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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCable ACC Policies & ProceduresProposed Amendments to Cable 13 Policies and Procedures VIII Production Process and Procedures 8.1 Responsibility for Program Content By.:signing the cablecasting request -form, the producer accepts full. responsibility for the content of his/her program. This includes responsibility for having the appropriate. releases for use df -- talent and copywrited material. This also includes the responsibility to avoid content restricted material (commercial or obscene, as outlined in Sec. IX.4), or to have programs which may include "adult" material (described in Sec. VIII.7.6) previewed by CABLE 13 staff and scheduled during "adult" cablecasting hours, if appropriate. Producers shall not present a program which is obsceneor which contains commercial material.. See Sec. IX.4.1 for the definition of obscenity and commercial material. If a producer is concerned that the content of his/her program may be construed as obscene or commercial, he/she may request that the access staff preview the material and give their opinion. VIII.7.6 Reserving Cablecasting Time Eliminatetheold language. Producers of programs which contain sexually explicit images - or languages that describes sexualor excretory activities and organs are encouraged to cablecast content warnings before their programs. IX.4.1 2. is obscene.- A program is obscene if. 4-)—whether— the -)—wheththe average person, applying contemporary community _ standards would find that the program, taken as a whole, appeals to the , prurient interest, b) whether the program depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by New York State law, and c) whether the program, taken • as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. VII.4.2 Major Offenses 11. Cablecasting an obscene program. See Sec. IX.4.1 for definition of obscenity. 1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETION OF FCC FORM 325. SCHEDULE 1 (1989) :OMMUNITY POPULATION ['ompkins County population 28,732 • "foga County population 50,000 :7,URRENT BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 25,573 OTENTIAL SUBSCRIBERS IN N COMMUNITY roTAL'MILES OF CABLE PLANT N EACH COMMUNITY . Use latest official census, or best estimate, assuming community has increased/decreased significantly since the last census. PLEASE use population for the ENTIRE COMMUNITY. DO NOT attempt to estimate population for only the portion of the community which you serve. (EXAMPLE: If you serve only a small portion of a COUNTY list TOTAL "CURRENT" POPULATION for the ENTIRE COUNTY). The total number of Basic Subscribers in the community as of December 31, 1989. PLEASE include all basic subscribers as defined by the "New Subscriber Definition" (a copy is attached). IN ADDITION, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO ADD FREE SUBSCRIBERS TO THIS TOTAL. Number of passings in the community, using existing plant cable, as of.December 31, 1989. Passings are also defined on the attached list. Rounded to the nearest whole mile. LEASE NOTE: ACCURACY is a must!! Before returning updated information, alease compare figures with the previous year. If, by comparison, the lumbers appear to be unreasonable a brief explanation, PER COMMUNITY, is required in the space provided on the attached worksheet. EXAMPLES of items requiring an explanation could be: 1) PLANT MILES have increased without a comparable increase in basic subscribers and/or passings. PLANT MILES reduced for any reason. S) PASSINGS increased/decreased significantly but plant miles remain unchanged.. The definitions of basic subscribers, pay units and passings have been changed,. The goal in making these changes is to more accurately represent penetration. The equivalent subscriber calculation has been abandoned in favor of a subscriber definition that counts each pay marketable residence as a subscriber. The new definitions will eliminate the problems we have had in correctly identifying our non -subscriber population. The change will be in effect for actual subscriber reporting and budgeting starting in 1989. Definitions Passings: All residential units that are serviceable (near enough to the trunk or feeder portion of the system to be properly served with only the addition of drop material) and marketable, plus all commercial properties that are serviceable and marketable. Non - marketable facilities would include commercial establishments (offices, stores, etc.) you are not serving. • Basic Subscribes: All residential units that are served by cable, including each residential unit that is served by a bulk agreement, plus all commercial contracts (each contract is counted . as one subscriber regardless of the number of rooms or units). Exclude all free subscribers. Pay Unit First occurrence of a pay service in a residence, including each pay unit that is served by a basic bulk agreement, plus all commercial contracts (each contract is counted as one subscriber regardless of the number of rooms or units). Exclude all free subscribers. For the new definitions you will need to identify all of your bulk/commercial accounts as either residential or non-residential (or commercial). 1f a person can live at a unit of the facility for one night or less, and you cannot market pay programming to them individually, the facility qualifies as non-residential. Non-residential facilities are considered commercial contracts and would include hospitals, bars, hotels, motels and doctors offices. Count each of non-residential facilities as one passing, as one basic commercial subscriber if you serve them, and one pay commercial unit if they also receive pay programming. Other bulk accounts that are residential and can be individually pay marketed (apartments, nursing homes, dormatories) are considered as residential and each unit/room should be counted as one passing, subscriber and pay unit (if applicable). If you serve a facility that would qualify as a residence (dormatory, prison) where you cannot market pay to.the individual units, it_should be counted as one passing and one basic unit. 2 C • 1WSO98 SYSTEM WORKSHEET - FCC 325, SCHEDULE 1 COMMUNITY NAME CANDOR, TOWN OF 1988 1989 ;COMPAR15ON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) COMMUNITY POPULATION 4,002 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 387 ; 4,002 403 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 490 480 MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 16 16 OMMUNITY NAME CANDOR, VILLAGE OF 1988 .1989 COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) IMMUNITY -POPULATION 917 917 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 328 330 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 390 391 MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 5 5 :IMMUNITY NAME • CAROLINE, TOWN OF 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) ;OMMUNITY PAPULATION . 2,754 2754 )ASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY- 498• 524 'ASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 622 . 628 IILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 18 19 ;IMMUNITY NAME CAYUGA HEIGHTS, VILLAGE OF 1988 1989.' ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) ;IMMUNITY POPULATION 3,170 38.00 )ASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 1,140 1155 ti ASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 1,145 1161 ILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 19 19 ;COMMUNITY NAME DANBY, TOWN OF 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) • (,COMMUNITY POPULATION 2,449 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 391 2,449 400 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 495 507 HILES OF CADLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 20 21 COMMUNITY NAME DRYDEN, TOWN OF 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) ;COMMUNITY POPULATION 10,395 101395 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 2,381. ;PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 2,748. ;MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 69 21452 2,803 71 ;COMMUNITY NAME DRYDEN, VILLAGE OF. 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) COMMUNITY POPULATION 1,761 11761 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 657 665 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 717 717 MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 11 11 COMMUNITY NAME ENFIELD, TOWN OF 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) COMMUNITY POPULATION 0 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 0 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 0 MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 0 ;COMMUNITY NAME FREEVILLE, VILLAGE OF 1988 ; 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) ;COMMUNITY POPULATION 449 449 ;BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 152 151 :PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 171 171 ;MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 3 3 ;COMMUNITY NAME GROTON, TOWN OF ; 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) ;COMMUNITY POPULATION ; 2,451 2,451 ;BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY ; 185 ;PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY ; 227 192 227 ;MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 9 9 ';COMMUNITY NAME • GROTON, VILLAGE OF ; 1980 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) (;COMMUNITY POPULATION ; 2,313 ; 2,313 ';BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 902 856 ;PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 880% 894 ,;MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 11 11 COMMUNITY NAME ITHACA, CITY OF 1988 ; 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) COMMUNITY POPULATION 28,73228,732 ;BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY ; 8,382 8,059 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY ; 9,174 9,430 MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 59 60 ;COMMUNITY NAME , ITHACA, TOWN OF ; 1988. 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) ;COMMUNITY POPULATION ; 16,002 002 ;BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 4,208 ; .4,477 ;PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY 5,395 ; 5,818 ;NILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY 67., 69 . ;COMMUNITY NAME LANSING, TOWN/VILLAGE OF ; 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) COMMUNITY POPULATION ; 5,278 5,278 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY ; 3,103, 2,945 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY. ; 3,005 3,091 NILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 68 71 COMMUNITY NAME NEWARK VALLEY, TOWN OF 1988' 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) COMMUNITY POPULATION 2,575 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY ; 272 2.L 575 287 PASSINGS IN COMMUNITY ; 372 284 MILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 12 13 COMMUNITY NAME NEWARK VALLEY, VILLAGE OF 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS.(AS NEEDED) COMMUNITY POPULATION 1,1.90 ;. 1,190 BASIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 395 GASSINGS IN COMMUNITY ; 473 386 473 IILES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 6 MMUNITY NAME NEWFIELD, TOWN OF 1988 • • .1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) IMHUNITY POPULATION 4,401 4,401 SIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 1,039 1,086 SSINGS IN COMMUNITY, 1,151 • 1,175 LES OF CABLE PLANT.IN COMMUNITY; . 28 29 HMUNITY NAME TRUHANSBURG, VILLAGE OF 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) MMUNITY POPULATION- 1,722 1,172 SIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 665 563 SSINGS IN COMMUNITY • 707 711 LES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY; 10 10 IMMUNITY NAME ULYSSES, TOWN OF 1988 1989 ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) IHHUNITY POPULATION • 2,944 21 944 (SIC SUBSCRIBERS IN COMMUNITY 324 464 (SSINGS IN COMMUNITY . 645 682 ;LES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY.; 17 19 )MMUNITY NAME . 1988 ;, 1989 • ;COMPARISON COMMENTS (AS NEEDED) • *UNITY POPULATION S Q''SUBSCRIBERS IN'COMMUNITY V"�"';:?;; S'SIfVGS IN COMMUNITY-- ,.. T...(. -r. :LES OF CABLE PLANT IN COMMUNITY • *OUTAGES* CITY OF ITHACA FOR 1989 DATE TIME RECEIVED TIME REPAIRED AREA CAUSE 1/11/89. 8:30am 9:30am COLLEGETOWN 120 vlt.pow 1/11/89 4:15pm 5:30pm' UNIVERSITY AV 60 vlt.pow 1/19/89 4:30pm 5:OOpm MAPLE/FAIRVIEW Power off 3/09/89 .10:00pm 10:OOam.ALL SOUTH HILL Power off 3/15/89 12:20pm 3:O0pm WHOLE SYSTEM Power outag 3/17/89 6.:OOpm 8:OOpm COLLEGETOWN Contractors 4/24/89 5:OOpm 7:OOpm OAKWOOD AV Trunk Modul 5/06/89 '4:OOpm 6:OOpm CAYUGA HGTS/ COLLEGETOWN Trunk Amp 5/15/89 9:OOpm 10:30pm ARTS & ENTERTAIN. Descrambler 5/19/89 ..7:45pm . 9:OOpm WEST HILL AREA Bad short 6/.05/89 5:OOpm. 6:30pm EAST HILL AREA Blown Fuse 6/05/89 6:45pm 8:30pm EAST HILL AREA Sola 7/05/89 3:30pm. 5:30pm SPENCER ROAD Bad Module 7/10/89 7:15am 4:OOpm WEST HILL/T-BURG Everything! 7/22/89 9:30pm'. 11:OOpm'. CAMPBELL AV Blown Fuse 8/07/89 9:30am 12:30pm CASCADILLA/ESTY Power Suppl 8/07/89 1:3.Opm .2:30pm CENTER ITHACA Dug up Feed 8/08/89 9:30am 10:30am FOURTH STREET Blown Fuse 8/12/89. 2:00pm . . 4:OOpm WEST VILLAGE PL Ran over Pe 8/14/89 11:45am 2:30pm WEST HILL Blown Fuse 8/14/89 4:OOpm 6:OOpm CAMPBELL/N.TAYLOR Blown Fuse 8/16/89 '.10:15am 11:39.am'.. CENTER ITHACA Dug up Feed 8/21/89 11:OOam 3:OOpm CENTER ITHACA Dug up Feed 8/24/89 3:OOpm 5:30pm ' CENTER ITHACA Dug up Feed 8/28/89 11:O0am 3:10pm CENTER ITHACA Dug up Feed 9/19/89. 6:OOpm 7:30pm 509 LAKE STREET Broken UG *OUTAGES* CITY OF ITHACA FOR 1989 DATE TIME RECEIVED TIME REPAIRED AREA CAUSE 10/14/89 6:45pm 10/16. 10:OOpm ALL AREAS BAD STOR. 11/18/89 6:OOpm 8:OOpm TIOGA ST N Dist.Mod 11/20/89 6:OOpm. 7:30pm HUDSON STREET Tree on 1989 TROUBLE CALLS FOR THE CITY OF ITHACA JAN FEB .MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC TRUNK PROBLEMS r 0 0. 0 •a I 1 I 0 1 OUTAGES ( 0 0 0 0 8 r) 0 0 3 CABLE (TRUNK & FEEDER) I5 I( 5-:-3 Z 8 l 9 7 7 10 S DROP PROBLEMS Q Z 81 62, 47 5z l7(0 &2__ qz , 7 .3t7 34 Z3 CONVERTER )1 IS I1- 10 q. I 2-0 z7 1 3 19 in 8 CUSTOMER EDUCATION 40 39 al z 19 33 ze 44 3. /3 i9 FIELD CHECKS 4 0 0 2,- 1 0 a 1 0 -e I 3- NOT HOMES & CANCELS • Z -Z. • QC' ZI 13 9 10 I5 1614 /2 1 z TOTAL TROUBLE CALLS FOR 1989 IN THE CITY OF ITHACA = 1,583 CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VIII. TI E,JRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.7 Reserving Cablecasting Time [cont.] VIII.7.6 Programs with adult themes, language or images: . Programs classified as "adult" will be eligible to be cable - cast after 10:00 pm only on CABLE 13 cablecasting evenings, preceded by a content warning. A program will be classified as "adult" if it contains harsh profanity, or sexually explicit images. ACC reserves the right to cablecast content warnings before any .programs which may contain language _or visuals, inappropriate for children. ACC reserves the right to preview taped programs which access staff believe may contain content restricted material. VIII.7.7 Cancellation of Cablecasting Reservations 1. Cancellation with Sufficient Notice Cancellation of individual or series cablecasting dates made with at least three (3) weeks notice may be made without predjudice at any time. Cancellations may be made in person or via a telephone message to the access office. • 2. Cancellations with Insufficient Notice: Short Term Cancellations Cancellation of individual or series cablecasting dates with less than three weeks notice may be made up to 3 times in any calendar quarter scheduling period without penalty. Upon the fourth such cancellation, Excessive Cancellation Penalties may be imposed [VIII.7.7.4, below]. 3. Cancellations Without Notice Failure to deliver a program for cablecasting or to notify access staff of a cancellation on two (2) or more occasions during any calendar quarter when it has been scheduled to be shown may result in Excessive Cancellation Penalties being imposed [VIII.7.7.4, below]. 4. Penalties for Excessive Cancellations with Insufficient Notice Excessive cancellations of individual or series cablecasting reservations, as described above [Sec. VIII.7.7.2 and VIII.7.7.3] may result in. the following penalties:- - In the case of program series, the series cablecasting and production reservations will be cancelled. - The producer will be given a 6 month suspension of eligibility for reserving series production and cablecasting time -slots. Production and cablecasting time will be permitted on a single program basis only for this period. The producer loses his or her "good standing." [Sec..VIII.3.6] until the end of this 6 month period. • • ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 MS. PAT KENNEDY CITTTALL 108 E. GREEN STREET ITHACA, NY 14850 i(S 1J S POSIAGII MAR I 4'9 I 4.eligATIL %, • L At I H.W t..E 04 nol 9 11:1111111.11111A I I11111311111 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 SUMMARY OF MAJOR CHANGES IN NEW POLICY MANUAL Policy manual in effect 3/12, except changes in penalties [Desciplinary Action and Probation],which will take effect 4/1, when all producers will have attended policy seminar or read manual. Current penalty system in force till then. All producers must sign statement that they have read, understood and agree to comply with access policies by 4/1, or lose producer certification after that date. All producers with program sponsors must have Sponsor Agreements completed and on file by 4/1 for each sponsor aenowledged on their program. Producers will have Optional Limited Liability coverage forms available to them by 3/12. After that date, negligent damage to equipment will be the full responsibility of producers who do not opt to apply for this coverage. Penalty system has been streamlined and condensed so that there are not zillions of different penalties to learn. There is only one system which is based on that of other access centers. There are 2 categories of policy violations, major and minor. Major violations carry immediate periods of suspension. Minor ones have a series of warnings and shorter suspensions first. In the absence of any AAB consensus on defining commerical vs. non-commercial programming and restrictions on program sponsor acknowledgement, we have condensed all the advice we've received from volunteers, the.AAB and other access centers into a set of guidelines for these areas. Changes which have taken effect in January: Change to comprehensive reservation form for each individual or series project, which includes all production and cable - casting reservations for that project. Change in procedure for certification as access producer. 'Presently requirements are: attendence at an orientation, a policy seminar, all hands-on production classes needed for the proposed project, and completion of an apprenticeship with other producers. Plus, all first-time producers are required to schedule a pre -production meeting with a staffer before embarking on their first project. These requirements also apply to past years' students who never completed their training or never started producing programs. before 1/1/90. "6Teievisi® t ,dor Tom kins Cf•tunty" SOLVING THE ACCESS "SOLID WASTE" PROBLEM The change -which will affect some producers most directly_ -is that penalties for access policy violations have become significantly stricter in the area -of -production _and .cablecasting time wastage-. Series reservations now account for most evening and weekend studio time, most of the editing time in one. -of -our editing suites, and much of our cablecasting time. We_have responded to the impending saturation of our. -studio and cablecasting time by trying- to reduce - the.current high_ level _of facility wastage instead of imposing more limits on production_time [such as the limit to which a series reservation may be renewed before it is offered to someone waiting for that slot]. Wastage is caused by producers who sign up for multiple timeslots which they end_up cancelling at the last minute, a practice which has been permitted up till now. The result is that new and individual program producers -look at our schedule boards and find most "primetime" timeslots booked. We have received -numerous complaints in the past few months that "all the good [especially evening] timeslots are always booked." Really, a number of these open back up at the last minute, but that is small comfort to these producers. We hope that reducing wastage in the system by insisting that producers behave responsibly towards any reservations they make will help reduce the amount of facility limits needed to give all would-be producers a fair shot at facility time. We currently have some producers, especially series producers, who sign up for several dozen timeslots every quarter, and then cancel half or more at the last minute. For example, one series producer cancelled every weekly studio reservation in February!! These individuals sign up for lots of timeslots, and then contact their talent to see which taping date they can attend. Even after they know that, they sometimes hang on to the timeslots they don't need right up till the last minute in case the talent has a schedule change. Other producers habitually show up extremely late, take long snack or social visit breaks during their reservation period - even go out to dinner! - and waste a large portion of their reserved time. This is grossly unfair to new and individual program producers who look at schedule boards which appear to be full. The producers who have suggested to me that we should continue to permit this to occur, as it is convenient for them, and too hard for them to plan even 2 weeks ahead, don't seem to realize how inconsiderate this really is to other users, or how detrimental to our ability to offer weekly series contracts which can be renewed indefinately. Under our revised policies and current production limits, CABLE 13 still gives series producers the privilege of having first dibs on their preferred studio and editing timeslots in perpetui- ty or until the reservation is cancelled. 'What we are asking in return is that producers give us 2 weeks -notice of production time cancellations, and 3 weeks notice for cablecasting reservations [so that TV listings will be accurate]. This is now considered "sufficient notice" of cancellation, and unlimited cancellations with sufficient notice may be made with- out penalty. Remember, producers other than yourselves would like to reserve their production time more than a few days ahead, too. To account for the occasional emergencies which occur in every- one's life [talent or producer is sick, etc.], there is an allow- ance for up to 3 Short Term Cancellations [less than 2 or 3 weeks but more than 24 hours notice] per calendar quarter. After these are exceeded, or upon Blowoffs [cancellations with less than 24 hours notice], Disciplinary Action may be taken [Verbal Warning, Written Warning, 2 Week Suspension, 3 Month Suspension, over a one year period]. All together, each producer will be permitted, under this system, to make up to 12 cancellations with as little as 24 hours notice, plus 2 cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, per year without suspension of their access privileges. We believe this is ample allowance for illness and emergencies. I suggest to the several producers who have told me that.2 weeks is too long a planning horizon for them, let alone 3 months, that they change their second quarter production reservations to omit those weekly production spots which they will be frequently unlikely to use, or frequently unlikely to arrive for on time. If their production planning horizon is really that short, they should not have a weekly production slot lasting over a calendar quarter or year. They should make individual reservations for each production date only when certain of their own schedule. The only weekly reservations on our calendars should be those of producers who are really using most of them. The fact that our production facilities are free is no reason to allow some individuals to irresponsibly clog up the reservation board with timeslots which they selfishly refuse to give up to other producers except at the last minute, but which they only really need some of the time. I know that some of you are going to find this a difficult rule, but if you try to think of it from the perspective of: 1/ the point of view of the new and individual project producer, who does not have these "private fiefdoms," and 2/ a trade-off which will enable you to keep your live program, taping date or cablecast at the same timeslot indefinitely, at least for the time being I think that you will see why this policy change, while perhaps sometimes inconvenient for you, is necessary and important for the access facility as a whole if we are to remain accessable to the larger community. CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS TELEVISION CENTER American Community Cablevision Ithaca, NY Policies and Procedures Revised January 1990 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I. ACC Statement of Commitment 1 II. What is Community Access Television? 