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Home My WebLink AboutAccessACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION June 24, 1991 Mr. Tom Terrizzi Chair of the Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Terizzi: Pursuant to the discussion at our meeting of June 12,_ 1991, I -prepared the following list of the equipment which would be needed when each additional access channel is activated: 1 rack (to contain equipment); 1 SVHS playback VTR; 1 modulator; 1 "package" - video and audio distribution amps. There would also be labor costs involved in the installation of the equipment. In addition, there might have to be space alterations at the facilities at 612 Green Street. Sincerely, Barbara C; . Lukens General Manager BLL/mkk 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 PEG ACCESS EXPANSION: ESTIMATE FOR ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT / BUILDING CHANGES NEEDED I. Current Capability: Ch 13: -gain , Playback unit with 3 source VTRs & 64 pg. Bulletin Board. 10 -yr old switching system in hub to permit 2 remote sites: Ithaca College and the TC Library. Ch 53: 2 remote sites: City Hall & TC Board of Reps meeting room ( Court House). Live cablecasting only. No preview of signals possible. Switched manually from ACC. Note: The hardware needed to activate Channel 53, a modulator and demodulator, were purchased in 1990 but used 1991 access capital dollars. This will be reflected• in ACC's First 'Quarter 1991 Report'on Access, due 5/6/91. II. ACC's Proposal [Initially outlined to AAB in November 1990] In accordance with the AAB's resolution which urged ACC to add access channels in stages, ACC suggested adding. equipment to accomodate the following functions: 1) Put P, G, and E access on 3 2) Accomodate new live remote addition to City Hall, Library 3) Add playback capability to the playback of channel 13. 4) Allow remote sites to go "live" from their location [rather than needing to manually switched at ACC]. 5) Accomodate G or E Bulletin Boards or other remote sources in the future. separate channels sources (Board of Reps, BOCES) in and IC. the G and E channels separate from A diagram of one system which would achieve these objectives is attached. Each channel would have 4 possible inputs, which could be switched at ACC or remotely via a telephone "encoder" from a remote source. Please note that this proposal was not intended as a final configuration or limitation for access. It was intended as part of a staged approach, taking into account the current needs of access users and the limits of our annual capital budget. As it is, this proposal would utilize portions of 1991 and 1992 capital funds. 1. Channel 13 is already operational. 2. Channel 53, the G channel, could accomodate the City, the County Board, VTR playback and one fourth source, here noted as a bulletin board. 3. Channel 54, the E channel, could accomodate IC, the Library, BOCES and a fourth source, such as VTR playback from ACC. It is assumed that if the E channel desired a bulletin board, it. could use a character generator at one of the remote sites. An extremely rough breakdown of the cost of these channels is listed below: Channel 13: No additional capital expenses related to channel expansion. Channel 53: Item Estimated Cost Switching Matrix [4x1] $3,500 Telephone Encoders for 2 live remote sources $2,800 Audio/Video Switcher [to allow for preview of remote signals] $1,200 SVHS Playback VTR $2,700 Time Base Corrector [for stable playback] $5,000 Monitors [Program & Preview] $1,700 Audio monitor package $500 Equipment Rack $1,000 Modulator/Demodulator [City Hall]* $5,300 Demodulator [County Court House]** $2,600 Cables, labor for installation $2,000 Total*** $28,300 * This has already been purchased and installed. See note above about financing. ** County has purchased its own modulator. *** In diagram, Community Bulletin Board shown as running when there is no other programming. If government channel desires a separate bulletin board, this would be an additional expense [$2,500 or so for a unit such as our current Bul. Bd. for 13.] Channel 54: Item Estimated Cost Switching Matrix [4x1] $3,500 Telephone Encoders for 3 live remote sources $4,200 Audio/Video Switcher [to allow for preview of remote signals] $1,200 SVHS Playback VTR $2,700 Time Base Corrector [for stable playback] $5,000 Monitors [Program & Preview] $1,700 Audio monitor package $500 Equipment Rack $1,000 Modulator/Demodulator [BOCES] $5,300 Demodulator [IC]* $2,600 Demodulator [Library]* $2,600 Cables, labor for installation $2,000 Total*** $32,300 * Our engineer advises that, while the Library and IC have their own modulators, they are very old and should be replaced at this time. Add $2,700 per unit if this is desired. Total for Ch. 53-54 Equipment $60,600 III. Additional Planning Considerations It is impossible to effect a significant increase of playback from ACC without reallocation of space in the access center. The equipment propsed above would not fit within the current playback room. One possibility is to move the playback area to the room currently serving as our conference room. We could expand to up to 5 6 -foot racks here. Also, as our playback operator also serves as portable equipment checkout person, this room could accomodate an equipment "cage" for portable signouts. c C/3 n SQURCC / 3 53 SN v � -E. Crh ,,t),(1 4CC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION June ,,18, 1991 Ms. Debra A. Parsons Chamberlain's Office 108 East Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Parsons: In July_, 1991 ACC is informing City of Ithaca customer..s_that--a._- senior citizen's discount on basic cable service, which is need based, is available in Ithaca. The message will be printed directly onto their bills and says: ,"ACC OFFERS A 10% DISCOUNT ON BASIC CABLE SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS 65 YRS OF AGE OR OLDER AND WHOSE TOTAL ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS LESS THAN $15,000. APPLICATION MUST BE MADE AT YOUR MUNICIPAL OFFICE. BRING PROOF OF AGE AND INCOME WHEN APPLYING." I thought you'd like to know this since you may get a number of applicants following our notification. Also, we are looking for a way to indicate to seniors that they have received the discount. Right now, if they've satisfied the criteria, they are getting the discount, but there is nothing on the bill to indicate this. We'd like to end the confusion if we can. If I can be of further service, please call. Sincerely, L Barbara L. Lukens, General Manager cc: Tom Terrizzi, Chair of Ithaca Cable Commission Cookie Paolangeli, City Clerk 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Mr. PETER HESS CHAIRMAN- ITHACA CABLE ADVISORY BOARD c/o CITY HALL 1)2 --. GREEN STREET NY 14850 6-4-45-------..-_ - -,---------6g1,-.--- "N\ gi., _...., - _ Al. Ni. irN ;11; I 2 9 Il1i1111111111111111111111111111 SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Mr. Tom Terrizzi Ithaca Cable Commission 714 North Cayuga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 May 20, 1991 Dear Mr. Terrizzi: This is to inform you that the CNBC purchase of the Financial News Network has been approved. By the end of this week, FNN and CNBC will be integrated. ACC will notify you of the definitive date of integration as soon as we have a firm date. CNBC/FNN will replace FNN on cable channel 19 in Candor. CNBC/FNN will replace FNN on cable channel 20 in Newark Valley. CNBC/FNN will appear on cable channel 27,and we are investigating options for a possible replacement cable service for cable channel 42 on the Ithaca lineup. It is CNBC's intention to combine the best of CNBC and FNN --the bestticker, talent, features and programs. The integrated service will be called CNBC/FNN during the business day and CNBC at night and on the weekends. The integrated business will continue to provide our customers with financial news programming, consumer programming during the week and talk programming on weekends. 519 West State Street more... Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CNBC/FNN To help assure a smooth transition, CNBC has set up an 800 question and answer line (1 -800 -SMART -TV). This will help to serve our customers who may have questions since it's unclear how much advance notice and promotion will be possible. On the -day -of the integration CNBC will continually communicate .to our customers all programming format changes so the information they are accustomed to receiving will be simple to find. CNBC will promote the 1 -800 -SMART -TV number on -air on the combined service continuously for the first several weeks. ACC will inform cable customers of this change via stuffers in their June billing statements and on -air messages in accordance with New York State rules and regulations, and in keeping with Cable Association Standards. A press release to all media will be mailed immediately. Si •,',e1 Christoph J. Dyle Marketing/Operations Manager cc Mayor/Supervisor NYS Cable Commission Ithaca Cable Commission 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 AC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 1. CERTIFIED P261 410. 059 MAIL . I J (L S.POSIA MA121'91 : i r l Ix G5 D` EXPERT TREE WORK ROBIN WOOD 206 OAKHILL RD. 151 W. TENTH ST. ITHACA, NY 14850 NEW YORK, NY 1001 607-257-3748 212-675-0216 Robin Palmer FREEWHEELING FREEWHEELING Lauren M. Stefanelli Community Access Coordinator Cable 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Dear Lauren, March 19, '91 I am in possession of a ridiculous letter from you constituting a "warning" regarding my conduct at the Cable 13 Community Access Center. This letter, dated Feb. 13, 1991, did not reach me until Feb,. 28 or 29 and 1 did not open it until March 3 since I assumed it was some sort of bulletin, or perhaps a bill that I was not ready to pay. The return address was the standard ACC logo with nothing indicating it was from you. I mention these facts because I had no hint from you that any such communication was headed my way, even though we had been seeing one another on an almost daily basis including numerous cordial dog walking sessions. Though I am listed in two Ithaca phone books as R. Robin Palmer, 206 Oak Hill Rd., and have never indicated that that is not my address, and though you have been to my home on at least two occasions, for some inexplicable reason you put as a heading to your letter Robin Palmer, 108 Oak Ave., and addressed the envelope also to that incorrect address. Consequently the letter was returned to you by the Post Office and you then correctly addressed and sent it off to me again, again without giving me , in the course of our frequent professional and personal contact, even the slightest hint that such action on your part was in motion. "Dishonesty" is a harsh charge to level in any dialogue, but, unfortunately,- it is the adjective that fits this Feb. 13 letter that you sent me. "Incomp- etance," perhaps, best describes the erroneous address, but "dishonesty" is the best title for the letter's content and for your actions in my regard dur- ing this almost three week period, Feb. 9 to 28. In what way is the content dishonest? And your actions? Lets start with the second paragraph. You say: "The particular incident in question occurred on Saturday, February 9. 1991. On that date you entered the access office area and tried to provoke 'another volunteer, Bill McCormick." That is an absolutely false charge no matter what the staff member and the Access Advisory Board ombudsman, Jim Blizzard, may testify. I can only spec- ulate as to their reasons for defending Bill McCormick (when his behavior is STEFANELLI - 2 indefensible) and mischaracterizing mine. I will go into my theories on that later but for now what is more important is your behaviour. You say in the next two paragraphs a number of things all of which are also patently false; but even if they were true -it should have been your business to check with me as well as with the accusers concerning these events. You did not do this; nor did ,you even hint to me that you were aware that such an incident had iken place: I will try in this letter to not lose sight of the forest for the sake of des- cribing one tree, but more must be said of this particular incident before laying out a context that you are well aware of but which you pretend does not exist. A tape recording of the exhange between Bill and myself on this occasion (Feb. 9) would play as follows: Robin Palmer (in a conversational tone): "You are going to be written up." Bill McCormick (in a loud threatening voice): "FUCK OFF::" RP: "What are you going to do about it?" BMc (pointing to the door and in even louder voice): FUCK OFF:: GET OUT OF MY FACE::" He then said he was going to call the police and he was at once joined by Jim Blizzard, the ombudsman, who also threatened to call the police to complain about me:: I know that this description sounds almost Kafkaesque in its perversion of ordinary logic and behaviour but this is exactly the sort of thing. that hap- pened at the Access Studio in the last few months during the war in the Persian Gulf, as a result mostly of Bill McCormick's psychotic and disruptive behaviour and your tolerance and, in many instances, condonement of same. Since the Aug. 2 invasion of Kuwait by Irag and the UN and US response to it, Bill McCormick and his weekly Friday 6 to 8 program Round About Ithaca became more and more out of control, both in the Access Studio and over the air. Bill has taken the position - the "political position," as he characterizes it- that " US policy in the Persian Gulf is obscene." He claims that the war is US provoked and created and that the horrors of the war are totally the fault of the US and, more. particu- larly, George Bush. Bill's program at this time typically consisted of little more than two hours of McCormick monologue punctuated by viewer (mostly obscene) phone calls which were not screened because Bill could not get anybody to crew for him. These calls were/are from individuals that Bill refers to as "yahoos" and he hangs up on them usually at the first sign of their use of obscenity or contradiction of his point of view. His own use of standard Anglo Saxon monosylables and scatological phrases of his own invention had become common- place on Round About Ithaca during this period and he.made it clear that he was doing it deliberately- so that he could make an invidious comparison between his self described benign use of verbal obscenities and sexually explicit language with George Bush's "obscene behaviour" as President of the US. STEFANELLI To quote Bill: "I'm not obscene:: George Bush is Obscene::" It would take a letter much longer even than this one to tell the whole story of this Bill McCormick episode at Channel 13, but it is important to note that many staffers, volunteers and producers at the studio agreed with Bill in this analysis and some expressed this agreement openly. Notable in this was (and I'm sure still is) John Efroymson on the More Than The News program who stated those exact words in defense of Bill's use of obscenity; "Bill McCormick is not obscene - The US and George Bush are obscene when they bomb Iraq and continue the war, etc. etc." Perhaps this is the place to mention, Lauren, that you said to me at various times that apart from Bill McCormick's on -air behavior and despite the Cable Commission Policies And Procedures regulations outlining very specific controls of same, you personally felt that the regulations were unconstitutional. You suggested that it logically followed that they should not, therefore, be en- forced. In substance this is what the public was told by Access staff in re- sponse to the numerous complaints about Bill that the office received via tel- ephone and other forms of communication. For, indeed, the public very much wanted to know why Bill was allowed to continue Round About Ithaca in this manner. The reply from your office was basically°if you don't like it then switch the channel" There is one charge concerning your behavior in this affair that I do not want to make. It certainly can not be said that you were overly consistent in your actions. For while professing that it was your own personal belief that Bill had a right to verbally express himself on the air in any obscene way he chose, you,.at the same time, endorsed my right to petition ACC to enforce the Poli- cies And Procedures regulations which would require Round About Ithaca to move to an after 10:00 PM time slot. Indeed, you supported the use of the word "demand" instead of "request" when I inquired which you thought the most appro- priate as a tone to use with ACC. You also encouraged me to make an appoint- ment with your superior Barbara Lukens in order to resolve the issue and I did (together with Mimi Granger, the petition's co sponsor) attempt to arrange such an interview. Back to the incident of Feb. 9 cited in your warning letter. It is particu- larly important in all of this to now notice the forest as well as the trees, because it helps understand the fact that Bill McCormick's behavior on the air was mirrored by his behavior in the studio and office. This incident is not, as you cite it, an example of me trying to "provoke another volunteer;" it is an example (one of many too numerous to mention) of Bill McCormick's extensive use of "foul language" (your words) both on the air and in the work place dur- ing this period . But Feb. 9 can not be understood without also mentioning Feb. 8, late the night before, when, as you well know but conveniently avoid noting, Bill had put on an equally psychotic display while talking on an of- fice telephone which he, according to office rules, was not even supposed to be using. As you know I was working that evening on the Nadja On Silk STEFANELLI -• 4 , program and after its conclusion, while a number of Access people were still in the office.(including yourself standing at your desk), Bill McCormik sud- denly erupted with a series of "Fuck yous" and other obscenities on the office phone to some unknown party on the other end. The fact that Bill was using this staff phone at all was a violation of well known office rules; the fact that he was shouting obscenities and profanities in the bargain was - to me at least - unbelievable, even given the slack and other doable standard criteria that had gradually been applied by you and others at the studio to Bill in the office and studio setting. What was still more unbelievable than Bill behav- ing this way was your pretending that he wasn't doing it:: You continued working at your desk with your back to him 15 feet, or so, away; no other conversation in the room; for all the world oblivious. and, I repeat, pretending that you did not hear and could not see. Bill continued his ver- baloutburs.t to whoever he was talking to with more conspicuous obscenities and profanities. As you know, two of the others present were ombudsman Jim Blizzard (the same of the following afternoon of Feb.9) and another Access volunteer Rick Gray. I waited for you to do something while Bill was erupting, but you did nothing:: I waited for you to do something after he was finished and hung up; but you still did nothing:: I then asked you to please come into the playback room with me because I said I wanted to talk to you privately. Then, even as I broached the subject of what had just transpired with such phrases as "Lauren, Hello in there: What's going on around here? Earth to Lauren:" you still pretended to not know to .. what I was referring. When I persisted and said that what had just happened on the other side of the door was "simply not acceptable" you all at once seemed to collapse inside of yourself and then said, "You're right. I have to do some- thing. I just couldn't deal with him anymore. It's just more trouble to try and do something about him than it is to just let him! alone." At that moment you were called back into the office; it was already getting very late; Bill had left; we all left and the issue of what was to be done was left unresolved. (It should be noted here, however, that the next day on the telephone .you gave me the further information that during the day of the 8th Bill had done the same _thing in ' a number of other outbursts and that you had "warned him 3 or 4 times" not to do it anymore. 'You offered: this infor- mation freely and in no way characterized my phoning you about the matter as "harassing." One of the many bizarre points in your bizarre letter to me concerning the next day, Feb. 9, is the statement that I "evidently had no legitimate bus- iness at the access center at that time." That statement can only be described as surreal. I am a producer of a regular program for over two years; I had every "legitimate" right to be there. Certainly as much right as Bill McCormick. The next sentence in your letter reads, "You would not accept his reply that he did not wish to speak with you and wished to continue his work." In fact his "reply" was, as before stated, "FUCK OFF. GET OUT OF MY FACE!?" STEFANELLI - 5 Since I was not "in his face," but merely standing at a conventionally con- versational distance from him and since I was not prepared to do the other (ie "Fuck Off"), it's true I "did not" ( as you state ) "accept his reply." It is not true, however, that I tried to provoke him or Jim Blizzard or any- one for anything. There certainly was no need to call the police because of my behavior. I was, in fact, by talking to him at all simply giving Bill the courtesy of telling him in advance that I was going to see to it that he would be writ- ten up for his outburst on the phone the night before. Because of his in- stantaneous obscene response I never had the chance to (nor did I seek to) continue the discussion. The statements: "The ombudsman asked you to leave Bill alone; you ignored him and continued to harass Bill. Only when the om- budsman threatened and then started to call for police assistance did you cease " are nothing more than cynical distortions. If the police were to be called at all they should have been called because of Bill's behavior not mine. The fact that Jim and Bill and whoever else complained about me in- stead of Bill only indicates that they were protecting themselves from an anticipated charge that I might be expected to make about Bill's behavior. It is simply untrue to say that I intended to or was trying to "provoke" Bill, and I can only assume that those who so characterize my behavior have their own reasons for making such a charge. It should be noted, however, that the ombudsman, Jim Blizzard, was and is one of the many Channel 13 vol- unteers (like John Efroymson) who have consistently taken the position that Bill McCormick's on and off the air behavior is something that nothing can be done about. The other basic charge aganist me in your letter of warning is no more accur ate or legitimate than the matter just discussed, but I will answer it anyway (and, of course, the two are related). You claim That I have been harassing you personally and cite as an example that I called you at your home at 8:45 AM "to repeat complaints (I) had previously made at the access center." As a matter of fact you know that I called you simply to let you know that I was intending to go to Barbara Lukens at 9:00 to officially complain about Bill, a move I didn't want to make without giving you a courtesy of prior notice. It was a question of chain of command. I didn't call you to "repeat complaints" and you knew' it,and you know it, because I left a message to that effect on your machine. You say that you "verbally warned " me "after the first incident." In fact you told me not to call you at 8:45 AM, which x did not do again, and your did not complain further about any calls that I made to you. Your statement: That youfound itnecessary to make several similar calls to my home a few days later, on Feb. 9, is very difficult for me to under- stand" is just self serving nonsense. You did not complain about these calls at the time and what's more you contributed much supportive information and (presumed) understanding of the problem of Bill McCormick at Channel 13. STEFANELLI - 6 As before stated, it was during the Feb. 9 call that you offered the informa- tion that Bill had created scenes the day before as well as the night before and that you had warned him about that "3 or 4 times," and that he had ignored your warnings. When you told me that I then understood (or partially under- stood) why you pretended to not notice Bill's swearing and use of obscenities on the phone the evening of the 8th when I had been there to witness it myself. There is the danger at Channel 13 that a programing Gresham's Law will set in as a result of the lack of control of Bill McCormick. As Public Access is more and more identified by Bill and his personality, his and other "bad" pro- grams will tend to drive out "good" ones. As things stand presently. Bill con- trols far too many hours per week; time that represents a grotesque proportion of Channel 13's weekly fare. As you know there has been alot of discussion of this question around the studio, but very little action. Unfortunately, Lauren, your role in such discussion has been greatly discred- ited' by such things as your letter of warning to me and the things covered in this letter to you. Because you feared that I was going to complain about you in some official way you decided to write up some specious charges against me. P. S. Sincere Robin Palmer Producer, FREEWHEELING I apologize for the shortness of this reply to your letter of Feb. 13. Admittedly it only covers some of my objections to your job performance during February and March of this year. cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Access Advisory Board City Cable Commission Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Robin Palmer 108 Oak Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Robin, AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION February 13, 1991 This letter is an official warning. regarding your conduct_at the CABLE 13 community access center. The particular incident in question occured on Saturday, February 9, 1991. On that date, you entered the access office area and tried to provoke another volunteer, Bill McCormick. According to the'staffer on duty and the Access Advisory Board ombudsman, who was present and who tried to diffuse the situation, you deliberately attempted to enrage Bill_. You evidently had no legitimate business at the access center at that time. You 'would not accept his reply that he did not wish to speak with you and wished to continue his work. When he asked you to leave him alone, you continued provoking him with statements of the nature of "What are you going to do about it?" The impression gained by the staffer and the ombudsman was that you were intentionally trying to goad Bill into making a scene or using foul language in the access office so that you could file another complaint against him and/or access staff [for failing to preserve your right to a quiet workspace!]. The ombudsman asked you to leave Bill alone; you ignored him and continued to harrass Bill. Only when the ombudsman threatened and then started to call for police assistance did you cease. I. understand that you have made complaints about Bill's. conduct recently. I have discussed your concerns .with you at length on a number of occasions. However, this incident_ smacks of a deliberate attempt to manufacture additional grounds for complaint against Bill, instead -of waiting for staff to address the complaints you had already made. This behavior fall under the section of our policy manual devoted to minor violations [Sec. VII.4.3.2, p.8], which- prohibits "disorderly conduct which disrupts the working environment of the access facility for other users or staff." In addition to Bill himself, other -volunteers present found your performance highly disruptive and reported it as such. This is not the first time you have been warned about disruptive behavior at the access center. You have participated with Bill and others in shouting matches .in the recent past in which staff Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County" have had to ask you to cease. You have been informed on quite a few occasions that such behavior is inappropriate. But this incident, in which you tried to entrap another volunteer against whom you had a complaint into engaging in disruptive behavior, apparently as part of a campaign to have him disciplined, is quite a bit more serious. You have left me in no doubt that you are enbarked upon a campaign to have him disciplined; you have made that very clear to me through a number of conversations, the last on Monday February 11, in which you threatened to make complaints against my conduct as well unless you had some assurance that he had been disciplined. In addition to this incident, I would like to formally warn you against a repeat of your incidents of harrassment of me personally. If you feel a -.need to discuss access policies, or complaints about their enforcement, with access staff, please do it at the access center during our hours of operation. If the discussion will take some time and you would prefer that it be conducted in private, please make an appointment through me or another staff member. We will try to arrange a time when I will be in, and when another staffer can cover other office functions. Calling me at my home number at 8:45 am to repeat complaints you had previously made at the access center was an inappropriate intrusion on access staff. I am available 40+ hours per week at the studio. I often work until midnight. I interpreted such a call at such an hour as harrassment, plain and simple. You were verbally warned after the first incident. That you found -it necessary to make several similar calls to my home a few days later, on February 9, is very difficult for me to understand. Again, you had communicated the same information to me over the phone that you had in previous complaints to me at the access center. No new emergency which could not have waited until my arrival later that day was communicated. Again, you informed me that you intended to pursue complaints against my performance as well, and linked these intended complaints to my performance at punishing Bill McCormick. Harrassment of access staff is another minor violation of CABLE 13 policies [Sec. VII.4.3.10, p.8]. Further minor violations of CABLE 13 policies will lead to a suspension of access privileges for a period of two weeks. If you have any questions about CABLE 13 policies and procedures, please feel free to contact me at the access office. Sincerely, /Lauren. !St= anelli Commun i tccee st'Coor d/ cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Access Advisory Board ator ACCe51.< 3 The Honorable Ben Nichols Mayor of the City of Ithaca City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ben, RECEIVE 2 Hillcrest Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 February 28, 1991 R.. 0 199/ It was good talking to you the other day. As follow-up and for the record herewith my statement in writing. I am writing to protest the possible removal of the Bill McCormick community access show, Round About Ithaca, from its Friday 6-8 p.m. time slot for any of the reasons which I have so far heard. It is my understanding that the terms "obscene" and "profane" are defined by intent and context and under those conditions McCormick's language is neither obscene nor profane. It is crystal clear to anyone watching his show that he is speaking with moral and spiritual outrage and anger and heartbreakat what he considers an unjust war, presented to the American people by the present Administration with dubious and hypocritical reasons, a war where many young Americans will be slaughtered, as well as others in the Persian Gulf war zone. I understand that some parents have said that they do not want their children to watch his show. But that is no reason to remove it to a later time slot. Parents who don't want their children 10 watch his show should so inform their children and enforce their directive. There are many books in the public library which many parents would not want their young children to read but that does not mean the public library must remove such books from the shelves. I for one would miss the McCormick show if it were moved to a 10 p.m. time slot since I go to bed quite early these days. In my opinion it would be a violation of First Amendment rights to remove his show from its accustomed time slot for any of the reasons I have heard so far. Sincerely, O Lc&. Gil L Doria Higgins 3 SCC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION January 8, 1991 A cce ss Mr. Thomas Terrizzi, Chairman Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green Street ithaca, NY 14850_ Dear Tom: Per our agreement, this letter is to clarify that American Community Cablevision (ACC) will abide by New York State Commission on Cable Television (NYSCCT) regulations as regards. the allowance of political endorsements on Public/Educational/Government access. As you are aware, this is prohibited in the franchise contract signed by ACC and the City of Ithaca. Because future readers of this correspondence may not know the entire story here, the contract complied with NYSCCT's rules (in fact was written verbatim from them) when it was written, and the state Commission subsequently changed their position 'on this issue. ACC is operating in compliance with New York State Commission on Cable Television's Regulations. Sincerely, Barbara L. Lukens (.yk,e-,t General Manager CC': Charles Guttman, attorney, City of Ithaca Lauren Stefanelli, ACC Access Coordinator . ACC legal files Paula Tarallo, ACC BLL/mkk 519 West State Street 2 Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Robin Palmer 206 Oak Hill Rd. Ithaca, Ny 14850 Dear Robin, I4BLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLE VISION1 March 4, 1991 It is with great regret that I am hereby suspending your access privileges for the next two weeks. All production and cable - casting reservations will be suspended from March 5 through March 19. Reservations after March 19 will be held. The reason for the suspension falls under CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Sec. VII.4.3.10: "...harrassment of access staff or other users." The incident in question occurred yesterday, March 3, 1991, in which you spent several minutes shouting at me in an extremely belligerent and aggressive manner. This incident occurred while I was off work and in a public place, but your shouting and name-calling had to do with access policies and their application to you. This letter follows a written warning in February [2/13]. In this letter, you were warned that your calls to my house in the early morning and on weekends to shout at me about access issues and to threaten to make complaints against my job performance (unless I applied your interpretation of proper punishment of a volunteer against whom you had a complaint) constituted "harrassment of staff" and would not be tolerated. Evidently, from what I could make out from your barrage of verbal abuse on Sunday, you seem convinced that you have the right to treat me and others exactly as you please, and intend to recognize no restraints on your "prerogatives" to verbally abuse others. This attitude is just not acceptable at the access center. It is no more acceptable to verbally abuse staff away from the access center. Perhaps the fault is that you have been permitted to get away with verbal abuse of others for too long at CABLE 13. Two weeks ago, I received an official complaint about your behavior from Jorge Cuevas. During his program on February 19, you shouted out in the office area that he was "stealing some headphones." The new access staffer on duty rushed to the scene, and Jorge, who was just leaving the building with.his earmuffs on, was very upset and embarrassed. il Cc&sem Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County" You have gotten away with overt and covert verbal abuse of Jorge Cuevas for most of the time that he was an access staffer. After being reprimanded for calling him a "spic," you gave me the argument that you should be permitted to use such language as long as you were "joking." When told that you could not continue with such "jokes," you then stopped using Jorge's name, and started to address him by various "nicknames" of your own devising, such as "Gorgeous" and "Gorgeous George." I heard you address him in that manner on many occasions. Your voice dripped with sarcasm and derision, and clearly showed that while you were staying within the letter of the policy, you had comtempt for the spirit - the feelings of other individuals. Jorge put up with this ongoing behavior, but was nevertheless hurt by it. He has asked me to convey to you that, as an access volunteer, he does not wish to be subjected to your "humor," which in his eyes is deeply rooted in bigotry and malice, ever again. I must ask you that, upon your return to the access center, you confine your "humor" exclusively to those who you are sure will appreciate it. When addressing others, use their proper names unless you are certain that they will appreciate your "nicknames." This goes for myself as well. Please use my name to address me in the future. Referring to me as "the black lesbian" at the access center has caused problems and misunderstandings in the past. Not everyone understands the literary reference, and several individuals, including young black women, have been offended by the phrase. I hope that you decide to return to the access center and continue producing your programs. I have a great deal of respect for the work you have done here as an access producer. I am actually quite sorry that this step is necessary. I consulted with the Access Advisory Board before taking it, as I consider a suspension of access privileges a very extreme measure to have to take. If you feel the need to discuss this decision, or to appeal it, please contact the AAB ombudsman, Jim Blizzard. Sincerely, Lauren' M,/Stefanell'i.' Commune ty Access �Coordinato cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Access Advisory Board City Cable Commission Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Bill McCormick 531 W. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION LIABLE. OW Y ..S February 28, 1991 Dear Bill, A cce Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 MAR 6 1991 In ACC's letter to you of February 11, 1991, and at your meeting with ACC General Manager Barbara Lukens on February 14, you have been warned that 'Round About Ithaca has regularly included language which is considered by ACC to be "harsh profanity." You have been warned that under our policies, programs containing "adult themes, language or images" are eligible to be shown only after lOpm on CABLE 13 [Policies and Procedures Sec. VII.7.6, p.18], and that your program regularly violates this policy. You were asked in this letter to schedule future programs which will include profanity after lOpm. On February 15, 1991, 'Round About Ithaca again included profanity. Considering the warnings given to you on this issue, use of such language in your programs in the future will be considered "chronic and willful disregard for CABLE 13 Policies" [Sec. VII.4.2.10, p.7], a major violation of CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures. Such violations are subject to probationary sanctions. The first probationary sanction is a suspension of access privileges for a period of three months. One exception to the enforcement of this policy regards the language of callers on call—in programs. Presently, producers have declined to use the delay system because of the inconvenience of the length (7 seconds) of the delay. While this problem is under review by ACC, producers who decline to use the delay are asked to cut off callers using profanity as quickly as they can. It is understood that a word or two will get by in the process. This will not be penalized. ACC's engineer will be reducing the length of the delay to 2-3 seconds, to make it more practical in the context of a live program. If you have any questi:ons regarding ACC's policies on public access, please feel free to contact me at any time. Sincerely, Lauren �. Community Access Coordi a"tor cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Tom Terrizzi, City Cable Commission Chair Peter Hess, Access Advisory Board Chair "Television for 'Tompkins County" MAR 6 19 91 The Honorable Ben Nichols Mayor of the City of Ithaca City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850 RECEIVED `:°:',+ 011991 cc- e.53 2 Hillcrest Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 February 28, 1991 elkikt.ftT Dear Ben, It was good talking to you the other day. As follow-up and for the record herewith my statement in writing. I am writing to protest the possible removal of the Bill McCormick community access show, Round About Ithaca, from its Friday 6-8 p.m. time slot for any of the reasons which I have so far heard. It is my understanding that the terms "obscene" and "profane" are defined by intent and context and under those conditions McCormick's language is neither obscene nor profane. It is crystal clear to anyone watching his show that he is speaking with moral and spiritual outrage and anger and heartbreakat what he considers an unjust war, presented to the American people by the present Administration with dubious and hypocritical reasons, a war where many young Americans will be slaughtered, as well as others in the Persian Gulf war zone. understand that some parents have said that they do not want their children to watch his show. But that is no reason to remove it to a later time slot. Parents who don't want their children to watch his show should so inform their children and enforce their directive. There are many books in the public library which many parents would not want their young children to read but that does not mean the public library must remove such books from the shelves. I for one would miss the McCormick show if it were moved to a 10 p.m. time slot since I go to bed quite early these days. In my opinion it would be a violation of First Amendment rights to remove his show from its accustomed time slot for any of the reasons I have heard so far. Sincerely, 00,-a G« Doria Higgins Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 David Lynch 700 Warren Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear David, ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 February 16, 1991 I and other access staffers have had the opportunity to observe your ability to use video equipment over the period of the past six weeks. As access coordinator, I am responsible for assuring that access equipment is not endangered. At this point, I have serious concerns as to your ability to use our equipment safely. During the January training classes, the instructor reported that you nearly damaged equipment on several occasions by bumping into cameras or stepping on cables. He did not feel that you retained any of his instructions on safety. Staff observations of your work as a cameraperson on volunteer productions confirmed that impression Staff on duty reported that the cameras were in danger of damage through negligence while you were operating them. The instructor reported that you nearly dropped the camcorder on a number of occasions and did not seem cognizent of his safety instructions and warnings. I conducted a camcorder demo with you before your first sign -out and found that nearly all portions of the class had to be repeated. My concerns about your ability to use equipment safely were further aroused by observing your comportment within the access building. I have seen you literally fall over while bending down to pick up an object from the ground; I have also observed you dropping fragile objects such as audio cassettes and compact discs repeatedly and seemingly without concern for damaging them. It is the responsibility of the staff of the access center to make sure that volunteers are able to operate equipment safely before permitting them to operate or sign equipment out from the access building. It is my present evaluation that you are not capable of safe operation of access equipment and should not be permitted to reserve equipment in the future. Effective immediately, you are being decertified as an access producer and volunteer crewmember. Access producers must also be able to complete the written paper- work attached to each project. The samples we have received from you so far show that you are unable to write in a manner legible to others. You are unable to write anything as detailed as a script or project outline. Staff have completed project reserva- "Television for Tompkins County" tion paperwork for you for your two project ideas; however, this is not a regular function of access staff. Yet another skill required of producers is the ability to remember their production reservations. Throughout the week that your editing sessions were scheduled, you arrived 4 to 30 hours in advance, with no idea of when your reservations were actually made. Access staff were required to remind you of the date/time of your reservations, as you were apparently unable to read our scheduling calendars, and had apparently made no note of your own production reservations. Again, this skill is required of the producers themselves. In the case of your camcorder reservation, you returned two hours late with two camcorders, thus inconveniencing the producers who had reserved the equipment after you. You seemed to have no awareness of your reservation times. In addition, you have pushed staff to the limit in terms of your demands for access to equipment before you had completed our training program. Throughout your training, you badgered and harrassed staff daily with demands for equipment on your slightest whim. On Thursday, February 14, you were scheduled to complete editing of your first project. After 2 weeks of badgering on the matter, I attempted to accomodate your desire to start a second project by doing your editing for you for your first project, so that you could meet your self-imposed deadline. Staff do not ordinarily perform production functions for volunteers. We are there as technical assistants only, to help people gain proficiency on equipment themselves. You left yourself no such learning curve, but badgered staff daily and at considerable length for an exception in your case. As for your second project, problems arose here, too. The project involved coverage of a dance at the LDS Church. You spent quite a bit of time disrupting the office environment on February 15 by shouting on the phone at one crewmember who had apparently decided to abandon the project. Shouting in the center is not permitted, as it makes it difficult for other volunteers and staff to work. After you left with the equipment, we received a call from one of your crewmembers, who said that you had not received permission to tape the event and were encountering opposition from your talent. Permission to videotape at a private event was something I discussed with you at length. You had told me that you had permission; indeed, you had me write a letter to the church verifying your stage of training so that you could show them, you said, that you would really be able to tape on the date you were proposing. Clearly, your organizational skills were lacking in this area. The result was that the shoot that you had hoped for did not take place as planned. However, I recognize that you have put a great deal of effort and enthusiasm into gaining video production skills over the past weeks. I also recognize that your abilities in some areas are quite well developed. Your ability to initiate a project idea, to pre—plan effectively for an editing session by reviewing your raw material and making editing decisions, and your efforts at putting together a crew for a production are quite impressive. I would be willing to meet with you and someone who might be willing to work with you on a regular basis on access productions to consider some arrangement by which you might use the access facilities. If you could find an individual who is, or could become a certified producer; and who can safely utilize equipment and deal with production paperwork and scheduling; I would consider meeting with you to discuss how you might be involved with access as part of a production team with this other individual. Please let me know if you would like to proceed in this manner. If you object, to my decision, you may contact the Access Advisory Board's ombudsman, Jim Blizzard. He can discuss your situation with you, and bring it to the attention of the Access Advisory Board. Sincerely, • Lauren . S aatielii Commun Acce4s Co '•di :tor cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Jim Blizzard, AAB Ombudsman Tom Terrizzi-, City Cable Commission Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 Tom Terrizzi, Chair Ithaca City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Tom: Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 December 18, 1990 Channel 53, a government / educational access channel, was activated on December 13. It is presently set up to accomodate live cablecasting from the Common Council chambers of City Hall. The December 19 Budget & Administration meeting will be the first to be cablecast on Channel 53. This meeting will also be taped for cablecast on December 29 on CABLE 13, as originally scheduled. Future meetings, however, will be shown exclusively on Channel 53, and will be cablecast live, as requested by the City. Several new elements have been added to the planning for scheduling on Channel 53. First, there is the intention which Peter Hess expressed to ACC on behalf of the Cable Commission at its October 18 informational meeting on the new channel. Peter said that the City intended to cover the committee meetings not covered by ACC, so that all Common Council committee meetings would be covered every month. Second, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives is now in the preliminary stages of planning for live coverage of its meetings, and has requested cablecasting time for 1991 on the new channel. In addition, the configuration of the channel may be changed during the year as our research into equipment options and institutional interests is completed. It is possible for other educational or governmental users to request time on this channel during the coming year. We are researching options for accomodating taped programming on Channel 53 in the future, which may spark further requests for channel time. Given these variables, it is essential to plan cablecasting time on the new channel well in advance. ACC's planned coverage of City Hall meetings in 1991 are listed below. I need to know, as soon as possible, any requests for cablecasting time the City would like to make in addition to these dates. "Television for Tompkins County" ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in 1991 are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rotating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us by the City Clerk's office. January: Common Council Meeting Planning & Development Mtg Human Services Mtg February: Common Council Meeting Charter & Ordinance Mtg Budget & Administration Mtg March: Common Council Meeting Planning & Development Mtg Human Services Mtg April: Common Council Meeting Charter & Ordinance Mtg Budget & Administration Mtg May: Common Council Meeting Planning & Development Mtg Human Services Mtg * May 27 is Memorial Da June: Common Council Meeting Charter & Ordinance Mtg Budget & Administration Mtg July: Common Council Meeting Planning & Development Mtg Human Services Mtg August: Common Council Meeting Charter & Ordinance Mtg Budget & Administration Mtg September: Common Council Meeting Planning & Development Mtg Human Services Mtg October: Common Council Meeting Charter & Ordinance Mtg Budget & Administration Mtg First Wednesday, January 2, 7pm Third Monday, January 21, 7:30pm Fourth Monday, January 28, 4:30pm First Wednesday, February 6, 7pm Second Thursday, February 14, 7:30pm Third Wednesday, February 20, 7:30pm First Wednesday, March 6, 7pm Third Monday, March 18, 7:30pm Fourth Monday, March 25, 4:30pm First Wednesday, April 3, 7pm Second Thursday, April 11, 7:30pm Third Wednesday, April 17, 7:30pm First Wednesday, May 1, 7pm Third Monday, May 20, 7:30pm Fourth Monday, May ?, 4:30pm* y: please advise on actual mtg. date First Wednesday, June 5, 7pm Second Thursday, June 13, 7:30pm Third Wednesday, June 19, 7:30pm First Wednesday, July 3, 7pm Third Monday, July 15, 7:30pm Fourth Monday, July 22, 4:30pm First Wednesday, Second Thursday, Third Wednesday, August 7, 7pm August 8, 7:30pm August 21, 7:30pm First Wednesday, September 4, 7pm Third Monday, September 16, 7:30pm Fourth Monday, September 23, 4:30pm First Wednesday, October 2, 7pm Second Thursday, October 10, 7:30pm Third Wednesday, October 16, 7:30pm November: Common Council Meeting First Wednesday, November 6, 7pm Planning & Development Mtg Third Monday, November 18, 7:30pm Human Services Mtg Fourth Monday, November 25, 4:30pm December: Common Council Meeting First Wednesday, December 4, 7pm Charter & Ordinance Mtg Second Thursday, December 12, 7:30pm Budget & Administration Mtg Third Wednesday, December 18, 7:30pm Please notify us of any changes in these meeting dates or times. Please note also that we are only able to cover meetings held in Common Council Chambers, as that is where the feed to Channel 53 is located. All meetings are presently scheduled for that room, but I know that they are sometimes relocated to another meeting room. Before such rescheduling occurs in the future, committee chairpersons should be made aware that such changes make it impossible for live coverage on Channel 53 to take place. In addition, when other users begin cablecasting, meeting changes may make live coverage impossible due to prior cablecasting reservations by other users of the channel. I will forward updated copies of Channel 53 reservations to the City Clerk as changes occur, so that committee chairpersons can easily check on such potential conflicts. If you have questions regarding use of channel 53, particularly insofar as the productions the City is planning to undertake are concerned, please feel free to contact me. Cordially, Laure Communi y Acc CAB LL 13 ator cc: Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Richard Booth, Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. Dan Hoffman, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Charter and Ordinance Comm. John Johnson, Chair, Human Services Comm. Mayor Ben Nichols, Common Council Liason to Cable Commission Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Greg Bowman, CABLE 13 Portable Video Unit Director J•rri+�a»4ca Me.•y.(�lyr.Y.^..�K . A —.- AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION February 11, 1991 Mr. William McCormick 531 West Green Street ithaca, NY 14850 Re: "Round About Ithaca" Dear Bill: • Section VII.7 of the Policies and Procedures relating to public access provides in part as follows: Programs classified as "adult will be eligible to be cablecast after 10:00 pm only on Cable 13 cablecastings evenings, preceded by a content warning. A pro- 7ram will be classified as "adult' if it contains harsh profanity, or sexually explicit images. Due to the harsh profanity contained in your live call in shows, we must require that henceforth "Round About Ithaca" and any other programs you may produce which include profanity be scheduled after 10:00 pm. You may contact Lauren Stefanelli at the access studio tolarrange such scheduling. Barbara L. Lukens r VIT•_ ACC General Manager cc: Cable Access Advisory Board, Peter Hess Ithaca Cable Commission, Tom Terrizzi Lauren Stefanelli 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Mailing Address: 5.19 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County." ACCESS CAPITAL SPENDING PROCEDURE 1. ACC will actively seek input from volunteers, the Access Advisory Board, and governmental and educational access users on capital spending for PEG access. Such input will be sought at regular intervals, with a publicly announced deadline. Suggestions regarding desired equipment functions, as well as specific types of equipment, are welcome. Advice from the Access Advisory Board on priorities for equipment spending is also welcome. 2. ACC will develop a spending plan(s) based on this input. The plan(s) will be made public after completion. 3. Individuals or groups who feel that their needs were not adequately met by .the plan may make requests / suggestions, which will be considered for the following year's capital plan. ACCESS CAPITAL SPENDING TIMELINE FOR 1991 1. ACC will develop a spending plan within the first quarter of 1991 to address the problem of accomodating additional access channels. This plan will be based on public input received in 1990 [see 1990 Capital Plan, Sec. 1]. ACC will make this plan public after its completion. 2. ACC will implement the first quarter capital plan, and determine remaining capital funds for PEG access for 1991. 3. ACC will accept input from the public and from the Access Advisory Board for recommended uses and priorities for remaining 1991 capital funds through 6/30/91. 4. ACC will develop a second capital spending plan by 10/1/91, which will be made public upon completion. 5. Individuals or groups who feel that their needs were not adequately met by the plan may make requests / suggestions, which will be considered for 1992's capital plan. 6 PEG ACCESS EQUIPMENT, 1990 $plow is a plan for new access equipment purchases for 1990 by ACC. Input in developing and prioritizing elements of the plan wa.:: received by i'ICceei'; volunteers, Access Advi'sor'y I. oai d member's, the City Cable Commission and ACC staff. 'Ihe items are listed in the order of their priority ranking given to us by the AA13 in September, 1990. 1. New Channel Capacity .Government Channel 53 - live from City Hall only Modulator/Demodulator $6,000 "Additional channel(s)" was the 111 iters on the priority list by the AAB:. The City of Ithaca has requested a governmental access channel with the capacity to cablecast any City Hall meeting liveThe Tompkins County Board of Representatives has requested time on any governmental channel to be created. ACC has held 2 Meetings: with potential governmental and educational users of a second chanriel to try Lo assess their needs. lure government and educational institutions represented stressed that they felt that governmental and educational prograrrxrring should have separate channels, since the timing of their proposed programming conflicts. Given the results of this input, ACC feels that it would like to do -additional research. OH the planning of additional channels, to 'make possible the greatest flexibility for future PEG access steeds. .At an initial step, live cablecasting on Channel 53 from Ithaca's City Hall will be, set up and activated by 1/2/90. This 'Step will not compromise any future system which may include other, origination sources on Channel 53 or on other designated PEGchannels..Research into our equipment options will be ongoing over the next few months. 2. Off -Site Production Capability The advantages of an off-site multiple -camera system would be to - enhance the quality of events coverage in the field - reduce the need to edit off-site multiple -camera shoots, thus reducing pressure ori our editing facilities The proposal below would give us the capability to have up to two such systems operating, using 2 of our current camcorders for one of the systems, and adding,2 new camcorders for the second. (2) Panasonic AG -160 SVHS Camcorders (2) Bogen I ripuds • (2) Panasonic WJ-MX12 SVHS-Compatible Diyit,-i1 Audio/Video Mixer (2) Hitachi VL -S100 Portable VCR (2) Sets Triple It/W Monitors $6,000 $500 $6,000 $7.800 :42,000 $22,300 1 C'C c,'SS PEG ACCESS EQUIPMENT, 1990 p.2 . Post—Production •..IIiO items below would crarite a profession. 1./itidw.l.ri.n 1••-yrral...t:y portable SVIIS editing system, which is intended to be signed out --for volunteer use at home. The system would be extremely easy to ..set,up, is designed for portable use, and therefore is built to very rugged' field use standard-. (2) Hitachi VL -S100 Portable VCR $7,800 (1) Hitachi VL.