HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-AOC-2026-01-06
Minutes, Access Oversight Committee (AOC) as approved Feb. 3, 2026
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 5 PM
Town of Ithaca Hall (Aurora Conference Room)
215 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY
Present: chair Rich DePaolo, secretary Wayles Browne, vice chair Wies van Leuken, member
Paul Smith, two members of the public; by Zoom; Glenn Foster (studio manager), Hanna Walier
(Director, Government Affairs, Charter), member of the public Tony Ingraham. Absent: City of
Ithaca Common Council liaison Margherita Fabrizio.
01. Call to Order by DePaolo 5:02.
02. Agenda Additions and/or Deletions: none.
03. Public Comments. Ingraham: asks about plans to stream Channel 13 (item 08a). DePaolo:
no update; the person who was interested is no longer here.
04. Comments by AOC members. Smith: intends to resign, but will remain until he is replaced.
He intends to remain a member of the Outreach Sub-Committee of AOC, and so will continue to
work on the 2026 PEGASYS awards; will help find a replacement member.
05. Approval of the Minutes of the November 11, 2025 Meeting: adopted 4-0 without change.
06. Access Studio Coordinator Report (attached). Van Leuken is concerned that there were no
trainings; Foster: less use of ministudio due to holidays. Smith: will continue seeking new
prospective producers. There was an outage on Channel 13 for a few hours on December 2.
Van Leuken: this afternoon once again there was no signal on Channel 13. Foster: Another
department of Charter needed to replace a component in another building where I don't have
access; the signal came back on at 2:39 pm.
DePaolo re the reimbursement: the transmitter he got for the County to use was on the wrong
frequency, so won't claim reimbursement. Is looking for one on the right frequency; will look to
see if the City's transmitter can be used for the County.
Smith thanks Foster for helping schedule a program on short notice before the end of the year.
07. Member Reports
a. Election Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary. DePaolo nominates a slate of
DePaolo Chair, van Leuken Vice Chair, and Browne Secretary; elected 4-0.
b. Terms of Committee Members. DePaolo's and van Leuken's terms were extended to Dec.
31, 2027 at the beginning of 2025 by Common Council; Browne's, Smith's and Fabrizio's expired
at the end of 2025. We don't know yet who the City will appoint as Council liaison instead of
Fabrizio.
c. Adoption Meeting Time and Meeting Location: as before, first Tuesday at 5, Town Hall.
d. AOC Sales Tax Exemption and Letterhead - Report. DePaolo: the City Attorney says AOC
pays sales tax, not exempt. Smith has created a letterhead with the City's seal and address [an
editable Word file]; the AOC adopted it and expressed appreciation.
e. Common Council meetings on Government Channel 15 - Report. DePaolo: Alex Wiers is
willing to help with this. The commitment of the City is still in question, so DePaolo will call the
City Clerk.
f. Tompkins County's Cablecasting Problems - Report. DePaolo will either get the City's
transmitter or locate another for the County to use.
g. Publicity of PEGASYS. The AOC thanks Foster for designing a flyer for PEGASYS.
Smith: will work on publicity with van Leuken after the PEG awards. Van Leuken wonders if the
City could print 100 copies of the flyer on a color printer of its own; DePaolo will ask.
h. Annual Review PEGASYS Policies and Procedures Manual - Resolution
Browne moved and van Leuken seconded a resolution to amend Sections 3, 4, 7 and 8 of the PEGASYS
Policies and Procedures Manual of November 12, 2024 as amended
WHEREAS, the Access Oversight Committee (AOC) is charged with annually reviewing the PEGASYS
Policies and Procedures Manual ("the Manual"); and
WHEREAS, the AOC wishes to amend Sections 3, 4, 7 and 8 of the Manual; and now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the following changes shall be made to the Manual:
a. Section 3.1 will now read " 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.