2 III. What is CABLE 13? IV. Who is Eligible to Use CABLE 13? 2 2 V. CABLE 13 Production Facilities and Support Services 3 VI. How to Get Involved: Training Offered at CABLE 13 1. When are courses offered? 4 2. Course Requirements 4 3. Certification in production skills 4 4. Certification as a producer 4 VII. Rules within the Access Building 1. Hours of Operation 5 2. General Building Rules 5 3. Production Areas 6 4. Violations 6 VIII. The Production Process and Procedures 1. Pre -Production Planning 11 2. Production Crew 11 3. Reserving Production Time 12 4. Producer Responsibilities During Facility Use 14 5. Project Completion Requirements 15 6. Producer Liability 16 7. Reserving Cablecasting Time 17 8. Producer Responsibilities for Program Cablecasting 19 9. Program Series Reservations 19 10. Program Ownership and Distribution Rights 20 11. Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 20 IX. Program Requirements 1. Technical Requirements 21 2. Playback Standards 21 3. Acknowledgements and Program Sponsorship 22 4. Content Restrictions - 24 X. Videotape Policies 1. Use of CABLE 13 Tapes for Access Productions 2. Use of Tapes Belonging to Volunteer Producers 3. Videotape Dubbing 25 26 26 XI. The Community Bulletin Board 26 XII. Appendix 1. 1988 Cable Franchise, ACC and City of Ithaca, Sec. 14 2. CABLE 13 Comprehensive Facilities Request Form 3. Cablecasting Request Form - 4. Optional Limited Liability Agreement CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 1 1. ACC Statement of Commitment American Community Cablevision provides many exciting opportunities to produce programming of interest to this community and to present that programming on Cable Channel 13. These policies and procedures have been designed to promote easy access and the proper use of the CABLE 13 studio and facilities. ACC garnered input from past access users in an attempt to minimize rules and to provide volunteers with some amount of latitude in the production of programs. ACC will impose no limits on the number of hours needed to produce a program or on program length and will exercise control over content only to the extent required by law. American Community Cablevision/ATC expects all volunteers- to adhere to the rules below. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in the suspension of volunteer privileges. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 2 II. WHAT IS COMMUNITY ACCESS TELEVISION? Community access television is an electronic window to your friends and neighbors. You can learn to use it to present your point of view about important issues, engage in two-way discussions on any subject with home viewers, present your artistic visions, or your insights on a particular segment of the community to the community at large. Community access television is an opportunity to reach most homes in the city of Ithaca and many throughout Tompkins County - some 26,000 cable subscribers - with any size message, from announcements on our Community Bulletin Board to full-scale documentaries. Community access television requires one vital ingredient to make it come alive: you! III. WHAT IS CABLE 13 CABLE 13 is the community access TV channel provided to Tompkins County residents by American Community Cablevision under the franchises for cable service between ACC, the City of Ithaca, and the other Towns and Villages of Tompkins County. Under these agreements, ACC provides a public access channel, Channel 13, as a non-profit forum for public expression and communication, open to all residents of ACC's subscriber base area (most of Tompkins and a little of northern Tioga Counties). To make possible full use of the channel, ACC provides a TV studio and staff for training and support of community producers. Channel 13 is a shared channel. It is utilized by community producers• at the access studio as well as by 2 other independent local studios: at Ithaca College and the Tompkins County Public Library. IV. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO USE CABLE 13? Opportunities to produce and/or cablecast locally produced programming are available to all citizens of ACC's franchises regardless of sex, race, religion, creed or national origin. To use CABLE 13 facilities or channel space, you must: 1. Be a resident of ACC's franchise areas (most of Tompkins and a little of northern Tioga Counties). 2. Be at least 18 years of age. The only exceptions for minors are when an adult who has completed certification as an access producer takes legal responsibility for the minor and is present during all phases of the minor's facility use. Minors using the facilities under these guidelines must be at least 14 years old. 3. Complete the training and becertified by ACC's training staff for all CABLE 13 equipment to be used. ti CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 3 V. CABLE 13 PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES V.1 Production Facilities The CABLE 13 Community Access Studio is located at 612 West Green St., Ithaca, NY, adjacent to the business offices of American Community Cablevision. It houses a complete video studio, two fully ,,equipped editing suites, a conference room and several types of portable video kits for use by community producers. Office space,- cablecasting facilities and rest rooms complete the building. All areas are accessible to the handicapped. Studio 3 3 -CCD Color Cameras; studio has Special Effects Generator, Time Base Correctors, Character Generator with disk drive, and genlocked 3/4" U -Matic and 1/2" SVHS videocassette recorders. Audio system includes 8 -input mic mixer, audio cassette deck and CD player. Editing Suites 2 Editing Suites. Each has 3/4" U -Matic and 1/2" SVHS source videocassette recorders and 3/4" record VCR. Cuts -only editing system with Time Base Corrector and Character Generator. Audio system includes phonograph, audio cassette deck and mic inputs. Conference Room / Viewing Booth The Conference Room is available for pre- and post -production meetings of volunteer crews. It is also available for viewing and logging program material. The Conference -Room contains a Videotape Viewing Booth, holding a 13" color monitor, 1/2" SVHS and 3/4" U -Matic VCRs. Portable Kits 2 3/4" Portable Kits. 4 SVHS camcorder kits. Portable mics and lighting. 2 -camera Mobile Unit with Special Effects Generator, audio mixer, and SVHS recording VCR. V.2 Support Services Three full-time staffpeople are available to train community members to use the production facilities, offer continuing production and technical consultations to producers, publicize community programs through local TV listings, and publish a regular newsletter on access happenings. Access staff are also available to speak to community groups about public access television, and to conduct tours of the facility. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 4 VI. HOW TO GET INVOLVED: TRAINING OFFERED AT CABLE 13 VI.1 When Are Courses Offered? Training classes are offered monthly, 11 times per year. Training class dates are announced regularly on the Video Bulletin Board, through the calender listings of Ithaca's local newspapers, ad spaces in the TV listings of the Ithaca Journal, and through the access center's newsletter. VI.2 Course Requirements Training classes are free. No prior experience is required or assumed. As the course begins with an orientation to the facility, it is necessary to begin with this first class, but beyond that the classes are considered modular and may be taken as the volunteer is ready to develop new production skills. VI.3 Certification in Production Skills Classes are offered in studio production, portable video and editing. Volunteers are immediately certified to work as crewmembers on access productions on any piece of equipment for which they have attended the relevant training class. Volunteers who have not used their production skills at the access facility for more than 6 months may be required to refresh their knowledge by repeating video training classes or demonstrating proficiency to staff. See training syllabus for details. VI.4 Certification as a Producer Certification as a producer at CABLE 13 enables a volunteer to schedule production time to produce a program. Volunteers may be certified as either a studio producer, a portable video producer, or both. To be certified as a producer, volunteers must have completed the training course requirements for the type of production (studio, portable and/or editing) their program will require. Certification as a producer also requires, in addition to attending classes, completing a brief "apprenticeship": working as a volunteer crewperson on a number -of other access productions. Although a producer usually will have other crewmembers helping operate cameras, directing, etc., producers still need to be certified on each piece of equipment their crew will be using. As the producer signs all production reservation forms and is responsible for production facilities during his/her reservation time slot, it is essential that he/she understand all aspects of safe use of equipment, proper breakdown procedure and building rules. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.1 Hours of Operation Pg. 5 Normal hours of operation for the CABLE 13 studios and facilities will be Monday through Saturday. Specific hours of operation are: MONDAY through FRIDAY 1p.m. to 11 p.m. and SATURDAY 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ACC may change these hours as necessary. CABLE 13 will be closed during national and company holidays. VII.2 General Building Rules VII.2.1 Only individuals having legitimate business in the access facility will be permitted in the building. CABLE 13 facilities are available for the following access production or production -related purposes only: * Studio and Editing time is available by reservation to certified producers for access TV production. * The Conference Room is available by reservation to certi- fied producers for tape logging, production meetings or press conferences for access programs. A coffeemaker is available for all volunteers and staff at all times. * The Office Area is available by appointment to volunteers for staff consultations,. and on a drop-in or call-in basis for inquiries by members of the public. The Office Area is also used for portable equipment check-in and check-out. * The Scheduling Area is available during office hours to all producers. A telephone is also available in this area for brief crew or guest calls, and a bulletin board is reserved for written messages between volunteers. Producers may each be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes per day in the scheduling area. Uses of the building other than those listed above are not permitted. For example, individuals found loitering, holding social visits or watching TV may be asked to leave. Producers are also asked to remember.. that the "common areas" of the building must be kept available as an orderly working environment for all producers and staff, and may not be monopolized by individuals. Neither the office, nor the scheduling area, nor the conference room is available as personal office space for individual access volunteers, even if the office work is related to an access program. The access studio is not to be used as a mailing address for programs or individuals; access telephones are not tools to solicit sponsors; and access staff are not to be used as a personal telephone message service for volunteers. Like- wise, using areas other than the studio to stage video productions is not ordinarily permitted. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.2 General Building Rules [cont.] Pg. 6 In addition, the following rules apply to all volunteers and guests at the access facility: VII.2.2 No smoking in the building; no alcohol on the premises. VII.2.3 Safeguard company property and services. VII.2.4 Cooperate with, and respect the rights of ACC/ATC employees and other individuals on company property. VII.2.5 Obey all parking instructions, including reservation markings and parking space delineations, in the 612 lot. Parking in the 519 parking lot is for ACC vehicles only. VII.3 Production Areas VII.3.1 No food or drink is permitted in any production area. VII.3.2 Leave the studio and equipment in the same condition as you found it. VII.3.3 Never attempt to repair or electronically alter any equipment, NO EXCEPTIONS. Report any problems with the studio or equipment promptly to CABLE 13 staff. VII.3.4 Arrive as scheduled for use of studio and equipment. Be aware that others are scheduled after you; this means you should allow for time to break down sets and props so that you can leave the production area at your scheduled time. VII.3.5 Work in a manner that assures the safety of everyone on the premises, and the safety of all CABLE 13 equipment. VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII.4.1 Immediate Eviction CABLE 13 staff may request that an individual leave the premises immediately if: 1. the individual appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if they sell or otherwise dispense alcohol or drugs. 2. the individual interferes with the orderly conduct of CABLE 13 activities or programs. 3. the individual endangers or seem to potentially endanger CABLE 13 equipment, facilities or other persons. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 7 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING V1I.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures [cont.] VII.4.2 Major Offenses The following Major Offenses against CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures will result in immediate suspension of all access privileges for 1 year. 1. Theft, vandalism, or willful damage to CABLE 13 facilities or equipment; or willful injury to or theft of the personal property of any CABLE 13 staff person, user or visitor. 2. Use or dispensation of drugs on the premises. The following Major Offenses against CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures will result in Probationary Sanctions as indicated below [Sec. VII.4.5]. 3. Willful attempts or threats to cause injury to CABLE 13 staff, users or visitors, or to CABLE 13 equipment or facilities. 4. Removal of CABLE 13 equipment from the facility without proper check-out and supervision by CABLE 13 staff. 5. Failure to return equipment through intent, negligence or theft. 6. Use of CABLE 13 equipment or facilities for private, commercial or any purpose other than cablecast on CABLE 13, without prior consent by ACC. 7. Making false or misleading statements on any CABLE 13 document. 8. Use of equipment by non -certified or probationary users. 9. Use or dispensation of alcohol on the premises. 10. Chronic and willful disregard for CABLE 13 Policies. VII.4.3 Minor Offenses The following Minor Offenses against CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures will result in Disciplinary Action as indicated below [Sec. VII.4.4] 1. Negligent misuse or abuse of CABLE 13 facilities or equipment, including: unsafe or improper use of CABLE 13 equipment, failure to return production areas to their CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 8 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII.4.3 Minor Offenses [cont.] original condition after use, or return of checked out equipment in a dirty or abused condition; unreasonable wastage of production time; disorderly conduct which staff believe could lead to injury to any persons, or to ACC premises or,.equipment. ' 2. Disorderly conduct which disrupts the working environment of the access facility for other users or staff. 3. Late return of checked out equipment without an authorized extension. 4. Cancellation of production or cablecasting reservations without sufficient notice [See Sec. VIII]. 5. Smoking or having alcohol in the building. 6. Having food or drink in any production area. 7. Attempted disassembly or repair of CABLE 13 equipment. 8. Making reservations on behalf of or transferring reservations to others. 9. False representation by user of himself or herself as an American Community Cablevision employee. 10. Failure to respect the authority of, or to cooperate with, CABLE 13 staff; harrassment of staff or other users. 11. Any other violation of CABLE 13 building rules [Sec. VII], other posted building rules or posted facility limits. VII.4.4 Disciplinary Action 1. For a first violation during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the offense will be given a Verbal Warning by CABLE 13 staff. 2. For the second violation during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the offense will receive a Written Warning. In the event that the offense is committed by a collection of individuals working on a volunteer production, the letter will be sent to the producer of the production. A copy of this warning will be sent to the Access Advisory Board. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 9 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII.4.4 Disciplinary Action [cont.] 3. For the third violation during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the offense will be suspended from all activites at the CABLE 13 studio for a period of 2 weeks. Notification will be made according to the provisions in Sec. VII.4.5.4 [Probationary Sanctions]. 4. For the fourth and subsequent violations during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the offense will be subject to Probationary Sanctions, and immediately placed on probation. VII.4.5 Probationary Sanctions 1. The first sanction will be a 90 -day suspension of CABLE 13 user privileges. 2. The second sanction will be a 1 -year suspension of CABLE 13 user privileges. 3. The third sanction will be a permanent suspension of CABLE 13 user privileges. 4. The Community Access Coordinator shall notify in writing a user receiving Probationary Sanctions of the nature of the offense and the term of the suspension resulting from the offense, within ten (10) working days of being informed of the occurence. A copy of such notification shall be sent to the Access Advisory Board. 5. ACC reserves the right to adjust the sanctions listed above in individual cases where there appears to be a good reason for doing so. An explanation of the reasons or circumstances leading to imposition -of greater or lesser sanctions will be included in the notification letter to the producer or user receiving such sanctions. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 10 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures [cont.] VII.4.6 Violation of Facility Use Requirements: In addition to the sanctions listed above, volunteers are liable to be charged an hourly rate for all production time used if they: 1. use the time for any purpose other than to produce non- commercial programming for cablecasting on the public access channel, CABLE 13. 2. fail to complete a program for cablecast within project completion deadlines (See Sec. VIII.5). Rates for use of CABLE 13 facilities under these conditions: Studio: Editing: 3/4" Portable: SVHS Portable: $110/hour $100/hour $125/day $ 50/day Any such payment must be made within 30 days of receipt of a bill from ACC explaining the violation. All privileges to use CABLE 13 facilities will be suspended from the time of notification until payment is made. VII.4.7 Appeals Process 1. In the event that any volunteer wishes to question or make suggestions to ACC regarding access policies and procedures, such suggestions should be submitted in writing to ACC. A copy may be submitted to the Access Advisory Board. 2. In the event that a volunteer wishes to question or challenge any policy decision of ACC regarding them, they may appeal -the decision as follows: 1. A written letter of appeal should be sent by the volunteer to ACC. A copy may be sent to the Access Advisory Board. The letter should outline the reason that the volunteer feels that the ACC policy decision was unjustified. 2. ACC will accept additional supporting materials and advice from the Access Advisory Board when considering any appeal. This material should be in writing. 3. ACC will respond to a letter of appeal, in writing, within two weeks of receipt of such letter. ACC's decision will be binding. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 11 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.1 Pre -Production Planning The more planning you do before a production, the more polished the results will be. Pre -production planning includes deciding on your "talent", sets, lighting, costumes, make-up, props, scripting, planning your video/audio transitions between program elements, credits, videotape stock, crew assignments, logistics for setting up equipment in field shoots, planning camera angles for studio cameras, music, information for character generator screens - in sum, a host of elements which can mean the difference between a smoothly orchestrated production and total chaos. VIII.1.1 CABLE 13 staff are available for pre -production planning consultations by appointment. All community producers are encouraged to use access staff to help them get the most from the CABLE 13 production facilities. VIII.1.2 Pre -production consultations with CABLE 13 staff are required for first-time producers and for producers working under an Extended Video Completion Contract [Sec.VIII.5]. For other productions, staff consultations are optional. VIII.2 Production Crew VIII.2.1 Producers are responsible for organizing their own crews. VIII.2.2 CABLE 13 keeps a regularly updated Volunteer Call List of volunteers trained in our various production areas. This Call List is posted in the access center, and may be used by producers to make crew contacts. A requirement of the training process is to make one's name and telephone number available to this list. Volunteers are free, of course, to accept or refuse any requests for crew assistance. VIII.2.3 Producers and volunteers may request assistance and consultations from CABLE 13 staff, but may not expect staff to serve as crew on their productions. VIII.2.4 Minimum Crew Sizes: 2 people for 3/4" portable kit work. 1 person for camcorders. For the studio, there is no set minimum, except that there must be one trained cameraperson operating each studio camera in use, plus at least one person in the control room. Unmanned, or "robot" cameras, may be used with the express permission of CABLE 13 staff only. CABLE 13 'staff will cancel on the spot any production observed to be proceeding without adequate crew. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.3 Reserving Production Time Pg. 12 VIII.3.1 Permissable Use of Production Facilities: Facility time may be reserved without charge for production of non-commercial programs intended to be cablecast on the community access channel only. VIII.3.2 Who May Sign Out Facility Time: The access facilities may be signed out by any certified access producer. For certification requirements, see the CABLE 13 Training Manual. Practice time on facilities may also be signed out, under conditions outlined in the Training Manual, by new trainees; However, priority will be given to volunteers producing programming. VIII.3.3 Allocation of Production Time: Access production facilities time will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. VIII.3.4 Production Time Limits: Limits on daily/weekly/monthly production reservation time per producer may be imposed to preserve availability of production facilities for all. Any limits on production time per producer will be posted in the access center. Please note that this does not affect stand-by reservations (less than 24 hours ahead). VIII.3.5 Reservation Procedure: Production reservations may be ,made during hours of operation of the center. Production reservations may be made no more than 3 calendar months in advance. To reserve studio, editing, conference room, or portable facilities you must: - have a Comprehensive Individual or Series Project Request Form. These are issued to certified producers by access staff. The form must be fully completed and signed. - Add individual reservations as needed to the form. Each entry must be completed and signed to be valid. - add your reservation to appropriate schedule calender (instructions at access office) CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.3 Reserving Production Time [cont.] Pg. 13 VIII.3.6 Special Production Privileges: "Good Standing" Any certified producer may start one individual access project. But the following are considered special privileges, extended only to producers in,"good standing":. 1/ to start more than one project at a time; 2/ to schedule a taped program to be cablecast in advance of its actual completion; 3/ to start a program series. A certified producer who has demonstrated the ability to complete at least one initial access project is automatically "in good standing." Producers are considered to be "not in good standing" if: 1/ they have received have received probationary sanctions; producers are again in "good standing" when their probationary period is ended [See Sec. VII..4]; 2/ they have an incomplete project which is past its completion deadline [See Sec.VIII.5]; producers are again in "good standing" when the incomplete project is finished and scheduled to be cablecast; 3/ they have damaged or lost access equipment or property through negligence and are in arrears in repayment [See Sec. VIII.6], or are liable for payment to ACC for use of access facilities for other than non-commercial access use [Sec. VII.4]; producers are again in "good standing" when the repayment is complete or on schedule. 4/ they have made an excessive number of individual or series program cancellations without sufficient notice [See Sec. VIII.7.]; the producer is again in "good standing" at the end of the 6 month probationary period. A producer who loses his/her "good standing" while involved in a series or multiple projects is still obligated to complete all projects which have been started. VIII.3.7 Schedule Confirmation/Conflicts: All reservations are subject to access staff approval. In the event of any scheduling conflict due to accidental double -booking, holidays, etc., staff will do everything possible to resolve conflicts to all parties' satisfaction. Staff decisions will be final. VIII.3.8 Transferring Production Time: Production reservations are not transferrable. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 14 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.3.9 Cancellation of Production Reservations: 1. Cancellation with Sufficient Notice Cancellations of production reservations with more than two weeks notice may be made without predjudice at any time. A written note to staff or message on the access office answering machine is sufficient means of notification. 2. Short Term Cancellation Cancellations of production reservations with 24 hours to two weeks notice are considered Short Term Cancellations. Up to 3 such cancellations may be made per calendar quarter per producer without penalty. Upon the fourth Short Term Cancellation in any quarter, Disciplinary Action may be taken [Sec. VII.4]. 3. "Blowoffs" Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, or failure to arrive or call within 15 minutes of reservation time, cancels a reservation and is considered a "blowoff." Upon any "blowoff," Disciplinary Action may be taken. [Sec. VII.4] VIII.4 Producer Responsibilities During Facility Use VIII.4.1 All producers must sign appropriate forms accepting responsibility for damage to CABLE 13 equipment or facilities, caused by themselves or members of their crew, during their production reservations. VIII.4.2 Producers are responsible for making sure that there are sufficient crewpersons for their production [Sec.VIII.2]. VIII.4.3 Producers are responsible for making sure that all production personnel have been certified by CABLE 13 staff for the use of CABLE 13 facilities and equipment. VIII.4.4 Producers are responsible for making sure that everyone - in the crew follows all safety and operational procedures- as outlined in the ACC Video Workshop, as well as all building and production area rules (Sec. VII). VIII.4.5 Producers are responsible for obtaining legal releases for all persons and copyrighted material in their programs. VIII.4.6 Producers or alternate producers must be present during their production reservation periods. Absence of the producer or alternate producer invalidates a production reservation. VIII.4.7 Producers are responsible for completing and scheduling for cablecast each program they start. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 15 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.5 Project Completion Requirements VIII.5.1 Completion Deadline Requirement To insure that the access facilities are being used for production of programs to be cablecast on the access channel, and to insure that production time is allocated fairly and not wasted on projects in which the producer loses interest or never finishes, all video projects must have a completion deadline. This is the date by which a project must be completed and scheduled for cablecast. It is important to evaluate carefully how long you estimate a project will take to complete, as non -completion within the project's deadline can result in your tape being recycled and you being billed for the production time you have used. [See Sec. VII.4 and X.1] VIII.5.2 Project Completion Deadline The default deadline is 30 days from the first production reservation until the program is scheduled for cablecast. VIII.5.3 Extended Video Completion Contract Producers who would like to undertake a project which they foresee will take more than 30 days to complete may arrange for an Extended Video Completion Contract. This contract allows the producer to set a schedule appropriate to the needs of a particular project. There is no set limit for how long you may take to complete a project under this agreement, however there are several extra requirements. The procedure is as follows: 1. The producer fills out the Extended Video Completion Contract, stating how much production and post -production time will be needed, the project completion date, and attaching an outline of the project. 2. The producer makes an appointment with a CABLE 13 staffmember to discuss the project. At this time, the staffmember may request a more complete script be prepared and submitted, depending on the complexity of the project and the level of experience of the producer. 3. After the script or outline is approved, the staffmember and producer will sign the contract. The producer must still reserve all production time used as described in Sec. VIII.3. 4. If you find that you are approaching the completion date for your project and will need more time, contact the CABLE 13 staff to request a completion extension. Exten- sions may be granted at staff discretion. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 16 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.6 Producer Liability VIII.6.1 Volunteer producers are responsible for any damage to the facilities and equipment issued to them, except in the case of ordinary wear and tear, and mechanical breakdown through causes not the fault of the operator. This includes damage caused by members of their crew. In order to give producers the opportunity to protect themselves to some extent from the results of a costly accident, ACC offers two optional limited liability insurance plans for negligent damage to equipment: Plan 1: $15 per year will limit the volunteer's liability for repair and/or replacement to $250 for each individual use of equipment. Plan 2: $25 per year will limit the volunteer's liability for repair and/or replacement of equipment to $125 for each individual use. VIII.6.2 These insurance plans are a service for producers. They are in no way intended as a fee, they required for use of CABLE 13 facilities. CABLE- 13 nor are VIII.6.3 The annual fee amounts are subject to increase along with increases in the Consumer Price Index. VIII.6.4 Producers who do not elect the damage waiver policy are ,fully liable for all negligent damage or loss of equipment signed out to them. ACC reserves the right to determine the proper course of treatment (repair or replacement) for damaged equipment, and to bill this amount to the responsible volunteer. VIII.6.5 Terms of Payment: Payment of any repair or replacement fees shall be made in full no later than 30 days from the date of a bill from ACC stating the damage caused, the type of repair or replacement required, and the cost for such repair or replacement. A volunteer producer wishing to arrange for an extended payment plan for such a damage fee may contact the access office. An extended payment schedule may be made at ACC's discretion. If a damage fee obtained agreement days following the to the use of facilities will be remains unpaid and the producer has not on an extended payment plan within the 30 receipt of a bill for damage, all rights CABLE 13 production and cablecasting suspended until the bill is paid. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 17 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.? Reserving Cablecasting Time VIII.7.1 When is cablecasting time available? Cablecasting time is available during regularly scheduled CABLE 13 cablecasting hours. These hours will be posted in the access center. They are subject to change in accordance with volunteer needs and needs of other users of channel 13. VIII.7.2 Cablecasting priorities Cablecasting time -slots are available on a first-come, first served basis. All programs will be cablecast a minimum of one (1) time and maximum of two (2) times at the program producer's request, but may be reshown at ACC's discretion. The first two plays of a program are considered its "premier." Cablecasting requests are subject to the following criteria: new programs (premieres) take priority over repeat programming; locally produced programs take priority to programs produced outside ACC's franchise area. Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the New York State Commission on Cable Television (9 NYCRR Subtitle R) at subsection 595.4 (b) (2) (i) the hour between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM shall be reserved for the use of the State of New York government access when requested. VIII.7.3 Cablecasting request deadlines There is no deadline for submission of cablecasting requests; however, any cablecasting request which would involve displacing previously scheduled programming [such as a producer of a premier local program requesting a slot filled by a rerun or non -locally produced program] must be made a minimum of three weeks in advance, to insure accuracy of CABLE 13's local TV listings. VIII.7.4 Cablecasting reservation procedure Cablecasting time may be reserved by submitting the proper reservation form accompanied by the completed program tape. CABLE 13 staff are available to assist the producer in selecting cablecasting timeslots. Live program reservations must be accompanied by a reservation for studio time for the half hour before through the half hour after the program. Taped programs may be scheduled in advance of their completion by producers in good standing [Sec. VIII.3.6]. In the event that the program is not played when scheduled, ACC will reschedule it. VIII.7.5 Local TV listings ACC will provide local newspapers with program listings. Please note that the the Ithaca Journal has deadlines for TV listings submissions. Check with access staff for more information on current deadlines for TV Listings. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 18 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.7 Reserving Cablecasting Time [cont.] VIII.7.6 Programs with adult themes, language or images: Programs classified as "adult" will be eligible to be cable - cast after 10:00 pm only on CABLE 13 cablecasting evenings, preceded by a content warning. A program will be classified as "adult" if it contains harsh profanity, or sexually explicit images. ACC reserves the right to cablecast content warnings before any programs which may contain language or visuals inappropriate for children. ACC reserves the right to preview taped programs which access staff believe may contain content restricted material. VIII.7.7 Cancellation of Cablecasting Reservations 1. Cancellation with Sufficient Notice Cancellation of individual or series cablecasting dates made with at least three (3) weeks notice may be made without predjudice at any time. Cancellations may be made in person or via a telephone message to the access office. 2. Cancellations with Insufficient Notice: Short Term Cancellations Cancellation of individual or series cablecasting dates with less than three weeks notice may be made up to 3 times in any calendar quarter scheduling period without penalty. Upon the fourth such cancellation, Excessive Cancellation Penalties may be imposed [VIII.7.7.4, below]. 3. Cancellations Without Notice Failure to deliver a program for cablecasting or to notify access staff of a cancellation on two (2) or more occasions during any calendar quarter when it has been scheduled to be shown may result in Excessive Cancellation Penalties being imposed [VIII.7.7.4, below]. 4. Penalties for Excessive Cancellations with Insufficient Notice Excessive cancellations of individual or series cablecasting reservations, as described above [Sec. VIII.7.7.2 and VIII.7.7.3] may result in the following penalties: - In the case of program series, the series cablecasting and production reservations will be cancelled. - The producer will be given a 6 month suspension of eligibility for reserving series production and cablecasting time -slots. Production and cablecasting time will be permitted on a single program basis only for this period. - The producer loses his or her "good standing." [Sec.VIII.3.6] until the end of this 6 month period. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 19 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.8 Producer Responsibilities for Program Cablecasting VIII.8.1 Responsibility for Program Content By signing the cablecasting request form, the producer accepts full responsibility for the content of his/her program. This includes responsibility for having the appropriate releases for use of talent and copyrighted material. This also includes the responsibility to avoid content -restricted material (commercial or obscene, as outlined in Sec. IX.4), or to have programs which may include "adult" material [described in Sec. VIII.7.6] previewed by CABLE 13 staff and scheduled during "adult" cablecasting hours, if appropriate. All cablecasting forms, and labels on all tapes being cablecast, must include accurate contact information (address and/or telephone number) for producers. CABLE 13 will give this information out on request to members of the public making inquiries about CABLE 13 programs. All programs must include the name(s) of the producer(s) in their program credits. Pseudonyms are not acceptable. Access staff will maintain'a written log of all comments about access programs received by members of the public. Copies of such comments will be forwarded to the program producers and the Access Advisory Board. VIII.8.2 Responsibility for Meeting Program Standards The producer is responsible for making sure that the finished program meets CABLE 13 program standards, as outlined in Sec. IX. VIII.9 Program Series Reservations VIII.9.1 Eligibility for producing a program series A certified producer will be permitted to begin a program series, provided he or she has demonstrated an ability to complete the planned series- of programs.--• Eligibility requires that the producer be in good standing and that either: 1) the producer has produced a regular series of programs at CABLE 13 previously, or 2) the completion and cablecasting of a pilot program. VIII.9.2 Term of program series Production and cablecasting times may be reserved on a monthly or quarterly basis for a program series. Producers in good standing have first option to renew their program series reservations at the beginning of each calendar quarter scheduling period. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 20 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.9 Program Series Reservations [cont.] VIII.9.3 Types of program series A series program may be live or pre-recorded. It may be scheduled to be cablecast weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. A "first -run" cablecasting time and one rerun of each show in the series may be scheduled. VIII.9.4 Other requirements Series programs are subject to the same program and scheduling requirements as individual programs. VIII.10 Program Ownership and Distribution Rights Program ownership rights belong exclusively to the producer of the CABLE 13 program, except for the following rights of CABLE 13/ACC: VIII.10.1 CABLE 13 reserves the right to maintain a copy of the program for its archive - the original program master, if the program was produced on CABLE 13 tape stock, or a copy otherwise. VIII.10.2 CABLE 13 reserves the right to rerun the program on the access channel, and to use short clips from the program in compiling promotional material and contest submissions for the access center. VIII.10.3 Producers may not distribute the program in any form for sale or income for a period of one (1) year from its initial cablecasting date without the express written permission of ACC. Submission of access programs in non- profit video festivals or contests which may have honoraria or other prizes is specifically exempt from the definition of "distribution for sale or income." Submission of tapes for consideration for grants to cover production costs is permitted; such grants are subject to the same requirements as other program sponsors. VIII.11 Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 Persons or organizations wishing to submit completed programs for cablecasting on the access channel must: VIII.11.1 Be a resident of ACC's franchise area. In the case of an organization, the program must be submitted by representatives of a branch located in the franchise area. VIII.11.2 Complete a cablecasting request form and submit this, along with the program tape. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 21 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.11 Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 [cont.] VIII.11.3 Observe cablecasting procedures and responsibilities (See Sec. VIII.? thru VIII.9) as well as program require- ments (See Sec. IX, below). Locally -produced programming has priority in scheduling over non -locally -produced programming. Please note that locally -produced, premier programming can "bump" or displace non -locally produced programming if such a request is made at least three weeks in advance. VIII.11.4 Provide information for a tag at the beginning and end of theprogram stating the local sponsor for the program. IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IX.1 Technical Standards In order to insure the quality of CABLE 13's cablecasting signal, programs must meet the following minimum technical standards: IX.1.1 3/4" U -Matic, S -VHS and VHS video formats will be accepted for cablecasting. VHS tapes must be recorded in Standard Play mode. IX.1.2 Video signal errors must be correctable by CABLE 13 Time Base Correctors. IX.1.3 Audio signals must be within normal levels: sufficient to produce a relatively noise -free playback, with minimal distortion. Recommended audio level is between -10 and Ddb. IX.1.4 Videotapes which have been physically damaged will not be eligible for playback, as they may in turn cause damage to playback equipment. IX.2 Playback Standards Program tapes must conform to the following playback standards: IX.2.1 Programs should be preceded by: - at least 30 seconds of color bars - a ten second countdown - 1 second of video black IX.2.2 Programs should be followed by: - at least 60 seconds of video black CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 22 IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IX.2 Playback Standards [cont.] IX.2.3 Programs must be labeled both on the tape cassette and on the spine of the cassette box with: - name of producer - telephone number of producer - name of program, - length of program (hours:minutes:seconds) - cablecasting date and time IX.2.4 When more than one program is on a tape, a log sheet should be included in the tape box to assist the playback operator in locating the scheduled show. IX.2.5 Limits on program length There are no set limits on program length, except that: - programs must fall within the time slots for which their producers have scheduled them. - .To allow for channel ID and Public Service Announcements between programs during cablecasting, program lengths are subject to the following limits: programs scheduled for a 15 minute slot must not exceed 14:00 minutes. Programs scheduled for a 30 minute slot must not exceed 28:30 min. Programs scheduled for a 60 minute slot must not exceed 57:00 min. in length. Programs which exceed their time slots in length will be cut to allow succeeding programs to run in accordance with their scheduled time slots. IX.3 Acknowledgements and Program Sponsorship IX.3.1 Acknowledgements Producers must acknowledge all considerations, monetary or in-kind, received in production of a program in the program credits. A11 programs produced using CABLE 13 facilities must include the following acknowledgement at the end of the program: Produced at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio of American Community Cablevision, Ithaca, NY IX.3.2 Guidelines and Restrictions for Program Sponsorship 1. Definition of program sponsor A sponsor is defined as an individual or organization not directly involved in the production of an access program, who contributes money or goods to cover production expenses CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 23 IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IX.3 Acknowledgements and Program Sponsorship IX.3.2 Guidelines and Restrictions for Program Sponsorship [cont] and who receives acknowledgement in the program credits. Sponsors may be a non-profit granting agency, a corporation, group or individual. 