-EC10/20 Edit Controller $2,000 (1) Color Monitors $700 Cases $300 . Portable Equipment: Misc. Items These 'items are to support our current equipment functions: (8) SVHS batteries $640 (6) Tripod Carrying Straps 90 (2) Monopods 65 (2) Shoulder Braces 65 $10,800 TOTAL PACKAGE ES1IMAFE: $39,960 NYSSales Tax (7%) 2,797 Shipping (3%) 1, 199 TOTAL CAPITAL PLAN (EST):$43,956 $860 Note: These figures are estimates based ori manufacturers' list prices. Actual purchase prices may differ. Expenses will be drawn from ACC's capita]. allocations for PEG access. Cathy Johnson 616.N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 • 273-8488 11/18/90 -To whom it may concern, 1 am interested in serving on the Ithaca Community Access Advisory Board. i support access television both as a producer and as a viewer. I'd like to be more involved in the development of community ac -cess -in Ithaca because I believe that community access to television production and cablecasting facilities is an essential part of the free flow of ideas in any community. I want to see the community access center in Ithaca continue to thrive, and I'd like to be part of that process. I'm familiar -with the Channel 13 access center, having completed the training to become a producer in the fall of 1989. As a member of the More Than The News Collective i have assisted primarily with technical tasks on the day of cablecast, and have also worked on -several segments that were . shot outside the studio. Last spring I produced a video for The Learning Web of ► ornpkins County using Channel 13 facilities. That video was shown on Channel 13 and is now being used by the Web for- outreach. Before returning to Ithaca in 1989 i Lived in New Orleans for five years, where I also worked with community access television. 1 co-produced a -weekly program entitled "Report on Central America", and occasionally assisted va'ith several other access programs. I also worked for one year in the television studio of the University of New Orleans. am a native of Ithaca and have lived mostof my lire here._ I am _- currently studying at Cornell for a B,S. in communications. I have never served on an advisory board before, but having been a member of various collectives and community groups in the last ten years i am used to meetings, and to working in groups. I was advised that you do not need a formal resume, but simply a letter stating my interest in serving on the advisory board. Please contact me if you have any questions or need any more specific information. Sincerer r, Cathy Jo -Ison �a� OFFICE OF • -CITY OF IT`HACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE 272.1713 • CITY ATTORNEY CODE 607 November 6, 1990 1'. • Barbara L .ens. General :pager American Community Cablevision 519 W. tate St. Ithaca NY 14850 Dear s. Lukens: I have reviewed the Franchise Agreement between the City of Ithaca and American Community Cablevision and have met with members of the City of Ithaca Television Cable Commission. Apparently there are concerns and potential problems regarding ACC's responsibility to provide access channels and services. In Section 14 of the Franchise Agreement, ACC specifically agreed to provide nine downstream channels designated for public, governmental and educational access. Any P.E.G. access channels unused by the City three years after the rebuild was complete would revert to ACC, provided that if community needs subsequently required the use of any such channels, ACC would return the channels to the City six months after receiving written notice if ACC had a use for the channel and immediately if there was no use for the channel. I also note 9 NYCRR Section 595.4, Minimum Standards for PEG Access clearly seems to state that in our situation there must not only be one full-time channel for public access but at least one additional channel for government and educational use. Therefore, ACC is not at present even complying with the minimum state -required standards. Furthermore, ACC is clearly not complying with the requirement of the Franchise Agreement that nine downstream channels be designated for PEG access and that those channels be available for use. As City Attorney I must insist that ACC meet its contractual obligations. It is my further understanding that disputes have arisen regarding whether the costs for the equipment for bringing these channels on line is to be paid by ACC out of your general revenues or paid out of the two percent of gross City revenues (Over) which, under Section 14.1(C)(3), you have agreed to put aside for equipment replacement and expansion. It appears clear to me that the necessary equipment to open up the nine channels should come out of the'ACC general revenues and not out of these two percent funds. In the first place, pursuant to the Franchise Agreement, ACC ; was to immediately designate the nine downstream. channels and ''havethem available for use. Accordingly, the necessary equipment would have to have been purchased immediately. The two percent funds obviously come in over a period of time and could not buythat equipment. On the contrary, the two percent funds clearly seem to be intended for local programming leads. .I also note in the Franchise Agreement that there. are references to when the rebuild is complete. I would appreciate you informing me as to when ACC considers the rebuild tohave been completed so that we will have a firm agreed-upon date. If you wish to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me. Otherwise, please advise me at your earliest convenience as to what steps ACC is taking to comply with its contractual obligations under the Franchise Agreement and under New York State law. Very tru • -z " Charles Guttman City Attorney CG/a cc: Tom Terrizzi, Chair City of Ithaca TV Cable Commission fr Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street's Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 mBLE14, AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Eloise Green Director, ICB-TV School of Communications Ithaca College Ithaca, NY 14850 December 14, 1990 Dear Eloise, This letter is to officially notify you that the sponsor tags included in most ICB-TV programs throughout its fall season have not been in compliance with CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures. They violate Section IX.3.2.4, which describes the limitations for acknowledgement of program sponsors on access programs. They also violate Section VII.4.2.6, which prohibit using access facilities for commercial purposes, since these tags are considered commercials by ACC. This is considered a "Major Violation" of access policies, since it violates one of the principle tenets of access, that it be used exclusively fornon-commercial purposes. [See CABLE 13 Policy manual, pp. 7-9, and ACC -Ithaca Franchise, Sec. 14.3.D]. This matter has been brought to your attention on a number of previous occasions. Letters from ACC's General Manager concerning IC's failure to adhere to access policies regarding program sponsorship were sent on April 9 and again, when the violations continued, on May 4. The second letter was addressed to Paul Smith, who was acting in your place while you were on maternity leave. Mr. Smith responded with a letter [May 7] in which he assured us that, as ICB-TV's spring season was just ending, corrective .action would be taken for the fall semester's programming. I spoke to you at the May 14 meeting of the Access Advisory Board about this matter and, according to my notes, you said that you had no problem with our policies and would make sure that IC was in compliance for the fall semester. You also agreed to submit Sponsor Agreement forms to CABLE 13 for each sponsor credited on IC programs. These are required under our current policies, and make the terms of sponsorship part of the public record of access productions. You took copies of this form with you when you left that meeting. You were issued a copy of CABLE 13's policy manual at the April 2 Access Advisory Board meeting. Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County" The sorts of violations on sponsor tags on almost all ICB-TV programs shown during the fall semester include: use of addresses and telephone numbers of businesses; use of sales slogans ["Klein's All -Sports, for all your sporting needs;" "We will not be undersold;" "Free delivery;" "Fresh, hot cookies delivered right to your door"]; and itemiz'ing products sold [wings, subs, etc.]. In addition, no Sponsor Agreement forms have yet been submitted to CABLE 13 for ICB-TV programs. I discussed these continuing violations with you in a telephone conversation on November 29. At the December 3 Access Advisory Board meeting, the board discussed ICB-TV's chronic violation of access policies regarding sponsor tags for more than an hour. The AAB's recommendations to ACC regarding the situation were: 1/ ICB-TV producer[s] should begin signing cablecasting requests, so that their signature binds them officially to CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures. 2/ ACC should send a written warning to IC as a last step before suspension of access privileges. I spoke with you on December 13 about this matter, among others. You said that you would like to continue to be considered the official producer or executive producer for ICB-TV programs [as opposed to having student producers take over that responsibility for each program]. I have received your schedule of cablecasting requests for the spring semester. I will send appropriate paperwork to you early in January. Cablecasting and Sponsor Agreement forms must be on file here before programs are cablecast. As for the disciplinary action called for under our policy manual [Sec. VII.4.5], Major Violations of CABLE 13 policies are subject to immediate 90 -day suspension of access privileges for a first offense. ACC may adjust these sanctions in individual cases "where there seems good reason to do so." I believe that the Advisory Board seemed to agree that an additional warning was called for in this case, as you didn't seem to clearly understand access policies in this area. I hope that I have helped make them clearer. If you have any questions about the sponsor tags to be used to during your spring semester, I'll be happy to discuss or review them with you. Sincerely, Lauren -i4. -S'f 'arie -1 Community Acces oordinato CABLE 13 cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC Access Advisory Board Ithaca City Cable_ Commission ITIIACA COLLEGE 7 ..ded 1892 ITHACA COLLEGE / 414ail (j Date: 5/7/90 To:Barbara Lukens From: Paul E. Smith I did see your guidelines on sponsor acknowlegement when it arrived and I made copies and distributed them to all of our producers. The most blatant violation was corrected the next air night over the objections of the show producer who thought she had the right to "contract" for anything she wanted. She is graduating next week and a much more reasonable person is replacing her for next year so I don't think there will be any more problems there. I did bring up the matter of sponsor acknowlegements with all of our new producers at the final staff meeting of the year and I'm sure that Eloise Green, who is now back from maternity leave, will get copies of the guidelines to all new producers and screen them carefully before we recommence broadcasting next Fall. I hope this is a satisfactory resolution to your concerns. If you wish to make the point more strongly, you can reach Eloise at 274-3244 in the Park School of Communications. She will be in on a part-time basis before resuming full-time work. cc & enclosure: Eloise Green AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION May 4, 1990 Paul Smith School of Communications Ithaca College Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Smith: I understand that Eloise is on maternity leave, and that you are in charge in her absence. Therfore, it's possible that you've not seen my letter to her regarding sponsor acknowlegement. I've attached a copy for reference, and ask that you take immediate action to comply with the access rules. Sincerely, Barbara L. Lukens General Manager BLL/fw attach. 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION t April 9, 1990 Eloise Green School of Communications Ithaca College Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Eloise: As you are aware, the policies for public access have recently been published by ACC for all access users. ACC has a special relationship with Ithaca College since we carry programs produced on campus. Yet even though IC producers do not specifically use our studio facilities, they are still access users and producers. Because of this, I must request that programs produced at Ithaca College adhere to the access policies regarding acknowledgement of sponsorship. These guidelines are found on page 23 of the policy manual, and I have attached a copy for reference. Please communicate these guidelines to the producers at IC to ensure their sponsor acknowledgements are within the established bounds as ACC wants to treat all access users fairly. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please feel free to contact me if you feel the guidelines need to be further clarified. Sincerely, Barbara L. Lukens General Manager BLL/fw enc. 19 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 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 documentati-on for the sponsored program. Access Sponsor Agreement Forms are available through CABLE 13 staff. Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 Mayor Ben Nichols City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 January 21, 1991 Dear Mayor Nichols, This letter is in reference to a number of complaints received regarding a community access program on Thursday, January 17. The program in question,.'Round About Ithaca, generated well over a hundred telephone complaints, most of them individuals very angry about the language used on the program. ACC staff provided all of these individuals with an explanation of public access and reasons why censorship of language was not permitted. However, quite a few were unwilling to accept these explanations and wished to make further complaints. They were referred to the City Cable Commission, which accepts complaints on all sorts of cable subscriber issues, and to you, as Common Council liason to the Cable Commission. As the Cable Commission has no office hours or telephone number, some of these individuals evidently called the mayor's office. Quite a number of them called us back and said that your office refused to take these calls, and referred the angry individuals back to the cable company. I'd like to suggest that the City be prepared to have some means of responding to such individuals in the future. Public access exists at the specific demand of the City of Ithaca. In making that demand, the City presumably weighed the benefits. and costs of access, and decided that the benefits to the community clearly outweighed the costs. The City should be ready -and able to justify this decision on demand to any member of the community. Although ACC's access staff, customer service representatives, and even our General Manager have been giving explanations to customers about the legal underpinnings of public access and the censorship issues raised, it is not appropriate for ACC to explain why the City has required public access to those subscribers who are unhappy with it as a cable service. For the City to turn a deaf ear to such individuals, and send them back to the cable company, is a politically irresponsible reply. The City has addressed with the utmost seriousness individual letters of complaint about cable services. Surely, when 100 — 130 outraged people are upset at some aspect of cable service, they deserve as serious a reply. Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County" Sincerely, Laud / S /fane Community A cess Co• d ator cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Tom Terrizzi, City Cable Commission ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 �c- 6 2-eL CJ -LC ()I c3 ,e;7 a4Zems, • Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 Tom Terrizzi, Chair City Cable Commission Ithaca City Hall 108_ E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 January 21, 1991 Dear Tom, Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 I would like to apologize to you for access programming complaint calls which were referred by access staff to your home telephone number last Thursday and Friday. I can very easily understand your distress, as I can imagine how I would have felt had I had to deal with angry callers at my home late at night who said that they had been referred by the Cable Commission. I understand that the City Cable Commission consists of volunteers, who are available to the public in an official capacity at monthly, public meetings, and through an official mailing address. I agree with Bill McCormick's assessment of the situation [producer of the program generating the complaint calls], in which he argued that such referrals could be interpreted as a campaign of harrassment against him and/or the Cable Commission. I want to stress that no such harrassment was intended, and this behavior will not be repeated. We have had a listing of Cable Commission and Advisory Board members, with complete -contact information, on file for volunteer use at the studio for over two years with no resulting problems. No prior complaints have come from members of either body, who were copied on the list and notified that it was available to volunteers. However, to head off any such future incident, I decided that it might be more appropriate to include only names of CC and AAB members and information about meetings. A revised list is attached. Access staff have been informed of this change. I am sorry for any inconvenience you may have been caused. Sincerely, 412 encl. Laure Comm cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager e -a -1,i •o #'ator "Television for Tompkins County" Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE' AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County" Ithaca City Cable Commission [Rev. 1/91] Public meetings held on in the executive meeting floor, City Hall. Check changes. the second Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm room of Common Council Chambers, third with City Clerk's office for any meeting Tom Terrizzi, Chair Jim Ferwerda Chris Heegard Peter Hess Access Advisory Board Public Meetings held the first Monday of the month, usually at 7pm in the Sherman Peer Room of the T.C. Public Library. Check with the access office for any meeting changes. Voting Members: Mary Jo Dudley, Chair City Resident Eloise Green Non -City Resident. Louis Mezgar Tompkins County Public Library Institutional Representative Non -Voting Members: For the City: Rick Gray,. Ombudsman City Resident Jim Blizzard Non -City Resident Floyd Johnson City Resident Peter Hess City Cable Commission For ACC: Lauren Stefanelli Community Access Coordinator Voting member with term starting in 3/91: Cathy Johnson City Resident CI ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 CC o?: c_.9 -el'"? �a� ccp Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 EI4BLE1j AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Barbara Mink, Representative District No. 5 Tompkins County Board of Representatives Court House Ithaca, NY 14850 January 10, 1991 Dear Ms. Mink: I have spoken with you on several occasions and received your correspondence on cablecasting Board of Representatives meetings on ACC's governmental access channel;' Channel 53, starting this year. I have also received from you a list of meeting dates and times. There are a few things you need to consider before such cablecasting can begin. 1) Cable Hardware: As I understand it, you have made arrangements with ACC to create a dedicated video return path from your meeting room in the Court House, so that Board meetings can be cablecast live. ACC Chief Engineer John Herrewyn informs me that additional input from the county is needed for this project to be completed. Apparently, the county official in charge of dealing with ACC installation chief Larry Strohman preferred to have county personnel run the cable themselves within the court house building. ACC accordingly delivered a spool of cable, and is waiting for the county officials involved to contact them to set up an appointment to complete the job by installing actual cable outlets. This needs to be done before cablecasting can begin. 2) Cablecasting - Timetable: ACC needs to know when you plan to begin cablecasting. Assuming that the cable installation is —completed,— ACC can—work with you to -try -to make possible—the-live cablecast of your meetings as early as February 5. But if such a quick timetable is being considered, we need to hear from you immediately. 3) Line Test: Whatever your timetable, you should include a plan to have a test made of the system. This would involve setting up a time to send a video and audio signal through a modulator set up at the meeting room, and having ACC engineers make sure that the signal was being transmitted and received clearly. This should be done before the date of the first cablecast. 4) Use of Access Equipment: If you plan to use equipment available through the access center, this must be reserved in advance. Terry Harbin, the videographer working with the T.C. Library who plans to perform the videotaping, has inquired about Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County" equipment we have available. Up till now, however, nothing has been reserved. 5) Scheduling Conflict: There is only one scheduling conflict for live cablecast of your meetings: your alternate meeting date in November [Nov. 6] falls on the same date that Ithaca's Common Council meeting is scheduled for live cablecast on Channel 53 [starting at 7pm - I'm assuming that your 5:30pm meetings are not over by that time]. All other proposed dates are available. I hope that I have given you enough concrete information for the Board to proceed with its plans for live cablecast of Board of Representatives meetings on Channel 53. Please call me if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Lauren . Stefa Community ccess Co id•nator cc: Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager John Herrewyn, ACC.Chief Engineer Larry Strohman, ACC Chief Installer Tom Terrizzi, City Cable Commission AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 4• ekv- rod 1' \ \� r.. /tI ',a,._...,_....-•-,se.,..,zr:s-.•••.^":...x..a.,z,',.3a-"-iia Jr. co , .. \ \- , i _ate--� - 11 JA�d ( .l ..:=_i. e rte, z z n:71; Ce2A---. C, t1 NjLe G77.12 S NY i ., Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street' Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 Mayor Ben Nichols Common Council Liason Ithaca City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 November 20, 1990 Dear Mayor Nichols: ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in December are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rotating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us by the City Clerk's office. Common Council Meeting First Wednesday, December 5, 1990, from 7pm-lam. Cablecast live. Charter & Ordinance Committee Meeting Second Thursday, December 13, 1990, from 7:30-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, December 15, 1pm. Budget & Administration Committee Meeting Third Wednesday, December 19, 1990, from 7:30pm-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, December 29, 1pm. Please notify us of any changes in these meeting dates or times. Cordiall Lauren Community Acc Coordinator CABL 13 cc: Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Richard Booth, Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. Dan Hoffman, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Charter and Ordinance Comm. John Johnson, Chair, Human Services Comm. Ithaca City Cable Commission Narayan Thadani, Superintendent, Dept. of Public Works Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 "Television for Tompkins County" Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ' ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 Mayor Ben Nichols Common Council Liason Ithaca City Cable Commission City Hall 108 .E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 September 24, 1990 Dear Mayor Nichols: Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in October are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rotating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us' by the City Clerk's office. Common Council Meeting First Wednesday, October 3, 1990, from 7pm-lam. Cablecast live. Charter & 0, dinance Committee Meeting Second P a-fr \ October -9411990, from 7:30-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, October 13, 1pm. Budge.t & Administration Committee Meeting Third Wednesday, October 17, 1990, from 7:30pm-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, October 20, 1pm. Please notify us of any changes in these meeting dates or times. cc: Cordially, Lauren Communi.t"y Acc CAB 13 JR - 00 V nator Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Richard Booth, Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. Dan Hoffman, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Charter and Ordinance Comm. John Johnson, Chair, Human Services Comm. Ithaca City Cable Commission; Narayan Thadani, Superintendent, Dept. of Public Works Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager "Television for Tompkins County" Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca„ N.Y. 14850 ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 William Demo, Chairman Ithaca City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 July 18, 1990 Dear Mr. Demo: Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in August are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rotating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us .by the City Clerk's office. Common Council Meeting First Wednesday, August 1, 1990, from 7pm-lam. Cablecast live. Charter & Ordinance Committee Meeting Second Tuesday, August 14, 1990, from 7:30-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, August 18, 1pm. 4 Budget & Administration Committee Meeting 44A*4- Wednesday, August.1990, from 7:30pm-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, August 25, 1pm. Please notify us of any changes in these meeting dates. We need a minimum of two weeks notice to arrange coverage with our two -camera portable unit, and to assure accurate TV listings. Also, please note' that for meetings which go into executive session for longer than 40 minutes or after llpm, our camera coverage will end at this point. cc: Cordiall Laur-, M.'t Community Acces CABLE 1 i rdinator Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Richard Booth, Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. Dan Hoffman, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Charter and Ordinance Comm. John Johnson, Chair, Human Services Comm. Barbara Lukens, General Manager, ACC "Television for Tompkins County" Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION1 William Demo, Chairman Ithaca City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 August 18, 1990 Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 Dear Mr. Demo: --ACC's-coverage of .Ci_ty_Hall meetingsin September are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rotating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us by the City Clerk's office. Please Common Council Meeting First Wednesday, September 5, 1990, from 7pm-lam. Cablecast live. Planning & Development Committee Meeting Third Monday, September 17, 1990, from 7:30-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, September 22, 1pm. Human Services .Committee Meeting Monday, September 2-44°1990, from 4:30pm-9pm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, September 29, 1pm. notify us of any changes in these meeting dates. Cordially, Lau -"/ ' e Commu l ty Ac es -C • ord 4 for CA:L'E 13 cc: Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Richard Booth, Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. Dan Hoffman, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Charter and Ordinance Comm. John Johnson, Chair, Human Services Comm. Narayan Thadani, Superintendent, Dept. of Public Works Barbara Lukens, General Manager, ACC "Television for Tompkins County" PEG ACCESS EQUIPMENT, 1990 Below is a plan for riew access equipment purchases for 1990 by ACC. Input in developing and prioritizing elements of the plan was received by access volunteers, Access Advisory Board members, the City Cable Commission and "ACC staff. The items are listed in the order of tl'ieir priority ranking given to us by the AAB in September, 1990. 1. New Charirae]. Capacity_ Government Channel 53 - live from City Hall only Modulator/Demodulator $6,000 "Addi.tiorial channel(s)" was the #1 item on the priority list by the AAB. The City of Ithaca bias requested a governmental access channel with the capacity to cablecast any City Hall meeting live. The Tompkins County Board of Representatives has requested time on any governmental channel to be created. ACC has held 2 meetings with potential governmental and educational users of a second channel to try to assess their needs. The government and educational institutions represented stressed that they felt that governmental and educational programming should have separate channels, since the timing of their proposed programming conflicts. Given the results of this input, ACC feels that it would like to do additional research on the planning of additional channels, to make possible the greatest flexibility for. future PEG access needs. As an initial step, live cablecasting ori Channel 53 from Ithaca's City Hall will be set up and activated by 1/2/90. This step will not compromise any future system which may include other .origination sources on Channel 53 or ori other designated PEG channels. Research into our equipment options will be ongoing over the next few months. 2. Off -Site Production Capability The advantages of an off-site multiple -camera system would be to - enhance the quality of events coverage iri the field - reduce the need to edit off-site multiple -camera shoots, thus reducing pressure on our editing facilities The proposal below would give us the capability to have up to two such systems operating, using 2 of our current camcorders for one of the systems, and adding 2 new camcorders for the second. (2) Panasonic AG -460 SVHS Camcorders $6,000 (2) Bogen 'Tripods $500 (2) Panasonic WO-MX12. SVHS-Compatible Digital Audio/Video Mixer $6,000 (2) Hi.taclii. VL -S100 Portable VCR $7,000 (2) Set's 'Triple D/W Monitors $2,000 $22,300 PEG ACCESS EQUIPMENT, 1990 p.2 3. Post—Production The ttems below would create it E'rofe.ssiorraL/3.nc.lw,l..ri.a1•••dual.lt:y portable SVIIS editing system, which is intended to be signed out for volunteer use at home. The system would be extremely easy to set up, is designed for portable use, and therefore is built to very rugged field use standards. (2) Hitachi VL—S100 Portable VCR $7,800 (1) Hitachi VL—EC10/20 Edit Controller $2,000 (1) Color Monitors $700 Cases $300 4. Portable Equipment: Misc. Items $10,800 These items are to support our current equipment functions: (8) SVHS batteries $640 (6) Tripod Carrying Straps 90 (2) Monopods 65 (2) Shoulder Braces 65 $860 TOTAL PACKAGE ES'1IMATE: $39,960 NYS Sales Tax (7%) 2,797 Shipping (3%) 1,199 TOTAL CAPITAL PLAN (EST):$43,956 Note: These figures are estimates based on manufacturers' list prices. Actual purchase prices may differ. Expenses will be drawn from ACC's capital allocations for PEG access. AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION September 21, 1990 Ben Nichols, Mayor City of Ithaca 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Nichols: American Community Cablevision has plans to activate a second access channel, this one for governmental and educational access users. Thus far we have had a preliminary meeting with representatives from BOCES, the City of Ithaca, Ithaca College and Tompkins County Library - all of whom currently use our public access channel. We will be having another meeting, primarily informational, to determine if there may be other government or education interest in this channel. This meeting will be held on October 18th at 3:00pm. The location will be determined once we know how many people to expect. Please let us know by October 12th if you or a representative will be attending. If we have missed someone you believe should be invited, please extend an invitation for us, as our list may be incomplete. If you have any preliminary questions or concerns and to RSVP, please call Lauren Stefanelli, ACC's access coordinator, at 272- 7272. Sincerely, General Manager BLL/fw CC: Eloise Green, Ithaca College Robert Manvell, BOCES Louis Mezgar, Tompkins County Library Tom Terrizzi, Ithaca Cable Commission 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street."" Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE1 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Mayor Ben Nichols Common Council Liason Ithaca City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor Nichols: Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 October 23, 1990 ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in November are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rotating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us by the City Clerk's office. Nov • 14, McID -7:30 CCS Please cc: Common Council Meeting First Wednesday, November 7, 1990, from 7pm-lam. Cablecast live. Planning & Development Committee Meeting Third Monday, November 19, 1990, from 7:30-llpm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, December 1, 1pm. Human Services Committee Meeting 6 1990, from 4.-30-pm.�9-pm� cablecast Saturday, December 8, 1pm. Taped . 1 .• for notify us of any changes in these meeting dates or times. Cordially, Laure Commun .e-ne 1 y Access Coordipator CABLE 13 Callista Paolangeli, Ithaca City Clerk Richard Booth, Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. Dan Hoffman, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Charter and Ordinance Comm. John Johnson, Chair, Human Services Comm. Ithaca City Cable Commission, Narayan Thadani, Superintendent, Dept. of Public Works Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager "Television for Tompkins County" NEW YORK STATE COMIIIISSION ON CABLE TELEVISION CORNING TOWER BLDG.. EMPIRE STATE PLAZA ALBANY. NEW YORK 12223 (518) 474-4992 (518) 486-5727 FAX WILLIAM B. FINNERAN — Charram October 12, 1990 Barbara Lukens, General Manager American Community Cablevision 519 West State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Barbara: THEODORE E. MULFORD Commissioner BARBARA T. ROCHMAN Cammiuraxr JOHN A. PASSIDOMO Commissioner MICHAEL E. RUSSELL Canvnutioier EDWARD P. KEARSE £zenuive Director This is in reply to your letter of August 16, 1990 concerning the use of a public access channel by or for political candidates. In your letter you quoted from the existing franchise agreement between ACC and the City of Ithaca as follows: "A designated channel 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." (Section 14.3(D)) In fact, such language was part of Commission rules at one time. However, an entire new set of rules concerning public, educational and governmental access was adopted by the Commission in Docket No. 90174-A-2 in August, 1988. In the Commission Order Approving Renewal of the ACC -City of Ithaca franchise agreement in Docket No. 30194 (adopted February 1, 1989), the Commission referred to Section 14.3(D) of the franchise and stated that: "Commission rules do not preclude the use of access channels by candidates for public office." This statement was consistent with the lack of any provision in the new rules which precludes use of access channels by candidates and also was consistent with statements made by the Commission in its Summary of Comments and Opinion issued in Docket No. 90174-A-2 in conjunction with the new minimum PEG access standards. In the Summary of Comments and Opinion, the Commission noted that under FCC regulations applicable to public access channels in the 1970's use by candidates for public office was restricted and stated that "[i]t is not clear to us at this time that such a restriction is appropriate." The Commission went on to state that: "One of the fundamental objectives of cable television access is to contribute to the diversity of information and information sources available to the public and to stimulate public debate by providing a forum therefor. The ability of candidates to speak to the electorate and of the electorate to hear and examine the views of -2 - candidates is central to and consistent with such objective." (p. 23) In short, the new rules supersede Section 14.3(D) of the City of Ithaca franchise agreement. In addition, it is doubtful that a lawful basis exists for denying use of public access channel capacity to political candidates. Section 611(e) of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 provides that "a cable operator shall not exercise any editorial control over any public use of channel capacity.. .pursuant to this section." Section 829 of the New York State Executive Law provides that the Commission "may not prohibit or limit any program or any class or type of program or otherwise censor the communications of signals transmitted by any cable TV company or over any cable TV system...." Section 829(2) provides that "[n]o municipality may prohibit or limit any program or class or type of program. .." as well. Under both federal and state law, a cable television company is immune from liability arising from programming carried on a public access channel. It is my understanding from reading Section XIV of the franchise that, at least for now, ACC has accepted responsibility for administering the public access channels under the guidance of the Public Access Advisory Board. I am aware that both Section 315 of the Communications Act and Section 76.205 of FCC rules impose requirements on cable operators concerning origination cablecasts by candidates for public office and I can appreciate any concern that you may have that your role as administrator of public access channels not be confused with your rights and responsibilities in respect to local origination. (Of course, ACC may make time available, either free or for a charge, to candidates on a local origination basis as distinct from public access use.) Although I am not aware of any ruling that subjects PEG access channels to the federal equal opportunities' provisions, you may choose to be especially careful to distinguish public access from local origination whenever programming involves use by, or for, a political candidate. Finally, I note that I was asked by the Chair of the Ithaca public access advisory board some time ago to clarify the effect of the Commission's Order Approving Renewal. A copy of my letter which summarizes responses given verbally is enclosed. I would also add here that use by, for or about legally qualified candidates would be subject to the same reasonable procedures concerning scheduling, studio availability, reruns, etc. that apply to other uses of public access. 1 Very tru John L. Grow Counsel JLG:tac enclosure cc: Bill Demo, Chair - Ithaca Cable Commission Thomas Terrizzi, Public Access Advisory Board John Fogarty, Esq., ATC, Stamford, CT 6TH ANNUAL CABLE 13 AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE AND SECOND ANNUAL ACCESS OPEN HOUSE American Community Cablevision's 1990 Awards for Cablecasting -Excellence [A.C.E.] were held at the CABLE 13 --Community Access Studio on June 30. The ceremony followed an all -day Open House which included tours of the facilities and live exhibition programming. The A.C.E. awards have been held annually by ACC since 1985 to recognize the best in local community access programming and to celebrate you - the access volunteer - for making community access come alive in Ithaca. The ceremony was cablecast live on Channel 13, and featured clips from each of the 70 entrants [there will be a repeat screening of this event on Saturday, July 14, starting at 8:30pm]. INSIDE: GRANTS/FUNDING A.C.E. WINNERS CONGRATULATIONS JOB OPPORTUNITIES MEETINGS/CLASSES PAGE 2 3 4 5 6 Fifteen awards were presented in 13 program categories, plus a special award for the "Volunteer - of -the -Year," the access volunteer voted as most indispensible by his peers. Also acknowledged were 5 Gold Medal Achievement Award winners, who were recognized by ACC as having made special contributions to the access center or to the local community. All 1990 ACE winners are listed below. I would like to thank everyone who helped to make this year's ACE awards a success. I have watched Continued on P.2 Above: 1990 A.C.E. winning producers and crewmembers: [L -R, kneeling]: Pauline Layton (1989 -Election Specials); Henry Myers (Root 13); Mike Fairbanks (Take 1, Videoactive); [L -R, standing]: Rick Gray (More Than the News); Lauren Stefanelli (Access Coord- inator); Cathy Johnson (More Than the News); Marc Davis, Damon Furberg and John Kolodij (Videoactive); Chris Daley (Prime Time Chaos); Frances McKenzie (CABLE 13 Logos, Mirage Belly Dancers, Take 1); David Craig (1990 Volunteer -of -the -Year); Bill McCormick (1989 Election Specials, Writers and Readers); Gossa Tsegaye (Visions of Struggle); and Terry Harbin (What's Happening). [list of winners on page 3] 2 A.C.E., continued from P.1 the producers of this year's entrants work very hard all year to improve their production skills and develop a community dialog on all sorts of important local issues. All the volunteers who produced or worked on entries should be proud of their efforts. I would particularly applaud the work of producers who created their first access programs this year. There were 7 (!) series entered in our -compet-it-ion-- ma -d -e by first-time producers, prompting us to create a "New Series" A.C.E. category. like to the new I would also like to give one last word of thanks to our judges, Mary Richards, Dick Crozier and Peter Carroll, for their untiring efforts. In addition, many thanks to the volunteers who assisted at the Open House or helped to crew the videotaping of the ACE ceremony. Our volunteer staffers were: Annie Ball, Frances McKenzie, David Bassanelli, Dave Schmitt, Bryan Van Campen, Chris Daley, Rick Gray, Damon Furberg, Mike Fair- banks, Marc Davis, John Kolodij, Ed Swenson, Bill McCormick, Robin Palmer and Rick Lawrence. Thanks also to Rashida Sawyer- of the ACE -winning program A Different Drummer for her amazing cheesecakes, which added an extra sparkle to the festivities. And a special thanks to the musical guests at our Open House: Scott Noegel, Bryan Van Campen, Mustapha and the Whirling Dervishes, and Brian Gondell. And for those of you who are just getting started in community access: start thinking about next year! 1 GRANTS / FUNDING Grant Monet/ for Starving Videographers by Frances McKenzie The 1991 Decentralization Program for the Southern Tier and Tompkins County is being administered by the Chemung Valley Arts Council. Deadline for Tompkins County is October 9, 1990. Individual artists must apply through a nit -for-profit organization that does NOT apply for funds directly from NYSCA . Grants average " $1100--- and 1100and a high percentage of applicants receive money. Call (607) 962-5871 or (800) 635-1330 for application. The New York State Foundation for the Arts Artists' Fellowships are $7,000 grants awarded to individual artists. Competition is intense and applicants are judged largely on a required sample of their recent work. Application deadlines are September 4 through October 1, 1990, depending on the arts category. Call (212) 233-3900 for application. Suggested reference: Foundation Grants to Individuals Tompkins County Library REF 061. CLASSES ON GRANTWRITING "BASICS OF GRANTWRITING" WORKSHOP Weds., August 8 & 15 7-9pm, Women's Community Building Info: 272-1247. Fee: $20. DECENTRALIZATION GRANT APPLICATION WORKSHOP Wed., August 29 7-8:30pm, T.C. Courthouse, Rm. 201 To assist applicants with grant guidelines' and instructions. Info: (607) 962-5871 1990 A.C.E. WINNERS 1. CATEGORY: ARTS PERFORMANCE PROGRAM: Mirage Belly Dancers PRODUCER: Frances McKenzie 2. CATEGORY: COMEDY/VARIETY PROGRAM: Take 1 PRODUCER: Debra Freedman 3. CATEGORY: DRAMATIC WORK PROGRAM: Videoactive PRODUCER: Damon Furberg 4. CATEGORY: LIVE PROGRAM: More Than the News PRODUCER: MTN Collective 5. CATEGORY: RELIGION/PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM: A Different Drummer PRODUCER: Csiko Sawyer 6. CATEGORY: INNOVATIVE PROGRAM: CABLE 13 Logos PRODUCER: Frances McKenzie 7. CATEGORY: YOUTH PROGRAM: Root 13 PRODUCER: ACS Video Group 8. CATEGORY: TOMPKINS COUNTY PROGRAM: 1989 Election Specials PRODUCERS: Bill McCormick and Pauline Layton 9. CATEGORY: DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM: Visions of Struggle PRODUCER: Gossa Tsegaye 10. CATEGORY: TALK SHOW [2 WINNERS] PROGRAM: Common Sense on the Commons PRODUCER: T.C. Library PROGRAM: Nettie Priester Presents PRODUCER: Nettie Priester 11. CATEGORY: MAGAZINE -FORMAT [2 WINNERS] PROGRAM: What's Happening PRODUCER: Terry Harbin PROGRAM: Writers and Readers PRODUCERS: Wendy Skinner and Bill McCormick 3 12. CATEGORY: SHORT SUBJECT PROGRAM: Still Around PRODUCER: Vincent Burns 13. CATEGORY: NEW SERIES PROGRAM: Prime Time Chaos PRODUCER: Chris Daly SPECIAL AWARDS: 1990 VOLUNTEER -OF -THE -YEAR David Craig GOLD. MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Rick Lawrence [2 -time winner Robin Palmer Bill McCormick Pauline Layton Frances McKenzie Above: Ed Swenson operates a camera for our Open House exhibition programs. 4 CONGRATULATIONS ! Root 13 has received a grant for $7,000 [as part of a larger grant to the Alternative Community School], which will be used to set up its own SVHS portable and editing system. Chris Sperry, the ACS teacher who founded Root 13, says that the new system will include editing decks, an Amiga computer and at least one SVHS camcorder, to add to the VHS camcorder already owned by the school. The equipment is expected to be ready for use in the Fall semester, and already the school has expanded its sights on how video can add to its curriculum. Chris says that the new equipment will allow ACS to have two groups of fifteen students working on access video projects instead of one. In fact, he thinks that the students may be able to produce a weekly program instead of the 2 - 3 programs per semester they produced in the past. In addition, more ACS faculty will become involved in the project this year: a second teacher will work with the new group of students, and ACS music and art teachers will start working with the Amiga to help students explore its music and graphics- capabi-li- ties for their videos. As Chris puts it, "Get ready for some exciting things from Root 13 this fall!" MORE CONGRATULATIONS ! Rick Lawrence and crew have been videotaping a number of local trail runs for inclusion in Rick's series, Nadja on Silk. Excerpts from 3 recent races shot by Rick's team - the Skunk Cabbage Classic, the Virgil Forest Fun and Frolic Runs and the Finger Lakes Trail 50 Miler - have been included in the sports section of News Center 7 newscasts. Frances McKenzie's 1989 docu- mentary, Behind the Veil, was selected to be shown as part of the "Second Century" Conference of the University Video and Film Association held at Ithaca College in June. The screening included a professional critique and panel discussion on the work. Veterans Affairs, the new weekly program produced by Bill McCormick and Harvey Baker, is being cablecast regularly by the access cente-r in Cortland'a-s well as -in' Ithaca. Two Root 13 high school students will be going on to college -level studies in film or video: Henry Myers at Wesleyan and Jeb Mead [after a year off] at Alfred University. SS ZS 0 DftP DISU T.V. Deep Dish, the satellite- distributed national public access series. which includes segments from access centers around the country, included a series on public access in their transmissions this summer. This ten -part series, which con- centrates on issues of controver- sial content on public access and is entitled: Public Access: Spigots for Bigots or Channels for Change, has been running on CABLE 13 during June and July. It will be repeated in five one-hour blocks at 9:30pm on Monday nights, starting August 13. y JOB OPPORTUNITIES HEAD PROJECTIONIST Part-time position at Cornell Cinema. 20 hours/wk. Projects 2 or more shifts; supervises assistant .projectionists; handles routine maintenance in 3 theatres; orders projection supplies. Requirements: Knowledge of operation and maintenance of film and video equipment in all formats. Good teaching and organizational skills. Info: Mary or Richard at 255-3522. Apply: Esther Smith,._ Staffing Svcs., Cornell U., E. Hill Plaza, Ithaca, NY 14853. JOBS AT ANOTHER ACCESS CENTER, STATEN ISLAND COMMUNITY TELEVISION PROMOTIONS FACILITATOR Responsible for all aspects of publicity and consultation with community producers to develop channel viewership. TRAINER To organize and train public access producers. If you care about grassroots video and want to work in a new, well-equipped facility, please apply. For the above 2 jobs, send letter of interest and resume to: Trisha Dair, CTV, 100 Cable Way #2, Staten Island, NY 10303; (718) 727-1414:. 5 VIDEO TRAINER For Channel L Working Group (CLWG) Part time, with strong skills in live studio production (location shooting and 3/4" editing) to train community volunteers and college interns. The position requires past teaching or supervisory experience. CLWG is a nonprofit organization involved in community cable programming through its live public affairs call-in shows, mini -documentaries and PSAs. People of color strongly encouraged to apply. Submit~ _letters and resume to: CLWG, 51 Chambers St., Room 532, New York, NY 10007; (212) 964-2960. TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Hallwalls, in charge of the operations and maintenance of ail Hallwalls technical facilities and equipment. Serves as chief sound and lighting technician for schedule of performances, video and film screening, concerts, readings and installations. Responsible for video, audio and/or still photography documentation of all Hallwalls presentations. Responsible for training and supervising a technical assistant. Requirements: detailed working knowledge of ._video _and audio equipment, stage lighting, and film projection, and the ability to work under pressure. Media artists and musicians are especially encouraged to apply. Send resume and cover letter to: Edmund Cardoni, Program Director, Hallwalls, 700 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202; (716) 854-5828. 6 CALENDAR CABLE 13 ORIENTATION MEETING Thursday, August 2 6-7pm at the Access Studio 612 W. Green St. The first step for new volunteers is to attend a 1 hour orientation meeting, held at 6pm on the first Thursday of every month. These meetings include sign-ups for video classes. No registration needed for this meeting. CABLE 13 VIDEO CLASSES Video classes are held monthly at the access studio at 612 W. Green St. All require pre -registration: * A series of 3 studio- classes are held from 8-llpm on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month. * Portable, editing, electronic graphics and producer seminars are held Saturdays from llam till 2pm. ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Monday, August 6, 7pm Sherman Peer Rm, T.C. Library For agenda information, contact Mary Jo Dudley at: 273-5255. CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 WILLIAM DEMO 119 AUBURN ST. ITHACA, NY 14850 ACCESS ICE CREAM SOCIAL Thursday, August 9, 5 pm CABLE 13 Conference Room An informal opportunity to escape the heat and socialize with other access volunteers. With ice cream, of course! PLACES TO SUBMIT TAPES [Detailed rules and entry materials for the contests and festivals below are available on the access bulletin board.] WOMEN IN THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR FILM S VIDEO -FESTIVAL For videos and films produced or directed by women since 1987. Entry fee:$20. Format: 3/4" / VHS. Info: (312) 281-4988. Deadline: September 15, 1990. CABLE 13 News is published by American Community Cablevision. Mailing address: 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Studio located at 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY. Writer/Editor: Lauren Stefanelli Contributor: Frances McKenzie Photos: Rick Lawrence 1 J CABLEI 3 AMERICAN' COMMUNITY CABLEVISION William Demo, Chairman Ithaca City Cable Commission c/o City Hall 10.8 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 May 10, 1990 Dear Mr. Demo: 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 This letter is by way of explanation of a change in staff policy for coverage of City. Hall meetings: for meetings which go into executive session for Longer than 40 minutes or after llpm, our camera coverage will end at this point. We have run into a problem with camera coverage of meetings which go into extended and repeated executive session. Until now, we have dealt with executive sessions by having a camera crewperson ask councilmembers whether they thought it would be useful to have the cameras stay until the public meeting was reconvened. This has not proven to be effective in some cases, because the councilmembeus themselves are often not certain how long executive sessions may last, or whether the members will vote to continue the meeting late at night. In April, for example, one meeting which we covered went into executive session for one And a half hours, from 9:30 .pm gntil 11 pm. At 11 pm, the public meeting reconvened until 12am. Another executive session was called at midnight; this one lasted until 12:30 am, when the public ,meeting reconvened for about 5 minutes - just long enough to wrap up. Having a two -person camera crew waiting for such extended periods of time or, as in the later executive session described above, to no purpose, is counterproductive and wasteful of access staff. On the other hand, most executive sessions last about a half hour or so. Having the crew wait, that length of time seems reasonable if there are important issues to be discussed afterwards. Rather than have the crew make judgement calls and guesstimates op their own as to when they should ,or shouldn't wait out an executive session, we felt the need to give them some sort of ggideline, and came up with the rule of thumb above. Listing this policy in the monthly letters to you, copied to committee chairs, lets the committee chairpersons plan their agendas with knowledge of the scope of camera coverage. If you have any questions about CABLE 13-s City Hall video coverage, please feel free to contact me at any time. Cordially, Laur Commu ity c;. C. inator cc: Barbara Lukens, General Manager, ACC "Television for Tompkins County" Mailing Address: 519 W. State Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ABLE 3 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLE VISION1 William Demo, Chairman Ithaca City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 June 20, 1990 Dear Mr. Demo: Studio Address: 612 W. Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 607-272-7272 ' ACC's coverage of City Hall meetings in July are listed below. Committee meetings are selected on a rottating basis. The regular monthly dates were given to us by the City Clerk's office. Common Council Meeting Second Wednesday, July 11, 190, from 7pm-lam. Cablecast live. Planning & Devej.opment Committee Meeting Third Monday, July 16, 1990, from 7:30-llpm. Taped for cablecast .Saturday, July 21, 1pm. Human Services Committee Meeting Fourth Monday, July 23, 1990, from 4:30pm-9pm. Taped for cablecast Saturday, July 28, 1pm. Please notify us of any changes in these meeting dates. We need a minimum of two weeks notice to arrange coverage with our two -camera portable unit, and to assure accurate TV listings. Also, .please note that for meetings which go into executive session for longer than 4Q minutes or after llpm, our camera coverage will end at this point. cc: Cordially, Lauren jl-i '' Community Accuu ••rdinat�. CABLE 13 Callista .Paolangeli, Ithaca Cj.ty Clerk Richard Booth,.Chair, Budget and Administration Comm. :Dan Hoffman, Chair, Planning and Development Comm. Carolyn Peterson, Chair, Charter. and Ordinance Comm. John Johnson, Chair, Human Services Comm. Barbara Lukens, General Manager, ACC "Television for Tompkins County" tABLE13N.Ews Yol.3, No.3 April 1990 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO GET INVOLVED WITH COMMUNITY ACCESS 11111 SHOOT THE ITHACA FESTIVAL! On the first weekend in June, all camcorders will be reserved for coverage of the Ithaca Festival. We're looking for volunteers who would like to help shoot parts of the Festival that weekend. You don't need to commit to shoot the whole enchilada, just those parts that interest you or that you have time for. There is a sign-up sheet at the access office for anyone interested. We will set up a meeting in mid-May to develop a shooting schedule. HELP WITH OUR OPEN HOUSE AND THE A.C.E. AWARDS We're also looking for volunteers to help staff our Open House/ A.C.E. Awards Day [June 9]. Like last year, volunteers helping with these events will receive CABLE 13 T -Shirts! GET INVOLVED WITH ACCESS NATIONWIDE: DEEP DISH WANTS YOU ! Deep Dish is looking for producers for its upcoming series on The Global Environment. You could help produce an access program distributed nationwide! But what is Deep Dish? Deep Dish TV Network is the first attempt at a national community access TV network. This is Deep Dish's 4th year of producing and sending out on satellite compila- e tion programs representing access efforts across the country. We are running 1990's 20 -part Spring Deep Dish series on Monday nights at 9:30pm on CABLE 13. More Deep Dish information is available at the access office. Also, a cover aritcle from April 5th's Ithaca Times about Deep Dish is posted on our Bulletin Board. If you are interested in producing a Deep Dish program, a Program Proposal Form is attached to the Deep Dish informational materials on the Bulletin Board. Deadline for submissions is May 7. ...AND.... For more ways to get involved, look over the list of upcoming classes and meetings on page 6. The Access Advisory Board meetings are public; Media Ithaca aims to serve as a comunication link between local independent media producers - meetings have guest speakers and a chance to share ideas and information with other independent producers; and you should start getting your wishlist ideas together for our May equipment planning meeting. INSIDE... A.C.E. INFORMATION ACCESS OMBUDSMAN MUSIC YOU MAY USE! MEETINGS/CLASSES PAGE 2-3 4 4 6 2 CABLE 13's 6th ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE ACC's 1990 A.C.E. awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 9, at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio. All volunteers are encouraged to attend. An R.S.V.P. invitation to this ceremony is attached below. VOLUNTEER -OF -THE YEAR We will be adding one new award this year, chosen not by our panel of judges, but -by -you-:- - 1990's - Access Volunteer -of -the -Year. Clip here: The idea for this award came from a number of suggestions last year urging us .to recognize those individuals who might not be A.C.E. entrants, but whose contri- bution of their time to access was extensive and much valued. All current volunteers are eligible to make one nomination for Volunteer -of -the -Year. There is a place on the R.S.V.P. form to make this nomination. Even if you are not able to attend the A.C.E. ceremony, you may return the R.S.V.P. form with a V -0-Y- _ nomination. CABLE 13's 6th ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE Awards Ceremony Invitation and R.S.V.P. You are cordially invited to attend the awards ceremony for our 6th annual A.C.E. Awards Competition. It will be held at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio at 612 W. Green St., following an afternoon Open House. The ceremony will be videotaped for cablecast at a later date. The day's schedule is: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Access Open House Refreshments Awards Ceremony Please return this R.S.V.P. so that we can plan an appropriate amount of refreshments. Volunteer Name Yes, I plan to attend the A.C.E. Ceremony. Below is nomination for Volunteer -of -the -Year. my I plan to bring [up to 3] guests I would like to volunteer to help staff the Access Open House, or help videotape the Awards Ceremony. No, I do not plan to attend the A.C.E. Ceremony, but I would like to submit a nomination for Volunteer -of -the -Year. Volunteer -of -the -Year Nomination [each volunteer may make only one nomination. Only access volunteers are eligible as nominees]: Name Deadline for nominations: May 10, 1990. 