Notwithstanding the above, circumstances might occasionally warrant a request from staff that you not
bring items into the PEGASYS facility unrelated to production, such as food, personal bags, carts, etc. Any
such prohibition would remain in effect until staff deems it is no longer necessary. Staff will work with
producers to limit the inconvenience. Staff will report such requests and their follow-up to the AOC. Any
disputes should be brought before the AOC for a final decision.
b. Two new paragraphs will be added to Section 4.2 Production and Equipment Reservations:
1. "You must notify staff in advance when you designate another person to pick up and/or drop of your
portable equipment."
2. "Your reservation should include time for any follow-up work that staff needs to do for your program.
Check with Staff how much time, if any, is required.
Producers are expected to be ready to leave their reserved studio location with enough time left for
staff follow-up, at the end of their timeslot so that the next producer can start working. If that coincides
with closing time, you are asked to leave the building promptly so that staff can go home as well. "
d. Section 7.2 will now read: "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. To submit a program(s) click the box on the PEGASYS Public Access
Producer Responsibility Agreement, or forward a notice to PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com, letting Staff know
the program is on the PEG Server and available for the Archive."
e. Section 7.4 will now read: " 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. They may be for specific
events or ongoing services an organization provides. 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, which can be text to be formatted, with or without images, or a complete
image file, should be Emailed to PEGASYS Staff at <Charterbulletins.nyIthaca@charter.com>."
f. Sub-sections 7.8 and 7.9 will be added to Section 7, as follows:
"7.8 Volunteer Support List
PEGASYS staff maintains a Volunteer Support List of producers interested in volunteering their time to
support other producers with their productions, whether in the main studio, mini studio, throughout our
facility, or in the field. If you are interested, click the boxes on the PEGASYS Public Access Producer
Responsibility Agreement or notify staff with a brief note about which areas you’d be willing to assist in
(e.g., studio productions, field productions, editing support, etc.).
7.9 Disposition of Used Equipment
When PEGASYS equipment becomes obsolete or is no longer used, Staff shall provide the AOC with a
detailed list and recommendations for disposal that the AOC will review and make a final decision on.
Producers will be given an opportunity to acquire the equipment for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Upon receipt, they will be asked to sign the Agreement found at Exhibit 8.14 "Used Equipment Donation
Agreement".
g. To the PEGASYS Public Access Producer Responsibility Agreement will be added:
"4. I want to add my name to the Volunteer Support List (Section 7.7) Yes / No___
I am willing to assist in: Studio Productions _____Field Productions _______
Editing Support _____ Other __________________________
5. I give staff permission to add my program(s) to the PEGASYS Archive (Section 7.2) Yes /No "
h. To Section 8 will be added as Sub-Section 14, the "Used Equipment Donation Agreement"; and now be
it further
RESOLVED, that the Manual as amended and as attached to this resolution, will be known as the PEGASYS
Policies and Procedures Manual of January 6, 2026 and will go into effect immediately.
Passed 4-0.
i. Outreach Committee - Peggy Awards Report. The Awards will be held on March 6, 2026.
Organizing the event is a joint effort by Ithaca College's Park School and the AOC's Outreach
Sub-Committee. The call for entries went out December 2; the deadline is January 29. Smith: we
are still looking for a third judge. Can we ask an official or two to speak at the ceremony?
j. Contact Information other PEG Studios in New York State - Report. Waller: has found
only 2 other Charter studio sites managed by Charter; the Syracuse studio closed 3 years ago;
the Cortland studio will close soon and went unused for past 10 years. To van Leuken: not
familiar with Rochester or other locations of studios.
DePaolo wonders if there are other municipalities in the Charter area that have their own
production facilities; if there are, AOC could reach out to them. Smith asks for a list of all cities
that have Charter franchises, plus the name of a contact person in each; Waller: doesn't have
this info. DePaolo suggests that AOC could get this info from the New York State PSC (Public
Service Commission). He expects that there are many sites with not-for-profits running their own
video production facilities in part with a money stream pursuant to agreements that Charter has
with municipalities. Van Leuken still asks for a list of places where there is a money stream from
Charter: DePaolo will search PSC.