2. Who may seek program sponsors Any access producer may solicit sponsors to help cover the production expenses of their program. No access producer is required to do so. 3. Definition of access production expenses Production expenses may include cash, goods, services or labor used to produce an access program. Examples of produc- tion expenses might be: tape, props or sets, transportation, rental fees, talent fees, publicity materials, or payment to crewmembers for hours worked on access productions. 4. Format for Acknowledgement Acknowledgement of any such underwriting, whether in dollars or in kind must follow the following guidelines: - The acknowledgement may be made at the beginning and must be made at the end of the program only, as part, of the program credits. For programs of over 1 hour 15 minutes'in length, one additional sponsor credit may be made at the approximate midpoint of the program. - The acknowledgement should take one of the following forms: "Partial support provided by ABC Corp."; "Additional funding provided by ABC Corp."; "Sponsored in part by ABC Corp.;" "Clothing provided by ABC Corp. - No further information, other than the name of the sponsor, and an organizational logo graphic, may be given. The-exteriorof a business establishment may not. be used. - Acknowledgements may not exceed 10 seconds each in length. IX.3.3 Sponsor Agreement A CABLE 13 Access Sponsor Agreement form must be completed and placed on file at the access studio for each sponsor of an access program. These forms become a part of the required producer documentation for the sponsored program. Access Sponsor Agreement Forms are available through CABLE 13 staff. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS [cont.] IX.4 Content Restrictions Pg. 24 IX.4.1 In accordance with national, state and local regulations, ACC will not exercise editorial control of program content on CABLE 13 in any way, except to prohibit programing which: 1. contains commercial material, including programs which: - promote a commercial product, service or company - offer lotteries or other games of chance - contain advertising by or on behalf of candidates for public office 2. is obscene IX.4.2 ACC may review programs before cablecasting. ACC reserves the right to cablecast programs judged as "adult" after 10 pm, [see Sec. VIII.7.6] and to refuse cablecasting time to programs deemed obscene. Producers who are in doubt as to whether their program may be affected by any of the above restrictions are encouraged to consult with access staff. IX.4.3 Non-commercial Guidelines for Non -Profit Organizations Representatives of non-profit organizations are welcome on CABLE 13. They may, in their capacity as non-profit reps, describe their organizations, including fundraisers and benefit events. They can include address and telephone numbers of the organization for more information, but may not include: - ticket prices or detailed ticket purchasing information; - ticket purchase solicitation; - solicitations of financial contributions, donations or other payments. IX.4.4 Non-commercial Guidelines for For -Profit Organizations Representatives from for-profit entities (companies, consultants) may appear on or produce access programs and may, as representatives of their organizations, discuss their fields of expertise. Documentary or 'review' programs which include a discussion of a for-profit entity are permitted when: they discuss a for-profit entity, not for the purpose of promoting a product, but rather to discuss issues. In these cases, the company representative can be labelled with a character generated title giving the name of the company represented. Again, only a tag at the end of each program is permitted, such as "For more information, call or write:" Showing or discussing products for sale, prices, sales-, hours of operation, slogans, or logo graphics is not permitted. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 25 X. VIDEOTAPE POLICIES X.1 Use of CABLE 13 Tapes for Access Productions As you are aware, the videotape you use today may have been used by someone before you and it may be used by someone after you. This means tapes must be recycled as efficiently as possible. In order to assure that we are capable of meeting the tape needs of CABLE 13 volunteers, the following procedures will be followed with CABLE 13 tape stock: X.1.1 Producers may request up to 2 hours of 3/4" tape plus 2 hours of SVHS tape for their series or project, subject to availability. Producers are also welcome to use their own tape for projects and keep them at the access studio, provided no more than 4 tapes per producer are being held at the studio at one time. X.1.2 Tapes will be issued with Project Code letters for each producer, and kept on a Project Hold Shelf, to aid in tape organization. X.1.3 Volunteers are responsible for all tapes issued to them, including replacement of any lost tapes with new tapes of the same type. Tapes may not be removed from the access facility except when checked out on a portable production request form or by permission of CABLE 13 staff. X.1.4 Videotape recycling: 1. Raw footage will not be held past deadline. (See Sec. VIII.5, above) 2. Finished programs will be held no cablecasting. the project completion more than 30 days after 3. Tapes will be erased 30 days after these without notice, except for tapes being used for a program series. X.2 Use of Tapes Belonging to Volunteer Producers deadlines continuing Volunteers are welcome to use their own tapes for their productions. However, ACC reserves the right to refuse permission to use any tape which its engineers feel are of a poor enough quality to potentially damage equipment. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 26 X. VIDEOTAPE POLICIES [cont.] X.3 Videotape Dubbing X.3.1 Producers may request a single 3/4", VHS or SVHS copy of their program. These copies will be made by CABLE 13 staff, usually during cablecasting. Producers must submit a cued, labeled videotape prior to playback of their program. X.3.2 Dubbing request procedure With the exception of this single producer copy, copies of access programs may be requested as follows: 1. No copy of an access program will be made without the express permission of the producer. 2. Rates for copies on VHS, SVHS or 3/4" are: $10 for 1 program of up to 30 minutes in length $10 for each additional 0 - 30 minutes, or for each additional program of less than 30 minutes. This fee does not include the cost of the tape. CABLE 13 does not provide tape for dubbing purposes. 3. Any tape submitted to CABLE 13 for dubbing must be cued to the point where the dub is to start, labeled with the name of the desired program, and the name/telephone number of the person requesting the dub. 4. A dubbing request form must be filled out and submitted along with the tape. These forms are available at the access office. 5. Copies will be completed within two weeks, and held for pickup at the access office. XI. THE COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD The Community Bulletin Board is a scrolling. electronic calender of upcoming community events. It is available to all local non-profit groups. Space is limited to a few lines of text: what, when, and where the event will be held, and a contact telephone number, if desired. We have a limited amount of space on the Bulletin Board, and try to include as many events as we can. The length of time an entry may be listed on the Bulletin Boarddepends upon the number of events submitted to us. No guarantees can be made as to the length of time an entry can be run. Usually, notices are put up a day or two before the event. To submit an item for the Community Bulletin Board, simply send the information on a post card to: COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures: Appendix 1988 Franchise Agreement between American Community Cablevision and the City of Ithaca, Sec. 14 XIV ACCESS CHANNELS AND SERVICES 14.1 In order to develop and promote public, educational and governmental access prograttuning for the system's access channels and institutional services, ACC hereby agrees to provide the following: A. (1) Nine downstream channels shall be designated for public, governmental, and educational access. The access channels shall be available for use by New York State, local governments, educational institutions, or members of the general public for education and public service programming, municipal services and local expression. (2) The public, governmental, and educatia.nal access channels shall be available on a first-come, first- served basis at no charge to any individual, association, or organization desiring to utilize them. (3) Any PEG access. channels unused by the City three years after the rebuild is complete shall revert to ACC, provided that if community needs subsequently require the use of any such channel, ACC will return said channel to the City six (6) months after receiving written notice if ACC has a use for the channel and immediately if. there is no use for the channel. B. Upon the request of the City, ACC shall interconnect the access channels of the Cable Communications System with neighboring cable systems in Tompkins County. -15- C. EQUIPMENT (1) Local Programming Equipment.. In instances, as set forth in Appendix (D], .where the use of local origination equipment is shared with access, this equipment shall be made available to access users free of charge at such times as the facilities are open and where the equipment is not being utilized for local origination productions. All local programming equipment shall remain the property of ACC but shall be made available for access use by the City of Ithaca, local institutions and residents and surrounding ACC System residents. (2) Public, Governmental and Educational Access Equipment. New public, governmental and educational access equipment (PEG) with a purchase value of $165,000 shall be purchased by ACC for additions to existing access equipment inventory listed in Appendix (E]. ACC shall prepare an equipment purchase list for City approval within sixty (60) days. of the receipt of the 'Franchise. All equipment purchased shall be new and shall be purchased and installed by March 1, 1989. (3) Access Equipment Ownership and Availability. All access equipment shall remain the property of ACC but shall be made available for access use by the City of Ithaca, local institutions and residents and surrounding ACC system residents. On. an average annual basis ACC has agreed to provide 2% 'of Gross City Revenues for capital PEG access equipment replacement and expansion. Any future access equipment replacement and expansion commitments that are made by ACC to municipalities served by the,same headend as the City of Ithaca, will be deducted to a floor of one percent of .gross City revenues. All access equipment shall be available to access users on a first priority basis before local origination users. (4) Equipment Maintenance. PEG, municipal access and local origination equipment will be maintained and/or replaced by ACC in a manner consistent with good operating practice. Maintenance of that equipment will be done on site, or at any ACC facility, or at a manufacturer's repair facility in a reasonable timely manner. D. ACC shall maintain in its local programming studios in the' City of Ithaca the equipment specified in (B) above. -16- ACC shall adopt business hours which shall provide for the use of the studio at a minimum of sixty (60) hours a week between the hours of 9 a.cn. and 11 p.m., including some evening hours and some hours on Saturdays. ACC shall offer additional weekday or weekend hours as community needs dictate. 14.2 ACC shall establish rules to insure that the studio(s) and portable equipment are available equitably to the governmental, educational and public sectors. Rules for public access should assure the availability of the studio(s) and portable equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. Any changes to current access rules shall be established by ACC within three months of the Franchise award, and ACC shall file those rules with the New York State Commission on Cable Television. Any further changes thereafter shall also be filed with the New York State Commission on Cable Television. Such rules shall at all times include the following provisions. A. Procedures for scheduling the use of television production equipment and for scheduling the cablecasting of programming on the channel(s) designated for the purposes enumerated in paragraph A above; B. Procedures for registering and resolving complaints regarding channel availability, priorities and usage. 14.3 ADDITIONAL ACCESS REQUIREMENTS. The following requirements shall also apply to access use: A. Channel time shall be available on a first come, first serve nondiscriminatory basis, except as provided in the rules of the New York State Commission on Cable Television; B. No charges shall be paid for the use of production equipment facilities and personnel; C. Records shall be maintained of the use of the designated television channels, including the names and addresses of persons and organizations providing programming for such channels; such record shall be available locally for public inspection and retained for a minimum of two years; D. Designated channels shall not be used for the promotion or sale of commercial products or services, including advertising by or on behalf of•candidates for public office. 14.4 ACC shall provide adequate programming and technical staffing for the maintenance and operation of the access channels, facilities, studio and equipment, and the provision of -17- " access services as required in the•franchise and as contained in J the franchise proposal. ACC shall provide, at a minimum, two full-time access staff people at the time of the Franchise award, and an additional full-time access staff person at the completion of the rebuild (no later than March 1, 1989),•and a fourth full- time access staff person at the beginning of year five of the Franchise, and a fifth full-time staff person at the beginning of year ten of the Franchise. ACC shall have the right to petition the Cable. Commission in 1991 and 1996 to have the requirement to employ the fourth and/or fifth access staff person waived, which 'waiver shall not be granted in any event if community needs support the position. 14.5 ACC shall provide adequate training for access users free of charge. At a minimum, ACC shall provide monthly access production and editing training classes, provided that community interest of five or more residents in any given month exists. At no time will a resident be requested to wait over two months for training. The two training classes will each be approximately nine hours in duration. 14.6 ACC, at a minimum, shall provide each sub•;criber information on the ' availability of the access channels, production equipment, training and ACC's addressandtelephone number on.a regular basis. Access programs shall be announced in the cable guide based on reasonable rules for timely J submissions. ACC will also advertise programs and access services in newspapers of local circulation. ACC shall conduct facility tours and maintain a speaker's bureau to provide informational presentations to local organizations and institutions. Additional outreach activities will be conducted as described in ACC's proposal. ACC shall ensure the development and propagation of public, governmental and educational access as a vital community resource. 14.7 ACC will cablecast the monthly Common Council meetings and not less than two (2) of the five (5) Standing Committees of Council meetings on a rotating monthly basis. 14.8 ACC shall provide access users with the following access damage waiver policy for negligent damage to equipment. Negligent damage shall not include ordinary wear and tear, and mechanical breakdown through causes not the fault of the operator. A. An annual payment of $15 - will -reduce the volunteer's total liability for equipment damage and repair to $250 for each individual use of the equipment. Such annual payment may be increased by ACC consistent with increases in the Consumer Price Index. B. An annual payment of $25 will reduce the volunteer's total liability for equipment damage and repair to $125 for each individual use. Such annual payment may be increased by ACC consistent with increases in the Consumer Price Index. C. ACC may require access users, who do not elect the damage waiver policy to be fully liable for damage to equipment. 14.9 ACC shall support the creation and maintenance of an Access Advisory Board, to consist of nine (9) members: three (3) City residents (two to be appointed by the City, one to be appointed by ACC), two (2) non -City residents (one to be appointed by the City, one to be appointed by ACC), two (2) representatives of institutional access users. (both to be appointed by the City), and one (1) ACC representative and one (1) City representative. The ACC representative and City representative will be non-voting members. The City Cable Commission shall designate one of the members of the Advisory Board to serve as Chair. The Board shall schedule regular - meetings as it deems appropriate. Four (4) members shall: constitute a quorum. The Advisory Hoard shall report regularly to the City Cable Commission. If at any time the City Cable Comimission determines that the Advisory Board is no longer effective or necessary, the Cable Conunission may dissolve the Board and its duties and responsibilities shall revert to the City Cable Commission. The Adivosry Board shall review and monitor all access policies and procedures but will remain advisory in nature. ACC shall consult with the Advisory Board on the purchase of equipment, the studio hours available for access users, and access rules. ACC shall provide quarterly reports to the Board on the purchase and maintenance of equipment, the schedules of access staff, and the use of studio time. XV INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK 15.1 ACC will construct and maintain a midsplit 300 megahertz institutional network that will connect the following buildings: City Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins County Library, Ithaca High School, Boynton Junior High School, The Alternative School, Ithaca Youth Bureau, GIAC, Police Headquarters, Central Fire and the Bus Garage. The I -net shall. be capable of being interconnected at the headend to the subscriber network. ACC will provide the City with eight upstream and eight downstream channels, free drops and necessary video converters to all aforementioned locations at no charge for the duration of the Franchise. For purposes of this section, an upstream channel shall be a channel which can transmit from institutional and other locations on the I -net to the headend and -19- other points on the I -net. Any channels unused by the City three years after the institutional network is activated will revert to ACC provided that if the City subsequently has a use for any such channel ACC will return said channel(s) to the City six (6) months after receiving written notice if ACC has a use for the channel and immediately if there is no use of the channel. ACC. will have the same liability for I-net.users that the telephone company has for telephone users. ACC will respond to repair calls for the I -net within two (2) hours. For requests received during non -business hours the City or other I -net users will pay ACC $40 per hour for such service. Such hourly fee may be raised by ACC annually consistent with increases in the Consumer Price Index. For requests received during business hours there will be no charge. ACC shall provide scrambling services to I -net users as reasonably requested. 15.2 ACC shall maintain existing dedicated cables to sites for originating local programming (City Hall, Ithaca College and Tompkins County Library). During the rebuild, ACC shall install and thereafter maintain dedicated cable or cables to the following additional locations for originating local programming: Ithaca High School,Boynton Junior High School, The Alternative School, Ithaca Youth Bureau, GIAC and Cornell University. The origination site at Cornell University shall be selected by Cornell. 15.3 Existing agreements with the City for use of the Cable Communications System, such as the City's fire .alarm system, shall be continued by ACC for the term of this Franchise. 15.4 ACC shall provide an all channel audio emergency alert system to the City. The initiation site for emergency messages shall be the Central Fire Station. ACC shall provide a telephone line activation system for the emergency alert system. 15.5 Upon activation of the upstream capacity on the Cable Communications System, one upstream channel shall be designated for City and public sector uses. The City shall designate appropriate uses and users for the upstream channel designated for the City. For purposes of thissection, an upstream channel shall be a channel which can transmit upstream from subscriber homes or other locations on the cable system to :the headend and other points on the system. xvI SUBSCRIBER AND USER RIGHTS 16.1 At the time an installation or service agreement is to be signed, ACC shall furnish to each subscriber a simple but CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Section I: Project Information Program Start Date Program Completion Deadline (completion deadline is 30 days unless you have an Extended Video Completion Contract; see staff for details) Project Length Producer Name Address Project Tape Code Program Working Title Tel. Program Format: Live Tape Secticn II: Instructions 1. About This Form This form is intended to .perform several functions. It is intended to: reserve facility time for volunteer producers;. provide a comprehensive 'master log of the production time used to complete each community access program; enable staff to assure that production facilities are used to complete programs for access cablecast; provide legal records required under our franchises o.f community use of the access facilities. There are two versions of this form: one for program series and one for individual programs. To be eligible to use this form, you must be a trained studio or portable producer. This means that you must be over 18 years old, have completed the training class(es) for the facilities you wish to use, have attended a producer seminar, and have completed an apprenticeship assisting other access producers. If this is your first access project, you must also meet with access staff for a pre—production meeting. Facility reservations for only one project may be entered on this form. If you start another access project, you must start another comprehensive form to -record those production dates. Comprehensive reservation forms are issued by CABLE 13 staff at the initiation of each project. 2. Reservation Procedure: 1/ Fill out Section I completely. Project Tape Code refers to a code letter given to access tapes issued to you for use in producing your program. If your project will take more than 30 days CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Pg. 2 to complete, you must also complete an Extended Video Completion Contract and schedule a pre -production meeting with access staff to have it approved. 2/ Read Section II and III thoroughly and sign the Producer Responsibilities Contract (Section III). The provisions of this contract apply to each individual use of the access facilities. 3/ Section IV lets you reserve individual production dates. For each production reservation, fill in the date, times, and type of production facility used. Your signature next, to each of these reservations is also required. 