1990 A.C.E. UPDATE You won't believe this, but we have 70 (!!!) entries in this year's A.C.E. awards competition! [Last year we had 42 entries; in previous years we had 18 - 30]. The judges who are taking on the yeoman's task of reviewing and evaluating all these entries are: RICHARD CROZIER Dick Crozier is familiar to many, as a long-time instructor and chief engineer in the TV/Radio program at TC3. He has 20 years experience in TV and radio, and has worked at a number of TV and radio stations in this region over the years as an engineer, news reporter, video- grapher and announcer. He is now an independent video producer and electronics consultant. Currently, you can see Dick displaying his on -camera skills in the new access series A Veteran's Affairs, which is cablecast on Mondays at 9pm and Wednesdays at lOpm. Dick is one of the anchors for the program. MARY RICHARDS Mary Richards has been making access - programming since 1972, when she became involved with the access studio in Reading, PA. She specialized in programs involving the local schools and in music videos. Her work with educational access programming led to a grant which got a number of local schools near Reading involved in producing access programming. It culminated with a statewide presentation about access and teachers' involvement. 3 Upon moving to Ithaca in 1975, Mary soon became involved with the process of creating an access facility in Ithaca. She has seen it grow from a facility [under former owner Tony Cerrache] which accepted completed tapes only [and then only sporadically ran them], to single black and white camera, and through several more transi- tions to the studio we know today. As a former Internal Operations Manager of ACC, Mary at one point ran the access. facility while it was in between coordinators. Mary's view of community access: "Access is the best mechanism people have for exercizing their First Amendment rights. Every other form of media has some sort of gatekeeper, whether a program director or editor" who decides what the public will see and hear. • - h PETER CARROLL Peter Carroll served as an A.C.E. judge several years ago, and has been kind enough to agree to serve again. He helped produced the only "behind the scenes" documentary about an access program [More Than the News]. Peter.. has a BA in film production from USC, .n.d fdr the past nine yeari has worked as an audio engineer and* film. editor with Photosynthesis Productions. This small local film company produces educational films for the likes of National Geographic, and social documentaries for public television. Presently, Peter is experimenting with 8mm video and has been attending access training classes on our new editing system in anticipation of beginnning post- production on a new project. 4 1 NEW MUSIC FOR ACCESS PRODUCERS Do you get a pang of guilt every time you use a piece of music for one of your programs without getting permission from the musician or copyright holder? Well, you certainly should! Or, do you settle for some of our stock music. which has been used over and over and over, or even do without music, to avoid this.tyrpe. of guilt? W"ell", than`k-s �to�`Acce`ss "r'acilitato'r` Jorge Cuevas' efforts contacting his many musician friends in town; we now have a small collection of music pieces available for use by volunteers in their productions. The only cost is the requirement that the musician be given proper credit at the end of the program. If you are interested in finding out more about the types of selections available, contact Jorge at the access office. GET READY FOR THE ITHACA FESTIVAL WITH CABLE 13 As part of its pre -festival promotional activities, CABLE 13. staff are producing a series of inf orm.a tLona 1---p-•�og- .rams � �L cablecast from now thru the end of. May. Entitled Festival Focus '90: On Location,. the show features NewsCenter 7's Bryan Van Campen and Festival Coordinator Bonnie Southworth with the latest on this year's Ithaca Festival news. Look for Festival Focus '90: On Location every Monday and Wednesday at 6:30pm. Also starting weekly in April [Sat. 5pm], CABLE 13 will be running highlights programs from past years' Ithaca Festivals. And during May, we'll have a second Highlights program every Monday at 5:30pm. ACCESS OMBUDSMAN The Access Advisory Board, at its April 2 meeting, created the position of Access Ombudsman. This is a member of the AAB who is .available to access volunteers and staff for consultations on ques- tions of policy interpretation. The Ombudsman was created to help volunteers who have any sort of policy problem which staff are not able to satisfactorily resolve. The idea is to have one AAB member go over the problem with the volunteer in depth, and make a presentation to the full AAB at its next meeting. This gives the Ombudsman time to research the problem, including any relevant access policies or Franchise stipulations, before the AAB is asked to make recommendations on resolving the problem. It also means that volunteers do not have to wait for an AAB monthly meeting to roll around before they can-consutt"w`fth"-'-an AAB member. The first AAB member to serve as Ombudsman is Louis Mezgar, Director of the T.C. Library. He will serve in this position until August 1, and can be reached at the Library or at: 272-8066. _ CABLE 13 News is published by American Community Cablevision. Mailing address: 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Studio located at 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY. Writer/Editor: Lauren Stefanelli Grass -Roots Television on the Cheap 5 By SALLY JOHNSON Special toll* New York Times MIDDLEBURY, Vt., March 30 — Covering the annual town meeting here is a two -cameraman affair. Richard Thodal, a machinist who is the technical director of Middlebury Community Television, keeps one camera trained on town officials in the front of the room and monitors • the equipment deck while Louis Megyesi, a high-school teacher, pans the audience with the second camera. At the regular Tuesday might select= men's meetings, ,.Mr. Thodal often does it all by himself. Public -access television — under _ way in some. :2,000 communities around the country, Including New York — is truly television on the cheap. For a budget of something less than $30,000 a year, MCTV manages to fill 16 hours aiweek — four hours a night, Monday through Thursday — with primarily local programming, supplemented with a few videotapes from the outside. Federal and • state rules say that any member of the public can walk in, receive nine hours of camera training and•ptit a program on the air, free of charge. While the five -mem- ber community board that supervises MCTV has the right to determine the programming schedule, it cannot by law keep anything off the air. "This is the most democratic thing I've ever seen in my life," said Nelda Holder, a -graduate student in envi- ronmental studies who has been exec- utive director of MCTV since July 1989. She and Mr. Thodal, both part- timers, are the first paid staff people in MCTV's five-year history. A Boost From Congress • Public -access television, in exist- ence since the early 1970's, was helped in 1984 when Congress passed the Cable Communications Policy Act, authorizing communities to re- quire public -access facilities as part of cable -franchise agreements. "Public access is a thriving institu-- tIon — and it is an institution," said Sharon Ingraham, chairwoman of the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers in Washington. "It's exciting to see; what happens to a community when it gets television. The Cable Act gave communities the clout they needed to make that hap- pen.. She said some of the communities that offer the service were providing combinations of public, educational and government access, known as PEG. MCTV is paid for by the Adelphia Cable Company, which provides cable -television service in the Middle- bury area. As a condition of receiving its cable franchise, Adelphia, with headquarters in Coudersport, Pa., is required by its contract with the Ver- mont Public Service Board, which regulates cable companies in the state, to provide public -access facili- ties to the community and to pay for them. In 1985, MCTV was a fledgling operation with a tiny budget, no staff Nelda Holder and Dick Thodal at MCTV in Middlebury, Vt, one ql' growing number of public -access television stations. Public -access channels put local officials in touch with the people. and a minimum of equipment. Today, because of popular demand, it has five cameras, two editing decks and some general equipment. l rluding a modulator, tape deck and receiver. It recently moved out of the back room in the Middlebury Union High School Learning Center and into new quar- ters in the attic of the local library. If the programming is not yet ready for prime -time network, it is a lively potpourri of community inter- ests and talents. The mainstay of the schedule is public meetings, including tapes of weekly legislative break- fasts, school -budget hearings and the like. The state's, Agency of Natural Re- sources has provided an informa- tional program about recycling; the Vermont Department on Aging pro- duces "Stretching Toward Health." Adelphia sends out a weekly legisla- tive report, and Howard Dean, Ver- mont's Lieutenant Governor, pro- duces an interview with a legislator, all of which is available without added cost to the cable subscriber. "But we give priority to local peo- ple making tapes .of local interest," Mr. Thodal said. "That's what this is about." And make programs they do. After a required nine hours of training'in basic camera technique, lighting and sound, taught by Mr. Thodal, anyone can become a television producer. Ms. Holder said there were about 50 certified producers, of whom approxi- mately 10 are in production at any one time. Better yet, she said, the next two training sessions are filled,' A Variety -of Programs High school students, calling them- selves Tiger TV,' produce a sports call-in show and .: high-school s +wc. program on alternating Thursday. nights. Two area residents, Bonnie. Richmond and Kathy Clark, devised_ a clever, amusing explanation of the force Of gravity in which Ms. Clark_ appears as Ms. Sterious Gravity. Lou Ise and John Vojtisek taped the re- cent opening of the town's walking • bridge. One obvious advantage of publlc- access television is that it brings local and state government into the homes of people who cannot or will not at- tend public meetings. Frank Bryan,.a • professor. of political science at the University of Vermont, sees that as.a good omen for the country's poltical future. "It's going to help democracy • a lot," Mr. Bryan said. "And the more public it is, the better I like it. I like the noninterference of it: you just show it, lay it out there, no editing or any of that. It's moving in the right di- rection, in a direction that's hopefMl for democracy in the next century." :6g pamulgnS )I3TW 0D3W TTTS 6 CABLE 13 ORIENTATION MEETING Thursday, May 3 or June 7 6-7pm at the access studio 612 W. Green St. The first step for new volunteers is to attend a 1 hour orientation meeting, held at 6pm on the first Thursday of every month. These meetings include sign-ups for video. classes. No registration needed for this meeting. CABLE 13 VIDEO CLASSES Video classes are held monthly•at the access studio at 612 W. Green St.- -All rev_.ui.re:, p.re-registration: __.,- * A series of 3 studio classes are held from 8-llpm on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month. * Portable, editing, electronic graphics and producer seminars are held Saturdays from Ilam till 2pm. GRANTS/FUNDING J HALLWALLS' 'NEW FORMS' GRANTS NYS Grant Program for Artists' Projects in New Forms. Open to all artists outside. NYC. Grants from $1,000 to $3,000. Complete application forms and details on access Bulletin Board. Deadline: May 29, 1990. CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 MEETINGS MEDIA ITHACA MEETING Thursday, April 19, 7pm Sherman Peer Rm, T.C. Library Speaker: Brian Springer from Buffalo's Hallwalls Gallery. Topic: Building an Audience for Access Programs and Independent Productions. ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Monday, May 7, 7pm Sherman Peer Rm, T.C. Library For agenda information, contact Mary Jo -Dudley at:. 273-5255._ EQUIPMENT WISRLIST MEETING Wednesday, May 16, 6-7:30pm CABLE 13 Conference Room Bring your ideas and for access equipment improvements for 1990. PLACES TO SUBMIT TAPES OFF THE WALL VIDEO FESTIVAL "Enter your wildest, funniest, most outragious self-made videotape... and win!!" Entry Fee: $10; Prizes: $500 First Prize. Maximum Length: 10 min. Entry forms and details on access Bulletin Board. Deadline: June 30, 1990. WILLIAM DEMO 119 AUBURN .ST. ITHACA, NY 14850 NEW ACCESS POLICY MANUAL CABLE 13 will be issuing a revised policy manual on March 12. This manual has been under revision for much of 1989. Advice has been solicited from volunteers and the Access Advisory Board since Sep- tember 5. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to look over the manual and offer advice; you'll find most of it incorpor- ated into our new policy manual. There are a number of changes in the new manual: I'm afraid that the more suggestions people made, the more "what ifs" people asked us to consider, the longer the manual became! However, a number of blurry areas have been resolved - at least for now. To help introduce volunteers to the policy revisions, we will be holding seminars to go through the manual during the month of March. The meetings will be held on Monday evenings, from 6-7:30pm, in the access conference room. You may sign up for any one of these sessions in the access office. Policy seminars are open to all current volunteers. Attendance at one is not mandatory. Copies of the manual will be posted in the access office for volunteers who prefer to review it themselves. Copies will also be issued to individuals who have been active access producers for at least the past 6 months. The staff will prepare a list of such "active veteran producers," and hold copies of the manual at the office for them to pick up. [Continued on Page 3] 1 Above: New Access Advisory Board Chairperson Mary Jo Dudley [left] prepares to anchor an edition of More Than the News. ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENTS At the February 21 meeting of the Ithaca City Cable Commission, the City of Ithaca and ACC made new appointments to the 9 -member Access Advisory Board. Under an agreement made in January, the voting appointments are divided between 1 and 2 year terms. As the 1 -year terms expire, they will be replaced with 2 .year terms, so that the Advisory Board will have a staggered annual turn- over in the future. [Continued on P.2] ALSO INSIDE: 1 NEW ACCESS STAFFER A.C.E.s INFO ir MORE CONTESTS ACCESS MEETINGS/CLASSES CB -TV PROGRAMMING ITHACA FESTIVAL WANTS YOU! 2 [AAB, continued from P.1] ACC's appointees are: 1 City Resident Floyd Johnson - 2 Year Term Floyd Johnson has been involved with community access for more than a decade. He has produced and directed a number of series as well as individual programs over the years. Recently, he has worked on productions such as Take 1, The Imani Hour, and Family Focus. In - addition, Floyd served as a CABLE 13 A.C.E. judge last year. Outside public access, Floyd works as an Emergency Shelter Manager for the Red Cross. 1 Non -City Resident Frances McKenzie - 1 Year Term Frances McKenzie has been one of our most active and productive volunteers for the past 4 years. She has produced programs on a bewildering variety of topics: from investment strategies to draft horses; from Cornell Chimes concerts to a documentary on belly dancing. She is also a regular cast member for Take 1, and has served as a host and interviewer for 'Round About Ithaca, What's Happening, and Our Community. In the real world, Frances works at Emerson Power Transmission as a market analyst. The City's appointees are: 2 City Residents Mary Jo Dudley - 1 Year Term Access Advisory Board Chair Mary Jo is a co-producer of More Than the News, a returning AAB mem er and has been appointed its new chairperson. She also works with C.U.S.L.A.R., a group studying U.S.-Latin American relations at Cornell. Bill McCormick - 2 Year Term Bill has been an access volunteer for over 10 years. He produces more hours of programming than any other access producer, and has been involved in collaborative efforts with many individuals and community groups. His own weekly program, 'Round About Ithaca, is cablecast live on Friday nights. 2 Institutional Representatives John 'Efroymson - 2 Year Term John, another returning member of the AAB, is also another co- producer of More Than the News. - John is a video instructor at Ithaca College, as well as Coordinator of Media Ithaca. Louis Mezgar - 1 Year Term Louis Mezgar, the third returning member of the AAB, is the director of the Tompkins County Public Library, including the Library's video program. The Library produces a variety of educational programming for public access. 1 Non -City Resident Eloise Green - 2 Year Term Eloise is the Director of ICB-TV at Ithaca College. ICB-TV creates and cablecasts 8-12 hours of programming every week on CABLE 13 during its school year. In addition to the Advisory Board's voting members, listed above, there are two non-voting technical advisors to the group: City Advisor: Peter Hess Peter is a member of More Than the News, and a recent appointee to the City Cable Commission. ACC Advisor: Lauren Stefanelli Community Access Coordinator. 3.•• 1.1.1 et._rot f ttettt.tf t t.tt [Policies, continued from P.1]. In order to insure that all producers understand our policies and procedures, including current revisions, all current producers will be required to sign a "State- ment of Compliance with CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures." This document will state that you have read and understood access poli- cies and agree to abide by them. This form will update the producer responsibilities agreement in current producers' project master forms. Current producers will have until the end of March to sign and return these statements. They may attend any of the scheduled policy seminars to have their questions answered, or may simply sign and return the forms at the access office after reviewing the policy manual themselves. Any volunteer producer who has not signed a Statement of Compliance" by April 1 will lose his/her certification as an access producer, and void any outstanding reservations. One reason why it is important for current producers to review the changes in access policies is that penalties for wasting production time have become somewhat more severe. We are nearing the point where most evening and weekend studio time is reserved, but not all of it is actually used. A number of producers sign up for more production time than they actually intend to use so that they and their program guests have last minute options on when to shoot. Unfortunately, producers who habitually cancel studio time a day or two in advance don't leave much planning time for pro- ducers who could have used the production time. To stave off limits on studio time, or on how long series reservations may last, we need to reduce such wastage. 3 Another area where there are changes of interest to producers is in access sponsorship rules. Rules here have been clarified, and we have added a Sponsor Agree- ment form to document all sponsors .acknowledged on the access channel. Finally, application forms for ACC's optional limited liability coverage are included in the manual and will be available to producers by March 12. I encourage everyone, especially volunteers who are also producers, to become familiar with our poli- cies: don't just sign forms with- out reading them: The fact that we have completed a policy revision does not mean that we may never revise our policies again. Volun- teers are always encouraged to submit ideas for ways in which we could operate more efficiently or more fairly. For example: "EXTRA -LONG PROGRAM" TIMESLOT Recently, access volunteer Pauline Layton suggested that at least 1 2—hour bloc of evening cablecast- ing time per week be reserved on a first -priority basis for long (over 1 hour) programs. Her reason was that unused evening cablecastingtime now exists mainly in half-hour to one-hour bits, due to the "first-come, first-served" scheduling of weekly series producers. She found that time -slots of over 1 hour were very difficult to find after 6pm, even many weeks ahead. Thanks to the producers of Take 1, who consented to move their program to Tuesday nights, we have created a 8-10pm Wednesday slot which will be held until 2 weeks in advance on a first priority basis for programs of over 1 hour in length. This timeslot will be available as of March 14. 4 NEW ACCESS STAFFER: GREG BOWMAN Greg Bowman joined our staff as an access facilitator on February 12. He replaced Holly Stander, who has just left us. As in our job searches last year, a team from the Access Advisory Board was included in the interviewing process for this position. Greg has been an access volunteer producer for several years. The pieces he has presented on CABLE 13 are commentaries on contempor- ary electronic media, including TV God, System Error, The Videot's Gourmet- Cookbook, and 'Election Special! But, perhaps you'd rather hear Greg describe himself.... "Greg Bowman was convicted in 1987 of possession of a Bachelor's degree in Theater Arts from Cornell. Although he came from a normal background in the arts, he was quickly led astray by the possibilities of cinema and film- making. This led to more dangerous activities such as video and computer graphics. He is presently involved in designing/writing computer music software. "Originally, he was involved in playwriting and acting in high school, and participated in numerous theatrical productions. However, the luster of high tech- nology seduced him into lighting design. While at- Cornell, Mr. Bowman took numerous filmmaking courses and produced many short films. He also became interested in video and got involved with CABLE 13. He has since worked on several experimental videos and has recently been composing elec- tronic music for his productions." Greg says that he hopes to "help make CABLE 13 more 'user-friendly' for those volunteers who feel intimidated by technology." CONTEST AND FESTIVALS CABLE 13's 6th ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE This annual ACC program to recognize the best in local access programming will begin accepting entries March 12. There are 12 entry categories. Entry is free. Detailed entry forms are available at the access office. Deadline: April 10. HOMETOWN USA VIDEO FESTIVAL Sponsored by the National Federa- tion of Local Cable Programmers, this is the largest national com- petition of community access pro- ductions in the country. Winners 'receive plaques, prizes and are incorporated into a national video tour. Entry fee: scaled to type of entrant. Detailed information on the access bulletin board. Deadline: March 9. SLICE '90 OF LIFE FILM AND VIDEO SHOWCASE For: documentary and experimental video and film of 30 min. or less. Entry fee: $15. Detailed informa- tion and entry materials on access bulletin board. Deadline: April 2. 14th ANNUAL 'WORKS BY WOMEN': A FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL Sponsored by Barnard College, to promote the accomplishments of women directors in independent film and video. Detailed information on access bulletin board. Deadline: April 30. CABLE 13 News is published by American Community Cablevision. Mailing address: 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Studio located at 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY. Writer/Editor: Lauren Stefanelli 14 ITHACAN 5 The attached article is reprinted from Ithaca College's newspaper, The Ithacan. For anyone who hasn't seen IRC -'"V's offerings, check them out on Sunday and Thursday nights: • February 8, 1990 ICB-TV's innovative new line-up BY MELISSA KLUSH With the addition of the new state-of-the-art Roy H. Park School of Communications this year, the Television -Radio program continues to receive widespread acclaim. Many factors can be attributed to the success at Park, such as outstanding faculty and top-of-the-line equipment which are integral in the functioning of :the school. However, it is the hands-on experience obtained by students working on the' student staffed radio and television stations that provides some of the most tangible rewards. Outstanding programs are being written, -produced and broadcast ICB-TV; an expansion that has added a number of innovative and creative shows to the line-up of television treats. Eloise Greene, general manager of ICB-TV, cites the move into the new facilities -as the reason for the expansion and adds that "We currently have.the most ambitious schedule ever." Ambitious is certainly an apt description of some of the new programming we can be looking forward to this semester. Expect forays into non -mainstream video and film creations with such works as "Edge," which profiles locally produced work. "Upstairs on the Left" will be ICB-TV's first en- counter with broadcasting a studio sitcom. Producer Adam Agard, who wanted to "try something more Outstanding programs are being written, produced and broadcast within the confines of the ICB-TV studios within the confines of the ICB-TV studios. Many on campus know of these quality programs, such as "Newscene," the feature magazine show "Panorama," the entertaining "Couples Quiz," the comedy "Nothing Special," and the fas- cinating discussion on "Ithaca's Talking." There is also the trio of sports oriented shows, "College Basketball," "Big Red Hockey Report" and "Sportsweek," which keep its viewers up to date on campus and regional sports. The move from Dillingham to Park has also facilitated an ex- pansion of the programming on serious than news and sports," devised the concept for the new show. According to Agard, the plot centers around a newlywed couple who recently graduated from college and "are experiencing life together in the real world." All ten characters will be played by Ithaca College students, with Yale Williams and Ailish Harney in the lead roles of Griff and Judy. Another new concept for 1CB- TV will be "Kids Korner," a program designed for — you guessed it — the pre-school to second grade set. "Kids Korner" will feature such elementary de- lights as storytelling, crafts, music and puppetry. In addition, there will be humor abound with the additions of"I.C. After Dark" and "The Live Show." Producer Dan Nocera of "I.C. After Dark" describes his show as "focusing on I.C. students in a -format similar to - Dave Letterman and Saturday 'Night Live." Nocera mentioned that the show will be taped in the pub, complete with host and band. He also added that "people should really start watching, because ICB has some great new shows this semester." As for the"Live Show," a one-time -half-hour show to be broadcast live on April Fool's Day, it can be described only as "comedy without a safety net." "The Ebony Experience" is another new program destined to add to the variety and quality -1i'. =' ICB-TV. Produced by Diane Spann, "The Ebony Experience" will focus on the black family, culture,- politics and educational issues. With the plethora of theater majors and Ithacans interested in the performing arts, the new "In Studio" is likely to •become a favorite as well. Theater and music will be highlighted in weekly half- hour presentations. Another must -see, "Between the Lines," is an investigative public affairs program based on the popular WICB radio program of the same name. "Between the Lines" is being produced by a select group of seniors who "will challenge the assumptions of its viewers" on pertinent issues in Tompkins County. Tonight at 7:30 on ICB-TV (Channel 13) "Between the Lines" will commepce with a program centered on the murder of the Harris family in Dryden. The program will review the known facts of the slaying as well as area reactions to the disturbing incident that took place so close to our community. "Between the Lines" worked closely with authorities, the District Attorheys office and relatives and friends of the Harris family to broadcast this special investigative report.. • Finally, on.a lighter note, ICB- TV is announcing a new production with which many students will be able to relate — a college soap opera! That's right, ICB-TV will be tackling the production of a soap opera tentatively titled "Semesters" which will focus on realistic campus oriented issues such as dating, alcohol abuse and stress in general. Certainly, ICB-TV's new pro- grams contain something to appeal to everyone. If this line-up is any indication of the future, excellence in television programming will continue to be a trademark of ICB-TV. 6 MEETINGS CABLE 13 ORIENTATION MEETING Thursday, March 1 or April 5 6-7pm at the access studio 612 W. Green St. The first step for new volunteers is to attend a 1 hour orientation meeting, held at 6pm- on the first Thursday of every month. These meetings include sign-ups for video classes. No registration needed for this meeting. CABLE 13 VIDEO CLASSES Video classes are held monthly and require pre -registration: A series of 3 studio classes are held from 8-llpm on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month. Portable, editing, electronic graphics and a producer skills seminar are held on the 4 Saturdays of each month from Ilam till. 2pm. POLICY MANUAL SEMINARS Monday, March 12, 19 or 26. 6-7:30pm at the access studio. Informational meeting on our revised policy manual. Register in person or by phone at the access office. CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 MEETING ON VIDEO ACTIVITIES AT THE 1990 ITHACA FESTIVAL Tuesday, March 6, 7:30pm Festival Office 301 S. Geneva St., G-6. The Ithaca Festival announces a meeting to form a steering committee to develop the video portion of this year's Festival. Access volunteers are encouraged to attend! ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Monday, March 5, 7pm CABLE 13 Conference Room First meeting of the newly recon- stituted AAB. ,VIDEO VOCABULARY Ever felt dumb when somebody asked you what the acronym "CCD" written on the side of your camcorder meant? Well, it means Charge Coupled Device. The CCD is the computer chip used by the camera to sense the video image. WILLIAM DEMO 119 AUBURN"`,ST. ITHACA, 'NY. 148'50 TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 312 NORTH CAYUGA STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK, 14850 Chairman City of Ithaca Cable Commission (607) 272-4555 February $, 1990 This is to express'my interest in serving one additional year on the Public Access Advisory Board. Thank you very much for your attention. ouis Mezgar Director LM:eb February 1, 1q°0 Cable Commission Ithaca, N.Y. Commissioners: I would appreciate being considered for appointment to the Access Advisory Board. I have been involved with Access as a producer and community activist for more than ten years. I keep current on Access issues nationally and was involved in the public discussions surrounding the last refranchising. As a board member, I would work to expand and promote Access as a resource for local groups and individuals, for public service and political expression for the artist, the activist -- and for all Tthacans -- a truly community medium. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have at the February Commission meeting. William T. McCormick 211 Columbia St. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION January 25, 1990 Dear Mr. Dobson, Lauren Stefanelli was within her right as ACC's access coordinator to cancel your series and to suspend your eligibility for reserving series production and cablecasting timeslots while -still allowing you to use the studio for individual programs. The -policy she is upholding has been in place for some time inan unwritten form ,1 but was put into writing as long ago as five months. The fact that you•had.personal hardships is unfortunate, but because you also have a very large commitment of time, it has: a larger affect on the overall management of timeslots and cablecasting times. One day's notice is obviously inadequate notification for ACC's staff. to reschedule production- or cablecasting time. Inyour response, you note that you have to maintain your previous schedule because of a commitment you made to teach a class in video production. We have seers the flyer for Cornell's Experimental College and that you propose to teach video production for a fee of $75 using ACC's facilities and equipment. This is expressly forbidden by ACC's franchise and very presumptuousof you to assume that you can use our free facilities for your own personal gain. You were explicitly told that further intimidating behavior would be cause for suspension of all access privileges, yet you told. ACC employees that you will use the access studio as you wish regardless of their authority . You then proceeded to disregard the directions of access facilitators by scheduling time for which you are not eligible and by using the studio for other than the live program for which it was reserved. It is this misuse of the facility and a disregard for other users that forces me to suspend you from all access privileges for a period of one year. In January of 1991 you may again resume use of our access facilities should you at that time wish to do so. Conditions of your continued use at that time will depend on your compliance with our stated policies. cc: City Cable Commission Access Advisory Board Lauren Stefanelli 519 West State Street vett Barbara L. Lukens, General Manager Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 WHAT PRICE PUBLIC 9 • • ':::`,;:e :- :, 'ct„.-,:-i-:1-:,".i7i- -,-,-1 . !: ;IF, - $- _ -..,•::: I BY CLAUDIA MONTAGUE merican '--ConimUnity '- Cablevision and community access director Gene Katz have parted company. That and other recent develop- ments at ACC have caused some users to question .thecompany's commit- ment to public access. The timing of Katz's departure is unpropitious, as it coincides with nation- wide efforts by the cable industry- to ilshuck public access altogether. Several companies have already challenged the Cable. Act provision for public access. \I ' Their argument ,is that cable companies - are in effect electronic publishers, and that forcing them to .provide public access amounts to content regulation: a violation of the First Amendment. Should the industry win, it is unlikely that cable companies will continue to _ invest time and money in community access programming. - The legal stalemate finds the city and ACC on the brink of signing an agree- ment to renew the company's franchise in Ithaca. Although city negotiators stub- -1-bornly hel&outlor whatever safeguards— -- t for - community access they could build . into the contract,ylocal participants have an uneasy feeling ' that it won't be enough. They say ACC's parent company, the American Television & Communications Corporation, appears to be pressuring the franchise to increase revenue. There has been more emphasis on LO (locally originated) _programming, a for-profit venture in which the company rents studio and air time to local producers. Access users feel that they have lost an important advocate in Katz. ACC has created a new position to replace his job _ — not community program director, but studio supervisor. "Most of our management functions • have been moved into an6ther area," explains ACC systems manager Michael Withiam. _ "It got to a point where we were doing so much video work, we found it necessary to centralize." About eight months ago the position of local programming director was created, and . Channel 7 news director Julie Fox was assigned to it. Whoever takes over for Katz will be one of several "area super- visors" reporting to Fox. Does• that -bode well for community access? -"It depends on what the new person does," says More Than the News producer John Efroymson. "I don't care about the -title, as: long as we., get support." • :- , An- MTN colleague is not optimistic. "The community access person was responsible for seekhig more community - access use," 'says Ben Nichols. "With LO, ' that will not be one of the priorities.": - _ "Can, it , be an advocacy position? ' Absolutely not,''' says Katz. "Maybe by the letter of the law .they are replacing, me,fi -lit they took my responsibilities and , continued on.page 6 .4.a=43."a ra.,a':eva i s a aa' rra.a 4-a a a,ap • 0 0y h If Lt 'a e n 's 1 9, ;l"1= g .' _8, WITHIAM: Fears `unfounded.' - anything, they'll get more attention because they'll be pulled into the planning more." He points out that the • refranchising agreement requires ACC I to hire a third public access employee by" next year, and the company fully intends to comply. Studio Conflict? ven more involved is ACC's decision to use the channel- 13 -st i in for T:n-; rogr mma ins-- ey say that when community access isn't using it, they will," says Nichols. "But there's a tendency if you're trying to make money to grab as much time as you can. Inevitably it will push community access out." r "LO has the potential for being the doom of community access," maintains Efroymson. "If I was a manager concerned with spending less and making more, community access is one of the first places I would look at." Withiam calls those fears "unfounded. The reality is that without the ability to generate revenue through the equipment when it is not being used, community access cannot exist. Either that or the subscribers would have to foot the bill, and I don't think they want to do that." LO could ;prove a big plus for local • producers, he adds.: "A''number of pro- ducers are interested in selling ads to promote their shows, which they can't do on the noncommercial channel. There's an opportunity to produce a different type of program. Which many communities have done: Lynchburg, Virginia, has almost no public access ose L4 because everybody got into LO." Efroymson sees more danger than opportunity in that argument. "It's the age-old question about public television; sponsors change the nature of the pro- gramming. We're trying to stay as inde- pendent as we can:" Testing the Limits 1 Second Ward Alderman David Lytel, who helped negotiate the new cable con- tract, calls its access provisions ."very strong — within the institutional con- straints, which are that the studio is staffed by people hired by ACC, part of one of the leading firms in the industry trying to subvert the legal foundaticns `for public access. Our strategy is to make isipublic access as strong as we can so if the industry wins [the First Amendment case], it would cause ACC greater problems to stop it than freeing up another channel would be worth to hem." In negotiations, ACC is "always testing the limits," Lytel continues. "We make •an agreement, and they try to subvert it. My fear is that they will do to access -what they did with the rate increase" (ACC tried to effect a hike after the city asked that rates not be adjusted during the talks).- , Katz says studio availability has already been curtailed. "People had access to the studio from noon til 10 weekdays, and eight hours on Saturdays. That's going to be cut to 40 hours a week, maximum." "If it's true that the studio. is shut down during the day now, that sends a L.it chill up my spine;''. -Lytel concedes-,-'4t-- makes oncedes-4t- makes me think, the agreement, isn't even signed yet. What will happen when . is?" -"The franchise is clear. There will be a minimum number of hours available on a first-come, first-served basis," Withiam says. "I resent accusations that ACC doesn't support public access. I challenge the •volunteers to find a community where a company has signed over $350,000 worth of equipment, in a system this size, with -the freedoms they have. I'm sure. they'll find a few, but very few." Are. -access advocates being unrea- sonable in their expectations? - "What we built into the .franchise for community access is a capital budget, the number of channels and a replacement schedule," says Lytel. "It's now a matter of getting ACC to live up to it. If they don't, it calls the whole agreement into' question. It's like a drunk who sobers up just before the wedding. ACC has begun to show the behavior it will revert to after the wedding'— and as a bride, that worries me." O ti 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 January 27, 1990 Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Commissioners: I would like to serve again on the community access advisory board. As a local access producer of More Than the News; I have been involved in attempts tomake channel 13 more accessibleto the community, as well as trying to upgrade the access facility. As the coordinator of Media Ithaca, (a group of local video and film producers, providers of services, and academics), I am familiar with the concerns of the media community. It is extremely important to have an advisory board that is willing to take the cable company to task when necessary, as well as being willing to work -"in good faith." I feel that I can do both.' I have an extensive background in working with this cable company, as well as being knowledgeable about the state of the industry. As you may know, More Than the News was the prime vehicle for providing testimonyto the city's negotiatingcommittee as it attempted to get the best franchise agreement possible from ACC. I have included my resume, which includes the fact that I am currently teaching video production as an adjunct lecturer at Ithaca College. Looking forward to working with you in the future. Sincerely, ,e_ Jahn Efroymson Resume John Efroymson 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-1034 Education Video production coursework, Ithaca College, 1984-86 M.A., Education, Virginia Tech, 1981 Coursework culminating in K-8 teaching certificate, Univ. of D.C., 1973 B.A., Philosophy, Purdue University, 1970. Career Background Independent video producer, 1984 -present Coordinator, Media Ithaca and the Central New York Programmers Group, (organizations involved with coordinating area media workers), 1987 -present Producer of weekly alternative cable news program, April, 1986 -present Adjunct lecturer, Ithaca College, School of Communications, 1987 -present Sound recordist and editor, Photosynthesis Productions, Ithaca, NY, 1985-86 Sound recordist, Department of Psychology Film Unit, Cornell Univ., 1985-86 Elementary school teacher, 1973-84 Festival Showings American Musuem of the Moving Image, Astoria, NY, April, 1987 American Film Institute, Los Angeles, December, 1986 CineFestival, San Antonio, November,1986 Deep Dish National Satellite Access Network, 1987 and 1988 Ithaca College Film and Video Festival, 1985 (Best Documentary) Additional Relevant Background Member of Community Access Advisory Board, 1989. NYSCA grants for historical documentaries, Groton, NY, 1986 and 1987 NYSCA Arts in Education grant for Interlaken Historical Society projects, 1988 NYSCA grants to coordinate Media Ithaca, 1987 -present NYSCA grants to coordinate the Central New York Programmers Group, 1987 -present Truman Foundation grant for bicentennial video history of Owego, NY, 1986 Conducted video seminar for local historians, April, 1986 References Peter Carroll, vice-president, Photosynthesis Productions 418 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-4242 Mary Agnus Hamilton, producer, Cornell University 107 Cayuga Park Circle, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 273-7104 Wenmouth Williams, chairperson, Television -Radio Dept., School of Communications Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-3242 January 15, 1990 City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 To the commission: fo (tti"' RECEIVED AN 17 1999 I am interested in serving as an institutional representative on the Access Advisory Board. Since August, 1985 I have served as general manager of Ithaca College Television (ICB-TV) which cablecasts on access channel 13 two "airnights" each week when college is in session. Since its inception in 1958, ICB-TV has been the largest .producer of programming for the local channel. I coordinate and oversee the production activities of 260 student volunteers organized into fifteen units. Previously, I worked for PBS stations WCNY-TV Syracuse as promotion manager, WOSU-TV Columbus, Ohio as program manager, and Wisconsin Educational Television Network as development director. My B,S. is in TV/Radio from Syracuse University, and I expect to receive an M.S. in communications from Ithaca College in May. Thank you for your consideration of this letter of interest. My work and home addresses are below. Sincerely C I . ✓ -1"A--- Eloi S(/ Greene Manager of Television Operations Roy H. Park School of Communications Ithaca College Ithaca, NY 14850 274-3242 100 Michigan Hollow Rd. RD 1, Box 244 Danby, NY 14883 273-5547 312 First Street • Ithaca, N.Y.,14550 January 11, 1939 Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14350 Dear Cable Commissioners; I would like to apply to continue to serve on the Community Access Advisory Board. During the past year, I have actively participated on the CAAB in meetings, throughout the interview process for new ACC staff, and in suggesting specific changes for the new Policies and Procedures manual • for the Community Access Television Center. 1 have also served as the alternate chair on those occasions when Richard Herskowitz has not been able to attend meetings. 1 have found serving on this board to be rewarding and believe that it plays an important role in ensuring community input in decisions that affect all who produce programs through the local facility. 1 am very familiar with various ways of using local access to encourage discussion regarding issues of community concern and have focused both my academic and professional work on participatory video. Due to my work in conducting workshops on participatory video with illiterate women in developing nations, l am familiar with the kinds of equipment that can best contribute to the widespread use of the access facility by those who have had no previous experience. Over the past three and one half years I have been very involved in the production of local video productions for use on the community access station. During the time that I have worked in the production of More 1 t►_:. the News and other local productions, I have come to appreciate the need for community input in decision making regarding community access. I have also found that the relationship between local video producers and the cable company are crucial to ensuring thai issues are presented in a timely and. visually interesting way. Asa member of Media Ithaca i have also been involved with a lui yj group of local video producers who have had specific ideas which I have shared with members of the CAAB. Throughout this last year the CRAB has been able to establish a viable mechanism for communicating the needs of access users to ACC. I would like to continue to offer suggestions regarding how the cable company could facilitate such goals. 1 feel very strongly that this is a crucial time for serious input on. decisions that will be considered by the Ithaca Cable Commission. I am very interested in continuing to represent the Ithaca community in this capacity and em particularly interested in making the facilities at channel 13 accessible to the larger Tompkins County community, specifically women and the local Latino community. I have attached my resume which includes some of my professional background and interests. I hope you will seriously consider my request to continue to serve on the Access Advisory Board. Sincerely, Merq Jo Dudley Mary Jo Dudieg 312 First Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 (607) 273-5255 • WORK EXPERIENCE Communications Consultant Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, Rome, Italy, 8/88 to present Responsible for preparation of documents•used for extension purposes in United Nations programs in developing nations. Prepared handbooks on Community Forestry, participation,•and nutritional aspects of forestry. Worked on developing video and other audio visual materials for foresters with women's' group in four rural communities in Nepal. Assisted in designing video programs to increase women's' participation in project planning, monitoring and evaluation. Assisted in using video for Mexican survey of peasant organizations pushing for changes in governmental responses to increasing poverty. Video Curator for Italian National Video Archives -Latin American Section Onda Video, University di Pisa, Pisa, Italia, 8/88 to present Responsible for reviewing and purchasing a Latin American collection of video productions for the Latin' American Section.of the Italian National Video Archive Prepared a guide to videos produced by U.S. citizens on Latin America Organized 1989 Visioni di America video festival. Responsible for presentations regarding the use of video in Latin America. in festival to be held in eighteen Italian cities. Female Domestic Workers Participatory Video Project CAM( (Centro de Ayuda a le Mujer e Infante), Cali, Colombia, 5/88 to 8/68 Worked with domestic workers association in using video as a mechanism for pushing for changes regarding labor legislation affecting hours and working conditions for female domestic workers. Gave workshops on design, planning, filming, and editing video for use in social change projects. Trained domestic workers in technical aspects of video and produced one half-hour piece for use on Television del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Co-anchor of More Than the News Cable Station 13, Ithaca, N.Y., 4/86 to present Co-produced and anchored weekly segments for progressive television new; s program. Produced special documentary in depth segments. Participated in weekly editorial meetings. Wrote news stories. Oversaw aspects of technical production. Coordinator of the Committee on U.S./Latin American Relations Cornell University, 7/01 to 9/07 * Responsible for community education on U.S. policies towards.- Latin America. Organized and maintained resource•center. Established national and statewide information networks. Responsible for administration of organization and training of volunteers. Arranged bi-weekly film series on Latin America and regular visits of Latin American experts. Edited and oversaw•, production of monthly newsletter. Produced and delivered statements for the media. Led fact-finding trips to Central America. *currently serving es a consultant Popular Education Program Evaluator KHANA, La Paz, Bolivia, 0/83 to 1/64 Evaluated popular education program used by women in shanty towns. Designed program with the Women's Federation of Marginal Neighborhoods. Organized workshops on health, literacy, family relations, and economic self sufficiency. Migrant Farmworker Communication Specialist Rural N.Y. Farmworker Opportunities, 9/79 to 0/81 Organized bilingual information network on legal rights in the areas of health, employment, and housing. Produced and distributed monthly newsletter to 50,000 farrri•wYorkers. Produced bi-lingual radio programs for broadcast throughout the U.S. East Coast. Assistant Coordinator of Farmworker Women's Equity Project Rural N.Y. Farmworker Opportunities, 0/78 to 9/79 Interviewed farmworkers on options for women. Compiled data, summarized results, and assisted in design of the Farmworker Women's Employment Project. EDUCATION Cornell University Masters in Regional Planning, Jan. 1990 Hertwick College 6.A., Counseling and Hispanic Studies, June 1978, Magna Cum Laude Legal Training Center, Washington, D.C. Legal Advocacy Training Certification, 1979 Grant Training rent pr Grantswriting Certification, 1960 PUBLICATIONS Forestry and Nutrition: A Reference Manual, United Nations, 1988 A Guide to Community Participation United Nations,1988 Domestic Workers in Latin America: An Informal Sector in Transition, 190 Training Guide for Nicaraguan Harvest Srigade,1985 Human Waste Disposal in Rural Bolivia, 1984 Educacion Popular en los Barrios de La Paz, 1983 Migrant Farmworkers in New -York State, 1979 Farmworker Women's Equity Project, 1979 VIDEO PRODUCTIONS Chile: The Media Under Fire, April, 1958 Our Struggle for Life: People With AIDS, August, 1987 El Salvador from the Eyes of the People, February, 1.980 Guatemala: Human Rights under Attack, November, 1937 Peace in the Middle East, March, 1987 I'm a Migrant Farmworker, August, 1980 January 15, 1990 City Cable Commission City Hall 108 E, Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 To the commission: cki"i 6,,now- 0 • CE/VED JAN 17 1990 I am interested in serving as an institutional representative on the Access Advisory Board. Since August, 1985 I have served as general manager of Ithaca College Television (ICB-TV) which cablecasts on access channel 13 two "airnights" each week when college is in session. Since its inception in 1958, ICB-TV has been the largest producer of programming for the local channel, I coordinate and oversee the production activities of 260 student volunteers organized into fifteen units. Previously, I worked for PBS stations WCNY-TV Syracuse as promotion manager, WOSU-TV Columbus, Ohio as program manager, and Wisconsin Educational Television Network as development director. My B.S. is in TV/Radio from Syracuse University, and I expect to receive an M.S. in communications from Ithaca College in May. Thank you for your consideration of this letter of interest. My work and home addresses are below. Sincerely E10141 S(/ Greene Manager of Television Operations Roy H. Park School of Communications Ithaca College Ithaca, NY 14850 274-3242 100 Michigan Hollow Rd. RD 1, Box 244 Danby, NY 714883 273-5547 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 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 jt 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.ip.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 monoplized 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 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. I 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; 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 damage caused by members of producers the opportunity extent from the results of a optional limited liability damage to equipment: of the operator. This includes their crew. In order to give to protectthemselves to some costly accident, ACC offers two insurance plans for negligent 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. VIII.6.3 The annual with increases in fee the for CABLE 13 fee, nor are amounts are subject to increase along 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 VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES Pg. 18 VIII.7 Reserving Cablecasting Time [cont.] VIII.7.6 Programs with adult themes, language or images: Programs classified as "adult" will beeligible 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 schedulingrequirements 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 Odb. 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 the project completion deadline. (See Sec. VIII.5, above) 2. Finished programs will be held no more than,30 days after cablecasting. 3. Tapes will be erased 30 days after these deadlines without notice, except for tapes being used for a continuing program series. X.2 Use of Tapes Belonging to Volunteer Producers 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 Board depends 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 i9c2.q 199'(6, ITNp c p.-� ?e. Cs ACC S S 13.4 ACC shall provide free cable drops to locations already provided with free drops, and at any City designated locations in any new or renovated public, educational or public service offices or buildings designated by the City at the time of the rebuild up to a maximum of 50. After the rebuild,. ACC shall provide additional drops as specified by the City at the time of building construction or renovation of existing or new public, educational or public service offices or buildings designated by the City. The City shall provide ACC with reasonable notice of such construction and renovation. The first tier of service, closed circuit channels, institutional, and applicable two-way channels shall be provided free of charge to all of these locations. 13.5 All closed -captioned programming retransmitted by the system shall include the closed -caption signal. 13.6 ACC will make VCR connections available to customers and will provide training in the proper use of VCRs in connection with the cable system and equipment. XIV ACCESS CHANNELS AND SERVICES 14.1 In order to develop and promote public, educational and governmental access programming 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 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 ID), .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 availablefor access use by the City of Ithaca, local institutions and residents and surrounding ACC system residents. Ori. 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 .g;ross 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 ofthe 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 sub!;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 Lear, 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 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 Commission .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 Iiigh 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 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 under our 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, .and have completed one practice project (usually a PSA, editorial, logo or station promo). 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 to complete, you must also complete an Extended Video Completion Contract and schedule a pre -production meeting with CABLE 13 COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES REQUEST Single Program Pg. 2 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 toeach 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. II, 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 1. 2. 3. 4. . 5... 6. 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 Name REQUEST FOR CABLECASTING TIME Address Today's date Phone number Affiliation User number 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 PROGRAM INFORMATION Program Title Length Tape number or Program series number Program format BETA ITHACA CA 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14950 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 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(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 agaiiist 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: Date: ACC Producer Name 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 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. 