08. Old Business
a. Streaming Channel 13: no update.
09. New Business: none.
10. Next meeting: 5 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 3.
11. Adjournment 6:20 PM.
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.cityofithacany.gov/369/Cable-Access-Oversight-Committee [new web domain
for the City; but data on this page not updated since 2024].
Contact information for AOC members:
City of Ithaca: Wayles Browne, secretary <ewb2@cornell.edu>.
City of Ithaca: Common Council liaison 2026- Pat Sewell <psewell@cityofithaca.org>.
City of Ithaca: Troy J. Parish <parishtroy7@gmail.com>.
Town of Ithaca: Rich DePaolo, chair <RDePaolo@town.ithaca.ny.us>, <rd@richdepaolo.com>.
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: 612 West Green Street, Ithaca, New York
mailing address: 519 West State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
PEGASYS Awards for Cablecasting Excellence, 2026
Entry Form and Official Rules
The Awards are organized by the Outreach Subcommittee of the City’s Access Oversight Committee
(https://cityofithaca.org/369/Cable-Access-Oversight-Committee) together with Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park
School of Communications. All decisions of the Outreach Subcommittee are final.
1. Entries must have been produced in Tompkins County and must have premiered on Channel 13 or Channel
16 in 2025.
2. The deadline for receipt of entries is Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 9:30 PM.
3. Each entry must be submitted as a video file (such as mpeg, avi, mov, mp4, or mp5).
4. Entry forms must be emailed to <pegasysmemories@gmail.com> or delivered by hand to PEGASYS, at
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, during regular facility hours (Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM;
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 PM–9:30 PM). At the gate, call the Access Coordinator at 607-272-7272 to be
let in.
5. Upload your entry program(s) to (a) the PEG Server, by clicking the "PEGASYS Award" folder, and then
opening the “Submissions" folder to upload your program;
or (b) a publicly-accessible video streaming website such as YouTube or Vimeo.
As an alternative you may submit your entry on a PC-formatted flash drive to the PEGASYS office together
with the entry form (see #4 above).
6. A support paragraph (150 words max) should accompany the entry (see Page 3) addressing the program's
goals, background information and local significance. These factors will be considered by the judges when
scoring.
7. The following rules apply to your entry:
a. You may submit 4 entries at no charge. There is a $20 fee for each additional entry.
b. Entries must be complete programs. Segments of programs are not eligible.
c. Only one episode of a series may be submitted.
d. Each entry may be submitted in only one category.
8. Categories with fewer than three entries will be combined or dropped. Entries may be reclassified for this
purpose at the discretion of the Outreach Subcommittee.
9. Winners will be chosen by a panel of independent judges. The Outreach Subcommittee will make final
determinations on any questions about contest rules. Entries will be judged according to the following criteria:
Technical Merit (50%), and Content/Presentation (50%).
10. Winners will be announced and awarded at a ceremony held at Ithaca College on March 6, 2026 at 8 PM
to be cablecast live at Channel 16. All PEGASYS producers, their families and friends, as well as members of
the Ithaca College community, and other interested parties are invited to attend. The winning programs will be
cablecast on Channel 13 in the months following the ceremony.
PEGASYS Awards for Cablecasting Excellence, 2026
Entry Form and Official Rules
Producer ________________________________________________________________________
(this is how your name will appear in print)
Address _________________________________________________________________________
Phone _____________________ Email
________________________________________________
Name of Program _________________________________________________________________
This is an episode of a series: Yes ___, No ___.
This program premiered on Channel 13 ___or Channel 16___ in 2025
I hereby submit this program in one of these eight categories (select only one):
1. Studio Production (interview, talk show,
debate, single speaker).
This category may include field production elements.
a. Public Access ____
b. Ithaca College ____
2. Field production/Documentary
This category may include studio elements.
a. Public Access ____
b. Ithaca College ____
3. Entertainment (non-sports)/Short
Subject/Music Video
a. Public Access ____
b. Ithaca College ____
4. Sports/Game Show
a. Public Access ____
b. Ithaca College ____
Length of program: Hours ____, Minutes ____, Seconds ____.