4/ Then, get your reservations recorded on our scheduling calendars. Editing and Studio calendars are posted on the wall above the scheduling counter. You may write your reservation into available (not previously reserved) production times with the erasable markers on the scheduling counter. Any limits on these facility time will be posted next to the calendars. For portable reservations, there is a scheduling notebook which show bookings for SVHS camcorders and 3/4" porta-paks. Enter your reservation IN PENCIL ONLY for any available 24 hour period. One more form is required for portable bookings, to enable staff to check portable equipment in and out. You will find these forms in the front of the portable reservation notebook. 5/ All reservations subject to approval by CABLE 13 staff. Due to the self -serve nature of facility reservations, scheduling conflicts occasionally occur. Access staff will endeavor to solve any such problems in an equitable manner; staff decisions are final. 6/ Please try to give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel a production reservation. Remember that other producers are also trying to reserve production facilities, so signing up for more time than you need until you find out, for instance, when it is more convenient for your guests to come or for you to work, hurts other producers. You may cancel in person or by phone. Cancellations may be made up to 2 weeks in advance without penalty. Short Term Cancellations, cancellations with 24 hours to 2 weeks notice, may be made up to 3 times per calendar quarter without penalty. Upon the fourth Short Term Cancellation in any quarter, Disciplinary Action may be taken [See CABLE 13 Policy and Procedures Manual]. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are considered "blowoffs." Upon any "blowoff," Disciplinary Action may be taken. CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Section III: Producer Responsibilities Contract: I understand that using any ACC equipment requires that I accept responsibility for any loss or damage done to the equipment, whether intentional or accidental, while it is in my possession. A Limited Liability Program is available through ACC to provide limited liability coverage for negligent damage to ACC equipment. Details and application forms are available through CABLE 13 staff. Inthe event the undersigned elects not to apply for coverage under this program, the undersigned will be fully liable for all damage to the equipment occasioned through failure to use ordinary and reasonable care. Pg. 3 I also understand that this equipment is to be used only for providing non-commercial, Public Access Programming for ACC's Public Access Channel, and that I will be held legally and financially- responsible for any use of this equipment for other than its intended purpose. Rates for commercial use of access facilities are listed below. I also understand that -if this project is not completed and/or cablecast by its completion deadline (30 days from project start or as set under an Extended Video Completion Contract) that I will be held financially responsible for every hour I have used these facilities for this project at the rates listed below. Rates for use of CABLE 13 facilities for other than the production of non-commercial programming to be cablecast on CABLE 13 are: $110 per hour for studio time $100 per hour for editing time $50 per day for SVHS portable equipment $125 per day for 3/4" portable equipment I understand that all programming remains the property of the above-named producer, and that ACC reserves the right to become co-producer.. I understand that video material produced using ACC facilities may not be sold or redistributed without the express written permission of ACC. I have read and understand CABLE 13's current policy manual, and_ agree to adhere to the rules stated therein. I understand that I am responsible for insuring that any crewmembers or guests present during my reservation period will also adhere to access rules. I understand -that ACC reserves the right to suspend or revoke all privileges to ACC equipment, and facilities, and that violation of the'provisions of this c.ontract•may result in such an action. Producer Signature Date CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Pg. If Section IV: Reservation Dates/Times: Facility Type: STUDIO / EDIT 1 / EDIT 2 SVHS PPAK / 3/4" PPAK Date Time (from -till] Facility Type Producer Sign.. 1. . . . 2. 3.• 4. 5. . 6. 7. 8. 9. -- 10. 110. 12. 13. . 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. --- 19. '20. .... - _ .. ... _ _.._., __. . CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Individual Program Section V: Producer Name Program Title P.5 Alternate Producer Rider Clause The following individual(s) are authorized by me to take over the technical supervision of my program in my absence. I understand that only volunteers eligible to produce programming at the access studio may serve as alternate producers. I also understand that I retain full responsibility as outlined in the Producer's Responsibilities Contract for all production facilities in use under my name during my absence. 1. Alternate Producer Name Alternate Producer Signature Date 2. Alternate Producer Name Alternate Producer Signature Date Producer Authorization: Producer Signature Date CABLE13 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CABLE 13 ACCESS SPONSOR AGREEMENT PRODUCER NAME PROGRAM NAME SPONSOR NAME 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272- 7272 Consideration(s) provided by sponsor [Ex.: $100 for videotape, 10 posters for set, printing costs for publicity posters,]. Include number of times provided for recurring donations [Ex: 1 pizza per week for 13 weeks for production crew]: To the Sponsor: All community access productions at CABLE 13 are produced independently by members of the community. Access producers are not employees of American Community Cablevision. They are solely responsible for the content of their programs. To the Producer: A sponsor is defined as an individual or organ lzatian not directly involved in an ac.cess production, who contributes money or goods to cover production expenses and .receives acknowledgement in the program credits. Considerations may be made for production expenses ONLY.. Acknowledgement must be made.in the program ending credits, and may also be made at the start of the program. Ackpgwledgements should take one of the following forms: "Posters provided by ABC Corp.," "Funded in part by ABC Corp.," "Sponsored in part by ABC Corp." No other form of acknowledgment will be permitted. A sponsor agreement must be -completed for each program sponsor. These forms are kept as part of the program's legal documentation at the access studio. PRODUCER SIGNATURE SPONSOR S.fGNATURE ACCESS COORDINATOR SIGNATURE DATE DATE DATE "Television for Tompkins Countu" • REQUEST FOR CABLECASTING TIME Name Address Phone number 1 User number • Affiliation Today's date SCHEDULING' INFORMATION (check one) Live program Tape REQUESTED DATE AND TIME (All times approximate subject to verification) Date Time Date Time Format (check one) U-matic VHS BETA PROGRAM INFORMATION Program Title ITHACA 163 CABLE 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 Length Tape number or Program aeries number Program format General purpose of program List guests or talent used on program The Producer bears sole responsibility. for the content and materials (and proprietary rights thereto) used in tho product. The producer's signature hereupon shall indicate his/her acceptance of this responsibility and of the following indemnifications: 1. The Producer hereby indemnifies and holds ATC, their parent(s) and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or amounts paid in settlement of pending .or threatened litigation which arises out of or are based upon any and all actual or alleged injury to person or property during the Producer's use of the facilities or equipment of ATC, and shall reimburse the above indemnifies parties for any legal or other expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating any such claims or defending or settling any such actions; and 2. The Producer further indemnifies and holds ATC, their parent(s) and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or amounts paid in settlement of pending or threatened litigation which arises out of or are based upon the content of the Product, including without limitation any assertion of defamation, infringement of copyright, music or other performing rights, or other rights to privacy, and shall reimburse the above indemnified parties for any legal or other expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating any such claims or defending or settling any such actions; In connection with the above indemnities, the indemnified parties reserve the right to select and direct the counsel of their choice. The Producer hereby waives any claims or other assertions, and agrees he/she shall have no'recourse, against ATC, its parent and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents which might otherwise arise against same as a result of the undertakings contemplated hereunder. Said waiver shall extend to, but not be limited to, any misuse of the Product by a Non -ATC System under the license to distribute and license to duplicate provisions hereof; the realization of less than anticipated revenues, if any, due the Producer hereunder; and/or the loss of or damage to the Product in its final tangible form while in the possession of ATC, an ATC System or a Non -ATC system. Nothing in this Community Programming Agreement shall be taken as constituting the creation of a joint venture nor a contract of adhesion as between the Producer and ATC or any ATC System. I HAVE READ ALL THE FOREGOING, AND UNDERSTAND ITS PROVISIONS AS THEY APPLY TO ME AND THE PRODUCT. Signature: Name: ooh 1 - t°n ACC Producer Name BL AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS PRODUCER OPTIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY AGREEMENT Producer Address Producer Telephone No. 1. .Volunteer producers are responsible for any damage to the facilities and equipment issued to them, except in the case of ordinary wearr and tear, and mechanical breakdown through causes not the fault of the operator. This includes damage caused by members of their crew. In order to give producers the opportunity to protect themselves to some extent from the results of a costly accident, ACC offers two optional limited liability insurance plans for negligent damage to equipment, listed below. 2. . These insurance plans are a service for CABLE 13 producers. They are in no way intended as a fee, nor are they required for use of CABLE 13 facilities. 3. The annual .fee amounts are subject to increase along with increases in the Consumer Price Index. 4. Producers who' do not elect the damage waiver policy are fully liable for all negligent damage or loss of equipment signed out to them. ACC reserves the right to determine the proper course of treatment (repair or replacement) for damaged equipment, and to bill this amount to the responsible volunteer. 5. This agreement applies exclusively to usage of video equipment at the access facilities while under a reserved use for which the undersigned is named as the producer. This agreement applies exclusively to legitimate uses of the access facility, as stated in ACC's franchises and access policy manual. Damage to equipment which is caused during misuse of the facility, or damage which is caused deliberately is specifically excluded from this agreement. Misuse of the facility is defined as: use of the facility for commercial purposes, or for any purpose other than production of a non-commercial program to be cablecast on the community access channel, CABLE 13. I, (Producer Name), have read and understand the terms`of the agreement stated above. I would like to select the following Optional Limited Liability Plan: Plan 1: $15 per year will limit the volunteer's liability Tor repair and/or _replacement to $250 for each individual use of equipment. Plan 2: .$25 per year will limit the volunteer's liability for .repair and/or replacement of equipment to $125 for each individual use. The selected plan will be effective from: , 19 through , 19 Payment received by Signed Date Date Producer Signature Approved by Date Community Access Coordinator "Television, for Tomnlcins Countu" CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS TELEVISION CENTER American Community Cablevision Ithaca, NY Policies and Procedures Revised January 1990 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. ACC Statement of Commitment II. What is Community Access Television? III. What is CABLE 13? IV. Who is Eligible to Use CABLE 13? Page 1 2 2 2 V. CABLE 13 Production Facilities and Support Services 3 • VI. How to Get Involved: Training Offered at CABLE 13 1. When are courses offered? 4 2. Course Requirements 4 3. Certification in production skills 4 4. Certification as a producer 4 VII. Rules within the Access Building 1. Hours of Operation 5 2. General Building Rules 5 3. Production Areas 6 4. Violations 6 VIII. The Production Process and Procedures 1. Pre -Production Planning 11 2. Production Crew 11 3. Reserving Production Time 12 4. Producer Responsibilities During Facility Use 14 5. Project Completion Requirements 15 6. Producer Liability 16 7. Reserving Cablecasting Time 17 8. Producer Responsibilities for Program Cablecasting 19 9. Program Series Reservations 19 10. Program Ownership and Distribution Rights 20 11. Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 20 IX. Program Requirements 1. Technical Requirements 2. Playback Standards 3. Acknowledgements and Program Sponsorship 4. Content Restrictions - X. Videotape Policies 1. Use of CABLE 13 Tapes for Access Productions 2. Use of Tapes Belonging to Volunteer Producers 3. Videotape Dubbing 21 21 22 24 25 26 26 XI. The Community Bulletin Board 26 XII. Appendix 1. 1988 Cable Franchise, ACC and City of Ithaca, Sec. 14 2. CABLE 13 Comprehensive Facilities Request Form 3. Cablecasting Request Form 4. Optional Limited Liability Agreement CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 1 I. ACC Statement of Commitment American Community Cablevision provides many exciting opportunities to produce programming of interest to this community and to present that programming on Cable Channel 13. These policies and procedures have been designed to promote easy access and the proper use of the CABLE 13 studio and facilities. ACC garnered input from past access users in an attempt to minimize rules and to provide volunteers with some amount of latitude in the production of programs. ACC will impose no limits on the number of hours needed to produce a program or on program length and will exercise control over content only to the extent required by law. American Community Cablevision/ATC expects all volunteers to adhere to the rules below. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in the suspension of volunteer privileges. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 2 II. WHAT IS COMMUNITY ACCESS TELEVISION? Community access television is an electronic window to your friends and neighbors. You can learn to use it to present your point of view about important issues, engage in two-way discussions on any subject with home viewers, present your artistic visions, or your insights on a particular segment of the community to the community at large. Community access television is an opportunity to reach most homes in the city of Ithaca and many throughout Tompkins County - some 26,000 cable subscribers - with any size message, from announcements on our Community Bulletin Board to full-scale documentaries. Community access television requires one vital ingredient to make it come alive: you! III. WHAT IS CABLE 13 CABLE 13 is the community access TV channel provided to Tompkins County residents by American Community Cablevision under the franchises for cable service between ACC, the City of Ithaca, and the other Towns and Villages of Tompkins County. Under these agreements, ACC provides a public access channel, Channel 13, as a non-profit forum for public expression and communication, open to all residents of ACC's subscriber base area (most of Tompkins and a little of northern Tioga Counties). To make possible full use of the channel, ACC provides a TV studio and staff for training and support of community producers. Channel 13 is a shared channel. It is utilized by community producers• at the access studio as well as by 2 other independent local studios: at Ithaca College and the Tompkins County Public Library. IV. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO USE CABLE 13? Opportunities to produce and/or cablecast locally produced programming are available to all citizens of ACC's franchises regardless of sex, race, religion, creed or national origin. To use CABLE 13 facilities or channel space, you must: 1. Be a resident of ACC's franchise areas (most of Tompkins and a little of northern Tioga Counties). 2. Be at least 18 years of age. The only exceptions for minors are when an adult who has completed certification as an access producer takes legal responsibility for the minor and is present during all phases of the minor's facility use. Minors using the facilities under these guidelines must be at least 14 years old. 3. Complete the training and be certified by ACC's training staff for all CABLE 13 equipment to be used. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 3 V. CABLE 13 PRODUCTION FACILITIES AND SUPPORT SERVICES V.1 Production Facilities The CABLE 13 Community Access Studio is located at 612 West Green St., Ithaca, NY, adjacent to the business offices of American Community Cablevision. It houses a_complete video studio, two fully equipped editing suites, a conference room and several types of portable video kits for use by community producers. Office space, cablecasting facilities and rest rooms complete the building. All areas are accessible to the handicapped. Studio 3 3 -CCD Color Cameras; studio has Special Effects Generator, Time Base Correctors, Character Generator with disk drive, and genlocked 3/4" U -Matic and 1/2" SVHS videocassette recorders. Audio system includes 8 -input mic mixer, audio cassette deck and CD,player. Editing Suites 2 Editing Suites. Each has 3/4" U -Matic and 1/2" SVHS source videocassette recorders and 3/4" record VCR. Cuts -only editing system with Time Base Corrector and Character Generator. Audio system includes phonograph, audio cassette deck and mic inputs. Conference Room / Viewing Booth The Conference Room is available for pre- and post -production meetings of volunteer crews. It is also available for viewing and .logging program material. The Conference Room contains a Videotape Viewing Booth, holding a 13" color monitor, 1/2" SVHS and 3/4" U -Matic VCRs. Portable Kits 2 3/4" Portable Kits. 4 SVHS camcorder kits. Portable mics and lighting. 2 -camera Mobile Unit with Special Effects Generator, audio mixer, and SVHS recording VCR. -V.2 Support Services Three full-time staffpeople are available to train community members to use the production facilities, offer continuing production and technical consultations to producers, publicize community programs through local TV listings, and publish a regular newsletter on access happenings. Access staff are also available to speak to community groups about public access television, and to conduct tours of the facility. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 4 VI. HOW TO GET INVOLVED: TRAINING OFFERED AT CABLE 13 VI.1 When Are Courses Offered? Training classes are offered monthly, 11 times per year. Training class dates are announced regularly on the Video Bulletin Board, through the calender listings of Ithaca's local newspapers, ad spaces in the TV listings of the Ithaca Journal, and through the access center's newsletter. VI.2 Course Requirements Training classes are free. No prior experience is required or assumed. As the course begins with an orientation to the facility, it is necessary to begin with this first class, but beyond that the classes are considered modular and may be taken as the volunteer is ready to develop new production skills. VI.3 Certification in Production Skills Classes are offered in studio production, portable video and editing. Volunteers are immediately certified to work as crewmembers on access productions on any piece of equipment for which they have attended the relevant training class. Volunteers who have not used their production skills at the access facility for more than 6 months may be required to refresh their knowledge by repeating video training classes or demonstrating proficiency to staff. See training syllabus for details. VI.4 Certification as a Producer Certification as a producer at CABLE 13 enables a volunteer to schedule production time to produce a program. Volunteers may be certified as either a studio producer, a portable video producer, or both. To be certified as a producer, volunteers must have completed the training course requirements for the type of production (studio, portable and/or editing) their program will require. Certification as a producer also requires, in addition to attending classes, completing a brief "apprenticeship": working as a volunteer crewperson on a number of other access productions. Although a producer usually will have other crewmembers helping operate cameras, directing, etc., producers still. need to be certified on each piece of equipment their crew will be using. As the producer signs all production reservation forms and is responsible for production facilities during his/her reservation time slot, it is essential that he/she understand all aspects of safe use of equipment, proper breakdown procedure and building rules. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.1 Hours of Operation Pg. 5 Normal hours of operation for the CABLE 13 studios and facilities will be Monday through Saturday. Specific hours of operation are: MONDAY through FRIDAY 1p.m. to 11 p.m. and SATURDAY 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ACC may change these hours as necessary. CABLE 13 will be closed during national and company holidays. VII.2 General Building Rules VII.2.1 Only individuals having legitimate business in the access facility will be permitted in the building. CABLE 13 facilities are available for the following access production or production -related purposes only: * Studio and Editing time is available by reservation to certified producers for access TV production. * The Conference Room is available by reservation to certi- fied producers for tape logging, production meetings or press conferences for access programs. A coffeemaker is available for all volunteers andstaff at all times. * The Office Area is available by appointment to volunteers for staff consultations, and on a drop-in or call-in basis for inquiries by members of the public. The Office Area is also used for portable equipment check-in and check-out. * The Scheduling Area is available during office hours to all producers. A telephone is also available in this area for brief crew or guest calls, and a bulletin board is reserved for written messages between volunteers. Producers may each be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes per day in the scheduling area. Uses of the building other than those listed above are not permitted. For example, individuals found loitering, holding social visits or watching TV may be asked to leave. Producers are also asked to remember that the "common areas" of the building must be kept available as an orderly working environment for all producers and staff, and may not be monopolized by individuals. Neither the office, nor the scheduling area, nor the conference room is available as personal office space for individual access volunteers, even if the office work is related to an access program. The access studio is not to be used as a mailing address for programs or individuals; access telephones are not tools to solicit sponsors; and access staff are not to be used as a personal telephone message service for volunteers. Like- wise, using areas other than the studio to stage video productions is not ordinarily permitted. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 6 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.2 General Building Rules [cont.] In addition, the following rules apply to all volunteers and guests at the access facility: VII.2.2 No smoking in the building; no alcohol on the premises. VII.2.3 Safeguard company property and services. VII.2.4 Cooperate with, and respect the rights of ACC/ATC employees and other individuals on company property. VII.2.5 Obey all parking instructions, including reservation markings and parking space delineations, in the 612 lot. Parking in the 519 parking lot is for ACC vehicles only. VII.3 Production Areas VII.3.1 No food or drink is permitted in any production area. VII.3.2 Leave the studio and equipment in the same condition as you found it. VII.3.3 Never attempt to repair or electronically alter any equipment, NO EXCEPTIONS. Report any problems with the studio or equipment promptly to CABLE 13 staff. VII.3.4 Arrive as scheduled for use of studio and equipment. Be aware that others are scheduled after you; this means you should allow for time to break down sets and props so that you can leave the production area at your scheduled time. VII.3.5 Work in a manner that assures the safety of everyone on the premises, and the safety of all CABLE 13 equipment. VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII.4.1 Immediate Eviction CABLE 13 staff may request that an individual leave the premises immediately if: 1. the individual appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if they sell or otherwise dispense alcohol or drugs. 2. the individual interferes with the orderly conduct of CABLE 13 activities or programs. 3. the individual endangers or seem to potentially endanger CABLE 13 equipment, facilities or other persons. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 7 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures [cont.] VII.4.2 Major Offenses The following Major Offenses against CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures will result in immediate suspension of all access privileges for 1 year. 1. Theft, vandalism, or willful damage to CABLE 13 facilities or equipment; or willful injury to or theft of the personal property of any CABLE 13 staff person, user or visitor. 2. Use or dispensation of drugs on the premises. The following Major Offenses against CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures will result in Probationary Sanctions as indicated below [Sec. VII.4.5]. 3. Willful attempts or threats to cause injury to CABLE 13 staff, users or visitors, or to CABLE 13 equipment or facilities. 4. Removal of CABLE 13 equipment from the facility without proper check-out and supervision by CABLE 13 staff. 5. Failure to return equipment through intent, negligence or theft. 6. Use of CABLE 13 equipment or facilities for private, commercial or any purpose other than cablecast on CABLE 13, without prior consent by ACC. 7. Making false or misleading statements on any CABLE 13 document. 8. Use of equipment by non -certified or probationary users. 9. Use or dispensation of alcohol on the premises. 10. Chronic and willful disregard for CABLE 13 Policies. VII.4.3 Minor Offenses The following Minor Offenses against CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures will result in Disciplinary Action as indicated below [Sec. VII.4.4] 1. Negligent misuse or abuse of CABLE 13 facilities or equipment, including: unsafe or improper use of CABLE 13 equipment, failure to return production areas to their CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 8 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII.4.3 Minor Offenses [cont.] original condition after use, or return of checked out equipment in a dirty or abused condition; unreasonable wastage of production time; disorderly conduct which staff believe could lead to injury to any persons, ,or to ACC premises or equipment. ' 2. Disorderly conduct which disrupts the working environment of the access facility for other usersor staff. 3. Late return of checked out equipment without an authorized extension. 4. Cancellation of production or cablecasting reservations without sufficient notice [See Sec. VIII]. 5. Smoking or having alcohol in the building. 6. Having food or drink in any production area.. 7. Attempted disassembly or repair of CABLE 13 equipment. 8. Making reservations on behalf of or transferring reservations to others. 9. False representation by user of himself or herself as an American Community Cablevision employee. 10. Failure to respect the authority of, or to cooperate with, CABLE 13 staff; harrassment of staff or other users. 11. Any other violation of CABLE 13 building rules [Sec. VII], other posted building rules or posted facility limits. VII.4.4 Disciplinary Action 1. For a first violation during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the. offense will be given a Verbal Warning by CABLE 13 staff. 2. For the second violation during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the offense will receive a Written Warning. In the event that the offense is committed by a collection of individuals working on a volunteer production, the letter will be sent to the producer of the production. A copy of this warning will be sent to the Access Advisory Board. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 9 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VII.4.4 Disciplinary Action [cont.] 3. For the third violation during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the offense will be suspended from all activites at the CABLE 13 studio for a period of 2 weeks. Notification will be made according to the provisions in Sec. VII.4.5.4 [Probationary Sanctions]. 4. For the fourth and subsequent violations during any calendar year, in the case of a Minor Offense, the producer or user committing the offense will be subject to Probationary Sanctions, and immediately placed on probation. VII.4.5 Probationary Sanctions 1. The first sanction will be a 90 -day suspension of CABLE 13 user privileges. 2. The second sanction will be a 1 -year suspension of CABLE 13 user privileges. 3. The third sanction will be a permanent suspension of CABLE 13 user privileges. 4. The Community Access Coordinator shall notify in writing a user receiving Probationary Sanctions of the nature of the offense and the term of the suspension resulting from the offense, within ten (10) working days of being informed of the occurence. A copy of such notification shall be sent to the Access Advisory Board. 5. ACC reserves the right to adjust the sanctions listed above in individual cases where there appears to be a good reason for doing so. An explanation of the reasons or circumstances leading to imposition of greater or lesser sanctions will be included in the notification letter to the producer or user receiving such sanctions. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 10 VII. RULES WITHIN THE ACCESS BUILDING VII.4 Violations of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures [cont.] VII.4.6 Violation of Facility Use Requirements: In addition to the sanctions listed above, volunteers are liable to be charged an hourly rate for all production time used if they: 1. use the time for any purpose other than to produce non- commercial programming for cablecasting on the public access channel, CABLE 13. 2. fail to complete a program for cablecast within project completion deadlines (See Sec. VIII.5). Rates for use of CABLE 13 facilities under these conditions: Studio: Editing: 3/4" Portable: SVHS Portable: $110/hour $100/hour $125/day $ 50/day Any such payment must be made within 30 days of receipt of a bill from ACC explaining the violation. All privileges to use CABLE 13 facilities will be suspended from the time of notification until payment is made. VII.4.7 Appeals Process 1. In the event that any volunteer wishes to question or make suggestions to ACC regarding access policies and procedures, such suggestions should be submitted in writing to ACC. A copy may be submitted to the Access Advisory Board. 2. In the event that a volunteer wishes to question or challenge any policy decision of ACC regarding them, they may appeal the decision as follows: 1. A written letter of appeal should be sent by the volunteer to ACC. A copy may be sent to the Access Advisory Board. The letter should outline the reason that the volunteer feels that the ACC policy decision was unjustified. 2. ACC will accept additional supporting materials and advice from the Access Advisory Board when considering any appeal. This material should be in writing. 3. ACC will respond to a letter of appeal, in writing, within two weeks of receipt of such letter. ACC's decision will be binding. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 11 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.1 Pre -Production Planning The more planning you do before a production, the more polished the results will be. Pre -production planning includes deciding on your "talent", sets, lighting, costumes, make-up, props, scripting, planning your video/audio transitions between program elements, credits, videotape stock, crew assignments, logistics for setting up equipment in field shoots, planning camera angles for studio cameras, music, information for character generator screens - in sum, a host of elements which can mean the difference between a smoothly orchestrated production and total chaos. VIII.1.1 CABLE 13 staff are available for pre -production planning consultations by appointment. All community producers are encouraged to use access staff to help them get the most from the CABLE 13 production facilities. VIII.1.2 Pre -production consultations with CABLE 13 staff are required for first-time producers and for producers working under an Extended Video Completion Contract [Sec.VIII.5]. For other productions, staff consultations are optional. VIII.2 Production Crew VIII.2.1 Producers are responsible for organizing their own crews. VIII.2.2 CABLE 13 keeps a regularly updated Volunteer Call List of volunteers trained in our various production areas. This Call List is posted in the access center, and may be used by producers to make crew contacts. A requirement of the training process is to make one's name and telephone number available to this list. Volunteers are free, of course, to accept or refuse any requests for crew assistance. VIII.2.3 Producers and volunteers may request assistance and consultations from CABLE 13 staff, but may not expect staff to serve as crew on their productions. VIII.2.4 Minimum Crew Sizes: 2 people for 3/4" portable kit work. 1 person for camcorders. For the studio, there is no set minimum, except that there must be one trained cameraperson operating each studio camera in use, plus at least one person in the control room. Unmanned, or "robot" cameras, may be used with the express permission of CABLE 13 staff only. CABLE 13 staff will cancel on the spot any production observed to be proceeding without adequate crew. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.3 Reserving Production Time Pg. 12 VIII.3.1 Permissable Use of Production Facilities: Facility time may be reserved without charge for production of non-commercial programs intended to be cablecast on the community access channel only. VIII.3.2 Who May Sign Out Facility Time: The access facilities may be signed out by any certified access producer. For certification requirements, see the CABLE 13 Training Manual. Practice time on facilities may also be signed out, under conditions outlined in the Training Manual, by new trainees; However, priority will be given to volunteers producing programming. VIII.3.3 Allocation of Production Time: Access production facilities time will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. VIII.3.4 Production Time Limits: Limits on daily/weekly/monthly production reservation time per producer may be imposed to preserve availability of production facilities for all. Any limits on production time per producer will be posted in the access center. Please note that this does not affect stand-by reservations (less than 24 hours ahead). VIII.3.5 Reservation Procedure: Production reservations may be ,made during hours of operation of the center. Production reservations may be made no more than 3 calendar months in advance. To reserve studio, editing, conference room, or portable facilities you must: - have a Comprehensive Individual or Series Project Request Form. These are issued to certified producers by access staff. The form must be fully completed and signed. - Add individual reservations as needed to the form. Each entry must be completed and signed to be valid. - add your reservation to appropriate schedule calender (instructions at access office) CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.3 Reserving Production Time [cont.] Pg. 13 VIII.3.6 Special Production Privileges: "Good Standing" Any certified producer may start one individual access project. But the following are considered special privileges, extended only to producers in "good standing": 1/ to start more than one project at a time; 2/ to schedule a taped program to be cablecast in advance of its actual completion; 3/ to start a program series. A certified producer who has demonstrated the ability to complete at least one initial access project is automatically "in good standing." Producers are considered to be "not in good standing" if: 1/ they have received have received probationary sanctions; producers are again in "good standing" when their probationary period is ended [See Sec. VII.4]; 2/ they have an incomplete project which is past its completion deadline [See Sec.VIII.5]; producers are again in "good standing" when the incomplete project is finished and scheduled to be cablecast; 3/ they have damaged or lost access equipment or property through negligence and are in arrears in repayment [See Sec. VIII.6], or are liable for payment to ACC for use of access facilities for other than non-commercial access use [Sec. VII.4]; producers are again in "good standing" when the repayment is complete or on schedule. 4/ they have made an excessive number of individual or series program cancellations without sufficient notice [See Sec. VIII.? ]; the producer is again in "good standing" at the end of the 6 month probationary period. A producer who loses his/her "good standing" while involved in a series or multiple projects is still obligated to complete all projects which have been started. VIII.3.7 Schedule Confirmation/Conflicts: All reservations are subject to access staff approval. In the event of any scheduling conflict due to accidental double -booking, holidays, etc., staff will do everything possible to resolve conflicts to all parties' satisfaction. Staff decisions will be final. VIII.3.8 Transferring Production Time: Production reservations are not transferrable. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 14 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.3.9 Cancellation of Production Reservations: 1. Cancellation with Sufficient Notice Cancellations of production reservations with more than two weeks notice may be made without predjudice at any time. A written note to staff or message on the access office answering machine is sufficient means of notification. 2. Short. Term Cancellation Cancellations of production reservations with 24 hours to two weeks notice are considered Short Term Cancellations. Up to 3 such cancellations may be made per calendar quarter per producer without penalty. Upon the fourth Short Term Cancellation in any quarter, Disciplinary Action may be taken [Sec. VII.4]. 3. "Blowoffs" Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, or failure to arrive or call within 15 minutes of reservation time, cancels a reservation and is considered a "blowoff." Upon any "blowoff," Disciplinary Action may be taken. [Sec. VII.4] VIII.4 Producer Responsibilities During Facility Use VIII.4.1 All producers must sign appropriate forms accepting responsibility for damage to CABLE 13 equipment or facilities, caused by themselves or members of their crew, during their production reservations. VIII.4.2 Producers are responsible for making sure that there are sufficient crewpersons for their production [Sec.VIII.2]. VIII.4.3 Producers are responsible for making sure that all production personnel have been certified by CABLE 13 staff for the use of CABLE 13 facilities and equipment. VIII.4.4 Producers are responsible for making sure that everyone in the crew follows all safety and operational procedures as outlined in the ACC Video Workshop, as well as all building and production area rules (Sec. VII). VIII.4.5 Producers are responsible for obtaining legal releases for all persons and copyrighted material in their programs. VIII.4.6 Producers or alternate producers must be present during their production reservation periods. Absence of the producer or alternate producer invalidates a production reservation. VIII.4.7 Producers are responsible for completing and scheduling for cablecast each program they start. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 15 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.5 Project Completion Requirements VIII.5.1 Completion Deadline Requirement To insure that the access facilities are being used for production of programs to be cablecast on the access channel, and to insure that production time is allocated fairly and not wasted on projects in which the producer loses interest or never finishes, all video projects must have a completion deadline. This is the date by which a project must be completed and scheduled for cablecast. It is important to evaluate carefully how long you estimate a project will take to complete, as non -completion within the project's deadline can result in your tape being recycled and you being billed for the production time you have used. [See Sec. VII.4 and X.1] VIII.5.2 Project Completion Deadline The default deadline is 30 days from the first production reservation until the program is scheduled for cablecast. VIII.5.3 Extended Video Completion Contract Producers who would like to undertake a project which they foresee will take more than 30 days to complete may arrange for an Extended Video Completion Contract. This contract allows the producer to set a schedule appropriate to the needs of a particular project. There is no set limit for how long you may take to complete a project under this agreement, however there are several extra requirements. The procedure is as follows: 1. The producer fills out the Extended Video Completion Contract, stating how much production and post -production time will be needed, the project completion date, and attaching an outline of the project. 2. The producer makes an appointment with a CABLE 13 staffinemberto discuss the project. At this time, the staffmember may request a more complete script be prepared and submitted, depending on the complexity of the project and the level of experience of the producer. 3. After the script or outline is approved, the staffmember and producer will sign the contract. The producer must still reserve all production time used as described in Sec. VIII.3. 4. If you find that you are approaching the completion date for your project and will need more time, contact the CABLE 13 staff to request a completion extension. Exten- sions may be granted at staff discretion. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 16 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.6 Producer Liability VIII.6.1 Volunteer producers are responsible for any damage to the facilities and equipment issued to them, except in the case of ordinary wear and tear, and mechanical breakdown through causes not the fault of the operator. This includes damage caused by members of their crew. In order to give producers the opportunity to protect themselves to some extent from the results of a costly accident, ACC offers two optional limited liability insurance plans for negligent damage to equipment: Plan 1: $15 per year will limit the volunteer's liability for repair and/or replacement to $250 for each individual use of equipment. Plan 2: $25 per year will limit the volunteer's liability for repair and/or replacement of equipment to $125 for each individual use. VIII.6.2 These insurance plans are a service producers. They are in no way intended as a they required for use of CABLE 13 facilities. for CABLE 13 fee, nor are VIII.6.3 The annual fee amounts are subject to increase along with increases in the Consumer Price Index. VIII.6.4 Producers who do not elect the damage waiver policy are ,fully liable for all negligent damage or loss of equipment signed out to them. ACC reserves the right to determine the proper course of treatment (repair or replacement) for damaged equipment, and to bill this amount to the responsible volunteer. VIII.6.5 Terms of Payment: Payment of any repair or replacement fees shall be made in full no later than 30 days from the date of a bill from ACC stating the damage caused, the type of repair or replacement required, and the cost for such repair or replacement. A volunteer producer wishing to arrange for an extended payment plan for such a damage fee may contact the access office. An extended payment schedule may be made at ACC's discretion. If a damage fee obtained agreement days following the to the use of facilities will be remains unpaid and the producer has not on an extended payment plan within the 30 receipt of a bill for damage, all rights CABLE 13 production and cablecasting suspended until the bill is paid. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 17 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.? Reserving Cablecasting Time VIII.7.1 When is cablecasting time available? Cablecasting time is available during regularly scheduled CABLE 13 cablecasting hours. These hours will be posted in the access center. They are subject to change in accordance with volunteer needs and needs of other users of channel 13. VIII.7.2 Cablecasting priorities Cablecasting time -slots are available on a first-come, first served basis. All programs will be cablecast a minimum of one (1) time and maximum of two (2) times at the program producer's request, but may be reshown at ACC's discretion. The first two plays of a program are considered its "premier." Cablecasting requests are subject to the following criteria: new programs (premieres) take priority over repeat programming; locally produced programs take priority to programs produced outside ACC's franchise area. Pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the New York State Commission on Cable Television (9 NYCRR Subtitle R) at subsection 595.4 (b) (2) (i) the hour between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM shall be reserved for the use of the State of New York government access when requested. VIII.7.3 Cablecasting request deadlines There is no deadline for submission of cablecasting requests; however, any cablecasting request which would involve displacing previously scheduled programming [such as a producer of a premier local program requesting a slot filled by a rerun or non -locally produced program] must be made a minimum of three weeks in advance, to insure accuracy of CABLE 13's local TV listings. VIII.7.4 Cablecasting reservation procedure Cablecasting time may be reserved by submitting the proper reservation form accompanied by the completed program tape. CABLE 13 staff are available to assist the producer in selecting cablecasting timeslots. Live program reservations must be accompanied by a reservation for studio time for the half hour before through the half hour after the program. Tapedprograms may be scheduled in advance of their completion by producers in good standing [Sec. VIII.3.6]. In the event that the program is not played when scheduled, ACC will reschedule it. VIII.7.5 Local TV listings ACC will provide local newspapers with program listings. Please note that the the Ithaca Journal has deadlines for TV listings submissions. Check with access staff for more information on current deadlines for TV Listings. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 18 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.? Reserving Cablecasting Time [cont.] VIII.7.6 Programs with adult themes, language or images: Programs classified as "adult" will be eligible to be cable - cast after 10:00 pm only on CABLE 13 cablecasting evenings, preceded by a content warning. A program will be classified as "adult" if it contains harsh profanity, or sexually explicit images. ACC reserves the right to cablecast content warnings before any programs which may contain language or visuals inappropriate for children. ACC reserves the right to preview taped programs which access staff believe may contain content restricted material. VIII.7.7 Cancellation of Cablecasting Reservations 1. Cancellation with Sufficient Notice Cancellation of individual or series cablecasting dates made with at least three (3) weeks notice may be made without predjudice at any time. Cancellations may be made in person or via a telephone message to the access office. 2. Cancellations with Insufficient Notice: Short Term Cancellations Cancellation of individual or series cablecasting dates with less than three weeks notice may be made up to 3 times in any calendar quarter scheduling period without penalty. Upon the fourth such cancellation, Excessive Cancellation Penalties may be imposed [VIII.7.7.4, below]. 3. Cancellations Without Notice Failure to deliver a program for cablecasting or to notify access staff of a cancellation on two (2) or more occasions during any calendar quarter when it has been scheduled to be shown may result in Excessive Cancellation Penalties being imposed [VIII.7.7.4, below]. 4. Penalties for Excessive Cancellations with Insufficient Notice Excessive cancellations of individual or series cablecasting reservations, as described above [Sec. VIII.7.7-.2 and VIII.7.7.3] may result in the following penalties: - In the case of program series, the series cablecasting and production reservations will be cancelled. - The producer will be given a 6 month suspension of eligibility for reserving series production and cablecasting time -slots. Production and cablecasting time will be permitted on a single program basis only for this period. - The producer loses his or her "good standing." [Sec.VIII.3.6] until the end of this 6 month period. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 19 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES [cont.] VIII.8 Producer Responsibilities for Program Cablecasting VIII.8.1 Responsibility for Program Content By signing the cablecasting request form, the producer accepts full responsibility for the content of his/her program. This includes responsibility for having the appropriate releases for use of talent and copyrighted material. This also includes the responsibility to avoid content -restricted material (commercial or obscene, as outlined in Sec. IX.4), or to have programs which may include "adult" material [described in Sec. VIII.7.6] previewed by CABLE 13 staff and scheduled during "adult" cablecasting hours, if appropriate. All cablecasting forms, and labels on all tapes being cablecast, must include accurate contact information (address and/or telephone number) for producers. CABLE 13 will give this information out on request to members of the public making inquiries about CABLE 13 programs. All programs must include the name(s) of the producer(s) in their program credits. Pseudonyms are not acceptable. Access staff will maintain a written log of all comments about access programs received by members of the public. Copies of such comments will be forwarded to the program producers and the Access Advisory Board. VIII.8.2 Responsibility for Meeting Program Standards The producer is responsible for making sure that the finished program meets CABLE 13 program standards, as outlined in Sec. IX. VIII.9 Program Series Reservations VIII.9.1 Eligibility for producing a program series A certified producer will be permitted to begin a program series, provided he or she has demonstrated an ability to complete -the planned series of programs. Eligibility requires that the producer be in good standing and that either: 1) the producer has produced a regular series of programs at CABLE 13 previously, or 2) the completion and cablecasting of a pilot program. VIII.9.2 Term of program series Production and cablecasting times may be reserved on a monthly or quarterly basis for a program series. Producers in good standing have first option to renew their program series reservations at the beginning of each calendar quarter scheduling period. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 20 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.9 Program Series Reservations [cont.] VIII.9.3 Types of program series A series program may be live or pre-recorded. It may be scheduled to be cablecast weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. A "first -run" cablecasting time and one rerun of each show in the series may be scheduled. VIII.9.4 Other requirements Series programs are subject to the same program and scheduling requirements as individual programs. VIII.10 Program Ownership and Distribution Rights Program ownership rights belong exclusively to the producer of the CABLE 13 program, except for the following rights of CABLE 13/ACC: VIII.10.1 CABLE 13 reserves the right to maintain a copy of the program for its archive - the original program master, if the program was produced on CABLE 13 tape stock, or a copy otherwise. VIII.10.2 CABLE 13 reserves the right to rerun the program on the access channel, and to use short clips from the program in compiling promotional material and contest submissions for the access center. VIII.10.3 Producers may not distribute the program in any form for sale or income for a period of one (1) year from its initial cablecasting date without the express written permission of ACC. Submission of access programs in non- profit video festivals or contests which may have honoraria or other prizes is specifically exempt from the definition of "distribution for sale or income." Submission of tapes for consideration for grants to cover production costs is permitted; such grants are subject to the same requirements as other program .sponsors. VIII.11 Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 Persons or organizations wishing to submit completed programs for cablecasting on the access channel must: VIII.11.1 Be a resident of ACC's franchise area. In the case of an organization, the program must be submitted by representatives of a branch located in the franchise area. VIII.11.2 Complete a cablecasting request form and submit this, along with the program tape. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 21 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.11 Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 [cont.] VIII.11.3 Observe cablecasting procedures and responsibilities (See Sec. VIII.? thru VIII.9) as well as program require- ments (See Sec. IX, below). Locally -produced programming has priority in scheduling over non -locally -produced programming. Please note that locally -produced, premier programming can "bump" or displace non -locally produced programming if such a request is made at least three weeks in advance. VIII.11.4 Provide information for a tag at the beginning and end of the program stating the local sponsor for the program. IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IX.1 Technical Standards In order to insure the quality of CABLE 13's cablecasting signal, programs must meet'the following minimum technical standards:. IX.1.1 3/4" U -Matic, S -VHS and VHS video formats will be accepted for cablecasting. VHS tapes must be recorded in Standard Play mode. IX.1.2 Video signal errors must be correctable by CABLE 13 Time Base Correctors. IX.1.3 Audio signals must be within normal levels: sufficient to produce a relatively noise -free playback, with minimal distortion. Recommended audio level is between -10 and Ddb. IX.1.4 Videotapes which have been physically damaged will not be eligible for playback, as they may in turn cause damage to playback equipment. IX.2 Playback Standards Program tapes must conform to the following playback standards: IX.2.1 Programs should be preceded by: - at least 30 seconds of color bars - a ten second countdown - 1 second of video black IX.2.2 Programs should be followed by: - at least 60 seconds of video black CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 22 IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IX.2 Playback Standards [cont.] IX.2.3 Programs must be labeled both on the tape cassette and on the spine of the cassette box with: - name of producer - telephone number of producer name of program - length of program (hours:minutes:seconds) - cablecasting date and time IX.2.4 When more than one program is on a tape, a log sheet should be included in the tape box to assist the playback operator in locating the scheduled show. IX.2.5 Limits on program length There are no set limits on program length, except that: - programs must fall within the time slots for which their producers have scheduled them. - To allow for channel ID and Public Service Announcements between programs during cablecasting, program lengths are subject to the following limits: programs scheduled for a 15 minute slot must not exceed 14:00 minutes. Programs scheduled for a 30 minute slot must not exceed 28:30 min. Programs scheduled for a 60 minute slot must not exceed 57:00 min. in length. Programs which exceed their time slots in length will be cut to allow succeeding programs to run in accordance with their scheduled time slots. IX.3 Acknowledgements and Program Sponsorship IX.3.1 Acknowledgements Producers must acknowledge all considerations, monetary or in-kind, received in production of a program in the program credits. All programs produced using CABLE 13 -facilities must include the following acknowledgement at the end of the .program_: _ Produced at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio of American Community Cablevision, Ithaca, NY IX.3.2 Guidelines and Restrictions for Program Sponsorship 1. Definition of program sponsor A sponsor is defined as an individual or organization not directly involved in the production of an access program, who contributes money or goods to cover production expenses CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 23 IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IX.3 Acknowledgements and Program Sponsorship IX.3.2 Guidelines and Restrictions for Program Sponsorship [cont] and who receives acknowledgement in the program credits. Sponsors may be a non-profit granting agency, a corporation, group or individual. 2. Who may seek program sponsors Any access producer may solicit sponsors to help cover the production expenses of their program. No access producer is required to do so. 3. Definition of access production expenses Production expenses may include cash, goods, services or labor used to produce an access program. Examples of produc- tion expenses might be: tape, props or sets, transportation, rental fees, talent fees, publicity materials, or payment to crewmembers for hours worked on access productions. 4. Format for Acknowledgement Acknowledgement of any such underwriting, whether in dollars or in kind must follow the following guidelines: - The acknowledgement may be made at the beginning and must be made at the end of the program only, as part of the program credits. For programs of over 1 hour 15 minutes'in length, one additional sponsor credit may be made at the approximate midpoint of the program. - The acknowledgement should take one of the following forms: "Partial support provided by ABC Corp."; "Additional funding provided by ABC Corp."; "Sponsored in part by ABC Corp.;" "Clothing provided by ABC Corp." - No further information, other than the name of the sponsor, and an organizational logo graphic, may be given. The exterior- of a -business establishment may not be used. - Acknowledgements may not exceed 10 seconds each in length. IX.3.3 Sponsor Agreement A CABLE 13 Access Sponsor Agreement form must be completed and placed on file at the access studio for each sponsor of an access program. These forms become a part of the required producer documentation for the sponsored program. Access Sponsor Agreement Forms are available through CABLE 13 staff. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS [cont.] IX.4 Content Restrictions Pg. 24 IX.4.1 In accordance with national, state and local regulations, ACC will not exercise editorial control of program content on CABLE 13 in any way, except to prohibit programing which: 1. contains commercial material, including programs which: promote a commercial product, service or company offer lotteries or other games of chance contain advertising by or on behalf of candidates for public office 2. is obscene IX.4.2 ACC may review programs before cablecasting. ACC reserves the right to cablecast programs judged as "adult" after 10 pm, [see Sec. VIII.7.6] and to refuse cablecasting time to programs deemed obscene. Producers who are in doubt as to whether their program may be affected by any of the above restrictions are encouraged to consult with access staff. IX.4.3-Non-commercial Guidelines for Non -Profit Organizations Representatives of non-profit organizations are welcome on CABLE 13. They may, in their capacity as non-profit reps, describe their organizations, including fundraisers and benefit events. They can include address and telephone numbers of the organization for more information, but may not include: - ticket prices or detailed ticket purchasing information; - ticket purchase solicitation; - solicitations of financial contributions, donations or other payments. IX.4.4 Non-commercial Guidelines for For -Profit Organizations Representatives from for-profit entities (companies, consultants) may appear on or produce access programs and may, as representatives of their organizations, discuss their fields of expertise. Documentary or 'review' programs which include a discussion of a for-profit entity are permitted when: they discuss a for-profit entity, not for the purpose of promoting a product, but rather to discuss issues. In these cases, the company representative can be labelled with a character generated title giving the name of the company represented. Again, only a tag at the end of each program is permitted, such as "For more information, call or write:" Showing or discussing products for sale,prices, sales, hours of operation, slogans, or logo graphics is not permitted. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 25 X. VIDEOTAPE POLICIES X.1 Use of CABLE 13 Tapes for Access Productions As you are aware, the videotape you use today may have been used by someone before you and it may be used by someone after you. This means tapes must be recycled as efficiently as possible. In order to assure that we are capable of meeting the tape needs of CABLE 13 volunteers, the following procedures will be followed with CABLE 13 tape stock: X.1.1 Producers may request up to 2 hours of 3/4" tape plus 2 hours of SVHS tape for their series or project, subject to availability. Producers are also welcome to use their own tape for projects and keep them at the access studio, provided no more than 4 tapes per producer are being held at the studio at one time. X.1.2 Tapes will be issued with Project Code letters for each producer, and kept on a Project Hold Shelf, to aid in tape organization. X.1.3 Volunteers are responsible for all tapes issued to them, including replacement of any lost tapes with new tapes of the same type. Tapes may not be removed from the access facility except when checked out on a portable production request form or by permission of CABLE 13 staff. X.1.4 Videotape recycling: 1. Raw footage will not be held past deadline. (See Sec. VIII.5, above) 2. Finished programs will be held no cablecasting. the project completion more than 30•days after 3. Tapes will be erased 30 days after these without notice, except for tapes being used for a program series. X.2 Use of Tapes Belonging to Volunteer Producers deadlines continuing Volunteers are welcome to use their own tapes for their productions. However, ACC reserves the right to refuse permission to use any tape which its engineers feel are of a poor enough quality to potentially damage equipment. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 26 X. VIDEOTAPE POLICIES [cont.] X.3 Videotape Dubbing X.3.1 Producers may request a single 3/4", VHS or SVHS copy of their program. These copies will be made by CABLE 13 staff, usually during cablecasting. Producers must submit a cued, labeled videotape prior to playback of their program. X.3.2 Dubbing request procedure With the exception of this single producer copy, copies of access programs may be requested as follows: 1. No copy of an access program will be made without the express permission of the producer. 2. Rates for copies on VHS, SVHS or 3/4" are: $10 for 1 program of up to 30 minutes in length $10 for each additional 0 - 30 minutes, or for each additional program of less than 30 minutes. This fee does not include the cost of the tape. CABLE 13 does not provide tape for dubbing purposes. 3. Any tape submitted to CABLE 13 for dubbing must be cued to the point where the dub is to start, labeled with the name of the desired program, and the name/telephone number of the person requesting the dub. 4. A dubbing request form must be filled out and submitted along with the tape. These forms are available at the access office. 5. Copies will be completed within two weeks, and held for pickup at the access office. XI. THE COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD The Community Bulletin Board is a scrolling electronic calender of upcoming community events. It is available to all local non-profit groups. Space is limited to a few lines of text: what, when, and where the event will be held, and a contact telephone number, if. - desired. We have a limited amount of space on the Bulletin Board, and try to include as many events as we can. The length of time an entry may be listed on the Bulletin Boarddepends upon the number of events submitted to us. No guarantees can be made as to the length of time an entry can be run. Usually, notices are put up a day or two before the event. To submit an item for the Community Bulletin Board, simply send the information on a post card to: COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures: Appendix 1988 Franchise Agreement between American Community Cablevision and the City of Ithaca, Sec. 14 XIV ACCESS CHANNELS AND SERVICES 14.,1 In order to develop and promote public, educational and governmental access progranuning for the system's access channels and institutional services, ACC hereby agrees to provide the following: A. (1) Nine downstream channels shall be designated for public, governmental, and educational access. The access channels shall be available for use by New York State, local governments, educational institutions, or members of the general public for education and public service programming, municipal services and local expression. (2) The public, governmental, and educational access channels shall be available on a first-come, first- served basis at no charge to any individual, association, or organization desiring to utilize thein. (3) Any PEG access .channels unused by the City three years after the rebuild is complete shall revert to ACC, provided .that if community needs subsequently require the use of any:such channel, ACC will return said channel to the City six (6) months after receiving written notice if ACC has a use for the channel and immediately if. there is no use for the channel. B. Upon the request of the City, ACC shall interconnect• the access channels of the Cable Communications System with neighboring cable systems in Tompkins County. -15- C. EQUIPMENT (1) Local Programming Equipment. In instances, as set forth in Appendix (D), .where the use of local origination equipment is shared with access, this equipment shall be made available to access users free of charge at such times as the facilities are open and where the equipment is not being utilized for local origination productions. All local programming equipment shall remain the property of ACC but shall be made available for access use by the City of Ithaca, local institutions and residents and surrounding ACC System residents. (2) Public, Governmental and Educational Access Equipment. New public, governmental and educational access equipment (PEG) with a purchase value of $165,000 shall be purchased by ACC for additions to existing access equipment inventory listed in Appendix [E]. ACC shall prepare an equipment purchase list for City approval within sixty (60) days. of the receipt of the 'Franchise. 1111 equipment purchased shall be new and shall be purchased and installed by March 1, 1989. (3) Access Equipment Ownership and Availability. All access equipment shall remain the property of ACC but shall be made available for access use by the City of Ithaca, local institutions and residents and surrounding ACC system residents. On. an average annual basis ACC has agreed to provide 2% of Gross City Revenues for capital PEG access equipment replacement and expansion. Any future access equipment replacement and expansion commitments that are made by ACC to municipalities served by the.,same headend as the City of Ithaca, will be deducted to a floor of one percent of .gross City revenues. All access equipment shall be available to access users on a first priority basis before local origination users. (4) Equipment Maintenance. PEG, municipal access and local origination equipment will be maintained and/or replaced by ACC in a manner consistent with good operating practice. Maintenance of that equipment will be done on site, or at any ACC facility, or at a manufacturer's repair facility in a reasonable timely manner. D. ACC shall maintain in its local programming studios in the City of Ithaca the equipment specified in (B) above. -16- ACC shall adopt business hours which shall provide for the use of the studio at a minimum of sixty (60) hours a week between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., including some evening hours and some hours on Saturdays. ACC shall offer additional weekday or weekend hours as community needs dictate. 14.2 • ACC shall establish rules to insure that the studio(s) and portable equipment are available equitably to the governmental, educational and public sectors. Rules for public access should assure the availability of the studio(s) and portable equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. Any changes to current access rules shall be established by ACC within three months of the Franchise award, and ACC shall file those rules with the New York State Commission on Cable Television. Any further changes thereafter shall also be filed with the New York State Commission on Cable Television. Such rules shall at all times include the following provisions. A. Procedures for scheduling the use of television production equipment and for scheduling the cablecasting of programming on the channel(s) designated for the purposes enumerated in paragraph A above; B. Procedures for registering and resolving complaints regarding channel availability, priorities and usage. 