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 Tompkirts County„ CABLE13NEwS Vol.3, No.1 APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW: ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD The Access Advisory Board, January 8 meeting, decided the current terms of office members with the completion January meeting. at its to end of its of its The reconstitution of the Advisory Board was approved and confirmed by the City Cable Commission at its January 9 meeting. The Ithaca Franchise charges Access Advisory Board with following. responsibilities: "shall review and monitor access policies and procedures will remain advisory in nature. the the it all but The AAB has nine members: 1 non- voting representativefrom the Cable Commission, 1 non-voting representative from ACC, and 7 voting appointees. Of the voting appointments, 5 will be made by the City Cable Commission [1 City resident, 1 non -City resident, and 2 representatives of local institutions]; 2 appointments will be made by ACC [1 City resident and 1 non -City resident]. At the January 9 Cable Commission meeting, terms of office were set for the AAB: 4 of the 7 voting appointees will serve 2 year terms; 3 will serve 1 year terms. How much work is involved? For the past year,. the Advisory Board held meetings once per month. There has been some discussion about developing working groups to hold additional meetings on special topics. Certainly, AAB members [Continued on P.2] January 1990 SANTA TOY ESSAY CONTEST We had four entrants in the contest for the stuffed Mickey Mouse Santa. The winner was decided by a drawing of straws, as we couldn't decide which essay was best. The winner of the straw pull was Cheryl Salomon, director of The Imani Hour. All four entries are reprinted below. "What Community Access Has Meant to Me" ACC allows the community to present its views on what is happening in Tompkins County. This is a personal opinion station, where anyone can give their point of view. I really enjoy being a part of ACC. The staff and crew of all the shows are very helpful. Thank you. Merry Christmas. -Cheryl Salamon ********************************* "What Community Access Has Meant to Me" It has given me an avenue of self-confidence. A way to express my creativity; and a whole new set of friends. Public access takes away the "ho hum" and "hum drum" of life. I feel good about my efforts and thank you public access. -Annie Ball ********************************* [Continued on P.3] INSIDE: PAGE JOB OPPORTUNITIES PROCEDURAL CHANGES CONTESTS FEBRUARY CLASSES 2 3 3 4 2 AAB, continued from P. 1 would be expected to familiarize themselves •thoroughly with the portion of the Franchise concerning community access, as well as access policies and procedures. Anyone interested in serving on the Access Advisory Board should send a "letter of interest" to either [or both] of the two appointing bodies. Letters to the City should be sent to: City Cable Commission Ithaca City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Letters to ACC should be sent to: Barbara Lukens General Manager, ACC 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 The deadline for receipt of letters is February 1. Appoint- ments are tentatively scheduled to be made at the February Cable Commission meeting. This meeting will be held on Monday, February 12, at 7:30pm in Common Council Chambers, Ithaca City Hall. CABLE COMMISSION NOTES The City Cable Commission lost its`• Chairperson, Janice Streb, who resigned recently. More Than. the News crewmember Peter Hess has been selected to fill the vacancy. William Demo is the new Chairperson. This brings to three the number of Cable Commission members who are also community access volunteers or volunteer producers: Peter Hess, Tom Terrizzi and Richard Herskowitz. Congratulations, Peter! JOB OPENING: COMMUNITY ACCESS FACILITATOR Holly Stander will be leaving us in February, leaving another opening for an access staffperson. Applications for this position will be accepted through January 19. Application forms are available at the customer service counter at 519 W. State St. This position will encompass a wide range of duties, including cablecasting playback, studio supervision, technical assistance and training to.volun Seers on a1I aricess video facilities, assisting with facility scheduling and equipment maintenance systems, and working on staff productions. A more detailed job description is available at the studio. JOB OPENING: ACCESS CORPORATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The North Suburban Access Corporation and Cable Commission [located in an area consisting of 10 cities north of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN], seek a qualified applicant to serve as Executive Director of both the Corporation and the Commission. The Exec. Director will develop a plan for staff -that—will perform -the work of the Corporation and the Commission. The Exec. Dir. will manage the Corporation's resources and will promote the success of community access. Salary: $36-40,000 Starting Date: Mar. 1 or sooner. Complete job description available at the access studio. Contact: North Suburban Access Corporation c/o 2420 E. 6th St. Duluth, MN 55812 Santa, Continued from P.1 "What. Community Access Has Meant to Me" Anticipation, inspiration.. 'Lots of laughs and sometimes gaffs. To capture time in color sublime. The aggravation to strive for perfection. The happiness of achieving success. Times of discouragement chased by friends of encouragement. To see and hear for all to see a bit of me on color TV. - Frances McKenz.{;e, *********************************' "What Community Access, Has Meant to Me" Public access is to cable television what walnuts are to the Smithsonian Institute. - Damon Furberg ********************************* PLACES TO SEND TAPES: VIDEO CONTEST Retirement Research Foundation 1990 National Media Awards For: programs on topics related to aging. Prizes: up to $5,000. Full application details on access bulletin board. Deadline: February 1, 1990. NEXT MONTH: CABLE 13 6TH ANNUAL A.C.E. AWARDS ENTRY INFORMATION CABLE 13 News is published by American Community Cablevision. Our studio is located at 612 W. Green St. Our mailing address is: CABLE 13, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Editor/Writer: Lauren Stefanelli 3 CHANGES IN ACCESS PROCEDURES Several procedural changes have been implemented at the access studio with the new year. Some of you have already encountered the new, all -in -one project reserva- tion forms. There is procedure producers Starting another change in of which current should be aware. with this month's training class, all new trainees will be required to participate as either• an observer or. crewmember on 6 access productions before they will be certified to start reserving' production time for their own programs. The trainees have been issued a certification sheet which. they will bring with them to current programs that they wish to observe or participate An. As always, trainees may call .producers in advance to see if help is needed - or they may simply drop in..If you have no crew positions for them to fill, they may simply observe. After helping or observing, the trainee • will ask the producer to sign off on .their sheet. Our previous policy required trainees to volunteer on 2 different productions to become eligible, .to begin their own _.- productions.... However,. w:e often had no wa"y of verifying whether this was actually completed. This certification sheet was de- veloped after receiving sugges- tions from a number of volunteers during recent months. We hope that this system will help new trainees become integrated into the "volunteer network," while helping to supplement their class training with more practical experience in access TV produc- tion. 4. CABLE 13 FEBRUARY \ TRAINING SCHEDULE ORIENTATION MEETING Thursday, February 1, 6-7pm What is community access? How do you make your own TV show? Includes tour of the facility and opportunity to register for video classes. Attendence at an orientation meeting is a prerequisite to attending ANY video classes. Saturday Classes SVHS CAMCORDERS Saturday, Februarq 3, llam-2pm Introduction to portable video, using our new SVHS camcorders. INTRO TO EDITING Saturday, February 10, llam-2pm The basics of using the access editing suites. CHARACTER GENERATOR Saturday, February 17, 11-2pm Covers .the studio and edit suite Knox Character Generators. HOW TO BE AN ACCESS PRODUCER Saturday, February 24, llam-2pm Producer skills: production and cablecasting forms, finding crew, copyrights, publicizing your show. CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Thursday Studio Studio classes do not need to be completed within one month, but they do need to be taken in order. Classes 1-1 ,0 ,C . c.) 3 m 1 00 c cb C) ,-I ya G) u 0 Fi * U ,i 4-1 0 CO 0 at 3.+ cG cJ 4-3 1 un 1-1 x ,0 a) cn 0 rl 0 00 0 . F STUDIO I Thursday, February 8, 8-llpm Introduction to studio,* covering cameras, sets, lighting, floor manager; taking direction. STUDIO II Thursday, February 15, 8-llpm Introduction to the control room, and the jobs of audio person, videotape operator, director and technical director. STUDIO IIIr� Thursday, Feb.r_ue=r_-2.2; 8== 11 -pm- 'Studio run-throu`—g=fi'E="t o'°give___.-clas practice on alll_sggy positions. f, PC 4, 1 ti JAN 13 "<.- M :390 WILLIAM DEMO - 119 AUBURN ST. ITHACA, NY 14850 ,► y To: Richard Herskowitz, Public Access Advisory Board, and Ithaca Cable Commission From: Marilyn Rivchin, member, Public Access Advisory Board Date: January 1, 1990 I am writing this letter in resignation as a member of the Ithaca Public Access Advisory Board, effective January 9, 1990. Work and time committments as a full-time faculty member at Cornell, as a part-time graduate student, and as a co-parent now make my resignation necessary. Because of my long-term interest in local Public Access., I was determined to make the time for a'single, monthly meeting; but since last Spring, I have become aware that to do the work adequately not only means spending additional time in committee or task force work, in occasional typing of minutes, etc., but also would mean being prepared in ways for which I am simply not equipped. To elaborate on this point means at least to make a few constructive suggestions based on my ten months' experience with the Advisory Board and its relations to Access users, staff, ACC and the Cable Commission, rather than leave this as a letter of resignation. 1-- Questions and complaints to the Board often require interpretation of the Franchise and/or ACC rules for Public Access. Although I feel diverse interests should be represented on the Board, I think at least one member should be a lawyer and that meetings would also be more efficient and effective by having at least one person who is familiar with the entire history of the Franchise agreement. Discussion of major issues, such as obscenity, pornography and questions of commercialism, if difficult enough for the Supreme Court, could certainly be elucidated for the Board by a legal advisor or member. 2 -- A second problem that seems more difficult to come to terms with is the disproportionate use of Access facilities by a few people with psychological and/or social problems seriousenough to cause undue stress on Access staff, other Access users, and/or the Advisory Board. This seems to be a chronic situation, and yet in trying to solve it, the key philosophy of Public Access as a facility for any member of the community to use for "local expression" should not be forgotten. I recommend a double strategy for dealing with this problem: A -- That the Board study the problem with input from the Access staff and help define guidelines and/or amend the Access rules to set procedures for staff to end "disruptions" to the working environment, to limit access use by such individuals, or suspend use of the facilities when the rights of others are infringed upon. B -- That the Board acknowledge the therapeutic value or potential therapeutic value that working in Public Access affords some individuals and also the occasional need for professional help or consultation that arises because of the same individuals' behaviors. Because none of the Access staff or Board members is equipped with professional skills in the mental health or social work fields, I believe some innovative step in staffing or providing of consultation through an agency should be taken up to provide a positive and preventive, long-term solution to these problems. A (4ABLE13NEWS Vol.2, No.8 CABLE 13 AND GIAC CO-SPONSOR NEW TEEN PROGRAM December 2 marked the launch of a new cooperative program between CABLE 13, GIAC, and two current access programs being produced by area teens at CABLE . 13: Videoactive and The Weekly Daly Show. Under this new program, the teen producers and their adult executive producers will be able to use GIAC.for location .shooting and production planning for 5 hours every Saturday afternoon. GIAC offers the teens a wealth of shooting location possibilities, including a -gymnasium, full stage, boxing ring, dance studio, conference rooms and offices, lounges, pool room, kitchen, piano, basketball• court, etc. Both groups, who carpool from Trumansburg or Saturday, had to tape the location footage -. particularly action scenes - which distinguish them, and are excited 'j by the creative• possibilities which GIAC has opened up. Lansing each nowhere locally December 1989 WIN A MICKEY MOUSE SANTA! How: Write in 100 words or less "What community access has meant to me." Entry forms and detailed rules available at the access office. Deadline: December 18, 1989. Winner will be chosen by access staff, and winning entry printe-d in January newsletter. Merry Christmas everyone! Other interested teens have the opportunity to join the program and observe or help out either of the two access shows. They can .then attend CABLE 13 training classes to take a more active role. For information on how to join this program, contact the access office, or GIAC Director Mimi Granger. Above: Jim Ferwerda directing an edition of More Than the News. INSIDEti � . ,Y:-: iii`^`` .PAGE <7�`_ CQNGRATULATIONS !;j �,-. 2 J%7=TC LIBRARY UPDATE :,�.1``` 2, HOLIDAY HOURS +`3'0 , sv RULE CHANGES FOR 1990 -34-' POLICY REVISIONS UPDATE, `'3 iiia\�`• ; .. NEW ACCESS EQUIPMENT ,111. 41 '. FESTIVALS / WORK WANTED- 5:_ JANUARY, CLASSES /IOW ,� `` ;- _ �I, �., iii / 52,-„, • it ' ilk+ \•,,,t• • ) 2 CONGRATULATIONS! December's Gold Medal Achievement Award goes to Annie Bali. Annie has spent hours over the past month transferring 4 hours worth of copyright—free sound effects from TC Library recordings. They are now available on 2 VHS tapes for use by all access producers. - Thank you, Annie!—_ Frances McKenzie has successfully distributed her 2 1/2 hour access program of the 1989 Empire State Games to at least 7 other cities in New York, _including Binghamgton, Cortl.an'd, Syracuse, Warwick, Poughkeepsie, Great Neck, and Ossining. In the only year in which no contract was awarded to have the Empire State Games videotaped and broadcast, an Ithaca community access producer came to the rescue to provide the only extensive coverage of the games that most of these other New York locations have received! Another Ithaca access producer who covered the Empire Terry Harbin of the may have some of his in a planned PBS program on the games. State games, TC Library, material used retrospective CABLE 13- News --is -published- by American Community Cablevision. It has a circulation of about 200. Writer/Photos: Lauren Stefanelli Mailing address: 519 W. State St., Ithaca, .NY. Our studio is located at 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY. Tel.: (607) 272-7272. T.C:P.L. EQUIPMENT UPDATE Director Louis Mezgar and video tech Terry Harbin of the Tompkins County Public Library inform that they are- about to add their video studio system. This past year, -they ventured into 8mm. Next year, they will add S—VHS camcorder and editing capabilities to the library's video studio. us to After consulting with ACC engineer, Joe Powers,, they have chosen to construct an editing system similar to ours, in that ,it will be possible to edit from SVHS t5-314". One interesting additf-on— a•1 investment they will be making is in a transcoder which will allow SVHS footage to be trans— ferred to 3/4" in component '[Y/C or SVHS] mode instead of regular composite video. As this is an upgrade we may wish to add ourselves a some -point; •we will be following their progress with great interest. - YOU!-!: ✓ I'll be on '''vacation from 12/11 till 12/27. j Holly and Jorge will be working very hard the next two weeks:/). please be extra sweet -to them! Thanks to everybody for a great year! See you just before 1990! `-J :r C.; ``1 Above: Nichols Mayoral candidates Ben and Jean Cookingham appeared on many programs during their race this fall. Here they prepare for an infamous meeting with Robin Palmer [Left] on Freewheeling. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY HOURS We will be open regular hours, except for the folowing dates, when both production and cable - casting will be suspended: December 23, 25 and 26; January 1. PROCEDURAL CHANGES FOR THE NEW YEAR AT THE ACCESS STUDIO * Our hours of operation will changed slightly: M -F: 1-llpm Sat: 11-9pm, in response requests for more evening weekend production time. be and to and * Production forms will be changed somewhat. At present, series producers have the luxury of one form covering all their production and cablecasting time, while individual producers have to fill out a'form for almost each facility use. Starting in January, producers will have one form for. each project they are working on, and all bookings for that project will be added to this master form. * Video training classes will be the same, except that the staff will become significantly more pro -active in working with new producers. Each new producer will be assigned a staff technical advisor, who will be present to assist during the first few weeks of taping or editing. We have started this program on a small scale this fall, and have had good results with several new producers * Parking spaces will be spray - painted on the new 612 lot, until they can be properly painted in the spring. Parallel parking will be permitted in the back of the building along the fence. Adjacent to the building will be a permanent "drive-through" lane for portable pick-ups and drop-offs. • 1• 0 !. c i.1' 3 REVISED ACCESS POLICIES We are currently finalizing the revision process for our policy manual. We hope to have the revised version printed by the end of January. If you haven't been following -this process, you still have time to have some input. The draft version of the manual was submitted to the Access Advisory Board at its September 4 meeting for their review. Copies have also been available for viewing at the access office. [You'll find a copy in the blue notebook labelled "Access Advisory Board" on the scheduling counter.] The Advisory Board has the opportunity to make suggestions and recommendations for revisions to the draft before it is sent to the NYS Cable Commission for approval. The AAB appointed two of its members to study the document. Although the two members, Marilyn Rivchin and Rick Lawrence, re- ported the results of their study to the Board at its November meet- ing, the Board has yet to present ACC with their recommendations. On two topics in particular, the Board expressed a desire to have an opportunity to have more time for discussion before its recom- mendations were made. These two topics were: the definition of non-commercial vs. commercial programming; -and rules regarding restriction o f:__o_b-sce-n_i-t y on access Accordingly, ACC has set a dea line of January 11 for receipt of all written recommendations for revisions to the policy manual draft from the Advisory Board. This will allow the AAB )�o complete its review of the m.ni al a its January 8 u-- ng. 1 strongly urge volunteers who haven't yet done so to review our manual and submit your suggestions to the AAB before its next meeting. 4 NEW ACCESS EQUIPMENT Although the money spent on new equipment for access in the last quarter of 1989 included some video -related items [new lights, a second SVHS deck for the control room], it was very heavily weighted towards the audio side, especially portable audio. c_i-t-c ; C -C J \`') C y\! t L A ti` r� t C HA L n 1C In the studio and edit suites, the new options include 2 CD players, 2 PZM mics and a shotgun mic, as well as good headphones throughout the system. All of these things will improve producers' sound options. But it is in camcorder accessories that the new options are greatest. To give you an idea of what I'm talking about, I've sketched below the accessories a producer has to choose from when planning a camcorder shoot. To, help current volunteers get acclimated to their new portable and studio audio options, we have scheduled an audio workshop on Thursday, January 25, from 5-7pm. You must sign up in advance, and can do so by phone or in person at the access office. 1-y1c1�C ) 1n�� CsvnS 14th Annual Atlanta Film and Video Festival seeks entries. Prizes of $5000 in cash and equipment. Entry fee: $25. Info: Image Film and Video Center, 75 Bennett St., Suite M1, Atlanta, GA 30309; (404) 352-4225. Deadline: Jan. 2 for works over 30 minutes; Jan. 16 for works of 30 minutes or less. Third Annual W.O.W. (Women One World) Film and Video Festival seeks entries by women in any genre, on any topic. Format: '3/4 Festival Dates: 'Feb. 1-3, 1990. Info: Mary Patierno;(212)679-,7350, 20 ext.262; or Harriet Hirshorn, Clinton St #3F, NY, NY 10002. Entry Deadline: December 31. 6th Annual International Women's Day Video Festival seeks entries. Theme: "Women's Agenda for the New Century: Where Do We Go From Here?" Formats: VHS, SVHS, 3/4". Tapes chosen will be cablecast on 6 Boston area access channels, and excerpted for a live cablecast in March 1990. The Festival may also be carried nationally with 1990's Deep Dish access satellite series. In addition to complete programs, the Festival seeks sets of 1 - minute interviews in which women answer the question: "As a women, what is the most important issue for you as we enter the 1990's?" Info: International Women's Day Video Festival, PO Box 176, Boston MA 02130; or call Abigail Norman at (617) 628-8826. Deadline: 1/1. WORKS WANTED The Brooklyn Museum seeks video art by African American producers for 1990 video series. Format: 1/2" or 3/4", under 60 min. Info: Dara Meyers -Kingsley, Coord. of Film and Video Programs, Public Programs and Media, The Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brook- lyn, NY 11238; (718) 638-5000. 5 "En Camino," KRCB/Channel 22 seeks videos for telecast. 30 min. - 1 hour works by or of interest to Latinos. Info: Luis Kong, "En Camino," KRCB/Channel 22, PO Box 2638, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. Underground Comedy, nationally televised show seeks work in the following categories: Comedy Sketches, Commercial Parody, Poli- tical Satire, Animated Pieces, and Original Forms of Comic Expression. 30 sec. to 3 min. Any format. Works chosen will be paid a sti- pend and given on-screen credit. Info: Editel/Boston, Underground Comedy, 651 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215-3278; (617) 738-6743. Image Film/Video Center, a non- profit media arts center, seeks work for its regular programmed series. All lengths -and genres accepted. Info: Shellie Fleming, Image Film/Video Center, 75 Bennet St. NW, Suite M1, Atlanta GA 30309; (404) 352-4225. JOB OPPORTUNITY Video Assistant, Office of Adult and Continuing Education, Staff Development Unit, NYC Board of Education. Must be experienced in 1/2" and 3/4" tape production and editing, and PC operations. Knowledge of Amiga graphics and wordprocessing a plus. $8.50-$10 / hour plus benefits. Send letter and resume to: Elinor Blash, Asst. to the Director, Office of Adult & Continuing Educucation, 347 Baltic St., Rm. 402, Brooklyn, NY 11201; (718) 935-4385. INTERNSHIP P.O.V. (Point -of -View), a series showcasing independent umentaries, seeks volunteer terns. Send cover letter PBS doc- in- and resume to: Ellen Levine, The Amer- ican Documentary, 1776 Broadway, 9th Fl, NYC 10019; (212) 397-0970. 6 CABLE 13 JANUARY 1990 TRAINING SCHEDULE ri ORIENTATION. MEETING Thursday, January 4, 6-7pm What is community access? How do you make your own TV show? Includes tour of the facility and opportunity to register for video classes. Attendence at an orientation meeting is a prerequisite to attending ANY video classes. Saturday Classes SVHS CAMCORDERS Saturday, January 6,- Ilan-2pm Introduction to portable video, using our new SVHS- camcorders. Camcorders may be signed out after attending this class. INTRO TO EDITING Saturday, January 13, llam-2pm The basics of using the - access editing suites. CHARACTER GENERATOR Saturday, January 20, 11-2pm Covers the studio and edit suite Knox Character Generators. HOW TO BE AN ACCESS PRODUCER Saturday, January 27, llam-2pm Producer skills: production and cablecasting forms, finding crew, copyrights, publicizing your show. CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Thursday Studio Classes Studio classes do not need to be completed within one month, but they do need to be taken in order. STUDIO I Thursday, January 11, 7-10pm Introduction to studio, covering cameras, sets, lighting, floor manager; taking direction. STUDIO II Thursday, January 18, 7—l0.pm Introduction to the control room, and the jobs of audio person, videotape operator, director and technical director. STUDIO III Thursday, January 25, 7-10pm Studio run—throughs to give class practice on all crew positions. SPECIAL SEMINAR: NEW AUDIO OPTIONS Thursday, January 25, 5-7pm This seminar is intended to intro— duce current access volunteers to the new types of microphones we have recently added to our studio and portable facilities. It is not part of the regulartraining course. I SILLS UM. 1: V ' ---: CL.V.-1.17:::: WILLIAM DEMO 1:19, AUBURN ST. ITHACA, NY 14850 CABLE73NEWS Vol.2, No.7 HALLOWEEN GREETINGS Send your Halloween Greetings to Tompkins County via CABLE 13! CABLE 13 will again be running 30 sec. Halloween greetings from as many volunteers and friends wh,o would like to appear - in costume only! A taping area will be set up in the conference room from noon till 5pm and from 8-10pm on Tuesday, October 31. The spots will be run all night long between programs. Treats vill be provided! INSIDE: EQUIPMENT UPDATE VOLUNTEER NOTES TECH TIPS MEETINGS/FESTIVALS TRAINING DATES PAGE 2 3 4 5 6 October 1989 GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Gold Medal Achievement Awards are given by staff to acknowledge volunteers who make an outstanding contribution to their community through community access, or to the access studio itself. This. month we would like to recognize and applaud: ,Robin Palmer, who donated his time and skill to build the access studio a new pair of connecting, carpeted platforms. These have already improved the on -air look of a number of access programs. Thank you, Robin! I Pauline Layton, associate producer, and Bill McCormick, producer and host of 'Round About Ithaca; for their work bringing all of the candidates for local office before Tompkins County voters. Pauline has been the scheduling mastermind behind the steady stream of candidates appearing on 'Round About. Ithaca during recent weeks. Bill McCormick commended Pauline's dedication and organiza- tional skills very highly and says that the series would not have been possible without her work. Bill, meanwhile, has done a great job conducting the program's interviews and debates. Nearly every candidate running for any local office has taken the opportunity to, put his or her ideas at length before the voters. Pauline is also independently pro - (Continued on Page 2) David Craig plays the lead in Take 1's "Tarzan: The Movie" [For—re-tarn, see page 3] 2 (Gold Medal, Continued from P.1) ducing 4 two-hour debate programs (tapings of live debates, most held by the League of Women Voters) of the candidates for City, -County and Town offices. The taped debates are scheduled to be cablecast through election day. Good job, Pauline and Bill! Nadja on Silk, produced by Rick Lawrence, offered a rare treat to a group of young Ithacans on its October 13 cablecast. A, group of over a dozen' youngsters, instead of _simply_ _t.ou.ring __,t -he- building, were permitted to take part in Rick's live program. The., kids took turns hosting an hour- long call-in special on pets. A wonderful time was had by all. Thanks, Rick! MO CONGRATULATIONS! More Than the News was voted the Best Locally -Produced TV Program in the Ithaca Times 1989 Readers' Poll. Nadja on Silk came in with the second greatest number of votes. Good work, guys! Freewheeling celebrated its first anniversary with a party at the home of its producer, Robin Palmer, on October 15. The event featured a , -great variety_of culinary treats prepared by GIAC Czar Mimi Granger as well as a performance by a Tahitian dancer! Videoactive was featured in the October 7 edition of the Ithaca Journal, complete with a gigantic photo. The Ithaca Times also ran a general feature recently which highlighted the offerings of the access studio. Both articles are posted on our bulletin board. EQUIPMENT UPDATE Those of you who attended a - meeting to discuss equipment "wish lists" held at the access studio in July are probably wondering what became of all those pipe dreams! Well some of them will be actualized this year. A plan to purchase another equipment package was presented to the Access Advisory Board at its October ,9 meeting. Copies are available for review at the studio. The main items included are: 1. Audio gear to improve the sound -capabilities of the new camcord- ers, including unidirectional mics, portable mixer, headphones, PZM and wireless mic options. 2. A CD player and second SVHS VCR for the control room. 3. More lights for the studio. 4. More studio mic options, "in- cluding shot gun and balanced PZM mics. 5. Good headphones for edit suites, control room, and viewing decks. Please note that improving and upgrading our equipment stock is an ongoing process. More-wishlist thoughts are always welcome, as we plan for the development of our studio in 1990. You may submit suggestions verbally or, (preferably) -in- writing.-- You m-ayT use access staff as a sounding board for your ideas, or deposit your suggestions and criticisms anonymously in our suggestion envelope on the Volunteer Message Bulletin Board. VOLUNTEER NOTES If you don't watch producers' access regularly here are some of what you are missing! other programs examples New Access Series: Five new weekly series have begun cablecasting recently: Writers and Readers, produced and hosted by Wendy Skinner, provides discussions with local book authors, publishers and collectors as well.. as readings. Cablecast' Tuesdays at 7pm. Goin' Coconuts, produced and hosted by David Havens. A variety, show featuring live bands, dance performances and interviews. Cablecast Mondays at 9:30pm. The Weekly Daly Show, produced by Chris Daly and friends, executive produced by Bill McCormick. Live call-in fun produced by a group of local teens. Cablecasts Saturdays at 7pm. Meet Ben Nichols, featuring the Democratic mayoral candidate discussing a variety of issues. Cablecast live, Wednesdays at 8pm thru October 25. Jorgevisions Unlimited Produc- tions, produced by access staffer Jorge,.Cuevas, is a two-hour __ _extravaganza --_ featuring music performances and Jorge himself as Video DJ. Cablecasts Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30pm. Individual Productions of Note: Below are a number of interesting individual access programs, recently produced, some upcoming premier's. some with The Empire State Games. Our own Frances McKenzie taped like a fiend and produced 2 1/2 hours of Empire State Games pro - 3 gramming. These programs have been cablecast a number of times this fall. Anyone who would like to see some fantastic camerawork with a hand-held SVHS camera should take a look at these programs. Terry Harbin of the T.C. Library also videotaped the Games. His program, which includes some of Frances' work, premiers October 16. The American Festival. CU Prof. Marilyn Rivchin organized a massive effort to cover the myriad dance, music and theater events of the American Festival in mid-September. A number of access volunteers as well as Cornell students covered the events. The material is now in post -production and promises to offer a great deal of exciting programming in the near future. Ancora Vita, a dramatic, innovative work produced in both English and Italian by Claudio Maestrini, the self -described future Fellini of the access studio. The work will be cablecast in both versions starting at 8:30pm on October 23. Just Around the Corner, produced by John Efroymson and the Interlaken Historical Society, looks at architectural styles in South Seneca County. Premiers at 9pm on October 25. Tarzan: The Movie was recently produced as a special episode of Take 1. A set of photos of the cast in full regalia is posted in the conference room. David Craig, resplendent in the title role, appears on our cover. Splatball, a dramatic account of Lon Hammond and friends' hectic romp in the woods armed with raw courage and paint pistols, will be shown on Halloween at 9:30pm and on Nov. 3 at 9pm. 4 TECH TIPS Submitted by Lon Hammond: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TV 1. Thou shalt show the viewer what he wants to see when he wants to see it. 2., Thou shalt not show a person speaking about an object which is out of the camera's frame at that moment. 3. Thou shalt have the right person on the screen at the right time; the speaker when he speaketh, the reactor when he reacteth. 4. Thou shalt not cross thy cables, but thou shalt cross thy cameras, shooting across each other's angle, when thy subjects are of equal importance. 5. Thou shalt not reverse thy screen direction by showing the same person moving or looking L to R in one shot and R to L in the next. 6. Thou shalt not leave thy cameraman guessing as to what his next shot may be, but shalt ready each camera as soon as it is off the alt. 7. Thou shalt not forget that the TV screen is a small screen, and the CU is the all-important shot. 8. Thou shalt not neglect .an establishing shot, showing thy viewer the relations between this, that and the other. 9. --Thou shalt --not- .cut from- camera to camera [Ed. note: or go nuts with different varities of wipes] for no good reason, or without motivation, or just to lend variety to thy shots. 10. Thou shalt not stay too long in black, lest thy viewer kick his set reproachfully, thinking it hath conked out again. [From: The Television Program, by Stasheff & Brettj HOW TO SAVE TIME AND EFFORT BY EDITING "IN -CAMERA" by Frances McKenzie Editing time at CABLE 13 has been in short supply - and probably always will be with new producers being trained every week! If you'd like to create a program with an SVHS/VHS camcorder that can be shown without extensive editing, it is possible by using a technique called "in -camera editing." 1The concept is very simple: 1. Set the shot you want with framing and focus correct. You. should be in "play record pause" ready mode. 2. Activate recording by pressing the red button. Be careful not to move the camera while pushing in. Record the action until you feel you are ready to move on the the next cut. 3. Deactivate recording. by pressing the red button. (Again, don't jar the camera.) 4. Go back to step #1 and begin recording again. As long as you don't wait too long between cuts, you can continue recording in this manner for considerable lengths of time. This technique is great for events that need only partial coverage. Some things to be aware of: AUDIO - your audio track_will stop every time you pause the tape. This will not be appropriate if you care about getting continuous music 'to run under your video pictures. If it's just general crowd noise or a short musical segment, it shouldn't be a problem. This technique is a tremendous time saver. Even if you want to edit some parts of your raw footage, you can use longer edits if your in- - camera segments are fine. Just / eliminate "unsteady -cam" accidents or irrelevant material, put on,/ titles and credits and you're done! MEETINGS opiwommiloommmlw 10/18 MEDIA ITHACA 7pm, T.C. Library Sherman Peer Room (downstairs). More Than the News crewmember Jim Ferwerda, who works with Cornell's Program of Computer Graphics, will discuss computer assisted animation and show videotapes from this year's SIGGRAPH convention. 11/8 ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD 7pm, CABLE 13 Studio. Likely topics of discussionwill include access policies and review of CABLE 13's Quarterly Report. Meeting is scheduled to be videotaped by Rick Lawrence. FESTIVALS The following items are taken from Media Matters, the newsletter of the Media Alliance. 9th Ann. Black Maria Film & Video Festival seeks "artistic as well as socially conscious works of any length, style or genre." Format: VHS or 3/4". Entry fee: $20. Send work with fee, self-addressed post card and return label to: Black Maria Film Festival, c/o Essex - Hudson Film Center, E. Orange Library, 2�1 S. Arlington Ave., East Orange; NJ 07018; (201) 736- 0796. Deadline: October 31. 14th Ann. San Antonio CineFestival Accepting work by and about the Latino experience. Format: 3/4". Entry fee: $20. Contact: San Antonio CineFestival, 1300 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207-5519; (512) 271-9070. Deadline: November 1. Video Witness: A National Festival of New Journalism intends to reflect on a new genre of videomaking evolving out of the growing availability and common use of low-cost consumer video equipment. Submission categories: 'The Investigative Report,' did Camera,' 'On -the -Scene 5 'Can - Event Document,' 'Event Aftermath,' 'Surveillance,' 'Agit-Prop Docu- mentary,' 'News Story Re-enact- ment,' 'Staging News That Never Happened,' 'News Analysis,' and 'Video Political Cartoon.' Format: any. Max. length: 20 min. Include brief (about 100 words) descrip- tive statement and S.A.S.E. or $5 shipping fee for tape return. Video Witness, Hallwalls Contempo- rary Arts Center, 700 Main St., 4th F1., Buffalo, NY 14202; (716) 854-5828. Deadline: November 20. WORK WANTED Viewfind a planned series by WSKG in Binghamton, "will be a showcase of personal film and video...Realistic or abstract. conventional or venturesome..." Format: 3/4" or VHS Entry form and additional description: available at CABLE 13. Payment: author will be paid $25 for 15 min. or less, plus $1/minute for additional length. Deadline: October 31. FUNDING 0.11101111111 Presentation Funds provides grants to non-profit organizations in NY to cover electronic arts presenta- tion expenses. Additional description available at CABLE 13. Experimental TV Center, 180 Front St., Owego, NY 13827; (607) 687- 4341. Deadline: End of each month. CABLE 13 News is published by American Community Cablevision. Our studio is located at 612 W. Green St. Our mailing address is: CABLE 13, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Editor/Writer: Lauren Stefanelli Contributors: Frances McKenzie, Lon Hammond; Photo: Dwight Mengel 6 CABLE 13 NOVEMBER TRAINING SCHEDULE All classes are free, and open to all residents of ACC's franchise areas over 14 years of age. All classes except the initial orientation meeting now require pre -registration. Current volunteers may register in person or by phone through the access office for classes they are interested in. New volunteers may register at the orientation meeting. The complete cycle of classes repeats monthly, except for December. ORIENTATION MEETING November 2, 6-7pm What is community access? How do you make your own TV show? Includes tour of the facility and opportunity to register for video classes. Attendence at an orientation meeting is a prerequisite to attending video classes. THURSDAY EVENING .CLASSES STUDIO .I Thursday, November 9, 7-10pm _..__I-ntroduction--_.ao studio, covering CABLE 13 rte-? Srt . '' a ca ; N•Y.s��-4`8 5 0 cameras, sets, lighting, floor manager; taking direction. STUDIO II Thursday, November 16, 7-10pm Introduction to the control room, and the jobs of audio person, videotape operator, director and technical director. STUDIO III Thursday, November 30, 7-10pm Studio run-throughs to give class practice on all crew positionp.- SATURDAY MORNING CLASSES SVHS CAMCORDERS Saturday, November 11, llam-2pm Introduction to portable video, using our new SVHS camcorders. Camcorders may be signed out after attending this class. INTRO TO EDITING Saturday, November 18,'llam-2pm The basics of using the access editing suites. CHARACTER GENERA -TOIL . Saturday, December 1 2' m -4 Covers the. stu.dio,T4-e,c t__-s_u,-t:,C Kn o x Cha ranter 1984' .1850 WILLIAM DEMO 119 AUBURN ST. ITHACA, NY 14850 i CABLE13NEwS Vol.2, No.6 September 1989 SEPTEMBER GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS In addition to its annual local A.C.E. award competition, CABLE 13 gives one other type of non- competitive award to programs which the staff consider have contributed to improving the image of the community access channel in the community at large. Two Gold Medal Achievement Awards are being awarded this month: Rick Lawrence's Nadja on Silk Special Lunar Eclipse edition of August 16. We stayed open till after lam to allow continuous live coverage of the eclipse from a camera outside the studio. For the three hours that the program ran, we were flooded with non-stop calls from viewers, who thanked the producer, and Cornell scientists on hand to answer questions, for making the program. We heard from everyone from shut- ins, who appreciated having the opportunity to see the eclipse, to people having "eclipse parties," who went outside to watch the eclipse, came in to talk to the scientists, and then went back out again. ACC Customer Service Representatives reported receiving positive calls about the program well into the following day. Congratulations, Rick, for a truly inspired idea! Frances McKenzie produced a marvelous new logo tape for the station, with beautiful SVHS footage of Tompkins County scenes. We're delighted with the facelift it's given our on -air look. Thank you, Frances! Above: The Imani Hour's electronic graphics operator, Kathy Nelson, at her new workstation. !INSIDE: NEW STAFFER JORGE CUEVAS MORE CONGRATULATIONS VIDEO JOB ACCESS RESOURCES TAPES WANTED ACCESS IN L.A. CREW CALL TRAINING DATES P.2 P.2 P.2 P.3 P.4 P.4 P.5 P.6 ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Wed., Sept. 6, 7:15pm CABLE 13 Studio By the time you receive this newsletter, the Access Advisory Board will have met to review CABLE 13's revised rules and policies. The AAB will make recommendations based on their review of these policies. If you miss the meeting, or wish to look at the draft to add suggestions of your own to the AAB recommenda- tions, we will have draft copies of our revised policy manual available for viewing at the studio after the meeting. 2 NEW ACCESS FACILITATOR: JORGE CUEVAS After being in Ithaca for 12 years, Jorge is probably better known as a professional musician. But, as a freelance videographer for the past three years, Jorge has worked on a variety ' of video assignments, including: a program on traditional_ Mexican and Guatemalan arts and crafts; a Moosewood Cooking program; coverage of the Willard Straight Hall Takeover Memorial Week; many musical preformances, and human relations training workshops. Jorge has been involved with community access production as well. You may have seen Jorge with his camcorder, out covering the Ithaca Festival for the past two years. He was in the midst of an exploration of the creative possibilities of the access studio for making music videos (of his band, Rising Sign), when the access position became available. Several of these videos are playing currently on CABLE 13. In addition, Jorge plans to present a series of music video collections later this fall. Jorge began working officially as our new Access Facilitator on August 1. Asked about the contribution he hopes to make to community access, Jorge emphasizes that he'd like to be considered a resource for producers who want to improve the quality of their productions. He looks forward to working with production groups with an eye to guiding them towards achieving more polished programs. MORE CONGRATULATIONS ! Frances McKenzie's 1988 document- ary on Ithaca belly dancers, Behind the Veil, won an Honorable Mention in the 1989 Herland V Film and Video Festival. Three past ACS Video Project students, who were part of the Root 13 series crew, have gone on to study film in college: - Chris Osborn to Emerson - Robin Wichman to SUNY Purchase - Max Savashinsky to Ithaca College _Paul Smith, A._C-E. Award-winning access producer and electronic graphics operator at News Center 7, will be leaving Ithaca shortly to become the Video Facility Supervisor at Antioch College in Ohio. Bryan Van Campen, former community access assistant, has added to his responsibilities at News Center 7. In addition to producing weekly local entertainment and movie reviews, he now also serves as videotape operator for the news. JOB OPPORTUNITY Title: Electronic Character Generator Operator Hours: 4pm-6:30pm weekdays Purpose: -Create, store, recall and execute electronic graphics for news and/or special events programming Skills and Knowledge: Ability to function under pressure, knowledge of computer graphics systems, e.g., Laird and Knox, or similar systems. Proficient grammar and spelling. Some knowledge of TV production or related college coursework. Contact: Russ Maracle, News Center 7, American Community Cablevision. ACCESS LITERATURE I would like to remind everyone that there are a number of regular publications posted at the access studio. You can find them either hanging on the blue Bulletin Board or in the magazine pile in the office. If you don't see something you think we might or should have, please ask. Community Television Review Issued quarterly by the National Federation of Local Cable Program- mers (NFLCP). This newsletter contains current information about access centers from all over, as well as analysis of access issues. Northeast Courier Newsletter of the Northeast region of the NFLCP; published several times per year. Similar to the CTR, but with a Northeast focus. Media Alliance Newsletter The bi-monthly publication of this New York State organization is intended to assist independent media producers and artists. It always contains an extensive listing of current grants, festivals, job opportunities, residencies and internships. Local Information: Media Ithaca This organization was founded to foster an exchan-ge -of- information between Ithaca media centers and independent producers and artists. Newsletters are usually published every couple months. To find out about upcoming meetings or to be added to their mailing list, contact John Efroymson, Media Ithaca Coordinator at: 272-1034. Access Advisory Board Minutes of AAB meetings are always posted on the Bulletin Board. Back copies are also kept on file. 3 Other Resources: Access Centers Cable Programming Resource Directory: 1987 Compiled by the NFLCP, this is a listing of basic information about access centers across America. Participate's Directory of Public Access Cable Channels and Related Video Resources in New York State. Published in 1987. We also collect literature from other access centers. The file is hardly comprehensive, but there are examples of access policies, newsletters, feature articles, etc. from all over. See ,access staff for more information. Other Resources: Production Skills Community Television: A Handbook for Production A guide from pre- through post- production skills for the new access producer. Copies available at the access center for $1. Also posted on the Bulletin Board are listings of books on production skills available by mail. The pile of literature on our office coffee table includes most cable and professional video trade magazines. These often contain helpful production technique tips and information --on new products. Published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Studio located at 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY. Tel.: 272-7272 Editor/Writer/Photographer: Lauren Stefanelli Contributor: Jorge Cuevas 4 . ABC TV plans Reel Life Venture ■ LOS ANGELES - So you want to be in pictures. If you have camcorder and will travel, ABC Television's latest ven- ture may be just what you've been waiting for. • - .: In a campaign to launch a new show called America's Fu in nest Home Videos, the network is soliciting several categories, one of which is traveL "We are interested in travel agents do and their ir clientsthat cause of the amount of traveling thingsproducer t can happen on trips," said Laura Kovner, segment for"Scenes can be funny or cute or show things that go wrong. Sometimes in a foreign country, different cultures can really throw you for a loop." She added that the show is geared toward lighthearted, rather than scenic footage. The hourlongvariety shwas set to air in November. In case the lure of instant fame isn't enough, ABC is offer- ing prizes for the best three videos: $5, 000 for the firsts prize and camcorders for the second andel third prize se` i Yos. mss_ Ifyou think _you're ready for prime settes to Vin Di Bona Productions, 8530 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Calif. 90211. - The deadline for entries is Sept. 30. Include a brief r of para- graph about what you shot, the location and d any in Also sting inforination about yourself or your would in- cludeiyour address and telephone number.beIf you ke your tape returned, add a $2 handling co ti Programming For Developmentally Disabled Little Cities Foundation in Chicago, which hico ,which sereandevelopmentalgdisabled,1sproducing video magazine for public called "Given the e ccom lishments and gram highlights mental tal challengesabilities of s be an retarat on. The program such owillpeople beeducational,amation source program also covering will recreationaresidential, vocational those with disabilities. °catiabl and ideas abilities. opportunities available to as or recommendations If i eas or that endations for peoou hayeple an cbe otta gh ted on a national u 1 deserve to pie or mess. too.ct Tracey Soac, at(312) 282-2207. please 22207. '- Y• nbeanLA.TVstarandrel 5 Kate McBride ease shoal rip-roaring �� co- ordinator programming," Reprinted of the USA's 1,500 urdinat°t Jacqui Hy THERAPY: for $3 , our own good time, get y Fora r Tune in one els and you'll like - Tune access charm health show• ly see a cookingor Channel 3, serving But on L.A: You can about 20,000 subscribers,five Siren catch such whi shows ost Kate McBride rips apart phone hone books and screams. np"I demonstrate physis, C1otional and mental releases from stress, like says kicking and screaming McBride, a massage therapist. For $35 a half-hour, you can pro- duce "every sort of weird, bizarre en - from the Ithaca thtmglist• Journal's USA Today Friday Magazine, August 11, 1°89. we have a four-monshows aired: the p �-__ ■�geadia With�E.D., in which " „ reads toed' about some ■ Mambo Trailer trailer rude people in • Take a Break With Mr. PeteGeorge have. George Carlin and Roseanne B talk show. Revue, ap- cared on Pete Chaconas'lk astream • Karen's Restaurant et en Salmi+ ofwho's maddotThe Tonight Show. CREW CALL Singers, musicians, all types of talent needed as guests on upcoming variety show! [There's a rumor that there will be a live telephone interview with Mick Jagger on the first or second episode!] Interested talent or crew should contact: David Havens at 539-6838. Volunteer Producer Needed to help with video feature about NYS quilt. project. Contact: Bridgette Huberman at 277-6065. Volunteer Producers Needed to work, on collective projects to document multi -cultural theater events and performances of the American Festival, September 17-27, at Cornell. Contact: Marilyn Rivchin at: 254-2782 or 277-3590. CREW CALL FOR CURRENT SERIES PRODUCTIONS Programs with regular weekly taping schedules: TAKE 1 Needs experienced, dependable camera people. Tapes Mondays 5:30-9pm. Take 1 is a weekly comedy program, cablecast Wednesdays at 9:30pm. Contact: Debi or Terry at (315)- 497-1248, MORE THAN THE ' NEWS Alternative weekly news program. Live Tuesdays from 6-6:30pm. Contact Brian Gollands at: 273-2688. IMANI HOUR Religious messages from the Imani Healing Temple. Live Tuesdays from 7:30-8pm. Contact Rev. Ronald Benson at: 272-1984. FREEWHEELING Political debate program. Tapes Tuesdays from 8-10pm. Cablecast Tuesdays at 8pm. Contact Robin Palmer at: 257-3748. 5 'ROUND ABOUT ITHACA Local events and issues. Live Fridays from 6-8pm. Contact: Bill McCormick (leave message on studio message board) NADJA ON SILK "Environmental art" program. Live Fridays from 9:30-10pm. Contact Rick Lawrence at: 272-5674. VIDEOACTIVE, Trumansburg H.S. students at large. 'Live Saturdays from 6-7pm. Contact Damon Furburg at:. 387-5836. Programs with irregular taping schedules: READERS AND WRITERS • About books, the people who write them, the people who read them and the people who publish them. No regular taping schedule. Cablecast Tuesdays at 7pm. Contact Wendy Skinner at: 272-3758. GOOD NEWS 'Featuring the Bethlehem Church of Jesus Christ Choir. Taping on location 1 Sunday per month. Cablecast Tuesdays at 9pm.- Contact Helen Jones at: 272-7823. A DIFFERENT DRUMMER Produced_ by the OASIS Christian _._ Fellowship _ T.apings.. areusually held. on Thursday evenings or Saturdays. .Cablecast Mondays at 8pm and Fridays at 5:45pm. Contact Csiko Sawyer at=272-6473. LET'S TALK The talk show by and for teens will go on hiatus in mid-September. Currently cablecast Mondays at 8:30pm and Fridays at 4:30pm. For information on future taping schedule, contact .Chris Johnson at: 257-4192. 6 CABLE 13 SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER TRAINING SCHEDULE All classes are free, and open to all residents of ACC's franchise areas over 14 years of age. All classes except the initial orientation meeting now require pre -registration. Current volun- teers may register'in person or by phone through the access office for classes they are interested in. New volunteers may register at the orientation meeting. The complete cycle of classes repeats monthly. ORIENTATION MEETING September 7, 6-7pm October 5, 6-7pm What is community access? How do you make your own TV show? Includes tour of the facility and opportunity to register for video classes. Attendence at an orienta- tion meeting is a prerequisite to attending video classes. SVHS CAMCORDERS Saturday, September 9, llam-2pm Saturday, October 14, llam-2pm Introduction to portable video, using our new SVHS camcorders. Camcorders may be signed out after attending this class. CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 1 STUDIO I Wednesday, September 13, 7-l0pm Thursday, October 12, 7-10pm Introduction to studio, covering cameras, sets, lighting, floor manager; taking direction. STUDIO II Thursday, September 21, 7-10pm Thursday, October 19, 7-10pm Introduction to the control room, and the jobs of audio person, videotape operator, director and technical director. STUDIO III Thursday, September 28, 7-1Opm Thursday, October 26, 7-l0pm .Studio run-throughs to give class practice on all crew positions. INTRO TO EDITING Saturday, September 23, llam-2pm Saturday, October 21, llam-2pm The basics of using the access editing suites. • CHARACTER GENERATOR Saturday, Sepember 30, llam-2pm Saturday, October 28, 11-2pm Covers the studio and edit suite Knox Character Generators. HOW TO BE AN ACCESS PRODUCER Wednesday, September 27, 7-8pm Wednesday, October 25, 7-8pm Producer skills: production and cablecasting forms, finding crew, copyrights, publicizing your show. IfI9LAUSURNMST. ITHACA, NY 14850 1 John Efroymson, Producer More Than the News 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear John, CABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 3 August 28, 1989 This letter is in reference to Sec. '14.3.D of Ithaca's Franchise with American Community Cablevision regarding the permissable use of public access channels: "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." Despite continued warnings on the subject by access staff, More Than the News has repeatedly violated the franchise restriction on political'endorsements on the access channel. During previous years' election seasons, More Than the News has made endorsements, or included segments with guests making endorsements, of a number of political candidates, from Jesse Jackson and (after the primary) Michael Dukakis, to John Gutenberger. This year, a More Than the News program included an endorsement of your own candidacy for Common Council shortly after you entered the race. At the end of the live cablecast of that program, I spoke with you at length about the franchise violation and abuse of access privileges involved in the endorsement included in the show. I read the franchise passage to you, and discussed the matter with both yourself and Mary Euell, the crewmember making the endorsement on the program. I warned you about making political endorsements in the future. On the August 22 edition of More Than the News, you ran another blatent political endorsement. This one featured Arzeymah Ragib, speaking as a representative of the Rainbow Coalition, making an explicit endorsement of Ben Nichol's candidacy for mayor in Ithaca. Your series production reservation form includes the following two passages which are relevant in the event of misuse of access "Television for Tompkins :County" facilities: 1/ "I also understand that this equipment is to be used only for providing PublicAccess 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." 2/ "ACC reserves the right to suspend or revoke all privileges to ACC equipment and facilities." According to current policies, and the series production and cablecasting agreement which you signed to produce your program, you are liable for the following penalties for misusing community access facilities and services: 1/ ACC is not obligated to provide free production facilities for programs containing political commercials or other commercial programming not permitted under the franchise on access channels. You are liable for the commercial cost of the production time used to produce programming containing political endorsements. 2/ ACC is not obligated to provide free cablecasting facilities for programs containing political commercials. You are liable to be charged a fee for the cablecasting time used to cablecast a program containing political endorsements. 3/ In the case of an access producer misusing access facilities, ACC reserves the right to suspend or revoke access privileges. Attached is an invoice for the production and cablecasting time used for the August 22 edition of More Than the News. Along with the invoice is a copy of rates for commercial use of access production facilities. As we do not make commercial cablecasting time available, the cablecasting rate is taken from current Channel 7 reduced rates for commercial political programming. Rather than insist on payment of this bill, ACC would like to defer consideration of this matter to the Access Advisory Board, which will be meeting on Wednesday, September 6, at the access studio. ACC is willing to waive these charges on this occasion, if that is the recommendation of the Advisory Board. I would like to have their recommendations as to: 1/ Whether, given that your program has contained multiple incidents of political commercials in the past, and has been given multiple warnings on the subject; and in consideraton of fairness to other candidates running in local races, it is appropriate to allow this franchise violation to pass with one more warning; 2/ At what point in cases of franchise violation by an access producer, a suspension or revocation of access privileges should be imposed. • Please be advised that no further warnings will be given with respect to your liability, as producer, for the production and cablecasting cost of programs with commercial content. Th'e next time such a commercial is noted on your program, a bill will be issued. Until such a bill is either paid in full, or a payment plan worked out with ACC's billing department, your privileges to use CABLE 13 production and cablecasting facilities will be suspended. Copies of this letter will be forwarded to Richard Herskowitz, Access Advisory Board Chair, Janice Streb, Ithaca Cable Commission Chair, and Ralph Nash, Ithaca City Attorney. y u to AdvisoryglBoardeatotheirpnextnt your meeting. 1 on havethis alreadyter to the asked the Board (in a letter to Richard of August 22, 1989) to consider the boundary between commercial and non—commercial programming at this meeting, outlining problems and questions we have had regarding this franchise restriction. I hope that as they begin their review of access policies, they will give particular attention to advising us in this area. If you have any ques-tions, please feel free to contact me. Sincere Lauren Stefan Community Access C CABLE 13 a to cc: Richard Herskowitz, Chair, Access Advisory Board Barbara Lukens, ACC General Manager Ralph Nash, Ithaca City Attorney Janice Streb, Chair, Ithaca Cable Commission cABLE13 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION INVOICE FOR CABLE 13 COMMERCIAL SERVICES Services Provided To: Program Title: Production Date: Fee Explanation: 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 Date: August 23, 1989 John Efroymson 420 Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 More Than the News August 22, 1989 Community access facilities were reserved for access production, but used to produce and cablecast a program containing endorsement of a current political candidate. This is considered a commercial use of access facilities. It is restricted under Ithaca's franchise. Unlike access facilities, commercial production facilities are not provided without charge by ACC. Studio time reserved: 3.hours, 4-7pm, 8/22/89 Rate: $110/hour $330 Editing time reserved: 2 hours, 3-5pm, 8/22/89 Rate: $100/hour. $200 Cablecasting Time: 1 hour 6-6:30pm and 10-10:30pm, 8/22/89 Rate: $45/half hour $90 [reduced rate for political commercials] Total: $620.00 Payment Due: Immediately Additional Penalty: As this invoice is occasioned by the misuse of community access facilities, your access privileges are suspended until this bill is paid. An extended payment plan may be arranged with ACC's billing department at ACC's discretion. "Television for Tompkins County" CABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 3 519 WEST STATE STREET ' ITHACA. NEW YORK 14850 607-272- 7272 CABLE 13 PRODUCTION FACILITIES COMMERCIAL USE RATES Effective August 1, 1989 CABLE 13 studio and editing production facilities are available for commercial rental Monday through 'Friday, from 9 am until 12pm. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Edit Suite SVHS, VHS or 3/4" U -Matic cuts -only editing to 3/4" Includes TBC and character generator. Studio 3 3 -CCD camera studio $100 per hour $110 per hour CABLE 13 portable facilities are available for 24 hour rental. No advance reservations are possible, as priority is given to access producers. Same-day reservations only. A deposit is required. 