Select a 90-second “clip” of your program to be used at the Awards.
Starts at H _____, M _____, S _____. (If left blank the Subcommittee will select a clip.)
Check all that apply:
a. I am delivering this program to PEGASYS on a flash drive ___.
b. This program has been uploaded to the PEG Server/Submissions folder ___.
c. This program has been uploaded to a publicly-accessible video streaming website ___.
Name of website
________________________________________________________________.
URL of uploaded program (copy & paste or write clearly) _______________________________.
d. The file name of my program is: _________________________________________________.
Please provide a “support paragraph” (maximum 150 words) to describe the following:
a. background information about the program, b. your goals for the program, c. the program’s local
significance. Use additional pages if necessary.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
If this program wins in its category, you may opt to receive printed certificates to acknowledge the
persons who contributed to this program. Please write their names below as you want to see them
appear on the certificates:
The purpose of the PEGASYS Awards for Cablecasting Excellence is to promote the best in community
access programming. By entering this competition and placing my name below I avow that I have the
authority to submit this program and have obtained all necessary clearances and that I have read and
followed the Official Rules for this competition and understand that PEGASYS and the AOC's
Outreach Subcommittee are not liable for copyright violations, loss or damage to entry DVDs, flash
drives, or other materials and give my express permission to PEGASYS and the Subcommittee to
cablecast on PEG channels or post on YouTube this program, or portions thereof, as part of the
PEGASYS Awards programming.
Producer Signature __________________________________________ Date ___________________
DEADLINE: All entries must by uploaded, emailed or delivered at
PEGASYS by 9:30 PM, Thursday, January 29, 2026.
PEGASYS Awards for Cablecasting Excellence, 2026 Judging Rules
1. Judging will take place on line in the week of February 8–13, 2026. A final joint
Zoom meeting will take place on February 13.
2. There are three judges. The judges will be identified, but individual judges will not be
associated with the scores they have given.
3. The Outreach Subcommittee will forward numbered judging forms and support
paragraphs of each entry to each judge prior to the Judging Week. Please note that the
judging forms will eventually be shown to entrants who request them.
4. All judges will view all entries. However, because of the amount of video material, it
might be impossible to screen each entry in its entirety. Instead, judges should view at
least the first 10 minutes of each entry and then skip to a few arbitrary points for an
overall impression. Entries less than ten minutes in length should be viewed in their
entirety.
5. Judges will assign numerical grades on ten different criteria. An entry’s final score
will be determined by adding these grades. All of this math will be done by the
Outreach Subcommittee, who are responsible for any interpretations of the rules.
6. Please grade all ten criteria. If a judge fails to give any numerical grade, the Outreach
Subcommittee will assign a grade of “3” (Average) for that criterion.
7. Judges should consider the entry's support paragraph when assigning a score to the
“Content #3” criterion.
8. Judges are awarding a total of eleven (11) awards, to be given out at the award
ceremony, as follows.
a) Four public access awards: 1. Studio Production, 2. Field Production/Documentary,
3. Entertainment (non-sports)/Short Subject/Music Video, 4. Sports/Game Show.
b) Four educational access awards: 1. Studio Production, 2. Field
Production/Documentary, 3. Entertainment (non-sports)/Short Subject/Music Video,
4. Sports/Game Show.
c) Two Judges’ Choice awards, one for Channel 13/PEGASYS “Best in Show”, one for
Channel 16/ICTV “Best in Show”.
d) Finally, one special Bryan VanCampen Memorial award, for excellence in
entertainment, arts, or cultural programming. Programs produced by Paul Smith are
not eligible for this award.
9. Judges may discuss their judgments and reach a consensus on their choice for the
Judges’ Choice awards, 8c and 8d, at the final Zoom meeting on February 13th.
