 31 of the year they are made
Names of Crew (all crew members must have completed PEGASYS training):
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
I will submit a list of guests, if any, prior to accessing the studio: ______ (initial)
_________________________________________________________________
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Approved by: _____________________________________________________
Date Processed: __________________________________________________
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PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
tel.: 607-272-7272
Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
Field Equipment Reservation
Date: _____________________
Program Title: ____________________________________________________
Producer's Name: _________________________________________________
Phone #: ______________ Cell #: ___________ Email: ________________
I want to make multiple reservations* for the same day & time ______________
Frequency: Weekly ____ Monthly _____ Other _________________________
* Multiple Reservations expire on December 31 of the year they are made
Equipment Description Accessories
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
I will pick up the equipment on: (Date)_______________(Time) ________________
I will return the equipment on: (Date)________________(Time) ________________
__________________________________________________________________
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Approved by: ____________________________________________________
Date Processed: __________________________________________________
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PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
tel.: 607-272-7272
Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
Editing Reservation
Date: ________________________
Program Title: ____________________________________________________
Producer's Name: _________________________________________________
Phone #: ____________________________ Cell #: ______________________
Email: __________________________________________________________
Date requested: __________________________________________________
Start Time: _________________________ End Time: ___________________
I want to make multiple reservations* for the same day & time ______________
Frequency: Weekly _______ Monthly ________ Other ___________________
* Multiple Reservations expire on December 31 of the year they are made
________________________________________________________________
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Approved by: _____________________________________________________
Date Processed: ___________________________________________________