3/4" Portable Kit Sony 1800 camera and 4800 VCR $125 per day S -VHS Camcorder Panasonic AG -450 $50 per day NOTE: 1. Prices quoted above do not include operator. Facility may only be reserved by access producers trained on equipment to be used. 2. All fees are payable at the completion of each facility use. "Television for Tompkins County" ACC AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION August 25, 1989 Janice Streb, Chair City Cable Commission City of Ithaca 600 Warren Rd., Apt. 5-3A Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Streb: I'm sending a copy of the attached letter to keep you apprised of a situation which could ultimately affect the City of Ithaca and ACC in a negative manner. As I'm sure you know, our franchise agreement prohibits the use of access channels for commercials or political endorsements. After repeated warnings to cease this practice of endorsing political candidates and in spite of having signed- a statement agreeing not to misuse the facility, such agreement indicating that the the penalty would be financial, we have found it necessary to charge Mr.' Efroymson for studio, editing and air time as a result of his continued unwillingness to abide by the stated policies. We at ACC felt obligated to uphold the policy to protect the City of Ithaca and ACC from potential lawsuits brought by those candidates who are using proper procedures and who are buying air time. I. hope youare in agreement with both the measures we have taken and the reasons for doing so. Sincerely, Barbara Lukens General Manager BL/fw cc: Ralph Nash enc. 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 1062 Pine View Terrace Ithaca, NY 14850 March 18, 1989 Ms. Janice Streb Chairperson Ithaca Cable Commission City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Streb: Thank you for responding to my letter of interest in becoming a member of the Access Advisory Board. I regret the letter did not reach you in time for your consideration of board appointments. I am glad to know you will be keeping my name on file for consideration for future vacancies on the board. I remain quite interested in a position. After learning the city appointed positions on the board had been filled, I sent a letter of interest to ACC General Manager Mike Withiam expressing my interest in serving as a company representative on the board (that letter was sent March 7, 1989). To date, I have received no reply from Mr. Withiam, even so far as to acknowledge receipt of my letter of interest. In the meantime, I attended the Access Advisory Board's first meeting, on March 9, 1989, as an interested member. of the public, and possible future member of the board. I remain very much interested in the role of public access television in our community, and sincerely hope you will keep me in mind for future appointments to the board, should Mr. Withiam choose not to select me as a company representative. Cw►BLE73NEWS Vol. 2, No. 2 February 1989 ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD CREATED At the February 14th meeting of the Ithaca Cable Commission, one of the major topics of discussion was the formation of the new Access Advisory Board. As described in the January newsletter, this body is to include 7 voting members: 5 appointed by the City and 2 appointed by ACC; and 2 non-voting members: a City and an ACC representative. Only 8 people wrote letters of interest to the City regarding these appointments. Five of these eight were appointed Tuesday night, plus the City's (non- voting) representative. The City appointees to the Advisory Board were: Institutional Representatives: Louis Mezgar, Director, T.C. Library. Under his direction, the Library has developed an extensive public access program, producing over 10 years of fine shows, includ- ing arts features, local en- tertainment magazines, docu- mentaries and a wonderful series of programs surround- ing the Ithaca Centennial. Marilyn Rivchin, Professor of Film and Video, Cornell, producer of many access programs over the years, from an aerobics show to dance performances, coverage of political rallies and marches, and collections of student films. (Continued on Page 2) The 1989 A.C.E.s It's that time of year again. Attached to this newsletter are entry materials for the Fifth Annual CABLE 13 Awards for Cablecasting Excellence (A.C.E.). These awards are intended to celebrate and encourage community access producers in Ithaca. The awards ceremony will be held in our new building, 612 W. Green St., on Thursday, May 25th, as part of our Grand Opening celebrations. I hope that whether or not you have a program to enter, that you will come help us celebrate the growth of community access in Ithaca. R.S.V.P.'s for the ceremony will be sent out in the next newsletter. THE NEW ACCESS FACILITY Work in the back end of the new acccess facility at 612 West Green St. has been substantially completed. Construction work will be continuing on the new studio area for about another month, at which time the next phase of access changes can take place: the installation of equipment into the new studio, and the incorporation of the new equipment package into the system. The equipment package has been ordered, and we hope for arrival of the new equipment in 6 to 8 weeks. This should time out pretty well with the completion of the studio. (Continued on Page 3) (Board, Continued from Page 1) City Residents: John Efroymson, Producer, More Than the News, CABLE 'Uri ve weekly alternative news program. Mary Joe Dudley, More Than the News; C.U.S.L.A.R. Non -City Residents: Annie Ball (Anne Scrocco), returned Ithacan who brought with her a series of music programs she produced at the public access studio in Tucson, Arizona City Representative (non-voting): Richard Herskowitz, member, City Cable Commission, Director, Cornell Cinema, sponsor, Cornell Cinema T.V. The applicants who were not chosen: Floyd Johnson, long-time access producer who produced and directed such classics as Pearly - Mae Time and T'ai Ch'i; Robin Palmer, producer and host of Freewheeling,. a weekly political debate program; and Bill McCormick, another access veteran, producer/host of 'Round About Ithaca and Ithaca Cable Access Moir, executiveucer of Video five and associate producer and editor of Freewheeling - perhaps our most active volunteer. Only 2 people wrote letters of interest to ACC. Both of these wrote letters to the City as well, and one was appointed by the City. As ACC did not have enough applicants to complete its appointments, it deferred making its two appointments to voting positions until later in the month. This delay will not prevent the new Advisory Board from meeting, as only four members are needed to provide a quorum, and 7 of the nine members are now in place. ACC Representative (non-voting): Lauren Stefanelli, Community Access Coordinator The Cable Commission must also appoint the Chair of the Advisory Board. They appointed Richard Herskowitz to that duty. It was decided that the first meeting of the new Board would be set for approximately the first week of March. All meetings of the Access Advisory Board will be open to the public. As the date, time and place for the first meeting have not yet been set, and as the first meeting will take place before the next newsletter is published, all those interested in attending are advised to contact Richard Herskowitz at 272-5506 for more information. If you are interested in being considered for the remaining ACC appointments on the Board, contact the access office. Published by CABLE 13, American Community Cablevision, 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850 Tel. (607) 272-7272 Writer/Editor: Lauren Stefanelli (Studio, Continued from Page 1) Meanwhile, I hope studio producers can be patient a little longer. I know that taping in the conference room is not exactly the optimal configuration for live or taped shows. I'm proud to tell you that most of our regular programs continued, in one form or another, throughout this interim period, and all 7 weekly live series, except 1 which is still shooting on Porta-Paks, were back on the "air" live this month. Some of the more adventurous producers have asked about using the main office area to shoot in when it is completed (as it will be when you read this). This is a quite workable idea. We'll be moving the playback unit into its own room shortly, setting up the new portable switcher for studio tapings and adding intercoms. Producers who feel overly cramped in the conference room may wish to try using the conference room as a control room while rolling the cameras out into the main office area. This will be a little tricky to orchestrate, given the edit suite and office functions, but it should be workable for most evening tapings. Please make sure you discuss such planswith access staff first, though! MARCH TRAINING CLASSES We are changing the procedure for registration for the video train- ing classes a bit. Previously, registration was taken at the first class, followed by an hour lecture about the access facili- ties. This was followed by the hands-on parts of the course. We are now breaking out the orientation part of the class into a separate session, so that those who want to find out more about community access may do so without having to take the training class, and so that we may have a session in which to register students. We hope in this way to effectively have monthly community access open houses, at which more members of the community can find out how to produce their own local TV show. This orientation session will be held every month, prior to the start of that month's training classes. Attendence at an orienta- tion will become a requirement for admittance to the classes. ORIENTATION TO THE CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS FACILITIES Wednesday, March 8, 6-7pm 612 W. Green St. Introduction to the services offered at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio; a description of free training classes available; tour of the new access building. Sign-up for March training classes will be taken at this time. Training class dates this month: PORTABLE VIDEO I Sat., March 11 Ilam - 2pm PORTABLE VIDEO II. Ilam - 1pm INTRO TO STUDIO 2-4pm Sat., March 18 EDITING I Sat., March 25 Ilam - 2pm EDITING II Tues., March 28 8 lOpm HOW TO BE A COMMUNITY ACCESS PRODUCER Thur., March 30 7 - 8pm Reserving production and cable - casting time, finding crew, pre- production planning hints, story - boarding, how to get free promotion for your show, and more! February 14, 1989 TO: City of Ithaca Cable Commission FROM: Mike Withiam RE: Access Equipment Order Attached are two lists relating to equipment for upgrading the public access studio at 612 W. Green St. The first list is the original summary list upon which the Commission based its approval of the upgrade package provided by ACC. The second list is an itemized list of the equipment actually ordered and the prices to be paid for that equipment. We were successful in negotiating a number prices due to the large volume of equipment the Commission should note the total cost $3,585.95 less than the $165,000 upgrade franchise. ofquite favorable being ordered, and is $161,414.05, or called for in the We will hold that sum in reserve until later this year, allowing us to evaluate the new equipment package in operation before supplementing it in anyway. This will allow the access users and the Access Advisory Board to assist us in determining the best use for this money. Pages Al -A2 Pages B1 -B5 Subtotal Freight @ 37 Sales Tax @ 77 Total SUMMARY OF ACCESS $ 33,115.41 113,624.64 $146,740.05 4,402.20 10,271.80 $161,414.05 COSTS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY,ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 The following equipment package proposal has been developed in accordance with the $165,000 capital expenditure allocation agreed to under the 1988 Franchise between the City of Ithaca and ACC. This proposal has been developed by ACC after seeking input from the users of the community access studio, our access volunteers. Our methods of seeking input have included a public meeting in September as well as written and oral "wish lists" submitted by a number of interested volunteers over the past few months. This proposal must be approved by the City of Ithaca before it can be implemented. Once approved,it must then be sent out to bid. Equipment lists will be sent to qualified and authorized vendors for bidding. After the bidding and ordering process, the equipment will probably take 8 - 10 weeks to arrive, and then must be installed. The current deadline for the installation of equipment purchased under this allocation is June 1989. Please note that while specific brand names, model numbers and prices of individual items are not included in this proposal summary, due to the negotiations in the bidding process, yet to come, we are committed to maintaining the current levels of quality in equipment. Also note that this proposal contains price estimates only. Actual prices will be affected by the bidding process and by the length of time that the approval process delays the finalization of the package. Prices usually rise at the turn of the year, and, as much of the equipment will be Japanese, the continuing fall of the dollar vis-a-vis the yen may be a factor as well. All of these factors may affect our buying power, and hence our ability to purchase all items listed in this proposal. Finally, note that sales tax and freight costs take about a 10% bite out of the total figure - in other words, to bring the plans in for $165,000, we must include about $15,000 just for tax and freight, leaving about $150,000 for equipment. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 FUNCTIONAL AREAS: 1. STUDIO BASICS 2. STUDIO CAMERAS 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT 7. VIEWING BOOTH 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT 1. STUDIO BASICS Pg. 2 Function: Basic amenities for the studio, to replace obsolete equipment or to resize equipment to the new facility, including: a new lighting grid, cycloramas, racks to mount equipment in, assorted test equipment and monitors, and a new audio console for the studio. .▪ . ▪ New Lighting Grid, sized to new facility .▪ . •▪ Curtain track, sized to new facility .▪ . ▪ Black Cyclorama curtain .• . ▪ Grey Cyclorama curtain (allows Chrome key effects) .• . • Rack mount units for studio console, - 2 edit suite consoles, additional playback rack to incorporate bulletin board and SVHS playback., Assorted rack inserts. .• . • Test equipment: new synch/color bar generator to replace 11 year old unit; second waveform monitor. .▪ . ▪ New studio "On -Air" monitor .▪ . ▪ New Program, Preview & Source monitors for studio .• . • New audio board for studio (replaces 10 year old units) .. Add=on mixer for extra studio audio inputs. .. Wiring, hardware, connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 33,115.41 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 2. STUDIO CAMERAS Pg. 3 Function: Replace current 1 -tube cameras with 3 -chip cameras. These do not burn (our largest problem with the current cameras, at about $2000 per tube replacement -including labor) and will yield a much enhanced image, as well as better resolution in lower light. They will enable our current Special Effects Generator to utilize its Chroma Key function (which a cyclorama in the basic studio package will also support). They are reported to be sturdy, low- maintenence cameras, and should serve as a high-quality yet damage -resistant core to our studio system. (3) 3 -chip camera packages includes cameras, Camera Control Units, lens packages, remote cables, CCU rack mounts, studio viewfinders, camera cables. TOTAL (EST.): $ 30,435.00 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE Function: We have 2 main functions to consider here (other than the audio board, which has been included in the Basic Studio Package). The first is adding the capability to mix or wipe between 2 banks of VCR's. This will require: .. Routing Switcher .00 . Time Base Corrector The second is to replace our current consumer grade VHS VCR with an industrial grade SVHS VCR, supporting the addition of SVHS units in other areas of this proposal. :: Industrial Grade SVHS VCR, Rack Mount and Remote Control :: Cables, connectors and hardware One more addition is a delay for the phone line, making it easier to screen out obsene callers on live call=in programs. :: Phone delay system TOTAL (EST.): $ 11,605.00 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO. Draft, 12/1/88 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE Pg. 4 Function: Upgrade existing edit suite to include the capability to edit from SVHS or VHS source material as well as 3/4" source material. Add disk drive capability to character generator to eliminate edit time lost replicating repeating program titles. .•. Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and rack mount .▪ . • Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .▪ . ▪ Routing Switcher and Rack Mount .• . • Knox K-100 Expansion Option C Disk Drive includes disk drive, memory, font expansion & random access programming .▪ . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . • Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 8645.00 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE Function: Increase available editing time. Support SVHS, - VHS or 3/4" source material to 3/4" program master. Package intended to match existing edit suite as closely as possible, to aid in volunteer training and maintenence functions (spare parts). .▪ . ▪ Basic 3/4" edit package Source VCR, Record VCR, Edit Controller, 2 Connector Cables, 1 Dub Cable .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Character Generator .• . • B/W 9" Monitor (CG Status) .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Option C Disk Drive .▪ . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ Routing Switcher .• . ▪ (2) Audio Monitors .▪ . • Time Base Corrector .▪ . ▪ Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .• . ▪ Parametric EQ and AC Adapter .▪ . ▪ Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 32,759.95 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 Pg. 5 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT Function: U -Matic Portable Kits: Our current portable cameras, the 2 Sony 1800 series cameras, are nearly ready to be retired. With our studio cameras replaced, we have 3 Sony 1820s with several years life in them to work with here as replacements. We also may have another option in 3 Sony 1820's in ACC's news department: these have already been replaced by other cameras in their system, and we might aquire them for access at a lower cost than new cameras. (Actually, one of CNC7's cameras has been in use as an access studio camera for many months). With this in mind, we have proposed recycling these 6 system -wide 1820's as follows: 2 to replace our current portable cameras, 2 for a portable studio unit (section 9, below) and 2 to serve as spares for both of these systems. 2 of these cameras have repair 'costs associated with them to bring them on line (in particular 1 tube replacement), but this would still e the most efficient use of system resources, and the best way to maximize our overall purchasing power. Add SVHS chip camcorders. This addresses 2 major demands of users: fear of burning camera tubes, and difficulty of managing the heavier 3/4" portable kits. After researching the market, we have selected a unit which has some metal base elements and is relatively sturdy. Nevertheless, these will be more problematic to have, repaired than the professional • equipment we've been using. We have therfore included several spares in the package. The number of units also reflects the anticipated increased demand for portable equipment with these -units. .▪ . (6) Industrial Grade SVHS Camcorders 4 equipped with batteries, AC adapters, tripods and cases . 00 . Portable Light Kit (with 3 individual lights) .. (3) Hand-held mica O 0 00 (2) Laveliere mics .▪ . Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 14,280.00 7. VIEWING BOOTH Justification: Provide tape viewing and logging capability in SVHS and 3/4". This will save wear and tear on the edit suites, as well as making more editing hours available for actual editing. The tape logging/viewing booth will be placed in the conference CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13'COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 Pg. 6 7. VIEWING BOOTH (CONTINUED) room/lounge, and enable production crews to preview or review program material during production meetings. :: Industrial Grade SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 1,200.00 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE Justification: Add SVHS playback capability, supporting the integration of SVHS elsewhere in the system. Changeover to Fortel Time Base Corrector, making all access units completely uniform. Current playback TBC would go into engineering support, to replace units undergoing repair when needed. Upgrade Community Bulletin Board from 16 to 64 pages. .▪ . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .▪ . (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . Time Base Corrector .▪ . Knox K40 Expansion - TOTAL (EST.): $ 10,203.00 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT Function: Provide the capability to set up a 2 -camera studio in the field. The system should be capable of being moved by 2 people, and loaded into any mid-size automobile. The system should make possible multi=camera coverage of City Hall meetings (a specific franchise requirement), either live or taped. The system should also support the overall -equipment package. Under this package, we will be replacing our current studio cameras with new cameras. .This proposal moves 2 of these displaced studio cameras into this portable configuration. In addition to saving the cost of new cameras, we would also save the cost of camera control units, 50' camera cables, remote focus and zoom attachments, studio viewfinders and portable cases for each camera. For recording, we have selected an SVHS record unit, on the grounds that this is likely to meet the needs of the most users. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 9. PORTABLE -STUDIO UNIT (CONTINUED) (2) Tripods, with Heads, Handgrips and Dollys Triple B/W 9" Monitor and Rack Mount (2) Color 9" Monitors and Rack Mount Audio Mixer Special Effects Generator Audio Monitor (2) mics (2) Lavelieres (2) Portable Road Cases (3) Headset walkie-talkie/intercoms Cables, hardware and connectors Industrial Grade Recording SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 12,550.00 Pg. 7 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT TOTAL: $154,793 ESTIMATED TOTAL INCLUDING TAX (7%) AND FREIGHT (37): $170,272 BILL- OF MATERIAL SYS: 1 I 1 CAT. PROJ. 1 1 SUB PROJ. REV;. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT DATES) REQUIRED DATES) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. A MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST B TO MATERIAL BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION PRICE QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY / &G. /.vc�i �ENaa,2 14,1/41.77-aR,fcx r «J //Se //43D.467 /630 CcIsda f*o66 / eiS / i,G• . vs -/e G,ekb P,tc.K1oi 2686.is AS66P 2G86. if (c cmf4-7E') I PKC /- A'G , 6Na4Jzr cyczaedhor'7fCk1Z>"427,1S' 4&ye ' �6z7. !s' 7 t cr�,erif • / ,, % Zak° PcB - 32.c 93L //sai° 93z . 8a •�o ssi4eit�e £c r'1rriC / / ‘./VC iir /zOt /i�•0v Are //ea,c-t 1 1 Akio 4,/xZ / 1A/XeP fi)/1) Sock: 3-4-120 a 9S- nf!/P /19.96 -c / / / le w/RING, HItF 4"een-fift 3666./3 ,366‘,13 RAa eahti&€ fx&. / uf' / £61 e 1.80 -586 ON /1461, /L 9.r7,J' ft//�•e. /6yr7S" / //6z/NOW &I -DO ti -i0-0 /iv /`{riV . Q r) Ae 8o -s16oN i6Z etl / 01 Sat' P✓/Jf - /22 D 30D• lel iS,fP 2 . 6D0 , 07) Y Y/10 nr 8.►'/rt. r TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 1743 Rev 4-84 0 BILL OF MATERIAL SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATES) REOUIRED DATES) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. A MATERIAL IN INVENTORY • TOTAL COST LJ MATERIAL TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY oZ L c:4 Y DS �1 vC Tht -/4911 (,` 0� /psifP I39a,o� Y�2C0 morn71.r s / Say lPK✓i9/f p v-404 /¢Sdt I/M it 7Y krcEiV6e / / Ji/G SPK -9d movvY /or 01, /4M1/1 /oS.Cv fie Tim-1z9d / A TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 4TC 174.1 Rnv 4.n4 e /895, o -o A B33//5.V BILL OF MATERIAL 11 — I I I — 1 1 SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. Kl ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR' ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. El MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST LLa MATERIAL TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION PRICE QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY 6 ✓ V.....)io/v7.DEo cc/et 6-0 (./f[- Ye -NAM) JVC 72' -R9d 11.I/3' .og moN/�'L'i2J' 5-54 as3306.0-0 6, y,Zeo form/4) (LC Cot. Vehi re..) (yc 'Rx -9li 96, 0 ,y)�p . 33'6 !Ito f OI I Vd,:/Airs / v ✓e. 472--,20-0 367. z o x5e4e 36 -7.2._e / /904)/ 0 /a/Y-E2 .IHMe ?m/7 -754Z 4,SAS 9�, D m. c.PoP//o/�cr Frit -X 63o/.2 9_E,Z,2c %�S/f>' 1 X6:2.20 �J ,,,;11,C � ��'/ie /Jr /JfK`J/ o oxlm 3 %, L .ORFS 2$ S 6:-0.7 , s/ /6S6 2 , .25 Time-13//Jr cLeAt Ides 3 02iDint MI ox ,taC-03 cea-fivAvC /377 6r 41-01, • 3/ 7C,' 20 .�,ei v� aaa Ns/ Z Fd,e ,r/0PB / v XNcx AiivtB 33 ,1 6 f1.i V 33S/ , 24.0,e,icT�iQ 6cAw/Fr it/ rcr/ire •U4&4 �L c c.fl.. ✓eNo Cie) cBo-3Y6o/i /B9.�Sc �fitP 0-0 tope -A4,1 4,1 / ikv.7- ies —2-379/. ;1 " /-64Lb X IRZ'ol'' c / 0-0 378, 0-0 .3 ,? xtnrdot/T.s ,2 TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174.3 Rev 4.84 A B 5/,877.93 A 0 B3/, 877.93 2 BILL OF MATERIAL SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. El MATERIAL B MATERIAL DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST S 1/,h CO SOUND N02J EET/Zovc/OE Cv63) 0.9, /¢J/�P . /,90CocA /jI/CRO/ND/A/F s. • 3 V,,3bwnx Rsio/1 970.92 dsie 9/z. , 76 40, a/(,/v6'0 sw/r n'e 3 / v y/,atvTkk APf, -2,41 X99 -Cc /1.1./f 299,60 ofvav m4'/7M' / Ria / o J'k,} c,x a° cAc vF,vr�ak) Rqa a J;1/trrc 3Z - //oc 39.9s' AIR" 39, �� b-aL # I W2 / / - ,F4:1)/ a .rfr�(,. 273 -/6./ /0.0-0 f h° . /D. ov /ic hta,9Przr e / 3 y .2r -diet y0,a-t) /24).(7-0 //v�CV/'7s 3 2y NJ> RC.L cA'l , /,VC �cc.x vEni�oR� . RDib) chtro- J72E� 0 -D/6 /9-5/114 0a. 0-0 70 FTEva/riveAT - 31 N rtO7-1. ccA . 'iva o/�) //i/t'w -q vu/,'o /80• a7, P 720.17-0 /i 7 /1 /91-GgA/ AI' vn// Cs /� 0, �j /9s� LO 65rv. o NEt; otv aac,,e,-c 6--Liminhf-re4r '$4 / 407 LOcrft- i/ENJO/�S eth,ee cONNEC7CKf 10-pv.OU (Goy nfd/' /(?u�.C7l /9.4,2)ii,bniv / tar' ATC 174-3 Rev 4-84 A TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE 9 B 7187,2/ A B39,76;:iy: BILL OF MATERIAL 1 1— — 1 1 1 — 1 1 SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. J ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRIDE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O.ACCOUNT NO. CODE CAT. C MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST B MATERIAL TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION QUANTITY. QUANTITY QUANTITY no)", v, z& -o Coro, (Logge, 1/6--A00/0 AciaJa✓i e 66 73,76 so,ev /Isee /4//e1. 6, -P i',svfrr y i 6 / !/r.DFCJDU/vld -cch`c t/riV. weJ /00x x-qo ,•2 /c.e) at /1,5n, �3/, et uP�2p-kc Fo, ' A-140,23/. / 4...--,Pdtarpire Ac -,1-700 9 xo /1MI4 46, al / ixso/vie RBA -6H IS/e ail 076- Cro7A' - P, �san//e AIV-a0n•y�� ✓gsiV Y6,Vc' / ex-a-ncsra-✓ c t8ZE / iiiguoi c. -z-FP- yi �o ,9v rim,"/ 09,E o /aiR 'Ht Visit / RONJVNi:- WV 33704 271.20 / 7/,x0 Btu) tits /,n4 / nin/I SL,V/c (AY -S2o VV. vi' ✓9f�P 7J0, 0 gild T,L'i/'ti f,scdrrti2 / �� ''fi 3f✓0, i 2- ��0.2 `f �f /Te /i- y0 4/07.3Y�5/� O/54.7,1 TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4-84 A B. /,il0-f 0-2- A z A B-5-8,5-70 .46 BILL OF MATERIAL SYS. CAT. PROJ. - SUB PROJ. REV. ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. A MATERIAL B MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY .2...Pr vi.DFofov/i/Z (Locite- ✓W2 o,�J �-VD - /7s' 67 �J�� 3 i%, f -ren00 � .; cai Es 2.mazes,.2 / r3i-4'o ft,I e ��s'6 / !-CW2 0/-93 /0T2.-23rgrd, / G ' -0a2 • dopy/ aelfr Kir' / ,s;vD, JoNy' •ZKC3 ,'-o// 926/. at-) ASi}� .2778 3. 0-V o co,,•rai ifw x 3 J'o,tly' CCI -,Z5-All-,Z5-All,26`%bo M, �D ,3 Y CffrierJ ert$t4J 3 7y3, , /i (2: o Y/.2 Eo ce,e( CAL ✓EA6bM'J JDNV Rm'/S c /14 c 9901,oa �S ' 9y6 -a, in(ti er-zii Mc d6 -t' / /7W,1 c i fifer) o cmc. ✓Eivb ov2) ichtikihtfONiC /16.1/f 0/SW �� , �4fie �jS99. 7 0 CAmca,06,er 6 P4i>'/IJ,4J/c V)-V3ip-,7 6.9.5- ni/'P. sr/ v. 60 v gIMIJoN/c ✓w' -J'P7E S'0 AJ'/f, a 9X lJo JtlovWb PiAs 4 2 gar ✓cn N,, f cc:rTom orr)E civr 30�.�� /1f//1 - E ms• c� owdedUx1' J./i rc,16-R ' A TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4-84 e5O 36,E A 8/09,506,:39 BILL OF MATERIAL 1 I — I I I 1 1 SYS. CAT. PROJ. SUB PROJ. REV. $.s ITEM NO. QUANTITY SUGGESTED VENDOR ATC OR VENDOR PART NUMBER UNIT PRICE DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED DATE(S) REQUIRED P.O. NO. ACCOUNT CODE CAT. MATERIAL B MATERIAL IN INVENTORY TOTAL COST TO BE PURCHASED TOTAL COST DESCRIPTION QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY GOCf1G YEN�O,Pf CW�M mom' 6 I '0D, ot1 �Jf}P - ‘,2Oz), o -o -. coAAmat , J-6,,7c,ie /MIG.'65 c 0¢2/4-1 ✓i.Dt-z svv/v,b (OC1�L 1%r71%�OIP . � .) .BOGeit) .2n4c ,2 o -c AviP . l%5 -Q.0-0 , c T�P� c,/H.,�.As ,..1.. / GE,/TA/EP SPH -4t 769,cv /iJdP 769. crD ?Z - ' ' /rv, Fixe / v , /2v O z/ -IT %C '4{ /793.A/ /;1/ 17�3, o� i1 -CE ea- .�(44r i Lc1 LOc�3i ✓�/J�bRs issolemz i9" 3oo,CO Lo1 4-rf/P 3t►o.v�7:' P3a /407 Z Vi cvv d.✓� (Co c,4. viii,b0.0 SOAJ/ ,f.n/ -CO/ 1 �3.7s' � ittn, S` �i1cX,,rdd//%s i62.5-0 So/0-' Agyn rad M174 611.0 /9L:xrrellin / I scNy irm ASO 5-6,2j-4'il' ,rG,7 s� Ritemod�,/ / TOTAL THIS PAGE TOTAL CUMULATIVE ATC 174-3 Rev 4-84 A A 0 //3,62V. 6V .106 2: Pine` View Terrace Ithaca, NY 14850 Feb.. 13,-1989 -',City of Ithaca Cable Commission .City Hall 108 E. Green Street • Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Commission Members: RECEIVED FEB .1619139 I am. writ,i"ng in response to your search for members for -the Public Access TV Advisory Board. I am very interested in. the :_-nosia..i.pn,_f.or the non -city resident! 'I feel my -.work experience and educational background would he. real asset to the board in its oversight of public access- ill'. the community. As' you. are, probably aware, I am a former employee of American Community Cablevision. I worked for ACC from October of 1986 through June ,of" 1988. From July of 1987 through the remainder of my employment. - with AC"C, 1 served as the Director of Local Programming/Production.,, •Among myother responsibilities in that position, I was.in charge ,of supervising the company's public access staff and p.blicies. I -am, therefore, very well familiar with the company's public access - policies -and procedures as well as its franchise commitments in - this'area. I also had an opportunity to become familiar with many,. cif _the access producers and their concerns regarding present and future public access policies and operations. Before I -returned to Ithaca in 1986, I served on the management 'team of a cable system in Wilmington, Delaware, which has helped, ,to give-Me.a broader perspective on public access issues, as has -my .contact- with other ATC local programmers and access users around the'country. Additionally, I have .1 received: my B.S. in Communication Arts from Cornell University in 1983, and am currently registered in the masters prbgram.in _communicati-on at Cornell. The program emphasizes communication planning and strategy, and problem -solving through the.use of .theory.,•empirical research, and logic. an educational background in communication. I,am more -than willing to submit additional information for"your: -consideration, and am available for a personal interview.arranged at.y.our :convenience. I thank you for your time and consideration, 'and look,"forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Julia Fox 106 1/2 Pineview Terrace Ithaca, NY 14850 N. ti \\ 4/f-1 i\ °y r --f = E l SAl CO 13 Fi C) \`‘/_.;i3:3".. V.Breadi'lr o 1880,%,..„ g s USA l, 5 * p , �1 L ., .,� � .. • M1 irk j's�-^�. $ice'+ > 7».. C:., 5 i � r aiCj•,�•.,,JA`�.� City of Ithaca Cable Commission City 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Cjrn in (55/0A./ orn/n:s9a0•16-1(25 • - . "7".. •-• CC _4d UDE- AI 7 6-- :Ea .7)1A Z1 -4'n1.1 / 5 g-c,c 6- . • 71) /I- L-'0 OF e r 70 Cit.A.) /1? 2c;? „____ _ „ • c=(/ /1 -"oh- 1071 .4S r • ;--)4 4C6 Qk 6,ej i41.52 Isadk. apk/141.(40ca4/ EXPERT TREE WORK ROBIN WOOD 206 OAKHILL RD. ITHACA, NY 14850 607-257-3748 RECEIVED FEB 8 1989 151 W. TENTH ST. NEW YORK, NY 10014 212-675-0216 )3e: r , �Gz(T.� , tta4 l«a se; /� ,tea / ds� 1, j)ace.,“ 'c1 vto 2 • •�taw, stat( o%Jatec dzioi$1A- (s.e. 124_0_440_1 ek, 41, Jyabli ieta 2 ii2t..t.e-cig.tti 4) e® Gast a, e eLfa /d hie,/ eiet_xite/ 4 &ft ski A ' OPI L/�'6, ez:LAZ weiloZczia,c ; u.e...t' at 3:be en. Z JiA 6 a Cati� aaal 6teitairfiattilait, 6 of_piab i silo ‘C.1 atti uweiod iodic Q4,64 risup4., k c robc-ar- . 6 i I / a.1�_at akek . 4 jJ� a.5� Q-'_-, ��e��l`t[,i k,,. �X�k.7 5hca-l4 t)(�a�-- (/i "f/5,,4., ar 74) /Au haw.dv, cis -i, . a-/ ale Q aA • kat(e;r )4ret 2,16 Celt ‘,Ylded a73-/9J®. ( ) Feb. 8, 1989 To whmm it may concern; I should like to be considered as an applicant for a position on the Cable Advisory Comm. Besides an interest in telecommunications an general, I have produced and directed thru our local Access facilities extensively. c'incerely, Floyd Johnson 20b Second St. Ithaca I.Y. 14850 312 First Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 February 7, 1989 Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Dear Cable Commissioner; I would like you to know of my interest in serving on the Community Access Advisory Board which is currently being established. Over the past two and one half years I have been very involved in the production of local video productions for use on the community access station. During the time I have worked with the ACC in the production of More Than the News and other local productions, I have come to appreciate the need for community input in decision making regarding community access. I am particularly interested in making the facilities with channel 13 accessible to the larger Tompkins County community and would like to assist women and the local latino community in making greater use of the facilities. I am very familiar with various ways of using local access to encourage discussion regarding issues of community concern and have focused both my academic and professional work on participatory video. Through my work I have found that the relationship between local video producers and the cable company are crucial to ensuring that issues are presented in a timely and visually interesting way. I feel that I could offer many suggestions to the Ithaca Cable Commission regarding how the cable company could facilitate such goals. Due to my work in conducting workshops on participatory video I am familiar with the kinds of equipment that can best contribute to the widespread use of the access facility. I have also been involved in discussions regarding mechanisms that will aid in ensuring that the access facility become a strong vehicle for community members who have not previously been involved while encouraging those who are already involved to continue making optimum use of the facility. As a member of Media Ithaca I have been involved with a large group of local video producers and feel that it would be advantageous to communicate some of those views to the commission as well. 1 feel very strongly thatthis is a crucial time for serious input on decisions that will be considered by the Ithaca Cable Commission. I am very interested in representing the Ithaca community in this capacity and feel that I could offer perspectives from the women's community as well as the latino community regarding the accessibility of the access facility and other areas of concern. I have attached my resume which includes some of my professional background and interests. 1 hope you will seriously consider me for this position. Sincerely, Mary Jo Dudley Mary Jo Dudley 312 First Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 (607)273-5255 WORK EXPERIENCE Communications Consultant Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, Rome, Italy, 8/88 to present Responsiblefor preparation of documents used for extension purposes in United Nations programs in developing nations. Prepared handbooks on Community Forestry, participation, and nutritional aspects of forestry. Worked on developing video and other audio visual materials for foresters with women's' group in four rural communities in Nepal. Assisted in designing video programs to increase women's' participation in project planning, monitoring and evaluation. Assisted in using video for Mexican survey of peasant organizations pushing for changes in governmental responses to increasing poverty. Video Curator for Italian National Video Archives -Latin American Section Onda Video, Universita di Pisa, Pisa, Italia, 8/88 to present Responsible for reviewing and purchasing a Latin American collection of video productions for the Latin American,Section.of the Italian National Video Archive Prepared a guide to videos produced by U.S. citizens on Latin America Organized 1989 Visioni di America video festival. Responsible for presentations regarding the use of video in Latin America. in festival to be held in eighteen Italian cities. Female Domestic Workers Participatory Video Project CAMI (Centro de Ayuda a la Mujer e Infante), Cali, Colombia, 5/88 to 8/88 Worked with domestic workers association in using video as a mechanism for pushing for changes regarding labor legislation affecting hours and working conditions for female domestic workers. Gave workshops on design, planning, filming, and editing video for use in social change projects. Trained domestic workers in technical aspects of video and produced one half-hour piece for use on Television del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Co-anchor of More Than the News Cable Station 13, Ithaca, N.Y., 4/86 to present Co-produced and anchored weekly segments for progressive television news program. Produced special documentary in depth segments. Participated in weekly editorial meetings. Wrote news stories. Oversaw aspects of technical production. Coordinator of the Committee on U.S./Latin American Relations Cornell University, 7/81 to 9/87 * Responsible for community education on U.S. policies towards Latin America. Organized and maintained resource center. Established national and statewide information networks. Responsible for administration of organization and training of volunteers. Arranged bi-weekly film series on Latin America and regular visits of Latin American experts. Edited and oversaw production of monthly newsletter. Produced and delivered statements for the media. Led fact-finding trips to Central America. *currently serving as a consultant Popular Education Program Evaluator KHANA, La Paz, Bolivia, 8/83 to 1/84 Evaluated popular education program used by women in shanty towns. Designed program with the Women's Federation of Marginal Neighborhoods. Organized workshops on health, literacy, family relations, and economic self sufficiency. Migrant Farmworker Communication Specialist Rural N.Y. Farmworker Opportunities, 9/79 to 8/81 Organized bilingual information network on legal rights in the areas of health, employment, and housing. Produced and distributed monthly newsletter to 50,000 farmworkers. Produced bi-lingual radio programs for broadcast throughout the U.S. East Coast. Assistant Coordinator of Farmworker Women's Equity Project Rural N.Y. Farmworker Opportunities, 8/78 to 9/79 Interviewed farmworkers on options for women. Compiled data, summarized results; and assisted in design of the Farmworker Women's Employment Project. EDUCAT ION Cornell University Masters in Regional Planning, in process Hartwick College B.A., Counseling and Hispanic Studies, June 1978, Magna Cum Laude Legal Training Center, Washington, D.C. Legal Advocacy Training Certification, 1979 Grantmanship Training Center Grantswriting Certification, 1980 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 February 7, 1989 Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Commissioners: I would like to serve on the community access advisory, board that is being established. As a local access producer of More Than the News, I have been involved in attempts to make channel 13 more accessible to the community, as well as trying to upgrade -- the access facility. As the coordinator of Media Ithaca, (a group of local video and film producers, providers of services, and academics), I am familiar with the concerns of the media community. It is extremely important to have an advisory board that is willing to take the cable company to task when necessary, as well as being willing to work "in good faith." I feel tha -I- can do both. I have an extensive background in working with this cable company, as well as being knowledgeable about the state of the industry. As you may know, More Than the News was the prime vehicle for providing testimony to the city's negotiating committee as it attempted to get the best franchise agreement possible from ACC. I have included my resume, which includes the fact that I am currently teaching video production as an adjunct lecturer at Ithaca College. Looking forward . to working with you in the future Sincerely, Resume John Efroymson 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850' (607) 272-1034 Education Video production coursework, Ithaca College, 1984-86 M.A., Education, Virginia Tech, 1981 Coursework culminating in K-8 teaching certificate, Univ. of D.C., 1973 P.A., Philosophy, Purdue University, 1970. Career Background Independent video producer, 1984 -present Coordinator, Media Ithaca and the Central New York Programmers Group, (organizations involved with coordinating area media workers), 1987-presen. Producer of More Than the News, a weekly alternative cable news program, April,1986-present Adjunct lecturer, Ithaca College, School of Communications, 1987 -present Sound recordist and editor, Photosynthesis Productions, Ithaca, NY, 1985-86 Sound recordist, Department of Psychology Film Unit, Cornell Univ., 1985-86 Elementary school teacher, 1973-84 Festival Showings American Musuem of the Moving Image, Astoria, NY, April, 1987 American Film Institute, Los Angeles, December, 1986 CineFestival, San Antonio, November, 1986 Deep Dish National Satellite Access Network, 1987 and 1988 Ithaca College Film and .Video Festival, 1985 (Best Documentary) Additional Relevant Background Member of Community advisory board regarding the access provisions of the cable franchise agreement, 1988 NYSCA grants to coordinate Media Ithaca, 1987 -present NYSCA grants to coordinate the Central New York Programmers Group, 1987 -present References Peter Carroll, vice-president, Photosynthesis Productions 418 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-4242 } Mary Agnus Hamilton, producer, Cornell University 107 Cayuga Park Circle, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 27.3-7104. Wenmouth Williams, chairperson, Television -Radio Dept., School of Communication Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-3242 . • , . - • . • ,„ • . , 01-noltsseaAJ c --P 2Z.6itez,- Corri/n,:s&74;10.4t-Y2s -els. 7 I ci 8 9 • ._79)...N.i . /9._ .I._ e;77 ie.4-6-f....p_Livr.. . o(....1. P ___._404)e--40. 6-1 /&--‘ ? - - _71C.c7e.-3-5. CID C- t_._ AJ 7 6--&-fe .,. ../11 A02 C , s.. /9'Ai..° (-r9-Jo- (24 A/ cpe:__67,4.43-(47 _ isg-ctt__ _tY7 H INRO cc -r 7" • 7176-1s,%c.--5— .19-r - . • • ,., ' • , •• . - • •. „ • ^ • • -a. • To whmm it may concern; } f ' U 1 ii L' ain-moir (a) Feb. 8, 1989 I should like to be considered as an applicant for d position on the Cable Advisory Comm. Besides an interest in telecommunications an general, I hove produced and directed thru our local Access facilities extensively. sincerely, Floyd Johnson 20b Second St. Ithaca N.Y. 14850, CORNELL UNIVERSITY Department of Theatre Arts February 13, 1989 TO THE ITHACA CABLE COMMISSION: I hereby volunteer my services as a member of the Cable Advisory Board soon to be formed. As I understand it, two members of this board are designated to be from local institutions; I am applying as a Cornell University faculty member of more than ten ,years. As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, I teach both film and video production, and have long encouraged students to participate in local Public Access training and production. My direct involvement with Ithaca Public Access dates from 1977, when I was trained, worked in production, became a training volunteer, and worked with a local public interest group. Since that time 1 have worked on numerous types of productions, both group and individual, have known and worked with every Public Access co-ordinator, and have seen the growth and problems of Access. As this is a time of major importance for local cable services, it is vital that the advisory board fairly represent local interests by those most concerned. Sincerely yours, Marilyn ivchin Center for Performing Arts 430 College Avenue Ithaca, New York 14850 (607) 254-2700 44.44, EXPERT TREE WORK RECEIVED FEB 8 1989 ROBIN WOOD 206 OAKHILL RD. ITHACA, NY 14850 607-257-3748 151 W. TENTH ST. NEW YORK, NY 10014 212-675-0216 )26: r __ �lc�-07-se; e wee (AC (244-&441-cf Gt\& 4,4 Lod' LLke_raL-ity 50.. a de," ( a e 3 Zit .. s r lt� ��L/ � ex ems' 401 ice.eciaii itx.444 at 81E4 en. die a_ 9.66. 4! ca -e U-A4Lit i);6teeder / O / ti ,,Lt 6 o a-sk,�T.a.Q� c> Xe1064 iota_ Q, Gi; ‘Tic.cee.A 14, / elk51161)4.6;t4r, bcar kedulek,. -04 da a/altar a2 -S 61° iv mak. o, jitAL re; ad/soca., ar aUzpve_, a.4 . Expert Tree Work Take downs and trimming General Landscaping (6077-3748 206 Oak Hill Road Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 ?Au AZ-Lealle.14 OA_ g0-1.44 eek.; for 206 Oak ‘Ii(ded. slur ea. >2. / 14 sa /y1.y, /Y,67 s /fi7 Com- a I ez-¢-ec2 (7:c. e,) . 9,3 44:k reze4a-u -/2,,-03.7 &?-4 /0-04-Pw /4-104� a_ t a;e po-v644 o°"v �,ot- .ti - /0-0 _ -7,�Va4 ad Paee-ee Ct%rtte.et2 nee. cc. lover- 410 /ear. ,, 273 I Ys 312 First Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 February 7, 1989 Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall Green Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 Dear Cable Commissioner; I would like you to know of my interest in serving on the Community Access Advisory Board which is currently being established. Over the past two and one half years I have been very involved in the production of local video productions for use on the community access station. During the time I have worked with the ACC in the production of More Than the News and other local productions, I have come to appreciate the need for community input in decision making regarding community access. I am particularly interested in making the facilities with channel 13 accessible to the larger Tompkins County community and would like to assist women and the local latino community in making greater use of the facilities. I am very familiar with various ways of using local access to encourage discussion regarding issues of community concern and have focused both my academic and professional work on participatory video. Through my work I have found that the relationship between local video producers and the cable company are crucial to ensuring that issues are presented in a timely and visually interesting way. I feel that I could offer many suggestions to the Ithaca Cable Commission regarding how the cable company could facilitate such goals. Due to my work in conducting workshops on participatory video I am familiar with the kinds of equipment that can best contribute to the widespread use of the access facility. I have also been involved in discussions regarding mechanisms that will aid in ensuring that the access facility become a strong vehicle for community members who have not previously been involved while encouraging those who are already involved to continue making optimum use of the facility. As a member of Media Ithaca I have been involved with a large group of local video producers and feel that it would be advantageous to communicate some of those views to the commission as well. 1 feel very strongly thatthis is a crucial time for serious'input on decisions that will be considered by the Ithaca Cable Commission. I am very interested in representing the Ithaca community in this capacity and feel that I could offer perspectives from the women's community as well as the latino community regarding the accessibility of the access facility and other areas of concern. I have attached my resume which includes some of my professional background and interests. I hope you will seriously consider me for this position. Sincerely, Mary Jo Dudley Mary Jo Dudley 312 First Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 (607) 273-5255 WORK EXPERIENCE Communications Consultant Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, Rome, Italy, 8/88 to present Responsible for preparation of documents used for extension purposes in United Nations programs in developing nations. Prepared handbooks on Community Forestry, participation, and nutritional aspects of forestry. Worked on developing video and other audio visual materials for foresters with women's' group in four rural communities in Nepal. Assisted in designing video programs to increase women's' participation in project planning, monitoring and evaluation. Assisted in using video for Mexican survey of peasant organizations pushing for changes in governmental responses to incr-easing poverty. Video Curator for Italian National Video Archives -Latin American Section Onda Video, Universita di Pisa, Pisa, Italia, 8/88 to present Responsible for reviewing and purchasing a Latin American collection of video productions for the Latin American Section.of the Italian National Video Archive Prepared a guide to videos produced by U.S. citizens on Latin America Organized 1989 Visioni di America video festival. Responsible for presentations regarding the use of video in Latin America. in festival to be held in eighteen Italian cities. Eem omestic Workers Participatory Video Project CAMI (Centro de Ayuda a la Mujer e Infante), Cali, Colombia, 5/88 to 8/88 Worked with domestic workers association in using video as a mechanism for pushing for changes regarding labor legislation affecting hours and working conditions for female domestic workers. Gave workshops on design, planning, filming, and editing video for use in social change projects. Trained domestic workers in technical aspects of video and produced one half-hour piece for use on Television del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Co-anchor of More Than the News Cable Station 13, Ithaca, N.Y., 4/86 to present Co-produced and anchored weekly segments for progressive television news program. Produced special documentary in depth segments. Participated in weekly editorial meetings. Wrote news stories. Oversaw aspects of technical production. Coordinator of the Committee on U.S./Latin American Relations Cornell University, 7/81 to 9/87 * Responsible for community education on U.S. policies towards Latin America. Organized and maintained resource center. Established national and statewide information networks. Responsible for administration of organization and training of volunteers. Arranged bi-weekly film series on Latin America and regular visits of Latin American experts. Edited and oversaw production of monthly newsletter. Produced and delivered statements for the media. Led fact-finding trips to Central America. *currently serving as a consultant Popular Education Program Evaluator KHANA, La Paz, Bolivia, 8/83 to 1/84 Evaluated popular education program used by women in shanty towns. Designed program with the Women's Federation of Marginal Neighborhoods. Organized workshops on health, literacy, family relations, and economic self sufficiency. Migrant Farmworker Communication Specialist Rural N.Y. Farmworker Opportunities, 9/79 to 8/81 Organized bilingual information network on legal rights in the areas of health, employment, and housing. Produced and distributed monthly newsletter to 50,000 farmworkers. Produced bi-lingual radio programs for broadcast throughout the U.S. East Coast. Assistant Coordinator of Farmworker Women's Equity Project Rural N.Y. Farmworker Opportunities, 8/78 to 9/79 Interviewed farmworkers on options for women. Compiled data, summarized results, and assisted in design of the Farmworker Women's Employment Project. EDUCAT ION Cornell University Masters in Regional Planning, in process Hartwick College B.A., Counseling and Hispanic Studies, June 1978, Magna Cum Laude Legal Training Center, Washington, D.C. Legal Advocacy Training Certification, 1979 Grantmanship Training. Center Grantswriting Certification, 1980 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 February 7, 1989 Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Commissioners: I would like to serve on the community access advisory. board that is being established.' As a local access producer of More Than the News. I have been involved in attempts to make channel 13 more accessible to the community, as well as trying to upgrade the access facility. As the coordinator of Media Ithaca, (a group of local video and film producers, providers of services, and academics), I am familiar with the concerns of the media community. . It is extremely important to have an advisory board that is willing to take the cable company to task when necessary, as well as being willing to work "in good faith." I feel that I can do both. I have an extensive background in working with this cable company, as well as being knowledgeable about the state of the industry. As you may know, More Than the News was the prime vehicle for providing testimony to the city's negotiating committee as it attempted to get the best franchise agreement possible from ACC. I have included my resume, which includes the fact that I am currently teaching video production as an adjunct lecturer at Ithaca College. Looking forward.to working with you in the future. Sincerely. JOC-2 Efroym on Resume John Efroymson 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-1034 Education Video production coursework, Ithaca College, 1984-86 M.A., Education, Virginia Tech, 1981 Coursework culminating in K-8 teaching certificate, Univ. of D.C., 1973 L.A., Philosophy, Purdue University, 1970. Career Background Independent video producer, 1984 -present Coordinator, Media Ithaca and the Central New York Programmers Group, (organizations involved with coordinating area media workers), 1987-presen Producer of More Than the News, a weekly alternative cable news program, Apri1,1986-present Adjunct lecturer, Ithaca College, School of Communications, 1987 -present Sound recordist and editor, Photosynthesis Productions, Ithaca, NY, 1985-86 Sound recordist, Department of Psychology Film Unit, Cornell Univ., 1985-86 Elementary school teacher, 1973-84 Festival Showings American Musuem of the Moving Image, Astoria, NY, April, 1987 American Film Institute, Los Angeles, December, 1986 CineFestival, San Antonio, November, 1986 Deep Dish National Satellite Access Network, 1987 and 1988 Ithaca College Film and Video Festival, 1985 (Best Documentary) Additional Relevant Background Member of Community advisory board regarding the access provisions of the cable franchise agreement, 1988 NYSCA grants to coordinate Media Ithaca, 1987 -present NYSCA grants to coordinate the Central New York Programmers Group, 1987 -present References Peter Carroll, vice-president, Photosynthesis Productions 418 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 272-4242 Mary Agnus Hamilton, producer, Cornell University 107 Cayuga Park Circle, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 273-7104 Wenmouth Williams, chairperson, Television -Radio Dept., School of Communication Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-3242 /71•y• /1467 SVfl9 ddJ fid( E. /ys'67 oC u'• (- - J..2 y��✓`' e&c . r,4 -e c`- ' ` /o -d C.� U . Zi _eL lok/7 e4A Jxi -9 I 5 • 7147-44- y r a�-fl a.6.� _ i °```� ��i�,' A �! �I Lv `� � ogLe cc, lir. •iro :�cav-- p JJ - r x-, ,, 273-IY.51 ket g- 3 ae•L CORNELL UNIVERSITY Department of Theatre Arts February 13, 1989 TO THE ITHACA CABLE COMMISSION: I hereby volunteer my services as a member of the Cable Advisory Board soon to be formed. As I understand it, two members of this board are designated to be from local institutions; I am applying as a Cornell University faculty member of more than ten years. As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, I teach both film and video production, and have long encouraged students to participate in local Public Access training and production. My direct involvement with Ithaca Public Access dates from 1977, when I was trained, worked in production, became a training volunteer, and worked with a local public interest group. Since that time I have worked on numerous types of productions, both group and individual, have known and worked with every Public Access co-ordinator, and have seen the growth and problems of Access. As this is a time of major importance for local cable services, it is vital that the advisory board fairly represent local interests by those most concerned. Sincerely yours, Marilyn ivchin Center for Performing Arts 430 College Avenue Ithaca, New York 14850 (607) 254-2700 , • TOMPKINS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY e'""`3!�!i9".;11;111`' 7. �� `•� .9;�-i2�'�-'' 312 NORTH CAYUGA STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK, 14850 . � (607) 272-4555 January 30, 19$9 To Whom it May Concern: This is to express my interest in serving on the Access Advisory Board as a non -city resident. Since 1976 I have been actively involved in public access cable. On behalf of the Library, I introduced low budget, high quality productions for the community. Several Library -originated productions won ACE awards over the past years. I believe that my local cable TV experience will be useful on the Access Advisory Board. Attachment - Resume Sincerely, •I/4t- Louis Mezgar '. Resume of: Lajos. Mezgar 103 Park Lane Ithaca, NY 1150 272-$066 EMPLOYMENT: Director, Tompkins County Public Library, 1975 -Current Assistant director, Summit Public Library, 1966-1975 Head of technical services, Summit Public Library, 1964-1966 Bibliographic searcher. Columbia University. Butler Library Cataloging Dept., 1963-1964. Securities salesman, 1960-1963. Assembly worker, 1959. Laboratory technician, 1957-1959 (Germany) Exxon. District Court Judge, 1954-1956 (Hungary). EDUCATION: Piarist Fathers' College Prep. School, Matura, 194$. Eotvoes Lorant University, Budapest, LLD, 1952. Columbia University. School of Library Service, MS, 1964. CONTINUING EDUCATION: Seminar on audio cassette application in education and communication, 1971. Non -broadcast television seminar, 1972. Smith & Mattingly television workshop, 1974. LANGUAGES: German (write.& read), Hungarian (complete fluency) French and Latin (read) PERSONAL: Born: February 16, 1930, Debrecen (Hungary) Marital status: Married, 3 children Social security #: 164-34-6915. TO Cable Commission , FROM: Ben Nichols RE Access Advisory Board There was a mistake made meeting about the constitution fact, (see Section 14.9 of the voting members of the Board as January 11, 1989 in the statement at last night's of the Access Advisory Board. In Franchise), you must appoint five follows: 2 city residents 1 non -city resident 2 representatives of institutional access users. In addition you must appoint a city representative who will be a non-voting members. Finally you designate one of the members of the Board to serve as Chair. I hope that you will name one of yourselves to be the city representative and will designate that person to serve as Chair. are: Two excellent candidates to serve in the city resident seats 1. John Efroymson, 420 North Cayuga Street. John is a long-time access producer. He teachers video production at Ithaca College. 