PEGASYS Awards for Cablecasting Excellence, 2026 Judging Form
Judge number ______ Program number ________________ (Category - Entry #)
The Outreach Subcommittee will compute the numeric scores and verify the winner in each category.
Technical Criteria (50% of total score)
Content/Presentation Criteria (50% of total score)
Technical Score
______
Combined Score
_______
Judge’s comments for producer (optional):
__________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Awards—These awards will be given only if the panel of judges can reach a consensus.
Each judge may select one program and/or producer for any of the following special awards.
Public Access Programming Judges’ Choice Award/PEGASYS: Channel 13 “Best in Show” _______.
Educational Access Programming Judges’ Choice Award/ICTV: Channel 16 “Best in Show” _______.
Bryan VanCampen Memorial Award __________
This program represents the best in Entertainment/Arts/Cultural public access programming.
Programs produced by Paul Smith are not eligible for this award.
new manual
PEGASYS Policies and Procedures Manual
Ratified January 6, 2026
PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY
Ithaca, NY
a service
of
Charter Communications, Inc.
City of Ithaca
Town of Ithaca
Village of Cayuga Heights
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 08
4 THE PRODUCTION PROCESS 08
4.1 Production Planning 08
4.2 Production and Equipment Reservations 09
4.3 Commercial Rentals
5 CABLECAST REQUESTS AND PROGRAM SUBMISSION RULES 10
5.1 Cablecast Requests 10
5.2 Program Submission Rules 11
6 PROGRAM CONTENT RULES 12
6.1 Free Speech Rule 12
6.2 Commercial Content Restrictions 13
6.3 Illegal Content Restrictions 13
6.4 Indecent Content Restrictions 14
6.5 Program Ownership and Distribution Rights 15
7 MISCELLANEOUS 15
7.1 PEGASYS Awards 15
7.2 PEGASYS Archive 15
7.3 Publicity 15
7.4 Bulletin Board 15
7.5 Dubbing VHS/S-VHS Tapes 16
7.6 Clip Art and Music Library 16
7.7 Conflict with Franchise Agreements 16
7.8 Volunteer Support List 16
7.9 Disposition of Used Equipment 16
8 APPENDIX 16
8.1 PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement 18
8.2 PEGASYS Producer Responsibility Agreement 19
8.3 PEGASYS Training Request Form 20
8.4 PEGASYS Talent Release 21
8.5 PEG File Uploading Instructions 22
8.6 PEGASYS Commercial Rentals 24
8.7 Studio Reservation Form 25
8.8 Field Equipment Reservation Form 26
8.9 Editing Reservation Form 27
8.10 PEGASYS Community Media Center Application for Usage Privileges 28
8.11 VHS/S-VHS Dubbing Reservation Form 29
8.12 Release and Acknowledgement of Liability Form 30
8.13 Parental/Guardian Consent Form 31
8.14 Used Equipment Donation Agreement 32
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 Communications”) 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 Communications,
Participating Municipalities and their cable subscribers. Charter Communications 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 and Staff office. It is accessible to people who use a wheelchair.
PEGASYS is located at 612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY. However, it can only be accessed from
Charter Communications' parking lot gate at 519 West State Street by contacting the Access
Coordinator from the gate, at: 607-272-7272. Upon entry, you will be issued a name tag that must
be worn while you are at PEGASYS.
The PEGASYS mailing address is 519 West State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.
1.3 Hours of Operation
PEGASYS has the following hours of operation:
Monday and Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday and Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
PEGASYS observes the following seven holidays each year:
New Year’s Day
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Memorial Day
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, 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) and Release and
Acknowledgement of Liability Form (Section 8.12).
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.
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 and has
signed the Parental/Guardian Consent Form (Section 8.13).
1.6 Records maintained
Use of the PEGASYS facilities and equipment and PEG Channels is tracked by Staff with the use of
Charter Communications' 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, 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.
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.