14.3 ADDITIONAL ACCESS REQUIREMENTS. The following requirements shall also apply to access use: A. Channel time shall be available on a first come, first serve nondiscriminatory basis, except as provided in the rules of the New York State Commission on Cable Television; B. No charges shall be paid for the use of production equipment facilities and personnel; C. Records shall be maintained of the use of the designated television channels, including the names and addresses of persons and organizations providing programming for such channels; such record shall be available locally for public inspection and retained for a minimum of two years; D. Designated channels shall not be used for the promotion or sale of commercial products or services, including advertising by or on behalf of•candidates for public office. 14.4 ACC shall provide adequate programming and technical staffing for the maintenance and operation of the access channels, facilities, studio and equipment, and the provision of -17- access services as required in the franchise and as contained in the franchise proposal. ACC shall provide, at a minimum, two full-time access staff people at the time of the Franchise award, and an additional full-time access staff person at the completion of the rebuild (no later than March 1, 1989),•and a fourth full- time access staff person at the beginning of year five of the Franchise, and a fifth full-time staff person at the beginning of year ten of the Franchise. ACC shall have the right to petition the Cable Commission in 1991 and 1996 to have the requirement to employ the fourth and/or fifth access staff person waived, which 'waiver shall not be granted in any event if community needs support the position. 14.5 ACC shall provide adequate training for access users free of charge. At a minimum, ACC shall provide monthly access production and editing training classes, provided that community interest of five or more residents in any given month exists. At no time will a resident be requested to wait over two months for training. The two training classes will each be approximately nine hours in duration. 14.6 ACC, at a minimum, shall provide each suh•;criber information on the ° availability of the access channels, production equipment, training and ACC's address and telephone number on.a regular basis. Access programs shall be announced in the cable guide based on reasonable rules for timely submissions. ACC will also advertise programs and access services in newspapers of local circulation. ACC shall conduct facility tours and maintain a speaker's 'bureau to provide informational presentations to local organizations and institutions. Additional outreach activities will be conducted as described in ACC's proposal. ACC shall ensure the development and propagation of public, governmental and educational access as a vital community resource. 14.7 ACC will cablecast the monthly Common Council meetings and not less than two (2) of the five (5) Standing Committees of Council meetings on a rotating monthly basis. 14.8 ACC shall provide access users with the following access damage waiver policy for negligent damage to equipment. Negligent damage shall not include ordinary wear and tear, and mechanical breakdown through causes not the fault of the operator. A. An annual payment of $15 will reduce the volunteer's total liability for equipment damage and repair to $250 for each individual use of the equipment. Such annual payment may be increased by ACC consistent with increases in the Consumer Price Index. B. An annual payment of $25 will reduce the volunteer's total liability for equipment damage and repair to $125 for each individual use. Such annual payment may be increased by ACC consistent with increases in the Consumer' Price Index. C. ACC may require access users who do not elect the damage waiver policy to be fully liable for damage to equipment. 14.9 ACC shall support the creation and maintenance of an Access Advisory Board, to consist of nine (9) members: three (3) City residents (two to be appointed by the City, one tobe appointed by ACC), two (2) non -City residents (one to be appointed by the City, one to be appointed by ACC), two (2) representatives of institutional access users (both to be appointed by the City), and one (1) ACC representative and one (1) City representative. The ACC representative and City representative will be non-voting members. The City Cable Commission shall designate one of the members of the Advisory Board to serve as Chair. The Board shall schedule regular. meetings as it deems appropriate. Four (4) members shall: constitute a quorum. The Advisory Board shall report regularly to the City Cable Commission. If at any time the City Cable Comimission determines that the Advisory Board is no longer effective or necessary, the Cable Conunission may dissolve the Board and its duties and responsibilities shall revert to the City Cable Commission. The Adivosry Board shall review and monitor all access policies and procedures but will remain advisory in nature; ACC shall consult with the Advisory Board on the purchase of equipment, the studio hours available for access users, and access rules. ACC shall. provide quarterly reports to the Board on the purchase and maintenance of equipment, the schedules of access staff, and the use of studio time. XV INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK 15.1 ACC will construct and maintain a midsplit 300 megahertz institutional network that will connect the following buildings: City Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins County Library, Ithaca High School, Boynton Junior High School, The Alternative School, Ithaca Youth Bureau, GIAC, Police Headquarters, Central Fire and the Bus Garage. The I -net shall be capable of being interconnected at the headend to the subscriber network. ACC will provide the City with eight upstream and eight downstream channels, free drops and necessary video converters to all aforementioned locations at no charge for the duration of the.Franchise. For purposes of this section, an upstream channel shall be a channel which can transmit from institutional and other locations on the I -net to the headend and other points on the I -net. Any channels unused by the City three years after the institutional network is activated will revert to ACC provided that if the City subsequently has use for any such channel ACC will return said channel(s) to the City six (6) months after receiving written notice if ACC has a use for the channel and immediately if there is no use of the channel. ACC will have the same liability for I -net users that the telephone company has for telephone users. ACC will respond to repair calls for the I -net within two (2) hours. For requests received during non -business hours the City or other I -net users will pay ACC $40 per hour for such service. Such hourly fee may be raised by ACC annually consistent with increases in the Consumer Price Index. For requests received during business hours there will be no charge. ACC shall provide scrambling services to I -net users as reasonably requested. 15.2 ACC shall maintain existing dedicated cables to sites for originating local programming (City Hall, Ithaca College and Tompkins County Library). During the rebuild, ACC shall install and thereafter maintain dedicated cable or cables to the following additional locations for originating local programming: Ithaca High School,Boynton Junior High School, The Alternative School, Ithaca Youth Bureau, GIAC and Cornell University. The origination site at Cornell University shall be selected by Cornell. 15.3 Existing agreements with the City for use of the Cable Communications System, such as the City's fire .alarm system, shall be continued by ACC for the term of this Franchise. 15.4 ACC shall provide an all channel audio emergency alert system to the City. The initiation site for emergency messages shall be the Central Fire Station. ACC shall provide a telephone line activation system for the emergency alert system. 15.5 Upon activation of the upstream capacity on the Cable Communications System, one upstream channel shall be designated for City and public sector uses. The City shall designate appropriate uses and users for the upstream channel designated for the City. For purposes of this section, an upstream channel shall be a channel which can transmit upstream from subscriber homes or other locations on the cable system to the headend and other points on the system. XVI SUBSCRIBER AND USER RIGHTS 16.1 At the time an installation or service agreement is to be signed, ACC shall furnish to each subscriber a simple but -20- CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Section I: Project Information Program Start Date Program Completion Deadline (completion deadline is 30 days unless you have an Extended Video Completion Contract; see staff for details) Project Length Producer Name Address Project Tape Code Program Working Title Tel. Program Format: Live Tape Section II: Instructions 1. About This Form This form is intended to perform several functions. It is intended to: reserve facility time for volunteer producers; provide a comprehensive master log of the production time used to complete each community access program; enable staff to assure that production facilities are used to complete programs for access cablecast; provide legal records required underour franchises of community use of the access facilities. There are two versions of this form: one for program series and one for individual programs. To be eligible to use this form, you must be a trained studio or portable producer. This means that you must be over 18 years old, have completed the training class(es) for the facilities you wish to use, have attended a producer seminar, and have completed an apprenticeship assisting other access producers. If this is your first access project, you must also meet with access staff for a pre—production meeting. Facility reservations for only one project may be entered on this form. If you start another access project, you must start another comprehensive form to record those production dates. Comprehensive reservation forms are issued by CABLE 13 staff at the initiation of each project. 2. Reservation Procedure: 1/ Fill out Section I completely.. Project Tape Code refers to a code letter given to access tapes issued to you for use in producing your program. If your project will take more than 30 days CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Pg. 2 to complete, you must also complete an Extended Video Completion Contract and schedule a pre -production meeting with access staff to have it approved. 2/ Read Section II and III thoroughly and sign the Producer Responsibilities Contract (Section III). The provisions of this contract apply to each individual use of the access facilities. 3/ Section IV lets you reserve individual production dates. For each production reservation, fill in the date, times, and type of production facility used. Your signature next to each of these reservations is also required. 4/ Then, get your reservations recorded on our scheduling calendars. Editing and Studio calendars are posted on the wall above the scheduling counter. You may write your reservation into available (not previously reserved) production times with the erasable markers on the scheduling counter. Any limits on these facility time will be posted next to the calendars. For portable reservations, there is a scheduling notebook which show bookings for SVHS camcorders and 3/4" porta-paks. Enter your reservation IN PENCIL ONLY for any available 24 hour period. One more form is required for portable bookings, to enable staff to check portable equipment in and out. You will find these forms in the front of the portable reservation notebook. 5/ All reservations subject to approval by CABLE 13 staff. Due to the self -serve nature of facility reservations, scheduling conflicts occasionally occur. Access staff will endeavor to solve any such problems in an equitable manner; staff decisions are final. 6/ Please try to give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel a production reservation. Remember that other producers are also trying to reserve production facilities, so signing up for more time than you need until you find out, for instance, when it is more convenient for your guests to come or for you to work, hurts other producers. You may cancel in person or by phone. Cancellations may be made up to 2 weeks in advance without penalty. Short Term Cancellations, cancellations with 24 hours to 2 weeks notice, may be made up to 3 times per calendar quarter without penalty. Upon the fourth Short Term Cancellation in any quarter, Disciplinary Action may be taken [See CABLE 13. Policy and Procedures Manual]. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are considered "blowoffs." Upon any "blowoff," Disciplinary Action may be taken. CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Section III: Producer Responsibilities Contract: I understand that using any ACC equipment requires that I accept responsibility for any loss or damage done to the equipment, whether intentional or accidental, while it is in my possession. A Limited Liability Program is available through ACC to provide limited liability coverage for negligent damage to ACC equipment. Details and application forms are available through CABLE 13 staff. In the event the undersigned elects not to apply for coverage under this program, the undersigned will be fully liable for all damage to the equipment occasioned through failure to use ordinary and reasonable care. Pg. 3 I also understand that this equipment is to be used only for providing non—commercial, Public Access Programming for ACC's Public Access Channel, and that I will be held legally and financially responsible for any use of this equipment for other than its intended purpose. Rates for commercial use of access facilities are listed below. I also understand that -if this project is not completed and/or cablecast by its completion deadline (30 days from project start or as set under an Extended Video Completion Contract) that I will be held financially responsible for every hour I have used these facilities for this project at the rates listed below. Rates for use of CABLE 13 facilities for other than the production of non—commercial programming to be cablecast on CABLE 13 are: $110 per hour for, studio time $100 per hour for editing time $50 per day for SVHS portable equipment $125 per day for 3/4" portable equipment I understand that all programming remains the property of the above—named producer, and that ACC reserves the right to become co—producer. I understand that video material produced using ACC facilities may not be sold or redistributed without the express written permission of ACC. I have read and understand CABLE 13's current policy manual, and agree to adhere to the rules stated therein. I understand that I am responsible for insuring that any crewmembers or guests present during my reservation period will also adhere to access rules. I understand that ACC reserves the right to suspend or revoke all privileges to ACC equipment and facilities, and that violation of the provisions of this contract,may result in such an action. Producer Signature Date CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Pg. 4 Section IV: Reservation Dates/Times: Facility Type: STUDIO / EDIT 1 / EDIT 2 SVHS PPAK / 3/4" PPAK Date Time [from -till] Facility Type Producer Sign. 1. i . 2. 3. 4. - 8. 9. _ _ _. 10. 11. 12. 13. . 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. "'"- - • 19. -- 20. .-......._.- . CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Individual Program Section V: Producer Name Program Title P.5 Alternate Producer Rider Clause The following individual(s) are authorized by me to take over the technical supervision of my program in my absence. I understand that only volunteers eligible to produce programming at the access studio may serve as alternate producers. I also understand that I retain full responsibility as outlined in the Producer's Responsibilities Contract for all production facilities in use under my name during my absence. 1. Alternate Producer Name Alternate Producer Signature Date 2. Alternate Producer Name Alternate Producer Signature Date Producer Authorization: Producer Signature Date .CABLE1 3 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CABLE 13 ACCESS SPONSOR AGREEMENT PRODUCER NAME PROGRAM NAME SPONSOR NAME 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 Consideration(s) provided by sponsor [Ex.: $100 for videotape, 10 posters for set, printing costs for publicity posters,]. Include number of times provided for recurring donations [Ex: 1 pizza per week for 13 weeks for production crew]: To the Sponsor: All community access productions at CABLE 13 are proceed independently by members of the co)ninunity. Access pr.oducers are not employees of American Community Cablevision. They are solely responsible for the content of their programs. To the Producer: A sponsor is defined as an individual or organ iat o� n not directly involved in an actress production, who contributes money or goods to cover production expenses and _receives acknowledgement in the program credits. 1 Considerations may be made for production expenses ONLY. Acknowledgement must be made,in the program ending credits, and may also be made at the start of the program. Acknowledgements should take one of the following forms: "Posters provided by ABC Corp.," "Funded in part by ABC Corp.," "Sponsored in part by ABC Corp." No other form of acknowledgment will be permitted. A sponsor agreement must be completed for- each program sponsor_. These forms are kept as part of the program's legal documentation at the access studio. PRODUCER SIGNATURE SPONSOR S„'GNATURE ACCESS COORDINATOR SIGNATURE DATE DATE DATE "Television for Tompkins Countu" , Name REQUEST FOR CABLECASTING TIME Address Phone number 1 User number Affiliation Today's date SCHEDULING'INFORMATION (check one) Live program Tape REQUESTED DATE AND TIME (All times approximate subject to verification) Date Time Date Time Format (check one) U-matic VHS BETA PROGRAM INFORMATION Program Title Length Tape number or Program series number Program format ITHACA. „� CABLE 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 General purpose of program List guests or talent used on program The Producer bears solo responsibility for the content and materials (and proprietary rights thereto) used in the product. The producer's signature hereupon shall indicate his/her acceptance of this responsibility and of the following indemnifications: 1. The Producer hereby indemnifies and holds ATC, their parent(a) and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or amounts paid in settlement of pending .or threatened litigation which arises out of or are based upon any and all actual or alleged injury to person or property during the Producer's use of the facilities or equipment of ATC, and shall reimburse the above indemnifies parties for any legal or other expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating any such claims or defending or settling any such actions; and 2. The Producer further indemnifies and holds ATC, their parent(s) and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or amounts paid in settlement of pending or threatened litigation which arises out of or are based upon the content of the Product, including without limitation any assertion of defamation, infringement of copyright, music or other performing rights, or other rights to privacy, and shall reimburse the above indemnified parties for any legal or other expenses incurred by them in connection with investigating any such claims or defending or settling any such actions; In connection with the'above indemnities, the indemnified parties reserve the right to select and direct the counsel of their choice. The Producer hereby waives any claims or other assertions, and agrees he/she shall have no'recourse, against ATC, its parent and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents which might otherwise arise agaiiist aame as a result of the undertakings contemplated hereunder. Said waiver shall extend to, but not be limited to, any misuse of the Product by a Non -ATC System under the license to distribute and license to duplicate provisions hereof; the realization of less than anticipated revenues, if any, due the Producer hereunder; and/or the loss of or damage to the Product in its final tangible form while in the possession of ATC, an ATC System or a Non -ATC system. Nothing. in this Community Programming Agreement shall be taken as constituting the creation of a joint venture nor a contract of adhesion as between the Producer and ATC or any ATC System. I HAVE READ ALL THE FOREGOING, AND UNDERSTAND ITS PROVISIONS AS THEY APPLY TO ME AND THE PRODUCT. Signature: Name: "doh ACC 3 Producer Name L AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS PRODUCER OPTIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY AGREEMENT Producer Address Producer Telephone No. 1. Volunteer producers are responsible for any damage to the facilities and equipment issued to them, except in the case of ordinary wear and tear, and mechanical breakdown through causes not the fault of the operator. This includes damage caused by members of their crew. In order to give producers the opportunity to protect themselves to some extent from the results of a costly accident, ACC offers two optional limited liability insurance plans for negligent damage to equipment, listed below. 2. These insurance plana are a service for CABLE 13 producers. They are in no way intended as a fee, nor are they required for use of CABLE 13 facilities. 3. The annual fee amounts are subject to increase along with increases in the Consumer Price Index. 4. Producers who do not elect the damage waiver policy are fully liable for all negligent damage or loss of equipment signed out to them. ACC reserves the right to determine the proper course of treatment (repair or replacement) for damaged equipment, and to bill this amount to the responsible volunteer. 5. This agreement applies exclusively to usage of video equipment at the access facilities while under a reserved use for which the undersigned is named as the producer. This agreement applies exclusively to legitimate uses of the access facility, as stated in ACC's franchises and access policy manual. Damage to equipment which is caused during misuse of the facility, or damage which is caused deliberately is specifically excluded from this agreement. Misuse of the facility is defined as: use of the facility for commercial purposes, or for any purpose other than production of a non—commercial program to be cablecast on the community access channel, CABLE 13. 1, (Producer Name), have read and understand the terms of the agreement stated above. I would like to select the following Optional Limited Liability Plan: Plan 1: $15 per year will limit the volunteer's liability Tor repair and/or replacement to $250 for each individual use of equipment. Plan 2: .$25 per year will limit the volunteer's liability for repair and/or replacement of equipment to $125 for each individual- use. The selected plan will be effective from: , 19_ through , 19 Payment received by Signed Date Date Producer Signature Approved by Date Community Access Coordinator " Television for Tompkins Countt4 "