2. Mary Jo Dudley, 312 First Street. Mary Jo has been an active participant in the access program, "More Than the News" for two years. BN/cjh Both have assured me of a willingness to serve if named. ..IHIGH TECH Government for Couch Potatoes LAURESS M. ACKMAN ressing the remote control on the TV on the warm June 6 evening I came upon a delightful surprise for the lazy city -watchers among us. For the first time, Cable Channel 13 was broadcasting the Common Council meet- ing. Apparently as part of the new fran- chise agreement with the city, ACC promised to broadcast the Common Council meeting (usually held the first Wednesday of the month) and two com- mittee meetings on a rotating basis each month. The first Council meeting had a kind of freshness about it that is unusual for television, even television government. Tensions among participants were appar- ent at times. The rolled eyes by at least two members of Council at the informa- tion that F-16s would be flying over Ithaca for the opening ceremonies of the Empire Games was unguarded govern- ment at its best. The decision to begin in June was ';im- ply circumstance according to Lf.ur+.n Stefanelli, the community access coordin- ator for Cable 13. Following the renova- The pacing is enjoyable, matching, in many ways, that of a television baseball game. There are long periods of jabbering and no action interspersed with the occasional single, triple or home run. uons on the Cable 13 studios with its equipment upgrades, two of the old cam- eras were liberated and have become a mobile unit, which could be easily used for the meetings. The experiment in bringing CSPAN- style programming to Ithaca has been both entertaining and rough around the edges. The first meeting was filled with pro- duction difficulties. Those couch potatoes with sensitive ears had to keep their fin- ger on the volume button, turning the sound down for the members who ap- proached the microphones like rock stars, and the sound up for the more reticent members of the Council and some of the witnesses who kept their distance from the mike at the front of the room. The improvements in the July meeting in the sound problem were noticeable. According to Stefanelli, mikes were re- arranged around the room to accommo- date those who preferred to speak from the back of the room. And the ACC crew under the direction of Holly Sanders, carefully tried to instruct the alderpersons in the finer points of speaking into tele- vision microphones. The two committee meetings in June — Budget and Administration, chaired by Ray Schlather, and Human Services chaired by Carolyn Peterson — were more labored and in-depth, but still an in- teresting source of pearls of wisdom and information about our fair city. Stefanelli and the mobile unit crew have been fru- strated by the flexibility in scheduling of committee meetings. They intend to not- ify_the city that at least two weeks notice is necessary to provide effective coverage. The problems could make committee meetings more cumbersome to watch, too, if the equipment cannot be effec- tively set up. July's Common Council meeting seemed more polished than the first, and not just because the microphones were better located. All the Council members and the mayor seemed less edgy and more comfortable. One can only hope our lo- cal politicians don't really learn how to become camera sophisticates. So far the City has not even requested archival co- pies of the video-taped meetings. The pacing is enjoyable, matching, in many ways, that of a television baseball game. There are long periods of jabber- ing and no action interspersed with the occasional single, triple or home run. Even the pitching duels have potential, especially in the political season. But best of all, for the first time I knew in advance of at least one major trans- portation inconvenience and why: the closing of the State Street bridge for re- nairs. Other tirlhitc svnrth .licvving 3r.: parking tickets have gone up to $3, old hat for those of us who long ago had reached our two $2 tickets' limit; the brewing problems with the GIAC reno- vations and whether there is room for day care; the stunning announcement that the Strand was not going to be sold; and the somewhat arcane but significant relations between city and state and city and county. This wondrous experiment in government for the TV bound will con- tinue, we hope. According to Stefanelli, a loophole in the ACC/City Cable Fran- chise agreement makes it unclear who is responsible for producing the programs. For now ACC is taking on the responsi- bility. Stefanelli could not confirm what would happen down the line. Check out the programs and get com- ments to your representatives, if you feel so inclined. All meetings are rebroadcast the Saturday afternoon the week of the meeting. The next Common Council meeting is Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. See you couch lotatoes there! ❑ VIEW ton, D.C., to further his study of the Ithaca power structure. Glover received $1,000 to research Ithaca Money which Glover intends to publish in late '89. "It's a morale boost as well as an op- portunity," says Glover. Ithaca Money will be the second in the series offered by the Tompkins County Almanac. Many will remember Glover's monumental newsprint edition of Ithaca Power, self -published last November with the help of local advertisers. The study will describe practical transitions toward a local economic base which is more democratic and ecological. Those wishing to contribute information or money may contact Project Growing Hope/Greenplanners, 1399 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca. N.Y. 14850. A copy of Ithaca Power will be sent to donors. Do- nations are tax-deductible. Recycling in Freeville & Dryden Tompkins County is expanding its pi- lot curbside recycling program. Resi- dents of Dryden and Freeville villages, and a portion of the town of Dryden, will receive curbside collection of news- paper and clear, green and brown glass. Freeville will receive recycling collec- tion on Fridays, a different day than regular trash pick-up. Hill's Sanitation Service of Groton will collect Freeville's recyclables. Recycling collection day is scheduled to be the same as trash collection in Dryden Village and portions of the town. Superior Disposal Service of Interlaken will pick up recyclablcs in Dryden Village and other portions of the Town of Dryden, including Ellis Hollow and Varna. Correction In last week's "Tompkins County in Stitches" View, Mary Harvey was mis- identified. She is actually the director of Residents Services at Titus Tower. Ithaca, NY 607-272-6767 free WHEEL5 TRW FLY 607 68739/5 MON. TOES. WED. FRI. /0— 6 THURS. 00-8 SAT. /0-5 80 NORTH AVE OWECO,,v OFFER GOOD HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE Ithaca's most complete calendar of events. UNTIL JULY 31, 1989 ITHACA FARMERS' MARKET Thursday Market is now open at Steamboat Landing 3-7 p.m. Tuesday Market DeWitt Park 9-1 Saturday Market Steamboat Landing 9-1 Local fruits and vegetables nursery stock, bedding plants, food, crafts, and now available: berries, beans and corn. Inlet IFM 0' Grossmans O Rte. 13 MARKET MANAGER Needed by end of August Call 387-5529 or 564-9246 Julv:20-26. 1989 The Grapevine 5 COVER STORY continued from cover Remarkably, this mindless destruction was often done in the name of the public good. Government policies and incentives were encouraging the "cleaning up" of "unsightly" older buildings in order to spur the redevelopment of dying down- town areas after several decades of urban flight and suburban sprawl had taken their toll. Not surprisingly, the wholesale demolition of older neighborhoods did lit- tle but further stimulate the destruction of the inner cities as livable, enjoyable places — leaving many areas as sterile, day -time work centers which emptied out at day's end as anyone in their right mind and with enough cash in the bank headed In removing older buildings, cities were not just losing some interesting structures, they were losing their history, they were destroying their heritage, they were bulldozing the last vestiges of their downtown vitality, they were undergoing a kind of cultural genocide — all for the sake of "progress. " out to their single-family dream — that home -on -a -quarter -acre in the safe sub- urbs. Sadly, while other countries would, for the most part, cherish their older build- ings and honor their cultural heritage, the U.S. promoted public policies that lay waste to many of its great buildings and cities. Fortunately, Ithaca, for a long time, has bucked this trend of urban removal. Much of the downtown Ithaca Commons still has many of its original 19th century buildings. Local individuals and preser- vation groups (such as Historic Ithaca and Tompkins County, the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services) have ac- tively fought against the destruction of lo- cal older and historic buildings. As a result, a great deal of the vernacular arch- itecture of the past century is still intact throughout the city and still in active use as homes, offices and stores. This is not to say that we haven't had our bout with urban removal. The book, Ithaca Then and Now by Merrill Hesch and Richard Pieper (McBooks Press, 1983), eloquently and powerfully documents the extent of our local losses by showing photographs of Ithaca from the early 20th century jux- taposed with those from 1983. What's seen is a vastly different cityscape with hotels, theaters, churches, schools, man- sions and commercial establishments that have fallen prey to fires, catastrophes and the various destructive forces of man. Lately, Ithaca appears to be afflicted by a new and virulent strain of urban re- moval. Six major downtown buildings have come down in the past six months alone. (See "Hit List" sidebar for de- tails.) Numerous smaller buildings have also been demolished with less fanfare. And it won't stop there. Other buildings are threatened. For instance, the owners of the Hotel Leonardo at 105-107 North Aurora Street have recently applied for a demolition permit and this building may come down soon. In addition, the Strand Theatre and many other downtown buildings have been undergoing what Leslie Chatterton, the City of Ithaca's Neighborhood and Preservation Planner, calls "demolition by neglect." In other words, these buil- dings have received no maintenance or re- pairs for literally decades. They've been under-utilized and neglected. They are just one step ahead of the wrecking ball. LEARN TO WINDSURF FOR For a lim'ted time, I Love New York, the Finger Lakes, and New York Boardsailing invite you to the fun and excitement of windsurfing for just $15! TWO HOUR LESSON INCLUDES: -Use of a sailboard, wetsuit, and lifejacket -On land simulator and on the water instruction LESSONS AVAILABLE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK CALL FOR APPOINTMENT 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE Call 273-2560 for reservations Get t e FINGER LAKES Feeling! Open 7 days 273-2560 1000 E. Shore Drive beepeisai-ing---1 /4 mile N. of Stewart Park The Grapevine July 20-26, 1989 The demolition crew took out 306-308 E. State Street in late June. PHOTO BY L. McCANDLESS And for the Strand, it may be a very small step away, indeed, as it could hit the auc- tion block later this summer. Granted, many of these buildings had serious structural problems (primarily due to years of deferred maintenance). Granted as well, that only a few of these buildings had any true historical signifi- cance that might make them eligible for listing on the National Register of His- toric Buildings. These buildings were, for the most part, merely vernacular buil- dings of 19th and early 20th century Ithaca. What's sad, though, is how quickly these buildings came down, how little consideration was given to their re- habilitation, and how soon they fade from our collective consciousness. More- over, it is important to note that this cur- rent destructive pattern is no longer being driven by well-meaning government bu- reaucrats but rather by private sector de- velopers who are responding to Ithaca's thriving real estate economy. Still, though, there are some misguided public policies that are encouraging the "wrecking ball mentality." As Paul Maz- zarella, the city's Deputy Planning Direc- tor notes, "In studying the existing zoning codes, I've determined there's a great deal of financial incentive, whether by design or not, to demolish existing buildings and lc�build at a much hip oY d..,,. �:�-, r 1,11,1 need to) create a different set of standards to switch the incentives in order to make it more advantageous to rehabilitate rather than to demolish." Many developers also point to the strict new state building code requirements that are very expensive to meet. Requirements for commercial or multi -family buildings include elevators, sophisticated fire detec- tion systems, fireproofing between units, and secondary staircases among other codes. These standards are typically much more difficult to meet in rehabilitation projects than new construction. "There's a disincentive to rehabilita- tion that's built into the Building Code re- quirements," says Mazzarella. "Should an older rehabilitated building have to meet the same codes as new construc- tion?" he asks rhetorically. "Though it is a state issue, perhaps more flexible per- formance standards could be developed rather than the current system of man- dating specific kinds of construction." Eric Datz, the city's Building Commis- sioner responds, "The intent of the new codes is to make safety standards uniform throughout the state. The main respon- sibility of the Building Department is safe buildings. I love old buildings. But some- times affordable, rehabilitated buildings and safe buildings don't go hand-in-hand. It's difficult and I don't know where the balance is." The bottom line is developers are en- couraged by the current zoning and build- ing codes to tear down older buildings and to build larger, presumably safer, (and many would suggest uglier) modern buildings. It's clearly time to reconsider this pub- lic policy again. Ithaca, along with many other cities, has been doing just that. For the past two years, Ithaca's Common Council has been reviewing and revising its demolition policies. And yet at this point, the demolition policy is still pretty weak: it requires a permit and a waiting period of 10 working days before demo- lition can occur. Most would argue that continued on page 7 ist of buildings that have come down in Ithaca dur- ng the past six months alone: (Histor-'.. it footnotes have been supplied by Barbara Ebert, Executive I)irector of Historic Ithaca and Tompkins County! Two buildings at the corner of South Tioga and East Green Streets (near Woolworths) These buildings were previously the potion of the IthacaTrolley repair hop. The site will be used for a neva county Mental Health facility. 306.398 East State Street (former home of the "White Apple Gallery") This is the so-called White Building :hich was originally erected in 1919. It housed the White photographic stu- dios where many Corneilians had their graduation photos taken. The building was damaged by fire during the past inter. There are no public plans as yet r the future development on the site. 132-134 Wesel State Street (former home of "Common Ground") This pr perty was built in 1926 and 4 Vcll a ,mr_ _ r_zs until 1968. It was a good example of early 20th century commercial design. The Cc tnmon Ground facade, titular, was a wonderful examplein ofpar its era with its structural glass brick and baked ceramic tile. The building burned during summer of '88. It was de- molished along with 128-1311 West State Street in preparation for the con- >truction of a ten -story "office con- 'ominium tower." 128 -130 -West State Street home of "Cactus Jack's")' Originally a wood -framed buildiii .�structed in the middle of the 19th century, the property was significantly updated early in this century with a brick facade. It was first established. as blacksmith shop and later used as a e repair and sale shop. The prop- .y was severer damaged by fire duly- g the winter and was demolished to ear the way for the large office condo Toned above. South Albany St# the Reconstruction Home) rtions of this solidly -constructed asonry building were built in 1929 af- $250,000 was raised from the Ithaca nanunity for construction. Then - or Franklin D. Roosevelt vis- and raved. about the facility. At ime it was called the "Recon- tion Horne for infantile'Paraly'- A later addition was built in the The building had been aban- and partially gutted by the non - when a new residence for cd in 1987. There r further develop. Numerous other, srrtall residen kuildings have been lost. The build- ings were scattered throughout' the city ut the loss has been especially prcva- oilegetown and in the com- corridors of the r nd 96. D. Dy110 Access Advisory Board.Members 1.) Marilyn Rivchin Center for Performing Arts 430 College Ave Ithaca, New York 254-2700 2.) Lajos Mezgar 103 Park Lane Ithaca, New York 272-8066 (H) 272-4555 (W) Institutional Access User Institutional Access User 3.) Anne Sevocco aka Annie Ball Non City Member #52 Meaddowbrook Park Newfield, New York 14867 273-8851 4.) John Efroymson 420 N. Cayuga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 272-1034 5.) Mary Jo Dudley 312 First Street Ithaca, New York 14850 273-5255 6.) Richa°jHerskowitz City Resident Member City Resident Member Cable Commission Member r. Dear At the February 14, 1989 regular meeting of the City Cable Commission meeting, I am pleased to inform you that you were selected to be a member of the Access Advisory Board. We would like to thank you for your interest and are looking forward to working with you in this capacity. Sincerely Janice F. Streb Dear Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Access Advisory Board. We are sorry but we were unable to select you to fill one of the positions on the board at this time. We would like, however, to keep your name on file in the event that a position on the board becomes vacant in the future. Thank you for your interest. Sincerely Janice F. Streb tatC. 2 6.61-612.1n_k_eu y iqe,r6 Po-b-L1L- 74-1--KLL, 40 Calc, y Nero � d d� -)1 . /(e3--6 J6-4 Thursday February 16, 1989 35 CENTS The Ithaca A GANNETT NEWSPAPER Flrst=Federal fade r its come ; k course TELEPHONE: 272-2321 rile Erle s ithe first person urvive" heart liver tray int Tonight: Clear Low: 5 Friday: Increasing clouds High: 25 ITHACA, NEW YORK Dispute clouds Ithaca's access TV picture y SIMEON MOSS rurnal Staff The city's Cable Commission wants merican Community Cablevision to pay ,r its neglect of public access TV. But ACC's general manager insists his )mpany is doing right by access users and ie commission has no legitimate beef. At Tuesday night's monthly meeting, the ve-member commission voted unani- hush wants o end fight ever rights candidates for job iould 'turn it around' WASHINGTON (AP) — The ur top candidates for the Justice partment's chief civil rights job would sharply change the con- that William mously to fine ACC $75 a day, at the end of 30 days, if the company fails to meet the requirements of its franchise agreement with the city — specifically, for not main- taining an adequate community access stu- dio. In December, ACC closed its old access studio at 519 W. State St. and, on Friday, opened a temporary studio in its new $500,000 facility being constructed in the rear of 612 W. Green St. The new facility is slated to be completed at the end of April and will house an improved access studio and new equipment. But access users have complained that the temporary studio they've been pro- vided isn't adequate for their needs. Seve- ral of them spoke out against ACC at Tues- day's commission meeting. "As I understand it from people in- volved in access, by no stretch of the imagi- nation could what ACC has provided be considered adequate," William Demos, ca- ble commission member, said Wednesday. "The small studio they've provided isn't a studio at all. It's a room. It's like some- body's tiny little office being called a stu- dio," said Richard Herskowitz, another commission member who has toured the temporary studio. But Mike Withiam, ACC's general man- ager, said the commission's action is wrong. "I believe we are in compliance with the franchise agreement," he said Wednesday. And, because he feels his company is in compliance, he said ACC will not make a special effort to respond to the commis- sion's action.If a fine is imposed at the end of 30 days, Withiam said ACC will contest it. "We're trying to finish as quickly as pos- See ACCESS, 2A Rte. 96: Still no sign of agreement ■ 2 views of the overpass, 10A By DAN FOST Journal Staff Like spin doctors after a presi- dential debate, opponents of a new highway up West Hill descended on reporters after Wednesday night's hearing on plans for a new Route 96—Octopus solution. But after four and a half hours A cross section of comments By DAN FOST Journal Staff Here some excerpts from com- ments made at Wednesday night's hearing: Maruarat chc, „,-A- 2A Weather/Continued Stories The Ithaca Journal Thursday, February 16, 1989 Access (Continued from Page 1A) sible," he said. "We have no place else to move the facility. In Decem- ber, we told the commission what our timetable was and they took no action." At its December 1988 meeting, the commission was told by ACC that the company's new studio space wouldn't be ready until April and that a temporary studio would be set up for access in late January. The commission informed ACC they were in violation of the fran- chise, because no studio space was available, but voted to wait and see how the temporary studio looked before pursuing any action against the company. "Now, after seeing what ACC has done, we've decided to cite them for being in violation of the franchise," Herskowitz said. The commission was given the power to administer and enforce the franchise agreement — includ- ing the imposition of fines for vio- lations — through a resolution passed by Common Council at its Feb. 1 meeting. The city's 15 -year-long franchise agreement with ACC was approved by council in June of 1988 and signed in November. A provision for new access facilities was part of the agreement. "My biggest disappointment is that the commission is reacting to two speakers out of more than 400 access volunteers," Withiam said. "The majority have been cooper- ative and patient with inconve- niences arising from the studio's re- location," he said. Withiam wouldn't name the two people he was talking about. But, two access users who have been critical of ACC's policies in the past, and who spoke out at Tuesday's meeting, are Bill McCor- mick and John Efroymson — both of whom produce shows for Com- munity Access Channel 13. "To call it (the temporary stu- dio) a studio at all is a misnomer," Efroymson said this morning. He said there is no separate control Comments room, and the talent, the camera crew and the director are all in one room. "The director can't speak without being heard over the mike," he said. Efroymson also contested Withi- am's assertion that the commission acted because of only a few com- plaints. "At least six people testified about the conditions at the studio at Tueday's meeting," Efroymson said. Another dispute between ACC, the commission and access advo- cates, also erupted at Tuesday's meeting, and involves ACC's timetable for compliance with the franchise agreement. According to the franchise, the access studio is to be completed by March 1, when ACC's rates are due to increase. But Withiam informed the commission Tuesday night that his company was granted a 90 day extension by Common Council. Council's liaison to the commis- sion, David Lytel (D -2nd Ward), said he knows of no such agreement approved by council. "I disagree that somewhere along the line we agreed to that," Lytel said Wednesday. And any- way, he said, ACC will have had plenty of time to comply with the original agreement by March 1. Wednesday night, City Attorney Ralph Nash confirmed the exis- tence of an extension granted by council. The resolution was passed at the October council meeting, according to his office records. "It's my understanding, the ex- tension was granted because of de- lays in approving the franchise agreement," Nash said. At its March meeting, the cable commission will probably deter- mine whether the fine against ACC should be implemented and may also deal with other violations it. feels ACC has made, Lytel said. So, with the $75 -a -day fine loom- ing for ACC, and any improvement in the access studio facilities several months off, the cable picture doesn't look like it'll be clearing up anytime soon. No (Continued from Page 1A) not many of the fence -straddlers heard anything to persuade them to support Plan C. The state Department of Trans- portation will eventually pick one of the plans, but it will need Com- mon Council approval at that time. Some council members have indi- cated they would like to vote before the state reaches its decision, so they could influence that decision. Many of Wednesday's speeches rehashed statements made at a pair of public hearings the state hosted at the New York State Electric & Gas auditorium last December. Speakers largely adhered to the emotional issues at hand: Either a new highway will destroy the envi- ronment, or the lack of an overpass may cause someorie's death be- cause an emergency vehicle will have to wait for a train to pass. Caren Smiley dressed up as a squirrel to make her point. "People have said you can't stop development by not building this highway, but do you want to sup- port it and condone it?" Smiley asked. "As a squirrel, I say no." Mayor John C. Gutenberger al- most did not let her speak. Smiley originally identified herself as "Carol Squirrel," and the mayor accused her of not treating the issue seriously. "This is a silly costume," Smiley said. "My feelings and my senti- ments are very not silly." In one of the major reversals of the evening, the West Hill Civic As- sociation — which hadn't favored a plan as of last December, but said some solution must be imple- mented — endorsed Plan B. Plans "There are problems with all proposed solutions," civic associa- tion president Barbara Shew said. But Plan A does not address the problems of people on Cliff Street, she said, and Plan C carries the greatest environmental impact. Five of the association's eight board members picked Plan B as their preferred choice, and the oth- er three listed it as their second choice, she said. Dr. Reuben I. Weiner, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1987, noted the association has 150 mem- bers and said it does not speak for 85 percent of West Hill. "Eighty five percent of the people on West Hill and in the Town of Ithaca fa- vor Plan C with the overpass," he said. The medical community, includ- ing many board members from Tompkins Community Hospital, stressed the need for an overpass and a better road to the hospital. Many Cliff Street residents also called for some relief. Route 96 tra- ffic to the hospital now travels along Cliff Street. "A delay of 10 to 15 minutes can in fact make a major difference in the patient outcome," hospital board member Anne Jones said. She added, "Every community member does have the right of ac- cess to their community hospital." Opponents of the highway had sharp words for members of the medical community. "The whining from the medical society about the need for hospital access makes me sick," said Doug Reid, the evening's first speaker. "It would be cheaper to build a new hospital downtown than to build a new highway." (Continued from Page 1A) figuration. • Plan C, with a new four -lane highway to the hospital, coming into downtown Ithaca on a one- way bridge at Buffalo Street, and heading outbound on a second new bridge near Esty Street. The high- way would take both Routes 89 and 96 traffic from the Octopus_ to Clinton Street. • Meadow Street would match Fulton Street as a four -lane road, one-way northbound along the same stretch. • Green, State, Buffalo and Se- neca streets would all face adjust- ments — widening, new intersec- tions, all new bridges crossing the THE WEATHER The Accu -Weather ®forecast for 8 A.M., Friday, February 17 30 20 10 -1020 -20 -10 0 FRONTS: T__mTAT Cold Warm Stationary 50 ®1989 Accu -Weather, inc. LOCAL DATA TODAY (Supplied by Ithaca Weather Station on Game Farm Road for 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m. today.) Temperatures: High: 36 F. at 1 p.m. Wednesday (2 degrees Celsius). Low: 26 F. at 8 a.m. Thursday (-3 degrees Celsius). Mean: 31 F.; Normal mean: 22 F. Heating degree days: 34. Precipitation: 0.33 inches. New Snow: 0.30 inches. Snow on the ground: 1.00 inch. Cayuga Lake level: 379.91 feet above sea level Sunset: 5:37 p.m. Sunrise tomorrow: 7:00 a.m. FORECAST TONIGHT Clear; low, 5. Light winds. FRIDAY Some morning sunshine followed by increasing clouds; high, 25. EXTENDED Western New York, including the Ithaca region: Cold and dry Saturday and Sunday; low 10. hieh 20. Chane NATION The Associated Press More rain was forecast in the Tennessee Valley today, but flash flood watches have been disconti- nued in Kentucky, where flooding the last few days was labeled the worst in a decade. THE ITHACA JOURNAL (USPS 271-120) Published daily except Sunday by Ithaca Journal -News, 123-125 W. State St., Ithaca, N.Y., 14850. Sec- ond-class postage paid at Ithaca. SUBSCRIPTION RATES By carrier, per week, $2.00; news- stand, 35 cents; motor route deliv- ery, $2.25 per week. By mail, payable in advance. Zones 1 and 2: 1 year, $140.50; 6 months, $73.75; 3 months, $38.75; 1 month, $13.75. Zone 3 and beyond: 1 year, $156; 6 months, $82; 3 months, $43.25; 1 month, $15.25. Foreign rates are obtainable from our Circulation Department, 272- 2321. The above mail rates apply only where carrier delivery is not maintained. The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of a subscription upon 28 days' notice, by notice contained in the newspaper itself, or otherwise. Sub- scription rate changes may be imple- mented by changing the duration of the subscription. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Ithaca Journal -News, 123-125 W. State St., Ithaca, N.Y., 14850. 17CTU VC•D MA •I! 312 First Street Ithaca, N.Y. 14050 January 11, 1989 Ithaca Cable Commission City Hall Green Street Ithaca. to. 14850 Dear Cable Commissioners; I would like to apply to continue to serve on the Community Access Advisory Board. During the past year, I have actively participated on the CRAB in meetings, throughout the interview process for new ACC staff, and in suggesting specific changes for the new Policies and Procedures manual for the Community Access Television Center. I have also served as the alternate chair on those occasions when Richard Herskowitz has not been able to attend meetings. I have found serving on this board to be rewarding and believe that it plays an important role in ensuring community input in decisions that affect all who produce programs through the local facility. 1 am very.familiar with various ways of using local access to encourage discussion regarding issues of community concern and have focused both my academic and professional work on participatory video. Due to my work in conducting workshops on participatory video with illiterate women in developing nations, 1 am familiar with the kinds of equipment that can best contribute to the widespread use of the access facility by those who have had no previous experience. Over the past three and one half gears I have been very involved in the production of local video productions for use on the community access station. During the time that I have worked in the production -of More TM:: the News and other local productions, I have come to appreciate the need for community input in decision making regarding community access. I have also found that the relationship between local video producers and the cable company are crucial to ensuring thci issues are presented in a timely and visually interesting way. As e member of Media Ithaca I have also been involved with a lGi;.3 group of local video producers who have had specific ideas which I have shared with members of the C,M6. Throughout this last year the CRAB has been able to establish a viable mechanism for communicating the needs of access users to ACC. I would like to continue to offer suggestions regarding how the cable company could facilitate such goals. !lee] very strongly that.this is a.cruciat tirne for serious input on decisions that will be considered by the Ithaca Cable Commission. 1 am very interested in continuing to represent the Ithaca community in this capacity end am particularly interested in making the facilities at channel 13 accessible to the larger Tompkins County -community: specifically women and the local Latino community. I have attached my resume which includes some of my professional background and interests. 1 hope you will seriously consider my request to continue.to serve on the Access Advisory'Doard. Sincerely, net 7 Mary Jo Dudley Mari Jo Dudleg 312 First Street Ithaca, N.V. 14850 (607) 273-5255 WORK EXPERIENCE Communications Consultant Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations, Rome, Italy, 8/68 to present Responsible for preparation of documents used for extension purposes in United Nations programs in developing nations. Prepared handbooks on Community Forestry, participation, and nutritional aspects of forestry. Worked on developing video and other audio visual materials for foresters with women's' group in four rural communities in Nepal. Assisted in designing video programs to increase women's' participation in project planning, monitoring and evaluation. Assisted in using video for Mexican survey of peasant organizations pushing for changes in governmental responses to increasing poverty. Video Curator for Italian National Video Archives -Latin American Section • Onda Video, Universita di Pisa, Pisa, Italia, 8/88 to present Responsible for reviewing and purchasing a Latin American collection of video productions for the Latin American Section.of the Italian National Video Archive Prepared a guide to videos produced by U.S. citizens on Latin America Organized 1869 Visioni di America video festival. Responsible for presentations regarding the use of video in Latin America. in festival to be held in eighteen Italian cities. Female Domestic_ Workers Participatory Video Project CAh11 (Centro de Ayuda a le Nujer e Infante), Cali, Colothbia, 5/88 to 6/68 Worked with domestic workers association in using video as a mechanism for pushing for changes regarding labor legislation affecting hours and working conditions for female domestic workers. Gave workshops on design, planning, filming, and editing video for use in social change projects. Trained domestic workers in technical aspects of video and produced one half-hour piece for use on Television del Valle in Cali, Colombia. Co-anchor of More Than the News Cable Station 13, Ithaca, N.Y., 4/66 to present Co-produced and anchored weekly segments for progressive television news program. Produced special documentary in depth.segments. Participated in weekly editorial meetings. Wrote news stories. Oversaw aspects of technical production. Coordinator of the Committee on U.S./Latin American Relations • Cornell University, 7/81 to 9/87 Responsible for community education on U.S. policies towards Latin America. Organized and maintained resource center. Established national and statewide information networks. Responsible for administration of organization and training of volunteers. Arranged bi-weekly film series on Latin. America and regular visits of Latin American experts. Edited and oversaw production of monthly newsletter. Produced and' delivered statements for the media. Led fact-finding trips to Central America. *currently serving as a consultant Popular Education Program -Evaluator KHANA, La Paz, Bolivia, 0/53 to 1/04 Evaluated popular education program used by women in shanty towns. Designed program with the Women's Federation of Marginal Neighborhoods. Organized workshops on health, literacy, family relations, and economic self sufficiency. Migrant Farmworker Communication Specialist Rural N.V. Farmworker Opportunities, 9/79 to 0/01 Organized bilingual information network on legal rights in the areas of health, employment.. and housing. Produced and distributed monthly newsletter to 50,000 farmworkers. Produced bi-lingual radio programs for broadcast throughout_ the U.S. East Coast. Assistant oast- Assistant Coordinator of Farmworker Women's Equitu Project Rural N.V. Farmworker Opportunities, .0/70 to 9/79 interviewed farmworkers on options for women. Compiled data, summarized results, and assisted in design of the Farmworker Women's Employment Project. - - EDUCATION Cornell University Masters in Regional Planning, Jan. 1990 Hartwick College 5.A., Counseling and Hispanic Studies, June 1978, Magna Cum Laude Legal Training Center, Washington, D.C. Legal Advocacy Training Certification, 1979 Grant manshi p Training rp.nt .r Craritswriting Certification, 1980 PUBLICATIONS Forestry and Nutrition: A Reference Manual. United Nations, 1988 A Guide to Community Participation United Nations, 1988 Domestic Workers in Latin America: An informal Sector in Transition, 198 Training Guide for Nicaraguan Harvest Brigade,1985 Human Waste Disposal in Rural Bolivia, 1984 Educacioni Popular en los Barrios de La Paz, 1963 Migrant Farmworkers in New York State, 1979 Farmworker Women's Equity Project. 1979 VIDEO PRODUCTIONS Chile: The Media Under Fire, April, 19666 Our Struggle for Life: People With AiDS, August, 1967 El Salvador frorn the Eyes of the People, February, 198 Guatemala: Human Rights under Attack, November, 1967 Peace in the Middle East, March, 1987 I'm a Migrant Farmworker, August, 1960 (kABLE13NEWS 0,Doo Volume 2, Na. 1 JANUARY VOLUNTEERS -OF -THE -MONTH DEBI FREEDMAN AND TERRY ZIMMERMAN Debi Freedman and Terry Zimmerman, January's Volunteers -of -the -Month, are the team who together created the CABLE 13 comedy series, Take 1. Take 1 is cablecast each Friday night at 10:OOpm on CABLE 13. Since the show's inception in July of 1987, the duo have completed 51 programs. They have also expanded their viewership by ferrying shows themselves to the cable access studio in Cortland, where the access manager assures us it has become a "cult hit" among SUNY students and Yuppies. Terry writes almost all the material on the program, and acts in many of the sketches. Debi is the show's producer/director, and (Continued on Page 2) .laniary. 13$9 NEW ACCESS FACILITY UPDATE The construction schedule for the new access facility has been pushed back by about 2 weeks. We now expect to have the office, playback, editor and a limited 2 - camera taping facility (pending the completion of our new studio) in the new building by February 1. Producers who have gone on hiatus while awaiting the move are encouraged to renew their series production and cablecasting reservations as soon as possible, to insure their preferred timeslots. INSIDE: (Page 5) DEC. & JAN. CABLE COMMIS- SION MEETINGS REGARDING ACCESS : ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD : EQUIPMENT PACKAGE » FEBRUARY TRAINING DATES 01.0•4 VOLUNTEER -OF -THE -MONTH -^ VIDEO FESTIVAL --- Saturday, January 28 7pm, on CABLE 13 Featuring interviews with the Take 1 producer Debi Freedman, writer Terry Zimmerman, as well as members of their cast and crew, and "actors' choice" selections from their best shows. «Part of the Take 1 cast in action (L -R): Lisa Schreiner, Terry Zimmerman, Miles Mac - Vane, Sharon Bortnick and Rob Levitsky. 2 (Take 1, continued from Page 1) works on cue cards, costumes and props. Both of them spend hours editing each finished program. In addition, their show boasts an enthusiastic and loyal cast of actors and technical crew, who number from a half dozen to a dozen members at any point in time. In "real life," Debi works at Angelheart, a clothing designer in Danby, while Terry is a counselor for delinquent youth. Their new horse is an old church building in the country, which they purchased in 1988 and are in the process of renovating themselves. Take 1 is Debi and Terry's first experience producing a community access program. Getting involved was, for them, "an accident." Their main prior experience with television comedy was watching shows like Monty Python and SCTV. Answering a newspaper ad for talent from Bad TV in early 1987 provided their introduction to community access television. Before long, they had seized the opportunity to learn to produce their own programming at the access studio. They found crew among friends, co-workers, Bad TV - members, and new access trainees. As for material - there never seems to be a shortage of that: Terry's been writing short stories and satire since his college days. "It's therapy," he explains. "I have been living with a lot of the characters all my life." Most sketches on Take 1 are, paradoxically, both tightly scripted and unrehearsed. Scripts are written out on large cue cards, and the cast are given typed copies, but they don't see their lines until about 20 minutes before the taping. Working with -a volunteer cast that isn't avail- able for lengthly rehearsals means some compromise. "We've sacrificed Quality for quantity," Terry says, because "lots of satire is timely." It needs to get out near the time of the event it's spoofing or it risks falling flat. The style of the show has grown to make the lack of rehearsal time less of a liability and more of an asset to the program. Early shows had many stiff stand-up routines with actors visibly reading cue cards, with an emphasis on getting the text read verbatim. The show has evolved to include more camera movement as the technical crew became more confident. Many of the characters return at intervals throughout the series, giving t•he actors a chance to put something of themselves into the bits. Terry emphasizes that the show owes much to the contributions the cast makes to developing their characters: "The people create much of the show. Many of the characters are extensions of the talent." Given the importance of spontaneity and the actors' characterizations to the success of the sketches, Terry says that from his perspective as writer, it's hard to know =which --scripts will transfer best to video. "The rule is, the best scripts get ruined: the camera shots are bad, people blow their lines. Then stuff you think is marginal turns out great." Political humor, send-ups of popular TV and film formats and satires of pop personalities form the meat and potatoes of Take 1's fare. Yet everything, including their access experiences, has (Continued on Page 3) (Take 1, continued from Page. 2) become grist for the Take 1 humor mill. As CABLE 13's only comedy show, Take 1 lost out in the race for a 1988 A.C.E. among the other entertainrrient category entrants. After the entire cast had arrived, in costume, in a limosine! (,Quel humiliation: it lost to a poetry show!) Something for which they Have yet to forgive us. For months afterward, their announcer opened their programs with the snidest voice she could manage and the words: "Anil now for another non - award -winning show..." The group consoled themselves, however, by awarding themselves an ACE. The ACE Hardware Store Golden Hammer of Comedy Award, that is, presented to them by the staff of the Ace Hardware Store in Cortland. The plaque shows a movable ("it really works!") plastic hammer poised over the head of a clown. The A.C.E. became a running gag, ending late in the year, when Frances McKenzie, producer of the aforementioned poetry show, joined in for a video free-for-all entitled "I'll Bust Your Face For that A.C.E." Feedback is important in helping Debi and Terry develop their show. "We watch the shows at home over and over," Debi says. Each studio -taping is followed by a review of the evening's . material by the whole cast. Many of the crew - members stay for an additional 2 hours as Debi and Terry begin the editing process. It's far from a somber, nit- picking affair, however. On these Monday nights the access studio rings for hours with the sound of a half dozen people giggling and rolling around the hallway in stitches. I have taken to refer- ring to it as "the pajama party." On Friday nights, Terry complete the k'� wee s program, editing suite takes characteristics of a boxing match. Although they're always agreed on the outline of the show before they start, the details can become hurdles. Debbie is the perfection- ist, while Terry is more ready to accept a rough edit here and there iri the interest of getting the show done. 3 when Debi and editing of the however, the ori more of the Although it's sometimes hard for outsiders to realize that the pair are merely involved in constructive debate, their methods seem to work. "It almost seems like whoever screams the loudest gets their way, and that's usually me," Debi explains with some satisfaction. A growing familiarity with the equipment has increased their productivity enormously as well. "It used to take us 3 edit sessions just to do the credits for the show. Now we can do them in 3 minutes," says Terry. Debi, who claims she's "never been a tech -type person" (although she does her own plumbing), has found new confidence in her abilities since learning the technical end of community television produc- tion. She enjoys having control over the look of the final product. A fiber artist who has exhibited in New York City, Debi sees. her work on Take 1 as a new art medium to explore. "I think video is the art form of this time. It reaches so many people, but [unlike gallery showings] it's not an elitist kind of art." She says she'd love to branch out into learning computer graphics. One of the aspects of Take 1 which Debi and Terry particularly enjoy is the friendships that have grown (Continued on Page 4) 4 (Take 1, Continued from Page 3) up among the cast and crew. "There's a really good sense of camaraderie," says Terry, "even thouyh it's a diverse group, in terms of politics and interests." The crew is "real enthusiastic," continues Debbie. "People became really upset when we went to every other Monday night [instead of every Monday for studio tapings]. They had all reserved every Monday [for working on the show] - forever." HOW I GOT SHANGHAIED INTO APPEARING ON TAKE 1 By Bryan VanCampen Anyone curious about Take l's casting couch will find my little tale of grave interest. Take 1 was in the process of taping another installment of their frighteningly hip game show, "Ripping Off The Hits", and they were looking for actors to play the panel. I happened to mention to Terry that I have a long-standing character: Vic Smarm, lounge lizard extraordinaire. Terry and I both thought that Vic would be a terrific addition to the kind of show that features Dave Craig lip-synching "River Deep, Mountain High". I also thought that Terry would come up with some typically great dialogue for me. But it was not to be. Terry wouldn't dream of putting words in my character's mouth, so I was left to sink or swim. This meant bleating out a "hip" version of "We're Not Gonna Take It", calling everyone "babe", and buying the farm with a cancer stick still in mouth. So yes, it was terrifying but also fun, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. 4 "End of an era..." The old control room rack units, modeled here by our engineer Joe Powers after a long day of taking everything out of them to put into storage, will be replaced in the new access studio. They have been donated to the Tompkins County Library, for use in its community programming studio. CABLE 13 News is published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850; Tel: 272-7272 Editor/Writer: Lauren Stefanelli Contributor: Bryan Van Campen If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be, or if you would like to submit notices, contact us at the above address. Please note that starting in February, our address will be 621 West Green Street'. RECENT CABLE COMMISSION DECISIONS ON COMMUNITY ACCESS There were 2 major steps taken by the newly reformed Cable Cornmission with respect to community access in their first Lwo meetings since the signing of the new Ithaca Franchise with ACC. First, at the December 13th meeting, ACC's proposal for spending the $165,000 allocated under the terms of the new Franchise for capital (equipment) was approved. About a dozen access volunteers either attended this meeting or wrote to the Cornmission to express their feelings about the equipment proposal, which was first presented to the volunteers at an open meeting held at the access studio on December 1. (For anyone who missed the meetings on the equipment package, copies of the equipment plan are available at the access office.) At the January 10th Cable Commission meeting, the topic of forming the Access Advisory Board, a new body to be created under the terms of the Franchise, was discussed. It was resolved that the Cable Commission and ACC, both of whom are responsible for appointing some of the members of the Board, will post notices to the public seeking applications. Under the terms of the Franchise, the Access Advisory Board is to be composed of nine members: 3 City residents (2 appointed by the City, 1 by ACC); 2 Non -City residents (1 appointed by the City, 1 by ACC); . 2 representatives of institutional access users (both appointed by the City); 1 City representative (non- voting) 1 ACC representative (non-voting) 5 If you are interested in serving on the Access Advisory Board, contact: The Cable Cornmission, cio City Hall 103 E. Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850 and/or: CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 1 You should include some information about your background (such as a resume) and a general statement about why you would like to serve on the Access Advisory Board, experiences or perspective you could bring to it, etc. The next meeting of the Cable Cornmission will be February 14, at 7:30pm in Common Council Chambers, City Hall. FEBRUARY TRAINING CLASSES These classes are free and open to all residents of ACC's franchise areas. Saturday, February 11: PORTABLE VIDEO I Introduction to 3/4" portable video production. Ilam - 2pm Saturday, February 18: PORTABLE VIDEO II Open to those who completed Portable Video llarn-2pm Saturday, February 25: INTRODUCTION TO EDITING llam-2pm have I. Tuesday, February 28: KNOX K-100 TUTORIAL An introduction to our edit Suite character generator: Must have completed Introduc- tion to Editing. 8-10PM 1 6 CONTESTS AND FESTIVALS LOCAL A.C.E.'S The 5th Annual CABLE 13 Awards for Cablecasting Excellence (A.C.E.) are coming up soon: look for A.C.E. materials to be mailed out in mid-February. The deadline for submissions will be mid-March, and the, awards ceremony will take place in late April. HOMETOWN VIDEO FESTIVAL The Hometown Video Festival, :sponsored by the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers (NFLCP), is one of the major annual national contests for access producers. Its entry deadline is also in mid-March. There were 39 separate categories to enter in their 1988 contest. Plus, each category is separated' into 2 separate classes: profit community producer professional, so you're non - and not competing against producers with big budgets and salaries. Entry materials for the 1989 Hometown Festival should be out in late January. They'll be available at the access office. We had a winner from Ithaca in 1987 - Tron, who won in the "Innovative" category for a program shot using a consumer VHS camera. In addition to winning $1000, Tron's program was incorporated into an awards program which was shown nationally on the Learning Channel and distributed to access centers around the country. MORE CONTESTS & FESTIVALS The following announcements were taken from the newsletter of the New York Media Alliance. First Annual New Angle Video Festival, April 1989 Experimental videos up to 30 minutes in length, 1/2" or 3/4", will be selected for screening at The Collective for Living Cinema, NYC, and distribution throughout Lhe U.S. and Canada. $20 entry fee. Info: Angle Intermedia, 300 Mercer St., Suite 11N, NY,NY 10003 (212.) 228-3307. Deadline: January 30. The 8th Annual Video Shorts Festival, February 11-12, Seattle Now accepting 3/4" and VHS enter its under 6 minutes in length. 10 winners will receive $100 honorariums. All entries will be screened publicly lei Seattle. Info: Video Shorts Festival, 1331 Third Ave., Suite 518, Seattle, WA 98101; (206) 628-0838. Deadline: February 1. Dance Theater Workshop is looking for original music, dance, theater or performance work on video for Eyes Wide Open, a new video screening series scheduled for May 8. Documentations of performances will not be considered. Send 3/4" or VHS tapes to: James Byrne, Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St., NYC 10011. Deadline: February 28. The Retirement Research Foundation 1989 National Media Awards May 11, Chicago Competitition: 1988 -produced media related to the issue of aging. Cash awards. No entry fee. 16mm, 3/4" or VHS accepted. Contact: Joyce Bolinger, Project Director, RRF National Media Awards, Center for New Television, 912 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60605; (312) 427-5446. Deadline: February 1. The Lesbian and Gay Video Serie at Downtown Community Television Center is seeking works for screening March 7. Send 3/4" or 1/2" tapes to: Maria Beatty, Screening Series Director, Lesbian and Gay Screening, DCTV, 87 Lafayette St., NYC 10013; (212) 966-4510. Deadline: February 1. December 11, 1988 Ithaca Cable Commission City of Ithaca City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 To Whom It May Concern: -After carefully reviewing. the ACC proposal concerning. the rebuild of the Public Access system in Ithaca, we find it to be totally acceptable to our needs. We feel that the studio equipment proposal will be a vast improvement over the existing facilities and that it will stimulate other residents to experiment in Community Access television. It.is our hope that this proposal will be approved without any delay so that we as regular access producers can proceed with our continuing projects. Sincerely, Debra F edman Terry Zimmerman "Take One" P.O. Box 4391 Ithaca, N.Y. 14852 cc: Mike Withiam Lauren Stefanelli Bill McCormick DECEMBER'S VOLUNTEER-OFA-THE=MONTH TERRY HARBIN Terry Harbin's is the unseen hand behind most of the programs produced for community access TV by the Tompkins County Library. The Library's sole video produc- tion staffer, Terry does all the camerawork, editing, - character -- generation, cablecasting playback, and production planning with the several independent producers who work through the auspices of the Library. He is also a producer in his own right, responsible for the Library's longest -running and most popular series, What's Happening, as well as many individual programs about Tompkins County. Terry started working at the Library in 1978 under the CETA program, assisting Library Director Louis Mezgar in developing the Tompkins County Library's community programming. This job was Terry's first "troduction to TV production. en years later, he has not lost his sense of wonder at this medium, and says that to him, "how video gets on the screen is still magic in some ways." (Continued on Page 2) VOLUNTEER -OF -THE -MONTH VIDEO FESTIVAL , ON CABLE 13 December 17, 7pm An opportunity to see a collection of Terry Harbin's finest work, and hear behind -the -camera tales. December 1988 INSIDE (Starting on Page 4): 117T HOW TO FIND OUR TEMPORARY QUARTERS 115T SUMMARY OF DEC. 1 MEETING 1117 FLOORPLANS FOR NEW ACCESS FACILITY 9T1T CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE 41T DECEMBER SCHEDULE: FACILITIES, HOURS AVAILABLE, HOLIDAYS ITT' THE NEW EQUIPMENT PROPOSAL: HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN THE REVIEW PROCESS More Than the News cameraman Paul GITyver shows the tricks of the trade to n young friend. 