Notwithstanding the above, circumstances might occasionally warrant a request from staff that you
not bring items into the PEGAYS facility unrelated to production, such as food, personal bags, carts,
etc. Any such prohibition would remain in effect until staff deems it is no longer necessary. Staff will
work with producers to limit the inconvenience. Staff will report such requests and their follow-up to
the AOC. Any disputes should be brought before the AOC for a final decision.
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.
Equipment checked out for field production should be returned as it was when checked out: in
clean condition, free from insects and ready for use by the next producer. When violations
occur, as a first step, staff should work with the producer to prevent further violations. If this
does not work, equipment checkout may be suspended until the producer can show that the
violation is remedied.
All such violations must be reported to the Access Oversight Committee. Disputes 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.
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 and Section 8.2)
To reserve studio, editing or portable facilities or equipment, fill out the appropriate Reservation
Form (Studio, Field Equipment or Editing) found at Section 8 and forward it to PEGASYS Staff,
by mail, Email or by coming to PEGASYS and filling out the form(s) in person.
You must notify staff in advance when you designate another person to pick up and/or drop of
your portable equipment.
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 and no individual or group may use it for more than 4 hours per week.
Moreover, reservations for a 2-hour timeslot must be either for the first or last 2 hours of the 4-
hour daily timeslots.
Your reservation should include time for any follow-up work that staff needs to do for your
program. Check with Staff how much time, if any, is required.
Producers are expected to be ready to leave their reserved studio location with enough time left
for staff follow-up, at the end of their timeslot so that the next producer can start working. If that
coincides with closing time, you are asked to leave the building promptly so that staff can go
home as well.
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 permitted to store files on the computer they are using at PEGASYS, up to a
maximum of 50 gigabytes (GB). When this limit is exceeded, producers are expected to delete
files or transfer them to their own external drive. Staff will issue a friendly warning to producers
when limits are exceeded. Producers are then expected to promptly delete files until the 50 GB
limit is reached. If a producer does not delete files in this manner, their reservation will be
suspended until corrections are made. Meanwhile, if storage capacity of the computer is
imperiled, staff is permitted to delete the producer's files, starting with the oldest, until the 50 GB
limit is reached.
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.
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.
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 the 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.
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,
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
Communications’ 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.
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) 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.
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 periodS 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) 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 Communications 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 Communications 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 program. Charter Communications 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.
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) click the box on the PEGASYS Public Access Producer Responsibility Agreement, or
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. They may be
for specific events or ongoing services an organization provides. 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, which can be text to be
formatted, with or without images, or a complete image file, should be Emailed to PEGASYS Staff
at <Charterbulletins.nyIthaca@charter.com>."
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 Dubbing VHS/S-VHS Tapes
PEGASYS has equipment available for producers to digitize programs they originally made in VHS
or S-VHS format. Producers must have the intention to cablecast these programs on Channel 13 or
to make them available for the PEGASYS archive.
Dubbing takes place in real time. Producers should bring a portable hard drive or a blank DVD to
transfer the digitized files from the PEGASYS computer.
7.6 Clip Art and Music Library.
All PEGASYS computers have been uploaded with Clip Art and Music from the Fresh Music
Library. Copyright-free use of the music is granted per a Licensing Agreement with PEGASYS
signed on December 12, 2005.
7.7 Conflict with Franchise Agreements
If language in this Manual is in conflict with a Franchise Agreement between Charter
Communications and a Participating Municipality, that of the Franchise Agreement shall take
precedence.
7.8 Volunteer Support List
PEGASYS staff maintains a Volunteer Support List of producers interested in volunteering their time
to support other producers with their productions, whether in the main studio, mini studio,
throughout our facility, or in the field. If you interested, click the boxes on the on the PEGASYS
Public Access Producer Responsibility Agreement or notify staff with a brief note about which areas
you’d be willing to assist in (e.g., studio productions, field productions, editing support, etc.).
7.9 Disposition of Used Equipment
When PEGASYS equipment becomes obsolete or is no longer used, Staff shall provide the AOC
with a detailed list and recommendations for disposal that the AOC will review and make a final
decision on. Producers will be given an opportunity to acquire the equipment for free at a first-come,
first-served basis. Upon receipt, they will be asked to sign the Agreement found at Exhibit 8.14
"Used Equipment Donation Agreement.
8 APPENDIX
01. PEGASYS Public Access Cablecast Agreement
02. PEGASYS Producer Responsibility Agreement
03. PEGASYS Training Request Form
04. PEGASYS Talent Release
05. PEG File Uploading Instructions
06. PEGASYS Commercial Rentals
07. Studio Reservation Form
08. Field Equipment Reservation Form
09. Editing Reservation Form
10. Usage Privileges Request Form
11. VHS/S-VHS Dubbing Reservation Form
12. Release and Acknowledgement of Liability Form
13. Parental/Guardian Consent Form
14. Used Equipment Donation Agreement
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 for 20___
Program Title _____________________________________________________
Length: ___: ___: ___ Format: ________ Local / Syndicated [circle one]
Series? Yes / No [circle one] Series frequency: _____Daily Weekly Bi-weeklMonthly
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. 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
Communications 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 Communications’ 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 for which it is executed.
____________________________________________ _________________
Signature of Producer/Provider Date
PEGASYS Community Media Center, 612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel.: 607-272-7272; Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
PEGASYS Producer Responsibility Agreement 20__
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.
4. I want to add my name to the Volunteer Support List (see Section 7.7) Yes / No___
I am willing to assist in: Studio Productions _____Field Productions _______
Editing Support _____ Other __________________________
5. I give staff permission to add my program(s) to the PEGASYS Archive (Section 7.2) Yes /No
This Agreement expires on December 31 of the year for which it is executed.
Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ________________
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.
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. ______________________ ________________________ _____________________
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.
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
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]
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) Multiple Reservations expire on December 31 of the year they are made
**(2) There is a limit of four (4) 2-hour reservations per request for the Mini Studio
(3) No individual or group may use the Mini Studio for more than 4 hours per week
(4) A single 2--hour timeslot can only be reserved for the 1st or last 2 hours of the
four-hour daily timeslot
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: __________________________________________________
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: __________________________________________________
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: ___________________________________________________
PEGASYS Community Media Center Application for Usage Privileges
PEGASYS production services are provided through contracts between Charter
Communications and the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca and Cayuga Heights. There are no
charges to residents of these municipalities for use of PEGASYS production services, because
these have been addressed through payments by the municipality. Residents of other parts of
Charter Communications’ service area in Tompkins County may also use PEGASYS production
services by paying a membership fee, which is valid for 6 months of facility use.
I would like to apply for PEGASYS membership [select type]:
_____ Individuals: $20
Name: ____________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________ Municipality: _________________
__________________________________________________________________
_____ Organizations: $50
Organization Name: _________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
Organizational Members (up to 4):
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________Municipality: _____________
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________ Municipality: ______________
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________ Municipality: ______________
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________Municipality: ______________
Fee Paid __________ Valid From __________________ through ___________
PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
tel.: 607-272-7272
Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
VHS/S-VHS Dubbing Reservation
Date: ________________________
Program Title: ____________________________________________________
Producer's Name: _________________________________________________
Phone #: ______________ Cell #: _____________ Email:________________
This reservation is for Day/Date: _____________________________________
Start Time: ____________________ End Time: ______________________
I will be in the studio for the full play of the VHS tape ______________________
I will be away for part of the time while the VHS tape is dubbed ______________
_________________________________________________________________
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Approved by: _____________________________________________________
Date Processed: __________________________________________________
PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
tel.: 607-272-7272
Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
RELEASE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF LIABILITY FORM
I, _______________________________________________, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that I
have offered, and Charter Communications has accepted, to perform services as a non-compensated
volunteer, to perform various services concerning program origination and program production.
I accept full responsibility and liability, to the extent permissible by law, for any damages suffered by Charter
Communications caused by my actions or omissions in my capacity as a volunteer.