2 (Terry, cont. from Pg. 1) Terry has been involved in the Library's community programming efforts almost from the start; he's seen his production tools evolve from 1/2" reel-to-reel to 3/4" cassettes, seen the Library develop its own portable and cablecasting facilities, and helped it win a long string of Awards for Cablecasting Excellence (A.C.E.) from ACC for its programs. Many Ithacans have seen Terry Harbin and his camera shooting at locations all around town. They've seen him at scores of community events. They've been interviewed by him for "man -on -the -street" pieces for What's Happening. He's there every year covering the Ithaca Festival. "We never go anywhere without you bringing that d--- camera," his family teases him. Working with people is a big part of Terry's job. With "new talent", as for street interviews, Terry enjoys "the process of putting them at ease." This ability to work easily with all different kinds of people serves him in particularly good stead when it comes to working with the independent volunteer producers who work through the resources of the Library. These volunteers bring program ideas; Terry helps turn the ideas into programming. "Each has his own personality," Terry replies tactfully when asked what it's like working with producers of different temperaments and video backgrounds. Starting from their ideas, it's his job to "let them know what can be done - what the means are." Together, they usually get there. Some of the series he's helped produce are: Focus on Art 1978-86 (with producer/host Johnnie Parrish; in-depth looks at artists' work in a gallery setting) Studio Portraits 1986-87 (with producer/host Betsy Park; meeting artisans at their studio, watching the creation of a piece of art) Distinctive Voices 1983-86 (with producer/host Dave Burak; interviews with famous people, including Ed Marinaro of Hill Street Blues and William Styron, author of Sophie's Choice. Community Watch 1985 -present (with producer/host Gossa Tsegaye; documentaries (see September's newsletter)) What's Happening l978 -present (formerly T.C. Magazine; with host Drew Stevenson and 1988 season host Frances McKenzie; magazine -format look at interesting people and events from around the county) Despite his programs' generally very polished appearence, Terry claims that he tends to work "rather loosely," letting his shows "be constructed more by themselves, by what was in them." He feels that simplifying the production process will show in' improved quality of the finished piece. Rather than painstakingly scripting the program out, take your idea, make sure that you aim for the best image, sound and lighting you can, Terry advises, and then let the content shape the show. His greatest pitfall, he says, is "getting too close to the material. (Continued on Pg. 3) 4 (Terry, cont. from Pg. 2) film era in the early 1900's. Sometimes this can give you a better perspective - but it can also overwhelm the production." He sometimes has to remind himself that to every bleary-eyed editor, there comes a time to "draw a line" and decide "enough is enough." This year, Terry has produced or helped produce an amazing season of programming for the Library, centering around the Ithaca Centennial. These programs have allowed Terry to "indulge" his "personal interest in the history of Tompkins County - in preserving images of this area's past." Two particularly ambitious hour-long productions were co- sponsored by the T.C. Library and the Ithaca Centennial Education Commission, and co-produced by Terry Harbin and Cable NewsCenter 7 reporter Mark Adams. Still Standing looked at historic architecture and building renova- tions in Ithaca. Tracking the Memories told the story oT Ithaca's trolleys. Another project Terry took on for the Centennial was They Made Movies in Ithaca Again, a "making of videotape about the silent movie filmed as part of the Centennial_ celebrations this - year. Two programs which Terry produced in a sort of Centennial frame of mind ("people might like to see how Ithaca looked in 1988") were Ithaca in Fall and Winter 19$7/1988 and Ithaca in Spring and Summer 1988. Both are 30 -minute feasts of lovely local scenery set to classical music. A Centennial project which turned into a personal quest for Terry started as a proposal to make a video about Ithaca's brief silent 3 "Most sources," Terry explains, claim that all of these early films were dumped into Cayuga Lake, and that none survive. In contrast, he found 1 film, The Great White Trail, which was actually made here, and 2 serials, The Perils of Pauline and The Exploits oT Elaine, some of whose scenes may have been shot in Ithaca. Purchased through the Centennial Commission, these films were brought to Ithaca and shown by the Library to a very warm local reception, reminding Ithacans of their Tinseltown past. By this time, Terry's curiosity as to the existence of more old Ithaca films was thoroughly aroused. After scouring the country for months, he unearthed 4-5 more movies in the archives of the Library of Congress which were made in Ithaca. Too late in the year to secure Centennial Commis- sion funding, Terry personally raised the funds to allow the Library to acquire them. These will be shown next spring. After all this sleuthing, Terry eventually did make a video about Ithaca's silent .film era: Hollywood on Cayuga, a charming 5 minute montage of images from Ithaca's silent movie era, including footage of Irene—`Castle and recognizable local scenery. He commissioned a piece of music specifically for this video, written and performed by local musician Jamo. "I'm glad the Library can provide this service to the community," Terry says of the program which makes his work possible. Look for more ideas from this "unseen hand" next spring, for Terry says, "The Centennial is still going on in my mind." 4 NEW ACCESS FACILITY UNDER CONSTRUCTION A public meeting on community access issues was held December 1 at the 519 studio. At the meet- ing, which was attended by about 35 volunteers and 2 City represen- tatives, ACC General Manager Mike Withiam unveiled the floorplans for a new access facility at 621 West Green St., and outlined the tentative construction timetable for its completion. Our engineer Joe Powers and I, your fearless editor, unveiled a draft propo sal'fbre spending the $165,000 allocated for access under the new Ithaca franchise. For those of you who missed the meeting, and who I have not seen to go over the details since then, I would like to summarize the main points of these two subjects, both of which will have long -reaching effects on our facilities. THE NEW BUILDING On Page 5 is a floorplan sketch of our soon-to-be new home at 621 West Green St. The plans made last year to renovate our old studio took a dramatic turn this year when the opportunity arose for ACC to acquire this property. As you can see from the sketch, we will occupy the whole building, with the exception of a retail office on the Green St. side. The added functional areas des- cribed in the July newsletter are all supported in this floorplan: a second edit suite, a room to hold production meetings and view tapes, a separate storage room for studio sets and props. In addition, some other interesting features you may wish to note include: ¶TMT a storage nren for portable gear outside the studio (no more waiting for a studio show to stop taping to get porta-paks); 1TST a roomier control room sized for a U-shaped equipment rack (so that 1 or 2 people could still reach all the buttons they needed to run a show) ; ¶ff much,improved ventilation (not pictured are the 2 climate -control units being built just outside the building from the edit suites) for equipment and us humans; ¶ff a heat -insulating vestibule with coat rack for the entrance (ah! what fun editing last winter - I could never decide whether to freeze to death with the edit suite door open as traffic went in and out the nearby outer door, or shut the edit suite door and suf- ficate from the poor ventilation); ¶ T our own bathrooms, with make= up lighting for talent primping; ¶ T an entry ramp for wheelchairs; 41T the "conference"/meeting room will double as a "lounge," with coffee machine, table, chairs (perhaps even a snack machine?), as well as tape viewing equipment; f1T the office space will be larger, with more space for production schedules, filling out forms, consulting with staff, with a separate playback area; 111T several parking spots - and no meters on Green St. ¶1T the studio will be insulated from street noise, and of course the loud rattle of our old studio's girders and the .control room window when the Cornell Laundry went into its spin cycle will become just another tale to save for our grandchildren Green Street Retail Space (Four Seasons) STUD/0 PLAyBACX 1 TAPE SToAE. P -PA X J7O/fA£E EDIT 1 35'1' -_,l i ilL ® ST OR, // /S x 74, r- QT14 WoRE N CONTROL VX /220" LIZZIIIMMILI2M:1111711,121 MEN LOBBY CO/1/F./L OUit/GF OFF/CE ED/T e2 J Floor Plan for New Community Access Studio at 621 West Green Street 6 CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE December 5: Studio closes. Cablecasting, Portable and Editing Facilities available as usual. Thanks to Joe's brainstorm, we came up with a space which would allow the editor to stay up without interruption! Follow the sign on our old door to find our temporary quarters behind 519 W. State St. January 2: Green St. building ready to be occupied, except studio area. January 2-15: Move to Green St., as construction schedule/readiness permits. We estimate that cablecasting and editing facilities may be suspended for a few days at the most. We will try to minimize this disruption. January 15: Tentative date for access office, cablecasting, editing, portable and limited 2 -camera facilities opening at 621 W. Green St. Late February -Mid March: Tentative date or opening oT full studio facilities. April/May: Studio closes for 3-6 weeks to accomodate installation of new equipment. June 1: Franchise deadline for studio reopening, with equipment purchased under the new franchise capital allocation installed. • HOLIDAY SCHEDULE From 12/19 through 12/30, our hours will be: Monday - Fridays: 2pm-10pm We will be closed for the holidays on 12/23,24,26 and 31 (that wiped out the 2 Saturdays). January hours as usual: M -F:12-10. S:11-8. Published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 (Tel.:272-7272) Editor/Writer: Lauren Stefanelli THE $165,000 EQUIPMENT PROPOSAL The equipment plan was designed to 1) follow ,priorities set by the access volunteer community; 2) be "comprehensive": the addi- tions should work together with our current equipment and the new building design; 3) address the City of Ithaca's interest in having City Hall meetings taped and in gaining access to production time. Highlights include: 1) SVHS chip camcorders, and SVHS incorporated into editing, studio, 'viewing booth and playback areas. 2) 3 -chip studio cameras 3) 2 cyclorama curtains, including 1 for chroma keying 4) wipe/mixing between 2 VCR banks 5) second edit suite 6) "portable studio unit" using current studio cameras for 2 - camera field shooting Copies of the proposal are available at the access office. I encourage you to take the time to look it over, write or tell us your comments, and get involved in the next stage othe review process: the Cable Commission meeting on December 13, 7:30pm in Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor of City Hall. Happy Holidays! and THANK YOU''''' to everyone who's worked at making community programming this year! It's been a pleasure working with all of you, and I look forward to seeing even more ideas and talents blossom next year. I especially want to thank the volunteers who pitched in to help us move house last Sunday: Jim Blizzard, Carl Frederick, Robin Palmer, Bill McCormick, and especially Wendy Skinner. And the volunteers who crewed our Christmas program of the Cayuga Chimes: Jim B., Carl F., Cynthia Lange and Rick Lawrence. OFFICE OF CITY CLERK CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 MEMORANDUM TO: TELEVISION CABLE COMMISSION FR: DAVID LYTEL, ALDERPERSON DA: DECEMBER 9, 1988 RE: T.V. CABLE COMMISSION MEETING, TUESDAY, DEC. 13, 1988 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 I would like to meet with all of you on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1988, at 7:00 P.M., (2 hour before the meeting), to discuss the evening's agenda. DL/bfp Thank You. "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Cable Commission City of Ithaca 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 December 5, 1988 Dear Commission Members: Enclosed is a draft proposal for the capital expenditure allocation of $165 000 .r PEG access provided -Tot -Wider the 1988 Franc ise between American Communi y Cablevision and the City of Ithaca.As required under the new franchise, we are hereby submitting this draft proposal to the Cable Commission for your review. I hope that we will be able to discuss the plans in more detail, and answer any questions you might have, at the upcoming meeting of the Cable Commission on December 13. As outlined in the draft, this plan has been developed over the past few months with several goals .in mind. First, we sought to include the volunteers in the planning process by meeting with them and soliciting ver a an wri en escriptions of their perceived equipment needs and priorities. We tried, and I think in the main succeeded, in developing a broad consensus of our t -glaring equipment needs, as we as our •most Yo Zcar avenues for growt Second_ we sought to put together a comprehensive paackape,` in which the parts wo 1 work together to maximize the effectiveness o ,t is increase in our resources. We believe that this proposal will serve as a solid foundation for the future development of community access in Tompkins County. Third, we were very consci cus-o-f-e in_tex-es.ts and needs of the City of Ithaca whi_],._e_de el. -aping` is Klan. The add ii on 'of a second editing suite., the expansion of our port e capabilities and the proposal for a portable production system directly address the interest of City Hall in having meetings videotaped in a high-quality fashion and in having access to production and editing time. Fourth, the development of this eQui ment package has gone hand iri' ham with—the-elev-e-1opment of the plans or--our--balding renovation. Ericlo-sed--is� a floor wn £or. -the -new fae''ility for public access, currently ung er construction at 621 West Green Street. This building plan has been specifically designed to accomodate an expanded public access facility. 519 West State Street 0 Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 For example, a second edit suite is being built to accomodate a second editing system. A "Conference Room/Lounge" is intended to serve as a pre- and post -production meeting room for volunteer crews, and will house playback and tape logging facilities in 3/4" as well as SVHS. The studio will feature an enlarged control room as well as a separate storage area for props and sets. Cablecasting equipment, videotape stock and portable equipment will be more safely and accessably housed. Office space has been enhanced to support the addition of a third access staffinember in June, and to give volunteers more room to plan their production schedules and consult with staff. A new climate control system is being installed, which will help maximize the useful life of all of our equipment. Other creature comforts have not been forgotten, and include an area for coffee and snacks in the Conference Room/Lounge, rest rooms with makeup lighting, a heat -insulating vestibule with coat rack for the entryway, and complete handicapped accessability throughout the building. Working under an on-going construction project which, when completed, will have rebuilt the entire interiors of both the 519 and 517 West State Street buildings as well as the Green Street building, we have estimated a timetable for this project as follows: December 5: Studio closes. Cablecasting, Portable Equipment Sign -out and Editing Facilities available as usual. Access has moved to a temporary cablecasting/ editing/ office space in the back of the 519 building. January 2: Green St. building ready to be occupied. January 2-15: Move to Green St., as construction schedule/readiness permits. We estimate that cablecasting and editing facilities may be suspended for a few days at the most. We will try to minimize this disruption. January 15: Tentative date for access office, cablecasting playback, editing and portable facilities opening at 621 W. Green St. Late February - Mid March: Tentative date for opening of full studio facilities. April/May: Studio closes for 3-6 weeks to accomodate installation of new equipment. 0- June 1: Deadline for studio reopening, with equipment purchased under the new franchise capital allocation installed. This tentative timetable has been announced to access volunteers at a public meeting held last Thursday, December 1. We have revised 'our schedule somewhat since this meeting, and these changes, along with a detailed summary of our temporary hours and facilities, will be distributed to volunteers later this week in our December access newsletter. One particular change has been to find quarters which will allow editing to continue throughout this interim period, intead of closing this function down as originally planned. In this, we were responding to a strongly expressed desire of volunteers at the meeting to be able to keep their ability to produce edited programs going without interruption. Please note that while we hope to adhere to this schedule as closely as possible, and meet the June 1 deadline, while minimizing any interruptivn i the a a IaEility of access facilities, we are subject to several constraints. These include: unforeseen e ays in the construction process; delays in the review and approval process by the City for the equipment package; and equipment "quirks" or malfunctions, which our engineer assures us always occur during large-scale moves like this one. I, will be presenting a request at the December 13 meeting to aprove this equipmerit�packag aI l00%—`for�war� o 3iscussing al -1 o ese issues with you at that time. Sincerely, Michael General Withiam Manager CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 The following equipment package proposal has been developed in accordance with the __$1-65,000 capital expenditure a oca ian agree to un er t e 1988 Franchise between the Crty-of i ttraca and AC"CTThis roposa -has been developed r`by ACC after seeking input from the users of the community access studio, our access volunteers. Our methods of seeking input have included a public meeting in Sep_tembe._as._well as writtenw,and_ox_al__ ' wish` -.l st-s" submitted by a number of_.interesteed volunteers -over the past few months. This proposal must be ap p oved by the City of Ithaca before it can be implementred. Once approved, it must then be sent out to b=id. Equipment lists will be sent to qualified and" authorized - vendors for bidding. After the bidding and ordering process, the equipment will probably take 8 - 10 weeks to arrive, and then must be installed. The current deadline for the installation of equipment purchased under this allocation is June 1989. Please note that while specific brand names, model numbers and prices of individual items are not included in this proposal summary, due to the negotiations in the bidding process yet to come, we are committed to maintaining the current levels of ' quality in equipment. Also note that this proposal contains price estimates only. Actual prices will be affected by the bidding process and by the length of time that the approval process delays the finalization of the package. Prices usually rise at the turn of the year, and, as much of the equipment will be Japanese, the continuing fall of the dollar vis-a-vis the yen may be a factor as well. All of these factors may affect our buying power, and hence our abllty-to-purchase aTl items-i`isted in this•'- proposal: Finally, note that sales tax and-freightcosts take about -a 10i bite out of the total figure - in other words, to bring the plans in_for 1$165.00Q_, we must_ inc.Tud.e-.about $1.5.,0flQ just for tax and freight, leaving abo_ut....$15.000-0 for equipment_. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 FUNCTIONAL AREAS: 1. STUDIO BASICS 2. STUDIO CAMERAS 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT 7. VIEWING BOOTH 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE 9. PORTABLE STUDIO. UNIT.. 1. STUDIO BASICS Function: Pg. 2 Basic amenities for the studio, to replace obsolete equipment or to resize equipment to the new facility, including: a new lighting grid, cycloramas, racks to mount equipment in, assorted test equipment and monitors, and a new audio console for the studio. • New Lighting Grid, sized to new facility Curtain track, sized to Black Cyclorama curtain Grey Cyclorama curtain (allows Chroma Rack mount units for studio console, 2 edit suite consoles, additional playback to incorporate bulletin board and SVHS playback. , Assorted rack inserts. Test equipment: new synch/color bar generator to replace 11 year old unit; second waveform monitor. New studio "On -Air" monitor New Program, Preview & Source New audio board for studio (replaces 10 year old units) Add-on mixer for extra studio audio inputs Wiring, hardware, connectors new facility key effects) monitors for TOTAL (EST.): $ 33,115.41 rack studio CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 2. STUDIO CAMERAS Pg. 3 Function: Replace current 1 -tube cameras with 3 -chip cameras. These do not burn (our largest problem with the current cameras, at about $2000 per tube replacement -including labor) and will yield a much enhanced image, as well as better resolution in lower light. They will enable our current Special Effects Generator to utilize its Chroma Key function (which a cyclorama in the basic studio package will also support). They are reported to be sturdy, low- maintenence cameras, and should serve as a high-quality yet damage -resistant core to our studio system. (3) 3 -chip camera packages includes cameras, Camera Control Units, lens packages, remote cables, CCU rack mounts, studio viewfinders, camera cables. 1oihh, TOTAL (EST.): $ 30,435.00 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE Function: We have 2 main functions to consider here (other than the audio board, which has been included in the Basic Studio Package). The first is adding the capability to mix or wipe between 2 banks of VCR's. This will require: .▪ . Routing Switcher .▪ . Time Base Corrector The second is to replace our current consumer grade VHS VCR with an industrial. grade SVHS VCR, supporting the addition of SVHS units in other areas of this proposal. .▪ . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR, Rack Mount and Remote Control .▪ . ▪ Cables, connectors and hardware One more addition is a delay for the phone line, making it easier to screen out obsene callers on live call=in programs. Phone delay system TOTAL (EST.): $ 11,605.00 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE Function: Pg. 4 Upgrade existing edit suite to include the capability to edit from SVHS or VHS source material as well as 3/4" source material. Add disk drive capability to character generator to eliminate edit time lost replicating repeating program titles. .• . • Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and rack mount .Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .▪ . ▪ Routing Switcher and Rack Mount .• . ▪ Knox K-100 Expansion Option C Disk Drive includes disk drive, memory, font expansion & random access programming .• . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .• . Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 8645.00 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE Function: Increase available editing time. Support SVHS, VHS or 3/4" source material to 3/4" program master. Package intended to match existing edit suite as closely as possible, to aid in volunteer training and maintenence functions (spare parts). .• . ▪ Basic 3/4" edit package Source VCR, Record VCR, Edit Controller, 2 Connector Cables, 1 Dub Cable .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Character Generator .▪ . ▪ B/W 9" Monitor (CG Status) .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Option C Disk Drive .• . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .00 . (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount Routing Switcher (2) Audio Monitors .• . ▪ Time Base Corrector .• . ▪ Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .▪ . • Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .▪ . ▪ Parametric EQ and AC Adapter .• . • Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 32,759.95 N'. w CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT Function: U -Matic Portable Kit Pg. 5 Our current portable cameras, the 2 Sony cameras y ad arenear y to beeti rred.%tWth our studio cameras repia,y, we have 3 Sony `I8'2"Os with several years life i henrto work with here as replacement ,{We also may have anoth "`optian�-in-3-Som 182'0=' s: in ACC' s news department: these have already been replaced by other cameras . in.thel_r_ system_,.. and we m 112ag1111:them for access at a lower cost than new cameras. (Actually,. one of NC7's camerashas been"in use as an access studio camera for many months). With this in mind, we have proposed recycling these 6 systemwi e, 820�'s ams tollows:" 2to 'replace--our--current-portable came_ras,_ 2 for a portable studio unitE--sect on 9, below) and 2 to®sezve as spares for boE1 1.of these systems. 2 of these cameras have repair costs associated i them t'o br'ing them _ on L ne=(3n_particular 1 tube replacement) but this would still 6e the most efficient use of s- vs_t.em—mesour_ces..„— he:—best way to maximize '-our overall pu-r-.chars ng -power- .`Add___SVHS__ chip_c_amcosders� This addresses 2 major demands of user's: fear of burning camera tubes, and difficulty of managing the heavier'3/4" portable kits. After researching the market, we have selected a unit which has some -met I se� mexfts=anrdis r`elatively sturdy:- Nevertheless these will be more problematic to have repaired = tfian:_ttie7professional equipment we -ve "been using We have therfore included several�s�ares-in the package. The nun"ber o'f unitsmiiso reflects the anticipatedincreased demand for portable equipment with these units. :: (6) Industrial Grade SVHS Camcorders 4 equipped with batteries, AC adapters, tripods and cases :: Portable Light Kit (with 3 individual lights) :: (3) Hand=held mics :: (2) Laveliere mics Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 14,280..00 7. VIEWING BOOTH Justification: Provide tape viewing and logging capability in SVHS and 3/4". This will save wear and tear on the edit suites, as well as making more editing hours available for actual editing. The tape logging/viewing booth will be placed in the conference CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88kPg. 6 7. VIEWING BOOTH (CONTINUED) room/lounge, and enable production crews to preview or review program material during production meetings. Industrial Grade SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 1,200.00 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE Justification: Add SVHS playback capability, supporting the integration of SVHS elsewhere in the system. Changeover to Fortel Time Base Corrector, making all access units completely uniform. Current playback TBC would go into engineering support, to replace units undergoing repair when needed. Upgrade Community Bulletin Board from 16 to 64 pages. .▪ . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .• . (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . Time Base Corrector .• . Knox K40 Expansion TOTAL (EST.): $ 10,203.00 9.OP RTABLE STUDIO UNIT, Function: Provide the capability to set up a 2 -camera studio in the field. The system should be capable of being moved by 2 people, and loaded into any mid-size automobile. The system should make possible multi -camera coverage of City Hall meetings (a specific franchise requirement), either live or taped. The system should also support the overall equipment package. nder this package, we will be replacing our current studio cameras with new cameras. This proposal moves 2 of these displaced studio cameras into this portable ,configuration. In addition to saving the cost of new cameras, we would also save the cost of camera control units, 50' camera cables, remote focus and zoom attachments, studio viewfinders and portable cases for ach camera. For recording,,,we___have selected an SVHS record unit, on the grounds` that- this is likely to meet the needs -of" -"the most users. r - CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13COMMUNITYACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT (CONTINUED) .. (2) Tripods, with Heads, Handgrips and Dollys .. Triple B/W 9" Monitor and Rack Mount .. (2) Color 9" Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . Audio Mixer .. Special Effects Generator .. Audio Monitor .. (2) mics :: (2) Lavelieres •• (2) Portable Road Cases ▪ (3) Headset walkie-talkie/intercoms OS Cables, hardware and connectors O. Industrial Grade Recording SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 12,550.00 Pg. 7 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT TOTAL: $154,793 ESTIMATED TOTAL INCLUDING TAX (7%) AND FREIGHT (3%): $170,272 Green Street Retail Space (Four Seasons) •�=••J•n 3:as..-r : t>.:! til .� :z.<s_ .rw,_ i . _ _. r : 4 �:rr.. ;� _ ..i. STUD/0 3y1 PL4yBigCX 1 TAPE SNE. P-1'AK STO/jA£ E EDIT 1 ED/T 02 CONTROL 45-'6/2'ia" 017/CE Floor Plan for New Community Access Studio at 621 West Green Street AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION Cable Commission City of Ithaca 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 December 5, 1988 Dear Commission Members: Enclosed is a draft proposal for the capital expenditure allocation of $165,000 for PEG access provided for under the 1988 Franchise between American Community Cablevision and the City of Ithaca. As required under the new franchise, we are hereby submitting this draft proposal to the Cable Commission for your review. I hope that we will be able to discuss the plans in more detail, and answer any questions you might have, at the upcoming meeting of the Cable Commission on December 13. As outlined in the draft, this plan has been developed over the past few months with several goals in mind. First, we sought to include the volunteers in the planning process by meeting with them and soliciting verbal and written descriptions of their perceived equipment needs and priorities. We tried, and I think in the main succeeded, in developing a broad consensus of our most glaring equipment needs, as well as our•most logical avenues for growth. Second, we sought to put together a comprehensive package, in which the parts would work together to maximize the effectiveness of this increase in our resources. We believe that this proposal will serve as a solid foundation for the future development of community access in Tompkins County. Third, we were very conscious of the interests and needs of the City of Ithaca while developing this plan. The addition of a second editing suite, the expansion of our portable capabilities and the proposal for a portable production system directly address the interest of City Hall in having meetings videotaped in a high-quality fashion and in having access to production and editing time. Fourth, the development of this equipment package has gone hand in hand with the development of the plans for our building renovation. Enclosed is a floor plan for the new facility for public access, currently under construction at 621 West Green Street. This building plan has been specifically designed to accomodate an expanded public access facility. 519 West State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 607-272-3456 For example, a second edit suite is being built to accomodate a second editing system. A "Conference Room/Lounge" is intended to serve as a pre- and post -production meeting room for volunteer crews, and will house playback and tape logging facilities in 3/4" as well as SVHS. The studio will feature an enlarged control room as well as a separate storage area for props and sets. Cablecasting equipment, videotape stock and portable equipment will be more safely and accessably housed. Office space has been enhanced to support the addition of a third access staffmember in June, and to give volunteers more room to plan their production schedules and consult with staff. A new climate control system is being installed, which will help maximize the useful life of all of our equipment. Other creature comforts have not been forgotten, and include an area for coffee and snacks in the Conference Room/Lounge, rest rooms with makeup lighting, a heat -insulating vestibule with coat rack for the entryway, and complete handicapped accessability throughout the building. Working under an on-going construction project which, when completed, will have rebuilt the entire interiors of both the 519 and 517' West State Street buildings as well as the Green Street building, we have estimated a timetable for this project as follows: December 5: January 2: Studio closes. Cablecasting, Portable Equipment Sign -out and Editing Facilities available as usual. Access has moved to a temporary cablecasting/ editing/ office spacein the back of the 519 building. Green St. building ready to be occupied. January 2-15: Move to Green St., as construction schedule/readiness permits. We estimate that cablecasting and editing facilities may be suspended for a few days at the most. We will try to minimize this disruption. January 15: Tentative date for access office, cablecasting playback, editing and portable facilities opening at 621 W. Green St. Late February - Mid March: Tentative date for opening of full studio facilities. April/May: Studio closes for 3-6 weeks to accomodate installation of new equipment. June 1: Deadline for studio reopening, with equipment purchased under the new franchise capital allocation installed. This tentative timetable has been announced to access volunteers at a public meeting held last Thursday, December 1. We have revised our schedule somewhat since this meeting, and these changes, along with a detailed summary of our temporary hours and facilities, will be distributed to volunteers later this week in our December access newsletter. One particular change has been to find quarters which will allow editing to continue throughout this interim period, intead of closing this function down as originally planned. In this, we were responding to a strongly expressed desire of volunteers at the meeting to be able to keep their ability to produce edited programs going without interruption. Please note that while we hope to adhere to this schedule as closely as possible, and meet the June 1 deadline, while minimizing any interruption in the availability of access facilities, we are subject to several constraints. These include: unforeseen delays in the construction process; delays in the review and approval process by the City for the equipment package; and equipment "quirks" or malfunctions, which our engineer assures us always occur during large-scale moves like this one. I will be presenting a request at the December 13 meeting to aprove this equipment package. I look forward to discussing all of these issues with you at that time. Sincerely, Michael Withiam General Manager CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 The following equipment package proposal has been developed in accordance with the $165,000 capital expenditure allocation agreed to under the 1988 Franchise between the City of Ithaca and ACC. This proposal has been developed by ACC after seeking input from the users of the community access studio, our access volunteers. Our methods of seeking input have included a public meeting in September as well as written and oral "wish lists" submitted by a number of interested volunteers over the past few months. This proposal must be approved by the City of Ithaca before it can be implemented. Once approved, it must then be sent out to bid. Equipment lists will be sent to qualified and authorized vendors for bidding. After the bidding and ordering process, the equipment will probably take 8 - 10 weeks to arrive, and then must be installed. The current deadline for the installation of equipment purchased under this allocation is June 1989. Please note that while specific brand names, model numbers and prices of individual items are not included in this proposal summary, due to the negotiations in the bidding process yet to come, we are committed to maintaining the current levels of quality in equipment. Also note that this proposal contains price estimates only. Actual prices will be affected by the bidding process and by the length of time that the approval process delays the finalization of the package. Prices usually rise at the turn of the year, and, as much of the equipment will be Japanese, the continuing fall of the dollar vis-a-vis the yen may be a factor as well. All of these factors may affect our buying power, and hence our ability to purchase all items listed in this proposal. Finally, note that sales tax and freight costs take about a 10% bite out of the total figure - in other words, to bring the plans in for $165,000, we must include about $15,000 just for tax and freight, leaving about $150,000 for equipment. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL • CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 FUNCTIONAL AREAS: 1. STUDIO BASICS 2. STUDIO CAMERAS 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT 7. VIEWING BOOTH 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT 1. STUDIO BASICS Function: Pg. 2 Basic amenities for the studio, to replace obsolete equipment or to resize equipment to the new facility, including: a new lighting grid, cycloramas, racks to mount equipment in, assorted test equipment and monitors, and a new audio console for the studio. New Lighting Grid, sized to new facility Curtain track, sized to new facility Black Cyclorama curtain Grey Cyclorama curtain (allows Chroma key effects) Rack mount units for studio console, 2 edit suite consoles, additional playback rack to incorporate bulletin board and SVHS playback. Assorted rack inserts. Test equipment: new synch/color bar generator to replace 11 year old unit; second waveform monitor. New studio "On -Air" monitor New Program, Preview & Source monitors ,for studio New audio board for studio (replaces 10 year old units) Add-on mixer for extra studio audio inputs Wiring, hardware, connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 33,115.41 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 2. STUDIO CAMERAS Function: Pg. 3 Replace current 1 -tube cameras with 3 -chip cameras. These do not burn (our largest problem with the current cameras, at about $2000 pertube replacement -including labor) and will yield a much enhanced image, as well as better resolution in lower light. They will enable our current Special Effects Generator to utilize its Chroma Key function (which a cyclorama in the basic studio package will also support). They are reported to be sturdy, low- maintenence cameras, and should serve as a high-quality yet damage -resistant core to our studio system. (3) 3 -chip camera packages includes cameras, Camera Control Units, lens packages, remote cables, CCU rack mounts, studio viewfinders, camera cables. TOTAL (EST.): $ 30,435.00 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE Function: We have 2 main functions to consider here (other than the audio board, which has been included in the Basic Studio Package). The first is adding the capability to mix or wipe between 2 banks of VCR's. This will require: .• . Routing Switcher .▪ . Time Base Corrector The second is to replace our current consumer grade VHS VCR with an industrial.grade SVHS VCR, supporting the addition of SVHS units in other areas of this proposal. Industrial Grade SVHS VCR,' Rack Mount and Remote Control Cables, connectors and hardware One more addition is a delay for the phone line, making it easier to screen out obsene callers on live call=in programs. .. Phone delay system TOTAL (EST.): $ 11,605.00 •3 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE Pg. 4 Function: Upgrade existing edit suite to include the capability to edit from SVHS or VHS source material as well as 3/4" source material. Add disk drive capability to character generator to eliminate edit time lost replicating repeating program titles. .▪ . ▪ Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and rack mount ▪ Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks ▪ Routing Switcher and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ Knox K-100 Expansion Option C Disk Drive includes disk drive, memory, font expansion & random access programming .▪ . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount ▪ Cables, hardware and connectors G s TOTAL (EST.): $ 8645.00 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE Function: Increase available editing time. Support SVHS, VHS or 3/4" source material to 3/4" program master. Package intended to match existing edit suite as closely as possible, to aid in volunteer training and maintenence functions (spare parts). .▪ . Basic 3/4" edit package Source VCR, Record VCR, Edit Controller, 2 Connector Cables, 1 Dub Cable .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Character Generator .• . ▪ B/W 9" Monitor (CG Status) .• . ▪ Knox K100B Option C Disk Drive .• . • Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .• . ▪ (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . • Routing Switcher .▪ . ▪ (2) Audio Monitors .▪ . ▪ Time Base Corrector .• . ▪ Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .• . • Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .• . • Parametric EQ and AC Adapter .. Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 32,759.95 r f CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT Function: Pg. 5 U -Matic Portable Kits: Our current portable cameras, the 2 Sony 1800 series cameras, are nearly ready to be retired. With our studio cameras replaced, we have 3 Sony 1820s with several years life in them to work with here as replacements. We also may have another option in 3 Sony 1820's in ACC's news department: these have already been replaced by other cameras in their system, and we might aquire them for access at a lower cost than new cameras. (Actually, one of CNC7's cameras has been in use as an access studio camera for many months). With this in mind, we have proposed recycling these 6 system -wide 1820's as follows: 2 to. replace our current portable cameras, 2 for a portable studio unit (section 9, below) and 2 to serve as spares for both of these systems. 2 of these cameras have repair costs associated with them to bring them on line (in particular 1 tube replacement), but this would still be the most efficient use of system resources, and the best way to maximize our overall purchasing power. Add SVHS chip camcorders. This addresses 2 major demands of users: fear of burning camera tubes, and difficulty of managing the heavier 3/4" portable kits. After researching the market, we have selected a unit which has some metal base elements and is relatively sturdy. Nevertheless, these will be more problematic to have repaired than the professional equipment we've been using. We have therfore included several spares in the package. The number of units also reflects the anticipated increased demand for portable equipment with these units. .▪ . (6) Industrial Grade SVHS Camcorders 4 equipped with batteries, AC adapters, tripods and cases .• . Portable Light Kit (with 3 individual lights) .▪ . (3) Hand-held mics .• . (2) Laveliere mics .. Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 14,280..00 7. VIEWING BOOTH Justification: Provide tape viewing and logging capability in SVHS and 3/4". This will save wear and tear on the edit suites, as well as making more editing hours available for actual editing. The tape logging/viewing booth will be placed in the conference 0 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 Pg. 6 7. VIEWING BOOTH (CONTINUED) room/lounge, and enable production crews to preview or review program material during production meetings. Industrial Grade SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 1,200.00 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE Justification: Add SVHS playback capability, supporting the integration of SVHS elsewhere in the system. Changeover to Fortel Time Base Corrector, making all access units completely uniform. Current playback TBC would go into engineering support, to replace units undergoing repair when needed. Upgrade Community Bulletin Board from 16 to 64 pages. .▪ . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .• . (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . Time Base Corrector .• . Knox K40 Expansion TOTAL (EST.): $ 10,203.00 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT Function: Provide the capability to set up a 2 -camera studio in the field. The system should be capable of being moved by 2 people, and loaded into any mid-size automobile. The system should make possible multi -camera coverage of City Hall meetings (a specific franchise requirement), either live or taped. The system should also support the overall equipment package. Under this package, we will be replacing our current studio cameras with new cameras. This proposal moves 2 of these displaced studio cameras into this portable .configuration. In addition to saving the cost of new cameras, we would also save the cost of camera control units, 50' camera cables, remote focus and zoom attachments, studio viewfinders and portable cases for each camera. For recording, we have selected an SVHS record unit, on the grounds that this is likely to meet the needs of the most users. � ` J CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT (CONTINUED) .▪ . (2) Tripods, with Heads, Handgrips and Dollys .• . Triple B/W 9" Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . (2) Color 9" Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . Audio Mixer .• . Special Effects Generator .▪ . Audio Monitor .• . (2) mics .▪ . (2) Lavelieres .▪ . (2) Portable Road Cases .▪ . (3) Headset walkie-talkie/intercoms .▪ . Cables, hardware and connectors .▪ . Industrial Grade Recording SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 12,550.00 Pg. 7 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT TOTAL: $154,793 ESTIMATED TOTAL INCLUDING TAX (7%) AND FREIGHT (37): $170,272 Green. Street Retail Space (Four Seasons) PLAyBAcX 1 TAPE STOFF. PPAK J77/?AE --f • EDIT 1. • ED/T .2 1 S 7 Up /0 35"1' CONTROL zz OFF/CE ;.4 r flEN LOBBY J Ftc: C ONEA O///6E. Floor Plan for New Community Access Studio at 621 West Green Street CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 The following equipment package proposal has been developed in' accordance with the $165,000 capital expenditure allocation agreed to under the 1988 Franchise between the City of Ithaca and ACC. This proposal has been developed by ACC after seeking input from the users of the community access studio, our access volunteers. Our methods of seeking input have included a public meeting in September as well as written and oral "wish lists" submitted by a number of interested volunteers over the past few months. This proposal must be approved by the City of Ithaca before it can be implemented. Once approved, it must then be sent out to bid. Equipment lists will be sent to qualified and authorized vendors for bidding. After the bidding and ordering process, the equipment will probably take 8 - 10 weeks to arrive, and then must be installed. The current deadline for the installation of equipment purchased under this allocation is June 1989. Please note that while specific brand names, model numbers and prices of individual items are not included in this proposal summary, due to the negotiations in the bidding process yet to come, we are committed to maintaining the current levels of quality in equipment. Also note that this proposal contains price estimates only. Actual prices will be affected by the bidding process and by the length of time that the approval process delays the finalization of the package. Prices usually rise at the turn of the year, and, as much of the equipment will be Japanese, the continuing fall of the dollar vis-a-vis the yen may be a factor as well. All of these factors may affect our buying power, and hence our ability to purchase all items listed in this proposal. Finally, note that sales tax and freight costs take about a;107 bite out of the total figure - in other words, to bring the plans in for $165,000, we must include about $15,000 just for tax and freight, leaving about $150,000 for equipment. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft,. 12/1/88 FUNCTIONAL AREAS: 1. STUDIO BASICS 2. STUDIO CAMERAS 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT 7. VIEWING BOOTH 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT 1. STUDIO BASICS Pg. 2 Function: Basic amenities for the studio, 'to replace obsolete equipment or to resize equipment to the new facility, including: a new lighting grid, cycloramas, racks to mount equipment in, assorted test equipment and monitors, and a new audio console for the studio. New Lighting Grid, 'zed to new facility Curtain track, sized to new facility Black Cyclorama curtain Grey Cyclorama curtain (allows Chroma key effects) Rack mount units for studio console, 2 edit suite consoles, additional playback rack to incorporate bulletin board and SVHS playback. . Assorted rack inserts. Test equipment: new synch/color bar generator to replace 11 year old unit; second waveform monitor. New studio "On -Air" monitor. New Program, Preview & Source monitors for studio New audio board for studio (replaces 10 year old units) Add-on mixer for extra studio audio inputs Wiring, hardware, connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 33,115.41 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 2. STUDIO CAMERAS Pg. 3 Function: Replace current 1 -tube cameras with 3 -chip cameras. These do not burn (our largest problem with the current cameras, at about $2000 per tube replacement -including labor) and will yield a much enhanced image, as well as better resolution in lower light. They will enable our current Special Effects Generator to utilize its Chroma Key function (which a cyclorama in the basic studio package will also support). They are reported to be sturdy, low- maintenence cameras, and should serve as a high-quality yet damage -resistant core to our studio system. (3) 3 -chip camera packages includes cameras, Camera Control Units, lens packages, remote cables, CCU rack mounts, studio viewfinders, camera cables. TOTAL (EST.): $ 30,435.00 3. CONTROL ROOM UPGRADE Function: We have 2 main functions to consider here (other than the audio board, which has been included in the Basic Studio Package). The first is adding the capability to mix or wipe between 2 banks of VCR's. This will require: O . .. Routing Switcher .▪ . Time Base Corrector The second is to replace our current consumer grade VHS VCR with an industrial. grade SVHS VCR, supporting the addition of SVHS units in other areas of this proposal. .• . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR,. Rack Mount and Remote Control .▪ . Cables, connectors and hardware One more addition is a delay for the phone line, making it easier to screen out obsene callers on live call-in programs. :: Phone delay system TOTAL (EST.): $ 11,605.00 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 4. EXISTING EDIT SUITE UPGRADE Function: Pg. 4 Upgrade existing edit suite to include the capability to edit from SVHS or VHS source material as well as 3/4" source material. Add disk drive capability to character generator to eliminate edit time lost replicating repeating program titles. .• . • Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and rack mount .▪ . • Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .▪ . ▪ Routing Switcher and Rack Mount .. Knox .K=100Expansion Option C Disk. Drive includes disk drive, memory, font expansion & random access programming .▪ . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . • Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 8645.00 5. SECOND EDIT SUITE Function: Increase available editing time. Support SVHS, VHS or 3/4" source material to 3/4" program master. Package intended to match existing edit suite as closely as possible, to aid in volunteer training and maintenence functions (spare parts). .• . ▪ Basic 3/4" edit package Source VCR, Record VCR, Edit Controller, 2 Connector Cables, 1 Dub Cable .▪ . ▪ Knox K100B Character Generator .• . ▪ B/W 9" Monitor (CG Status) .▪ . •▪ Knox K100B Option C Disk Drive .▪ . ▪ Waveform Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . ▪ Routing Switcher .• . ▪ (2) Audio Monitors .▪ . ▪ Time Base Corrector .▪ . ▪ Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount .• . ▪ Interface between SVHS and U -Matic decks .▪ . ▪ Parametric EQ and AC Adapter .▪ . ▪ Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 32,759.95 i CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 Pg. 5 6. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT Function: U -Matic Portable Kits: Our current portable cameras, the 2 Sony 1800 series cameras, are nearly ready to be retired. With our studio cameras replaced, we have 3 Sony 1820s with several years life in them to work with here as replacements. We also may have another option in 3 Sony 1820's in ACC's news department: these have already been replaced by other cameras in their system, and we might aquire them for access at a lower cost than new cameras. (Actually, one of CNC7's cameras has been in use as an access studio camera for many months). With this in mind, we have proposed recycling these 6 system -wide 1820's as follows: 2 to replace our current portable cameras, 2 for a portable studio unit (section 9, below) and 2 to serve as spares for both of these systems. 2 of these cameras have repair costs associated with them to bring them on line (in particular 1 tube replacement), but this would still be the most efficient use of system resources, and the best way to maximize our overall purchasing power. Add SVHS chip camcorders. This addresses 2 major demands of users: fear of burning camera tubes, and difficulty of managing the heavier 3/4" portable kits. After researching the market, we have selected a unit which has some metal base elements and is relatively sturdy. Nevertheless, these will be more problematic to have repaired than the professional equipment we've been using. We have therfore included several spares in the package. The number of units also reflects the anticipated increased demand for portable equipment with these units. (6) Industrial Grade SVHS Camcorders 4 equipped with batteries, AC adapters, tripods and cases Portable Light Kit (with 3 individual lights) (3) Hand-held mics (2) Laveliere mics Cables, hardware and connectors TOTAL (EST.): $ 14,280.00 7. VIEWING BOOTH Justification: Provide tape viewing and logging capability in SVHS and 3/4". This will save wear and tear on the edit suites, as well as making more editing hours available for actual editing. The tape logging/viewing booth will be placed in the conference CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 Pg. 6 7. VIEWING BOOTH (CONTINUED) room/lounge, and enable production crews to preview or review program material during production meetings. :: Industrial Grade SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 1,200.00 8. PLAYBACK UNIT UPGRADE Justification: Add SVHS playback capability, supporting the integration of SVHS elsewhere in the system. Changeover to Fortel Time Base Corrector, making all access units completely uniform. Current playback TBC would go. into engineering support, to replace units undergoing repair when needed. Upgrade Community Bulletin Board from 16 to 64 pages. .▪ . Industrial Grade SVHS VCR and Rack Mount ▪ (2) 9" Color Monitors and Rack Mount .▪ . Time Base Corrector .▪ . Knox K40 Expansion TOTAL (EST.): $ 10,203.00 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT Function: Provide the capability to set up a 2 -camera studio in the field. The system should be capable of being moved by 2 people, and loaded into any mid-size automobile. The system should make possible multi -camera coverage of City Hall meetings (a specific franchise requirement),. either live or taped. The system should also support the overall equipment .package.. Under this package, we will be replacing our current studio cameras with new cameras. This proposal moves 2 of these displaced studio cameras. into this portable configuration. In addition to saving the cost of new cameras, we would also save the cost of camera control units, 50' camera cables, remote focus and zoom attachments, studio viewfinders and portable cases for each camera. For recording, we have selected an SVHS record unit, on the grounds that this is likely to meet the needs of the most users. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROPOSAL CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Draft, 12/1/88 9. PORTABLE STUDIO UNIT (CONTINUED) .• . (2) Tripods, with Heads, Handgrips and Dollys .• . Triple B/W 9" Monitor and Rack Mount .▪ . (2) Color 9" Monitors and Rack Mount .• . Audio Mixer .• . Special Effects Generator .▪ .. Audio Monitor .▪ . (2) mics O 0 (2) Lavelieres .▪ . (2) Portable Road Cases .▪ . (3) Headset walkie-talkie/intercoms .• . Cables, hardware and connectors .• . Industrial Grade Recording SVHS VCR TOTAL (EST.): $ 12,550.00 Pg. 7 PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT TOTAL: $154,793 ESTIMATED TOTAL INCLUDING TAX (7%) AND FREIGHT (37): $170,272 November 1988 s'c********************************* "THEY'RE HE -ERE": CABLE 13 CLOSING FOR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION * 'c******************************** Well, happen! it's finally going to The Community Access Studio will be closing on December 5, due to a long-awaited building reconstruc- tion project. The construction workers you've seen over the past months will finally be reaching our end of the 519 building. All production reservations except those for portable equipment will be cancelled starting December 5, and lasting tentatively through January 15, as our equipment will he packed up and moved into temporary storage to allow for construction work to take place. Cablecasting will be continued -- until—the—week of December 26, when this equipment will also be shut down for the move. For a number of regular producers, this may mean a temporary hiatus for their programs, as studio and editing time will be unavailable. We will be able to play reruns over this break, or you might choose to shoot your show on a porta-pak, and have us run the tapes "as is". (Back to the fun technology of credits on art cards!) Please let access staff know how you would like your series handled over this 3 week period. Now for the good news: ********************************** PUBLIC MEETING ON COMMUNITY ACCESS THURSDAY, 12/1 6: DO PM _ at the Community Access Studio, 519, West State Street ********************************** An open public meeting for volunteers and interested members of the general public. ACC General Manager Mike Withiam, access staff and Engineer Joe Powers will present: * the timetable for the reconstruction of the access facility * the construction plan for the renovated facility * a capital expenditure proposal for 1989 for access, in accordance with -The Ithaca- Franchise thacaFranchise agreement. This will be the first public "unveiling" of the reconstruction design for our facility, as well as the first opportunity to see how far the Franchise -allocated capital dollars might go towards improving our equipment capabili. ties. (continued on Page 2) n for Tompkins Coy 2 (Meeting, continued from Page 1) Suggestions, ideas and "wish lists" from volunteers over the past year have formed the basis for both the construction and equipment plans. The building plan will follow the functional areas set out in July (published in the July issue of CABLE 13 News). The equipment proposal incorpor- ates as many volunteer suggestions - many stemming from the public meeting in September, as we could squish in. We hope you will find it an exciting package, one which will address many current concerns, and improve the quality of community access productions in the future. Come and get the latest scoop on the coming changes to the community access studio! Take this opportunity to review the proposal for equipment spending! We will need a lot of assistance from everyone in the coming months to help us through this, the most massive reconfiguration and upgrade in our short history. Published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 Editor/Writor: Lauren Stefanelli Contributor: Bryan Van Campen If you would like to be added to our mailing list, or would like to submit access notices, write to us at the above address, or call us at: 272-7272. VOLUNTEER AWARDS & HONORS, ** The Tompkins County Human Rights Commission's October Human Rights Award was given to access producer Gossa Tsegaye, in recognition of his locally - produced video documentaries. Congratulations, Gossa, on an award very well earned! ** Persistence can pay off when trying to find some regional distribution for your, work,as community access producer Frances McKenzie has -shown. Her- program, -- Gentle Giants, about work horses at a country auction, has been selected by 2 different regional organizations for screening! Rochester, New York's Visual Studies Workshop selected it for a collection of access works entitled "No -TV" which they produce regularly for Rochester's local origination channel. The program will be included in a version to be sent out for regional distribution as well. Gentle Giants was also selected by the Public Library in Olean, New York for it's "Rural Images" collection. Frances' newest video Slug Fest, featuring hunters warml.ng up at .the Newfield -Rifle Range.,_ will he cablecast on December 2, at 9:15 and 10:30pm. She is also hard at work on her documentary about her belly - dancing troupe, a project being funded in part by the United Arts Fund. She says that she and her son Kevin, another access producer, are racing each other to see who can finish their project first. Kevin is hard at work on a science fiction epic. r,' CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS ON CABLE 13 We will be having quite a bit of seasonal programming this year. In particular, concerts by the Cayuga Chimes, the Siena Singers and some members of the Whiton Chorale, plus the ballet, The Nutcracker. Check your Ithaca Journal TV Preview for dates and times. NEW ACCESS SERIES Two new access series have started cablecasting in November. Videoactive, co-produced by Damon Furberg and Bill McCormick, running Saturdays -at_ .6pm,.____proves. that there are a lot of high school, kids out there dying to participate by phone on a live teen comedy show. Watchwords, produced by Gene Ira Katz, and featuring Surinder S. Sidhu, is a "lecture program dealing with an Eastern approach to religion." Philosophy combined with artistic visual effects. 3 NYSCAN PROGRAMMING • Several volunteers asked about the possibility of getting NYSCAN programming from Albany to run on CABLE 13. After speaking with people from the NYS Office of Rural Affairs and NYS Commission on Cable Television, I have been told that, contrary to what was hoped, there is no satellite transmission of this programming which we could record "off the bird." They would have to send us U -Matic tapes, and they say that they are very ill-equipped for such an undertaking on any kind of _large scale. They will, however, be sending us regular listings of programming they could make available to us, which we could then request when there was one of interest to people in this area. For those of you who are interested in NYSCAN programming, contact the access office and we will make available these listings as they arrive. Phil ("Bound for Glory") Shapiro and Cathy Pargar in Bill Chapp's 1988 production of the folk music series Whiskey Hill. Featuring the most amazing prop anyone has ever (OK, leaving the 6' Conway Twitty out of this) brought down for a studio shoot. An actual, real live fireplace! CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS TELEVISION CENTER American Community Cablevision Ithaca, NY Policies and Procedures Revised October 1988 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 5 4. Parking 5 VIII. The Production Process and Procedures 1. Pre -Production Planning 6 2. Production Crew 6 3. Reserving Production Time 7 4. Producer Responsibilities During Facility Use 9 5. Project Completion Requirements 10 6. Violations of Production Responsibilities 11 7. Producer Liability 12 8. Reserving Cablecasting Time 13 9. Producer Responsibilities for Program Cablecasting 14 10. Program Series Reservations 14 11. Program Ownership and Distribution Rights 15 12. Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 15 IX. Program Requirements 1. Technical Requirements 16 2. Playback Standards 16 3. Content Restrictions 17 X. Videotape Policies 1. Use of CABLE 13 Tapes for Access Productions 2. Videotape Dubbing 18 18 XI. The Community Bulletin Board 19 XII. Appendix 1. 1988 Cable Franchise, ACC and City of Ithaca, Section 14 2. Production Request Form 3. Cablecasting Request Form 4. Series Production/Cablecasting Request Form 5. Extended Program Completion Contract 1 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 (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 area (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 for all equipment to be used and be certified by ACC's training staff. 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 and audio cassette deck. 