While working in conjunction with Charter Communications, I hereby release the company from any and all
liabilities to me for injury or harm to me which could result from my performance in volunteer services for
the company, except to the extent that such injuries are the result of the sole negligence, gross negligence,
recklessness, or intentional actions or omissions of Charter Communications.
I do realize that I am not bound under any contractual obligation with Charter Communications and, as a
result, I am thereby responsible for my own actions. I do have the right to accept or reject the performance
of any services, whether offered by me or requested by Charter Communications, which could result in
liability or risk of injury to me.
I, _______________________________________________, the undersigned, have executed this Release
and Acknowledgment of Liability intending to be legally bound hereby, this _________ day of
__________________________, _____________.
___________________________________________
I, the volunteer (must be 18 or older)
____________________________________________
Charter Communications Representative
PEGASYS Community Media Center
612 West Green Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
tel.: 607-272-7272
Email: PEG.NYIthaca@charter.com
Parental/Guardian Consent Form
I, _______________________________________________, the undersigned, am the parent or legally-
authorized guardian for ____________________________________, (“Minor”) who was born on
_______________________and is at least 14 years of age. I hereby authorize and consent to Minor’s
participation in programming and production services provided at or by the PEGASYS Community Media
Center, which produces programming to be aired on the cable television system of Charter Communication
Inc. (“the Company”), subject to the following conditions.
Company assumes no responsibility for the supervision of Minor. Such supervision shall at all times be the
responsibility of a PEGASYS Community Media Center volunteer. I hereby release the Company from any
and all damages, liabilities, or harm suffered by Minor during Minor’s activities for or on behalf of PEGASYS
Community Media Center, except to the extent that such injuries are the result of the sole negligence, gross
negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions or omissions of the Company. I understand that this release
is a prerequisite to Minor being able to participate as a volunteer at the PEGASYS Community Media Center.
I, _______________________________________________, the undersigned,
have executed this Consent Form intending to be legally bound hereby,
this ________ day of _________________________, ___________.
___________________________________________
Parent or Guardian
USED EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made effective as of the date executed by both parties ("Effective Date"),
and is between Charter Communications ("Transferor"), as authorized by Access Oversight Committee, and the
undersigned individual or entity ("Transferee"), under the following circumstances:
Transferor and Transferee agree as follows:
Section 1. Removal of Equipment
1.1 At a mutually acceptable time and date, but not later than 30 days after the Effective Date, Transferee will, at
Transferee's sole cost and expense, remove the equipment identified in Exhibit A to this Agreement ("Equipment")
from Transferor's offices at the address listed on the exhibit (the "Site").
1.2 The sole consideration to benefit Transferor as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall
be the convenience of having the Equipment removed from the Site. No monetary consideration shall be due to
Transferor under the terms of this Agreement.
1.3 Effective upon Transferee's removal of the Equipment from the Site, Transferor, as authorized by Access Oversight
Committee, hereby transfers, assigns and conveys to Transferee all interest in and to the Equipment.
Section 2. Disclaimer of Warranties; Limitation of Liability.
2.1 The equipment will be conveyed to transferee” as is.” Transferor and Access Oversight Committee make no
warranties, express or implied, whether of title, merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose or use or
otherwise, on the equipment.
2.2 Under no circumstances will transferor, transferee, Access Oversight Committee and/or its affiliated municipalities
be liable to any other party to this agreement for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages
arising out of or related to this agreement or the equipment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
Charter Communications TRANSFEREE:
By: ______________________ Name, or entity: ___________________________
Date: ____________________ Street Address: ____________________________
_________________________ ____________________________
Authorized Signatory Authorized Signatory
Access Oversight Committee:
By: ______________________
Date: ____________________
_____________________________
Authorized Signatory
EXHIBIT A EQUIPMENT SCHEDULE
SITE LOCATION
612 W. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
__________________________________________________________________________
PURPOSE
(Please describe how the equipment will be utilized)
Private use ________ or Other _______________________________________________