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. Certification for each area requires, in addition to attending the classes for that area, completing a short project or demonstrating competency on equipment to access staff. See training syllabus for complete details. VI.4 Certification as a Producer Certification as a producer at CABLE 13 enables a volunteer to schedule production time toproduce 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. Although a producer usually will have other crewmembers helping operate cameras, directing, etc., producers still need to be certified in 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 12 noon to 10 p.m. and SATURDAY 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ACC may change these hours as necessary. CABLE 13 will be closed during national and company holidays. VII.2 General Building Rules 1. No smoking in the building. 2. No alcoholic beverages on the premises. 3. Safeguard company property and services. 4. Cooperate with, and respect the rights of ACC/ATC employees and other individuals on company property. Disorderly conduct which appears to CABLE 13 staff to disrupt the working environment for staff or other facility users will be cause for eviction from the premises. VII.3 Production Areas 1. No food or drink is permitted in any of the production areas. 2. Leave the studio and equipment in the same condition as you found it. 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. 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. 5. Work in a manner that assures the safety of everyone on the premises, and the safety of all CABLE 13 equipment. Disorderly conduct which appears to CABLE 13 staff to endanger equipment or other persons will be cause for immediate eviction from the premises. VII.4 Parking **********ADD NEW PARKING INFO FOR GREEN ST. BLDG HERE***** Parking in the 519 parking lot is for ACC vehicles only. CAF LE 13 Policies and Procedures VIII. THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND PROCEDURES VIII.1 Pre -Production Planning Pg. 6 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. 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. 2. Pre -production consultations with CABLE 13 staff are required for first-time producers and for producers working under an Extended .Video Completion Contract (see Section VIII.5, below). For other productions, staff consultations are optional. VIII.2 Production Crew 1. Producers are responsible for organizing their own crews. 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. 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. 4. Minimum Crew Sizes: 2 people for 3/4" portable kit work. 1 person for camcorders. For studio shooting 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. Average crew size is 4 - 6 persons. 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 Pg. 7 VIII.3 Reserving Production Time 1. Use of Production Facilities: Facility time may be signed out for production of a program intended to be cablecast on the community access channel only. Any other use of the access production facilities, including, but not limited to, production of material intended for commercial use or distribution, or production of "home videos" not intended for cablecast, is expressly forbidden during the access facilities' normal operating hours and may result in a loss of access privileges and/or a charge for all production facilities so used. (See Sec. VIII.6) 2. Who May Sign Out Facility Time: The access facilities may be signed out, without charge, by any certified access producer. For certification requirements, see the CABLE 13 Training Manual. Facilities may also be signed out, under conditions outlined in the Training Manual, by CABLE 13 volunteer trainees seeking additional practice time on equipment. However, priority will be given to volunteers producing programming for CABLE 13. 3. Allocation of Production Time: Access production facilities time will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. 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). 5. Reservation Procedure: Production reservations may be made during hours of operation of the center. Production reservations may be made no more than 3 calender months in advance. To reserve studio, editing, viewing deck, porta-pak or dubbing facilities you must: - submit your request on the proper form (available at access office), completed and signed - add your reservation to appropriate schedule calender (instructions at access office) CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 8 VIII.3.6 Valid Production Request Form: Please note that properly completed facility request forms are essential to insure a production facility reservation. Your signature on the form means that you are taking responsibility for the facilities while you are using them. The sign -out date insures that we can fairly apply the "first-come first-served" rule in the event of a conflict. The name of the project lets us know that you are working on a specific program targeted for community access cablecast. The project completion date lets us know if you are on schedule and helps avoid having individuals involved in endless shooting and editing without producing a program for cablecast. The date and time of the reservation and which facilities you will need should be rather obvious, but they are not infrequently forgotten. So look over your request form after you've filled it out! Incomplete forms will render your reservation invalid. 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. 8. Transferring Production Time: Production reservations are not transferrable to other producers. Giving your editing time to a friend thwarts the idea of "first come, first served." 9. Cancellation of Production Reservations: A minimum of 24 hours notice must be given for any cancellation of a production reservation. A message on the access office answering machine is sufficient means of notification. Failure to arrive or call within 15 minutes of reservation time cancels a reservation and is considered a "blowoff" (See Sec. VIII.6, below). The production time will be made available to any producers waiting for stand-by time. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 9 VIII.4 Producer Responsibilities During Facility Use 1. All producers must sign appropriate forms accepting responsibility for damage to CABLE 13 equipment or facilities. Producers are responsible for any damage caused by their crew. 2. Producers are responsible for making sure that there are sufficient crewpersons for their production - at least the mimimum crew requirements set out in Sec. VIII.2. 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. 4. Producersare 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). 5. Producers are responsible for obtaining all legal releases for persons and copyrighted material used in their programs. 6. Producers must be present during their production reservation periods. No crew will be permitted to use the facilities unless the producer is present. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 10 VIII.5 Project Completion Requirements 1. 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. VIII.6.1 and X.1) 2. The default completion deadline is 30 days from the first production time reservation. 3. 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. 11 VIII.6 Violations of Production Responsibilities 1. Violation of Facility Use Requirements: 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, above). Rates for use of CABLE 13 facilities under these conditions: Studio: $110/hour Editing: $100/hour 3/4" Portable: $ 25/hour SVHS Portable: $ 50/day Payment will be due under the terms of VIII.7.4, below. 2. "Blowoffs" of Reserved Production Time Cancellation of a reserved production time -slot without at least 24 hours notice is considered a "blowoff" of a production reservation. Blowoffs will be penalized as follows: -First Time: a written warning will be given to the producer. -Second Time in any 6 month period: All other production reservatons by producer for the 2 week period following the second blowoff will be cancelled. The producer may schedule production time on a stand-by basis only (24 hours ahead or less) for that 2 week penalty period. A written notice will be sent to the producer explaining the terms of the penalty. Third Time in any 6 month period: All other production reservations by producer for the 3 month period following the third blowoff will be cancelled. The producer may schedule production time on a stand-by basis only for that 3 month penalty period. A written notice will be sent to the producer explaining the terms of the penalty. 3. Other Production Use Violations Violations of other building rules, production area rules (Sec. VII), or other producer responsibilities (Sec. VIII.4) will be penalized as follows: CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 12 First Time: A written warning will be given to the volunteer, explaining the violation. Second Time in any 6 Month Period: All production privileges, including other facility reservations, will be cancelled for a period of 2 weeks following the violation. A written notice will be sent to the volunteer explaining the terms of the penalty. Third Time in any 6 month period: All production privileges, including other facility reservations, will be cancelled for a period of 3 months following the violation. A written notice will be sent to the producer explaining the terms of the penalty. VIII.? Producer Liability 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 four 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 i 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. 1. 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. 2. The annual fee amounts are subject to increase along with increases in the Consumer Price Index. 3. 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. 4. 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. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 13 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 remains unpaid and the producer has not obtained agreement on an extended payment plan within the 30 days following the receipt of a bill for damage, all rights to the use of CABLE 13 production and cablecasting facilities will be suspended until such time as the bill is paid. VIII.8 Reserving Cablecasting Time 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. 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 at the program producer's request but may be reshown at ACC's discretion. Producers may request one (1) re -run of their program subject to the following criteria: new programs (premieres) take priority over repeat programming; locally produced programs take priority to programs produced outside the ACC 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 P11 and 8:00 PM shall be reserved for the use of the State of New York government access when requested. 3. Cablecasting reservation procedure Cablecasting time may be reserved by submitting the proper reservation form (Appendix XII.3 and XII.4) 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. In the event that the program is not played when scheduled, ACC will reschedule the program. 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. 4. Programs with adult themes., language or images: Programs classified as "adult" will be eligible to be cablecast after 10:00 pm only on CABLE 13 cablecasting evenings. See Sec. IX.3 for details on definition of "adult." CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 14 VIII.9 Producer Responsibilities for Program Cablecasting 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.3), or to have programs which may include "obscene" material 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. 2. Responsibility for Meeting Program Standards The producer is responsible for making sure that the finished program meet's CABLE 13 program standards, as outlined in Sec. IX.1 and IX.2. VIII.10 Program Series Reservations 1. Production and cablecasting times may be reserved on a monthly or quarterly basis for a program series, provided the producer has demonstrated an ability to complete the planned series of programs. Eligibility requires either: 1) that the producer has produced a regular series of programs at CABLE 13 previously, or 2) the completion and cablecasting of a pilot program. 2. 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. 3. Series programs are subject to the same program requirements as individual programs (See Sec. IX). 4. Failure to deliver a program for cablecasting on 2 successive occasions when it has been scheduled to be shown will result in cancellation of the series, and 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. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 15 VIII.10.5 Series producers in good standing have first option to renew their series production and cablecasting reservations at the start of each calendar quarter. VIII.11 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: 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. 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. 3. Producers may not distribute the program for a period of one (1) year from its initial cablecasting date without the express written permission of ACC. This includes submitting the program for contests, festivals, grant proposals, and job applications, or for showing on other access or broadcast channels or any other screening location. Producers desiring to distribute their program in any form within the one year period may make a written request to CABLE 13, stating where and when they would like to have the program shown. CABLE 13 staff will attempt to respond to such requests as quickly as possible. VIII.12 Cablecasting Programs not Produced at CABLE 13 Persons or organizations wishing to submit completed programs for cablecasting on the access channel must: 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. 2. Complete a cablecasting request form. 3. Observe cablecasting procedures and responsibilities (See Sec. VIII.8 and VIII.9) as well as program requirements (See Sec. IX, below). Locally -produced programming has priority in scheduling over non -locally -produced programming. 4. Provide information for a tag at the beginning and end of the program stating the local sponsor for the program. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures IX. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS IX.1 Technical Standards Pg. 16 In order to insure the quality of CABLE 13's cablecasting signal, programs must meet the following minimum technical standards: 1. 3/4" U -Matic, S -VHS and VHS video formats will be accepted for cablecasting. 2. Video signal errors must be correctable by CABLE 13 Time Base Correctors. 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. 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: 1. Programs must be preceded by: - at least 30 seconds of color bars - a ten second countdown - 1 second of video black 2. Programs should be followed by: - at least 60 seconds of video black 3. Programs should 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 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. 5. 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. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 17 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.2.6. Tape format: ACC provides 3/4 -inch U-matic and 1/2" SVHS equipment and recommends that all production work for CABLE 13 be completed in these formats. VHS tapes intended for cablecasting must be recorded at standard speed. 7. 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 at the end of the program: Produced at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio of American Community Cablevision, Ithaca, NY IX.3 Content Restrictions In accordance with national, state and local regulations, ACC will not • exercise editorial control of program content on CABLE 13 in any way, except when a program: 1. contains commercial material, including programs which: - promote a commercial product or company - endorse a political candidate - offer lotteries or other games of chance 2. is obscene The first restriction reflects requirements of ACC's Franchise and New York State Cable Commission regulations that public access programming be non-commercial in nature. The last restriction relates to the fact that obscene material is not a protected form of free speech under the Constitution. Cable companies are specifically permitted under the 1984 Cable Communications Act to restrict programming which is obscene. ACC may review programs before cablecasting. ACC reserves the right to cablecast programs judged as "non -family viewing" after 10 pm, 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. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 18 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: 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 one time. 2. Tapes will be issued with Project Code letters for each producer, and kept on a Project Hold Shelf, to aid in tape organization. 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. 4. Videotape recycling: 1. Raw footage will not be held past the project completion deadline. (See Sec. VIII.5, above) 2. Finished programs will be held no more than 30 days after cablecasting. 3. Tapes will be erased 30 days after these deadlines without notice, except for tapes being used for a continuing program series:. X.2 Videotape Dubbing 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. 2. 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 he made without the express permission of the producer. CABLE 13 Policies and Procedures Pg. 19 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 Board depends 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 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 CABLE 13 NEWS Volume 1, No. 3 September 1988 VOLUNTEER=OF=THE-MONTH In the interest of giving access volunteers the chance to get to know each other's work - and to get to know each other - a little better, we are starting a series of "Volunteer -of -the -Month" Video Festival nights at CABLE 13. Each will be held on a publicized Saturday evening. When possible, we will include comments by the producer on his work during the cablecast and/or in a feature article in this newsletter. September's Volunteer=of-the=Month is Gossa Tsegaye. On Saturday night, September 17, starting at 7 pm, we will be screening a selected number of Gossa's documentaries. Gossa himself will provide some behind -the -scenes insights before and after each program. This is your opportunity to get an in-depth look at the work of an important local producer. One "Gossavision" production which will not be shown at this retrospective screening is Gossa's newest piece: Streetwheelers. This program will be premiering on September 12th on CABLE 13, as part of the Tompkins County Library's fall cable offerings. Gossa has assured us that this is a program not to be missed,! ACCESS VOLUNTEER-OF=THE-MONTH GOSSA TSEGAYE Gossa Tsegaye - "Gossavision" to his friends - is one of themost respected members of �Ithaca's public access community. He has been involved in community access since its inception in Ithaca in 1976, and served as its first paid coordinator from 1978 1979. He has an impressive string of finely crafted documentaries to his credit, which have earned him 7 local Awards for Cablecasting Excellence (A.C.E.). Over the years, he has volunteered his time and talents in a multitude of productions. a theme running through all of Gossa's programs has been to examine social and political issues of importance to Tompkins County residents. In 1977, he produced Ithaca's first televised mayoral: --debate ori - Channel 13. He continued producing debate programs with Ithaca's mayoral candidates through 1985. In 1984, he produced a year-long series of programs with Mayor John Gutenberger called the Mayor's Report. In 1978-79, he . produced a magazine -style program dealing with local issues called Window on Ithaca, with Bill "Voice of Cornell" Lydell serving as host. "Television j r Torn (Continued on Page 2) k n.s C G 1�gg' 99 fl� 2 (Gossa, from Page 1) But —TE—Is for his documentaries that Gossa has become most noted in recent years. Some of the topics he has examined critically in this format include: problems facing farmers in Tompkins County; life in Ithaca's West End neighborhood before its strangulation by the Octopus; the troubled relations between Ithaca's Black community and its police department; asbestos contamination in the public library; and safety problems in area gorges (produced after the tragic deaths of a student and a rescue worker in a gorge in Buttermilk Park). Since 1985, Gossa has produced his documentaries through the facilities of the Tompkins County Library, working in partnership with Terry Harbin, the Library's videographer/producer. As Terry jokingly expressed their relationship, Gossa "Visionizes" a program (produces and directs), while Terry "Terrorizes" it (does camerawork and editing). Many of Gossa's programs aim at giving a particular segment of Tompkins County's people a voice, a communication channel to the rest of us via public access. Whether it is local farmers or local punks, Ithaca's Black community or its skateboarders, Gossa's bringing their voices very straightforward:i bility. The producer's responsibility to the story to his viewers should be very clear to both the subjects he interviews as well as to audiences, Gossa insists. The credibility and trust he has built up in our community over the years with his programs Gossa sees as some of the major rewards for his efforts, and he speaks teen -aged recipe for across is responsi- sense of and proudly of times when people have approached- him on the street to discuss one of his shows. There are no monetary rewards in a public access production, but other forms of "It's your show, your creativity," there are compensation. your idea, Gossa says. "This is Hollywood for me," he continues, when asked whether he plans to move on to a larger professional arena. "After 18 years, I can do anything I want right here." Eighteen years is the length of time that Gossa has lived in this area. Born in Ethiopia, he he moved here in 1970, graduated from Ithaca High School, and went on to obtain a B.S. in Radio and Television from Ithaca College in 1976. In 1984 he completed a Masters of Professional Studies in Communications from Cornell University. His Master's Thesis dealt with community access in Ithaca. (It's on file in the access office, for any of you who might like to read it). The key to Gossa's productiveness is discipline. Tie has only 1 dny off per week from his job managing a local supermarket. This he devotes to TV production. Although he doesn't always meet his self-imposed quotas-, he makes - plans to complete 4 productions per year, and is always thinking 1 or 2 projects ahead. Two projects on Gossa's drawing board are a program on the homeless in Ithaca, and another on the Southside community: "the invisible Ithacans." Further along Gossa's planning horizon is a documentary which would allow him to take his skills back to the country of his birth: Ethiopia: beyond the Famine. (Continued on Page 3) (Continued from Pg. 2) Another future dream is to produce a movie - a full dramatic treatment of a serious subject. "Hollywood used to be here," he muses. "How about recreating Hollywood?" Gossa's advice to beginning documentary videomakers? "Don't quit! When your camera breaks down, when the tape is twisted and jammed - don't take it as a sign of failure. Go on! there is a need in this community for communication. To do a documentary is a form of access aerobics!" - How long does Gossa himself plan to continue this form of exercise? "Till the man upstairs says, 'Fade to black! " he laughs. PAST "GOSSAVISION" PRODUCTIONS 1) MINING AND MINDING SALT (1981) on the Cargill Salt Mine. 2) CHAPTER AND PAGES: Asbestos in Our Public Library (1983) 3) THE TORTOISE (1983) The story of a local epiliptic runner. 4) PUNCHING FOR THE GLORY (1984) Boxing at G.I.A.C. 5) ANSWERING THE CALL (1984) Volunteer firemen in Lansing. 6) THE BURNING WALL (1986) The phenomenon of punks in Ithaca. 7) THE SEEDLESS DREAM (1987) Tompkins County farmers. 8) SAFETY IN THE GORGES (1987) Problems of safety vs. freedom of movement and unobstructed beauty in our local parks. 9) THE DIVIDING LINE (1988) A look at Ithaca's West End neighborhood during the 1930s -- 1950s. 10) STREETWHEELERS (1988) Ithaca's skateboarding teens. EDITING TIPS by Bryan Van Campen If you consider yourself an access veteran, or you've just finished the CABLE 13 training, I hope that these tips on editing come in handy for what you want to do. Most of these hints will come in most handy during field shooting, which I hope you'll try at some point here at CABLE 13. Studio shoots are fun, but there's nothing like a nice piece shot on location. Ithaca is a really beautiful place, and a great source of scenery. As film critic for Cable News Center Seven;-- I like to -shoot- iri - the field whenever possible, and I'm always amazed at the variety of places available for shooting. THE CUTAWAY CONCEPT A cutaway is video shot apart from the main subject that can be "cut away" to; for instance, if you decide to make a show about landmarks at Buttermilk Falls, and you have a host pointing them out to the camera, you'll most likely end up with several "stand --ups" of your guide as. he talks about each landmark. If you cut them together, the transition between these shots may be a bit jarring. Video cutaways are an excellent way to make these transitions more attractive. Therefore, when you go on your shoot at Buttermilk; ^-once you've completed your "first unit" video (all the material with your host/guide), take some extra time and get "second unit" footage (kids playing in the water, various shots of the area, etc.) If you ever find yourself with the luxury of a crew and a second camera (a distinct possibility after the rebuild), you can get a partner to shoot cutaway footage while you work on the "meat" of the show. Shooting second unit can be the most fun part of a shoot in a park or the Commons or the Cornell campus...there's always something interesting going on, so keep your eyes peeled and you mny capture it: tor your s 3 4 EQUIPMENT NOTES NEW CONTROL ROOM TBC On 8/8, we received a new Time Base Corrector for the studio control room. This piece of equipment offers us a number of new capabilities. In the first place, the VHS deck in the control room is now synched into the system, which means that it can be used just like any other VTR in the system. You can mix, wipe, or cut back and forth between the VHS deck and camera images (or switcher video sources, like the color generator, black or color bars). In addition, this TBC has a number of features you should be aware of: there are a few new buttons on the front panel :. video noise reduction, video image enhancement and freeze frame capability!! All buttons are accessable on the front panel; there is no door to open to get to them, and no delicate electronic guts hanging out which could be damaged accidentally in the rush of a live taping. There are also the control functions you are used to from the other TBC: Hue, Setup (contrast), Video Gain, and Chroma Gain. Each control has a switch next to it which says "set" on one side and is unmarked on the other. The "set" side is short for "preset," and when the control is at that - setting, the video passes. through unchanged. When the switch is flipped to the unmarked side, you can change the hue, video gain, etc., with the appropriately marked knob. Remember: anytime you have a taped segment be sure to check the TBC to make sure that the person in the studio before you didn't change all the settings to fix his/her tape =and thereby make your tape look bad. All the switches should be flipped to "set" unless you want to make 'changes in the video image. TAPE VIEWING/LOGGING FACILITY We now have a separate deck and color monitor expressly for viewing and logging 3/4" tapes in preparation for editing. There is a separate schedule in the office for signing out time to use this deck. All volunteers are highly advised to log their tapes before editing. One principal aim in purchasing this equipment was to ease the crunch on editing time, by giving volunteers an area to view and log tapes without tying up the entire editing suite. Getting as much editing prep work as possible completed before entering the edit suite will create more actual editing time for everyone. T.V. LISTINGS DEADLINES Just a reminder: all producers are heartily encouraged to submit program descriptions to be sent in with our TV Listings to the Ithaca Journal and Ithaca Times. But we do have a deadline: Thur. 3 pm for the listings to appear the following Friday. __- - Published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 Editor/Writor: Lauren Stefanelli Contributor: Bryan Van Campen If you would like to be added to our mailing list, or would like to submit access notices, write to us at the above address, or call us at: 272-7272. VOLUNTEER NOTES Consider getting involved in another volunteer production! There are a number of eager shows that would be happy to have your help: More Than the News Ithaca ss only weekly alterna- tive news show; one of the most tightly organized crews we have, with one of the most polished programs. Contact: Brian Gollands at 273-2688. Psychic Calls Liv--Earl-in show with Psychic Laura Manvil=le-.- --Every- Tuesday, 8-9:15pm. Contact: Gene Ira Katz at 277-5853. Music in Motion T.C. dance scene. Contact: Louise Matosich at 273-7906. Let's Talk A new weekly live talk show, produced "for teens, by teens and starring teens." Fridays, 3:30-5pm. Contact: Chris Johnson at 257-4192. Freewheeling A lively political free-for- all in which anything can happen, and usually does. Usually evening' tapings. Contact: Robin Palmer at 257-3748. 'Round About Ithaca 2 hours of live programming, featuring the irrepressible Bill McCormick. Tapes Thus., 5-7pm; live Fridays 6-8pm. .Contact: Bill McCormick leave messages at access office. Nadja on Silk It may seem strange but it's ok: they have an artistic license! Live Fridays at 9:30pm. Contact: Rick Lawrence at 272-5674. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER TRAINING CLASSES As always, no preregistration or past video -experience required or assumed. The classes are intended to be taken in order; however there is no need to finish them all in one session. You might take as many classes as you need now, and finish the rest when you need to edit or run a porta-pak or direct a studio production. Please feel encouraged as well to drop in on classes for refreshers in any skills you haven't used in n while and would like to brush up on. -Studio -I `. -9/-10 ; 11- 3pm. — - 10/8; 11-3pm Introduction to the access studio; camera operation basics and set construction. Studio II 9/17; 11-3pm 10/15; 11-3pm Control room basics: sound direction, character generation, recording techniques. Studio III 9/27; 2-4pm Hands-on studio practise, with "real" talent! This month, we will be taping a performance sponsored by the }Human Rights Commission. Portable Video 9/24; 11-1:30pm 10/22; 11-1:30pm Introduction to our porta-perks. --Ed-iting . 9/24; 1-3 : 30pm 10/21; 1-3:30P'm" Introduction to the editing suite. Knox K-100 Character Generator 9/28; 8-10pm 10/26; 8-10pm The finer quirks of the editing suite character generator. Also a chance to get help with editing problems. OCTOBER VOLUNTEER-OF-THE=MONTH RICK LAWRENCE October's CABLE 13 Volunteer -of= the -Month is Rick Lawrence, who currently produces a weekly, live "environmental art show" on CABLE 13 called Nadja on Silk. Rick is an extremely multi -talented person wherevideois concerned. A gifted photographer in his existence outside access, he has participated in local TV programs as a serious actor, a comic force to be reckoned with, a producer/auteur, director, camera- man, and editor. His own productions have ranged from dreamy photo essays to discourses on environmental calamities, to full-scale operas using an "all -organic cast" of vegetables from the Greenstar Coop. (continued on Page 2) VOLUNTEER -OF= THE -MONTH VIDEO FESTIVAL LIVE ON CABLE 13! This .month's Video Festival will be- held on October 22, from 7 - 10 pm on CABLE 13. This will be a live event - all volunteers are invited to attend to serve as a "studio audience," and offer Rick Lawrence comments and ask questions after each video clip. We need crew as well, so please contact the access office if you would like to crew this production. In addition, the phone lines will be open, so that those of you who can't come down can participate from the comfort of your couch. Be there! VOLUNTEER AWARDS/GRANTS You may have thought about "some- day" applying for a grant to help support your access production, but• perhaps it seemed "too much work," or perhaps you weren't sure where to apply, or thought that only people whose work was already well- known stood a chance at receiving one, - or-onl-y- people who -could show tapes they had produced previously on high -budget, impressive -looking equipment would get funded. Well, maybe you aren't likely to get tens of thousands of dollars in grant money, at least not at first, but that shouldn't discourage you! Many community access volunteers from right here in Ithaca have applied for and received grant funding! Several organizations which have funded local access programs are: 1) The Ben & Jerry's Foundation, which awTtraeU grants of $2,500 to More than the News and $1,000 to Root 13 in 19$7. Type of projects funded: crite-ria- -- -include: -- !programs -- promoting social change and equality, enhancing the quality of people's lives, solving problems creatively, showing community cele- brations and "projects infused with a spirit of generosity and hopeful- ness" - all criteria reflecting Ben & Jerry's interest in being a good neighbor and socially responsible corporation. Deadlines: Quarterly, on the 1st of Jan., (continued on Page 4) 6 Teievisionfor Tompkins Coin 1;99 2 (Rick, continued from Page 1) Rick's been a familiar face at the community access studio since a Friday evening in 1980, when he was sitting on his couch watching an access program on his TV. The man on his screen was exhorting viewers to come down to the access studio and be on live television. This was Punk Out, the grandfather of live improvisational access televi= sion in Ithaca. On this Friday, Rick leapt from his couch, walked the few blocks from his house to the studio, and has been involved with public access ever since. Rick came to Ithaca in 1979 from Binghamton, where he occasionally worked at the Experimental TV Cen- ter. Rick found the atmosphere there — career artists work- ing towards professional reknown and competing for grants -stifling. Here, in contrast, were a group of ordinary people with no pretensions of making great art, using TV to have fun and reach out directly to other people. He was hooked. Gradually,° Rick started working on his own improvisational bits. "Mr. Rogers" was his first characteriza- tion. After a hazing incident caused the death of a student, another character, Billy Jo Bob, told students to get the benefits of fraternity membership (impress girls) with out the risk of hazing. How? Through buying frat pins from him rather than joining the Greek organizations. He started moving from straight comedy to "concept bits," including readings and monologues done straight and totally deadpan, but for the audience, Rick explains, "the only appropriate reaction would be laughter." Punk Out was eclipsed by another live Friday late-night show in the early '80s: General Anarchy. This show was less improvisational and more scripted, and gave Rick a chance to work on his own segments. Rick began tying in his photography work by starting a series of photo essays of his work on the show. Rick's photo essays have continued in one form or another right up to the present. A close examination of his photographs by a video camera is a regular feature on Nadja. He usually tells his camera - people to use their video cameras to examine the photo the same way they'd look at a painting, giving complete trust to their artistic sense. Often, Rick says, "I look at the tape and see stuff in my own work I didn't see before." After General Anarchy ended, Rick drifted away from access TV for a few years until he was "called back" in 1985 with the start of Bad TV. This program ranged from a tight arrangement with one central theme for which each member of the group would independently prepare sepa- rate segments, to a gradual trend towards more and more continual intercutting of images, letting a dozen trains of thought proceed at once. Last year, Rick branched out and started his own show, Nadja on Silk, which alternated cablecasting nights weekly with Bad TV. Although he worked on both programs right up till the conclusion of Bad TV early in 1988, he was now re�ca y to try his hand at completely controlling a production and using television to make his own artistic statement to viewers. Nadja is very much a highly personal statement for Rick. Stylistically and conceptually, it is evolved from and incorporates elements of all the programs he has (continued on Page 3) (Rick, continued from Page 2) participated in thus far, from his first improv bits on Punk Out, through the concept pieces developed on General Anarchy, through becoming accustomed to having his skits and monologues and photo essays and readings cut to ribbons in the video soup of Bad TV. Some of his promos and segments for Nadja are cut with such a feverish intensity, it almost seems he wants to condense all of his past work into a moment. He's even been exploring TV listings as an artistic medium. His feature a running storyline which is only vaguely related to the program content. The -listings "have a life of their own," he's found, and can add another dimension of commentary, sort of like (cartoon- ist) Oliiphont's little duck or Krazy Kat's subtext. Rick has always had a serious side. He's been reading passages of Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow on CABLE 13 for years, whose messages Rick feels "need to reach people." But a number of new elements were added as well. Rick started a second program, Hard Science, devoted to interviewing scientists about research in topics from physics to computer graphics. Elements from these :shows were eventually incorporated into Nadja.. In recent months, Nadja has become a vehicle for expressing Rick's concerns for world ecology. It has become a political program as much as an artistic program, but not in the usually understood sense of the word "political." Political 'isms' are just "trappings next to environmental issues. When the air, soil and water are unfit, all that political stuff won't mean a thing." "Imagine," Rick continued, "if they wouldn't pick up your garbage, or would only take a certain amount." With our landfill situation, issues like these are drawing closer daily. Recent programs, Rick says, have often preceded news coverage of ecological problems, from "contam- inated/confiscated meat to contaminated water to PCB's in air and human flesh to viral diseases." Nadja on Silk is an important show, Rick Tem, because it is "one of the first personal and environmental shows, yet still done as a work, presented as a creative piece." _ Rick's involvement with other access producers' programs has also been ongoing. He co -hosted Ithaca Flicks with Bill McCormick Tor a season 2 years ago. They frequently disagreed strongly and at length in their assessments of films, and their repartee became a highlight of the show. Another regular program to which Rick has lent his talents is Take 1, where he breathed life into many characters created (or demolished) by writer Terry Zimmerman. Rick, sitting in the hallway with his little paper Mr. Spock ears taped on, waiting for "the bridge" (the control room) to be ready for his entrance is a sight I will not soon forget. Currently, he directs a new weekly series, Let's Talk, produced by our reigning Wunderkind, 14 -year-old Chris Johnson. "It's important to encourage people newer than you," to help them realize that "it's. worth it to do a show," Rick says with real feeling. "I admire Chris Johnson so much.!" He remembers a sports show which talked about how most people are non -doers. People used to get together and sing. Now they listen to records. "Access is (continued on Page 4) 4. (Rick, continued from Page 3) the oppositeof that." The access studio, Rick says, is "within the top 3 reasons why I live in Ithaca. Here you can go make it, not just sit and watch!" (Grants, continued from Page 1) April, July and Oct. Applications are available at access office, or at Ben & Jerry's office: 109 The Commons. 2) The Alternatives Fund, a granting organization formed by a group of Ithaca cooperatives, provided a grant for start-up funds of several hundred dollars to More Than the News in 1986. This organization is also looking for programs with a productive, community -oriented purpose. Deadlines The organization meets monthly. The suggested procedure is to write up a proposal and arrange to present it at a meeting. Members you might want to contact for more information: Patty Lockwood of the ABC Cafe (277-4770); or Richard Furnas of the Alternatives Fund Federal Credit Union (277-2286). 3) The United Arts Fund of the Arts Council of Tompk ni s County, has recently awarded a $1,000 grant to Frances McKenzie for a planned documentary on her belly,- dancing elly=dancing troupe. Although this awarded to cultural forms etc.), Frances ground for us. grant is usually more traditional (theatre, dance, has broken some This grant requires a project proposal. Applications are taken in the spring through the Arts Council office. Among non -local granting organiza- tions from which volunteers have received funding: 4) The Arts Council also adminis- ters annual Decentralization Grants, of the New York State Council of the Arts State Decen- tralization Program. These awards "support increased availability of cultural services, the creation of new audiences, and motivation for new and increased community sup- port for arts and cultural activi- ties. Proposed projects should be capable of being completed within the 1989 funding year." More Than the News won a $1200 Decentr�izat 3101 n Grant this year to improve their sets. Deadlines The Decentralization grant dead- line is coming up: 5prn, October 14th. Applications are also available at the Arts Council Office in the DeWitt Building. 5) The Media Bureau in New York City awarded grants of over $1,000 for several years running to Bad TV, and has just awarded a $1,000 grant to Take 1. This organization "supports the arts of video, radio and inter= media performance in New York State," particularly "screenings, installations and multimedia works incorporating. video." The Media Bureau funds New York State artists. As it is located in The City, and receives most of its applications from the metropolitan area, but is required to seek a more even geographic distribution of its grants across the state, it is always eagerly seeking upstate artists to fund. Deadlines Applications accepted on an on- going basis.' Contact: Barbara (continued on Page 5) (Grants,continued from Page 4) Hertel, Fridays only, at (212) 2555793; or write to the Media Bureau at 512 West 19th St., New York, NY 10012. Specialized Grants , These are just a few possibilities. There are many more granting agencies out there, many of which, like scholarships, are specialized towards a specific category of recipients, such as programs by or about women, minorities, sr. citizens, ecological problems, cities etc. Then there are —video festivals. These sometimes have a cash prize and/or national distribution in the form of a traveling exhibition. Even if they don't bring you any money, being included in a festival is a good way to beef up your next proposal for a grant. Look for information on specialized grants and video festivals on the bulletin board across from the access office. Finally, please note that producers must inform CABLE 13 any time they wish to distribute a program produced using access facilities. This includes sending tapes out for grants and contests. This is to give us the opportunity to control commercial distribution of tapes made using access facilities _ and -to let -us brag of your accomplishment! ********************* ********* EDITING TIPS By Bryan VanCampen THE CUTAWAY CONCEPT, PART II Here's hoping that you found last month's cutaway column educa- tional and fun! Here's some more general stuff on the subject that should help you when you get into the editing suite. It's a really good idea when shooting (in the field or in the studio) to shoot more video than you think you're going to need. Why? Because doing this will give you more options when you begin to edit. Using the "nature park" example from last month, you may think you've gotten all the footage you'll need, but the more you have, the better off you'll be. ' If you've decided to interview a park ranger about what sites are the most spectacular, and that's all you've shot, you've got kind of a dull segment. Therefore, if your ranger talks about a beautiful waterfall, go get some footage of it! And the more angles you can get, the nicer that segment will look. If the ranger talks about -this waterfall "for 45 - seconds, and you've got four good lengthy angles of waterfall footage, you can drop them in over his narrative, using the "VIDEO" insert feature on the edit controller. So, until next month, happy editing! R1 K. On M° oR T R ! night dayEAT , o °tun , we � tob niZ.%°41' esereh11 br31 hOwwe1co I1 10e IItZ weest ngnw1s t ° ud�o 2 ke any d 2 are Pm, Part on t° om tv�1 Ing thacans �'Zted �'OZtzn ng• Fezr 1 P1 a �, t ee r be Proi. k _ raePpy 11Q-1-1-6droe - d• akS.t�e ?Teats Published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 Editor/Writer: Lauren Stefanelli Contributor: Bryan VanCampen If you would like to be added to our mailing list, or would like to submit access notices, write to us at the above address, or call us at: 272-7272. 6 EQUIPMENT NOTES On Sept. 24, we held an open meeting to give everyone a chance to talk to our engineer, Joe Powers, and access staff about their preferences for a major equipment upgrade scheduled for next year. Only 11 volunteers attended, but of the people who came, most of the suggestions I've heard over the past months were represented. Top of many wish lists, including a couple submitted to me after the meeting: 1) Add 1/2" camcorders 2) Convert to SVHS equipment 3) New audio board 4) More editing facilities, including capability to edit from 1/2" material 5) Add several Amiga computers as graphics and CG terminals Additional requests: - Teleprompter - Fancier CG with more fonts/features - More studio lights Expansion of our K-40 CG - Videotape "A/B roll" capability In addition, Joe brought forth a rousing cheer from everyone when he announced that he was researching and giving serious consideration to replacing our studio cameras with chip cameras. Please note, in contrast to what some volunteers attending the meeting have reported, that the purpose of the meeting was to accept input in the planning process from volunteers. A final plan has not been established. Joe is stilFresearching prices and technical specs on a number of pieces of equipment. As we are working with a limited amount of dollars, people's priorities or preferences are important. R-7 I ! Flo 1 I 1 RECENT CHANGES There have been few purchases recently made in direct response to volunteer requests: 1) We added 6 Fresnel lights in the studio 2) The Knox K-40 CG will be sent odor a m(-5aification to have its memory increased from 16 to 64 pages. ACC's marketing dept. will again be lending us their CG to cover the 1 - 2 week gap when the Knox goes to the shop. 3) We have ordered a set of 6 wood stack chairs with cloth seats and backs and 3 wood and cloth larger inter- view chairs. They should be in within a week or 2. BECOME A DEEP DISH PRODUCER! The Deep Dish TV Network, having completed 2 successful seasons of compilation programs of access work from all over the country, is looking for producers for its projected 1989 season. "Deep Dish Compilation shows provide a creative and exciting new way to create a communications network among activists around the country and provide the public with information they don't get anywhere else on the TV dial.. From a producer's point -of -view, coordinating a Deep Dish show is a great opportunity to see how other producers are presenting similar issues. It's also a good way to develop relationships with other groups interested in the same issues you are. It's fun and inspiring (hard work, too, but what isn't?)" Applications are available at the access office. Deep Dish's deadline is October 14th (!!) F10i.9S.A., .S I'_1 i; i J� 17,7 ;T:a'x'43v raj tsFra ..44T¢4.8, r=1 pa.•::e..e-?nrn �� EJ til !I 4 i ;? 1 I 1 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CABLE 13 NEWS 519 WEST STATE STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-272-7272 Volume 1, No. 2 July 1988 NEW ADDITIONS TO THE COMMUNITY ACCESS STUDIO Beginning early in 1989, the busy construction folks you've seen working in the front of ACC's 519 building will finally reach us, and the long -anticipated renovation and upgrade of our facilities will take place. The exact dates for the construction here have not yet been finalized; it will depend somewhat on the pace of the work in other parts of ACC's buildings. But we guesstimate that it will happen around January. The access studio will be closed while the major renovation is taking place, probably about 3 weeks. ' What will we end up with? A greatly enhanced facility, with several important new services. In the studio, flats and props which now line the walls will be stored in a separate room carved from the storage room next door to it. The portable equipment will also be put in a separate room, leaving more usable space in the studio. The Control room will be revamped, recabled, reconfigured, and some of the equipment will be replaced. Most notably, the studio cameras and the audio board will be replaced with new equipment. The result will be better video and sound on everyone's productions. The editing facilities will be considerably expanded as well. A second edit suite is planned, and one of the two edit suites will include 1/2" to 3/4" as well as 3/4" to 3/4" editing capabilities. No more dubbing 1" footage up to 3/4" before editing: The current crunch on edit time availability should also be greatly alleviated by the second edit suite. An additional deck and monitor to be dedicated to tape logging and viewing, running control tracks, and general edit preparation should also increase the amount of editing and studio time available, since people who need only these limited functions will not be tying up the whole studio or edit suite. There will be 4 porta-paks instead of 2, with new lighting kits. Those volunteers who discarded the idea of taking 2 PPAKs to cover an event because of unavailability, especially on weekends, might wish to reconsider their options. There will also be less of an equipment crisis when one kit has an element in for repair. As noted above, portable equipment will be located in a room separate from the studio, leaving more studio space, and making it easier for volunteers coming to pick up or return equipment while others are taping in the studio. "Television for Tompkins County" All producers who've held meetings before and times in the hallway, squished in the control forgone holding crew meetings because of lack space should find the production meeting room 2 r after their shooting room, or who've of suitable meeting a welcome addition to our facilities. The viewing/logging deck and monitor will be located in this room, enabling crews to view and discuss their work -- with their munchies -- and without tying up the studio. In sum, we have a lot to look forward to next year in terms of enhanced equipment and space for production. As the end of the year approaches, we should know more precisely when the reconstruction will take place. We'11 try to give everyone as much advance notice as possible to let producers plan their production schedules around the construction dates. You'll note that I haven't given you all the specifics on the exact configuration that the new construction or new equipment purchases will take. The floor plans and equipment lists are still being revised and refined. A major request of volunte decision-making process of access studio'. In respons of the equipment purchase and posted in the access f input before any final dec the soon -to -be -created Acc part in approving the plan ers has been to be included in the plans so greatly affecting the e to this concern, preliminary versions lists will be sent to volunteers acility for volunteer comment and isions are made. It is hoped that ess Advisory Board will also take s before they are finalized. We will also try to get input on some of the building renovation plans, but that phase must move quickly as it is closely tied in with other phases of our building renovation project. The plans will support the functional areas described above. Preliminary plans are expected to be ready to present to volunteers and the Advisory Board by the end of September. In the meanwhile, please note that all input from volunteers as to what they would like to see in the studio in the way of equipment capabilities, space arrangement and access policies is very much welcomed and will be carefully considered. We may not be able to fulfill everyone's wish lists, but we'll try to incorporate as many user needs as we can, and publish a written explanatim in this newsletter for those requests we can't fulfill. EQUIPMENT NOTES Joe Powers, our video service engineer, is now the full- time video equipment czar. at ACC. At the moment, he is revising a regular mainenan'ce schedule for all of our equip- ment, so that wear -and -tear type breakdowns can be anticip- ated and planned for better; He is working with the archi- tects designing our reconstruc- tion to make sure the designs conform to his technical spec- ifications; he helped develop and is completing a spare equip- ment pool system for all the video departments at ACC, so that, for example, a broken edit controller would be replaced by a spare while waiting for parts to arrive, instead of incapacit- ating the entire editing suite; he will be the principal tech- nical consultant helping us ,map out our equipment purchasing strategy for next year. All of the above in addition to his regular services to us of fixing everything that breaks down or develops problems, running weekly maintenance checks on our facilities, and being the person we go running to for help in all technical emergencies. For those of you who haven't met Joe, do say hello. The engineering bench room is behind the "Mister Ed" door, across from the access office. For the shy among you, ask Bryan or me, and we'll be delighted to make the introductions. MORE EQUIPMENT NOTES: Those of you wlio regularly bring in 11.1." material to work with will be pleased to find that our /" to 3/4" dubbing set-up has taken a giant leap forward. We are now, thanks to Joe's wizardry, able to dub up to 3/4" from a new VHS deck purchased for access in June, to the decks in the playback unit. We can now also playback 2" tapes directly through the playback unit, instead ofdubbing -them to 3/4" first_. The VHS deck in the control room is still available for use in studio productions (playing through the system or recording from it) . The VHS deck connected to the playback unit may be scheduled for 2" - 3/4" dubbing during noel—cablecasting; off l.ee' hours (12-6 Mon & Wed. ; 12-4 Tues. & Fri.; 12-10 Thus; 11-8 Sat at present. This schedule is subject to change as our fall cablecasting season approaches). The playback operator will also be happy to make VHS•copies for producers while their show is being cablecast if a cued, labelled VHS tape is delivered to them before the show's cablecasting time:. - *********.**x**********k******* Published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 Editor/Writor: Lauren Stefanelli If you would like to be added to our mailing list, or would like to submit access notices, write to us at the above address, or call us at: 272-7272. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * X * * * *'c * * * * * THE SUGGESTION BOX We've had' quite a few people using the recently - installed suggestion box in the hallwAy outside the studio door. All suggestions have been considered. We've tried to address as many of them as we could immediately. Some of the more expensive suggestions will be incorporated in the process of finalizing the equipment purchase and building rennovation plans. Some suggestions we've tried to address at once: * fix flats/rehinge * more sandbags to hold down flat legs * hooks to hold headsets in control room - these along with other general repairs to the sets (such as repairing and painting the platform, retacking loose panels, etc.) were completed recently by access volunteer and carpenter/set designer Doug Grady and access staff (for the easy stuff). * clean the production rooms - these past months have been very difficult in terms of keeping the production areas free of the never-ending rain of dust from all the construction activity in other parts of the building and parking lot. More construction and cable supplies have cluttered the hallway to make way for the work going on inithe front of the building as well. Nevertheless, the point was well taken, and Bryan and I 4 have been working harder on trying to keep the access facilities clean. We ask that you help us by throwing away your left -over production notes, empty food wrappers and containers and misc. scraps of left -over props in the hallway wastepaper baskets. Much of the construction in the front of the building has been completed, but as our end of the building is coming up on the agenda, we will have a certain amount of construction dust affect- ing us for a while yet. But the end result will certainly be worth it: * nude access staffing - I don't think so. * new furniture for sets - we've got money for new furniture, and I think that a new set of wood (non -reflective) chairs with arms (nice for interviews, and we have many chairs with no arms) and cloth (non -reflective) seats/backs would be perfect. Nice office quality furniture is expensive (over $100/chair), delicate and doesn't stack. Until we have our storage room for props we might have a difficult time keeping them from getting damaged. Anyone with ideas for suitable furniture please let me know::: -* dressing rooms with lighting for make-up, and full-length mirrors. - Presently, we don't have separate bathrooms for access, let alone dressing rooms. The new bathrooms in the front have been completed, and are fairly spacious with large mirrors. But we haven't written off the suggestion, and hope to incorporate it in some form in the reconstruction plans. * add expansion module to control room CG to give it 64 pages - the equipment decision is corrin€ up and this hasn't been forgottort. TRAINING CLASSES These monthly classes are intended to be modular: if you miss one 1 month or you want to refresh your memory of certain production skills, you may pick up individual sections of the course in any given month. Coming up: Studio I Aug• 13, 11-3pm sets, lights, camerawork, taking direction, intro to community access, audio p t.1 VOLUNTEER NOTES We have quite a few regular productions which would wel- come new crew -members. If you have thought about exercising your skills on some different productions, how about thesei Take 1 local comedy show Taping dates: 8/8 & 8/22, 5-8pm Contact: Uebbie Freedman (315) 497-1248 Psychic Calls Studio II Aug. 20, 11-3pm live call-in show with audio pt. 2, character generator, Psychic Laura Mainville_`_ switther; -re-cor-ding"techniques. Every Tuesday, J8-9: 15pm Portable Equipment Aug. 27, 11-lpm - intro to our porta-paks. Intro to Editing Aug. 27, 1:30 - basics of editing-3:30pm Knox K-100 Tutorial . July 27, 8-10pm Aug. 31, 8-10pm - intro to the edit suite character generator Studio III July 18, 7-10pm Aug. 30, 11-3pm - hands-on studio practise, with "real" talent. ******************************** SKILLS WORKSHOPS Media Ithaca,- t -h -e. nem---o-r-gani-z-a-ti-o-n formed by and for local independent media users/producers/organizations is trying to gauge interest in skills workshops in video. Possible topics include: grant proposal writing, lighting, audio, and production techniques. If you are interested in participating or teaching a workshop, contact: Jon Hilton at 272-5561. Comments & suggestions also invited. Contact: Gene Ira Katz 277-5853 My Body, Your Body child-rearing techniques with videotaped examples Wednesdays, 6-8pm. Contact: Ed Lisbe 272-1884 Freewheeling lively poilitical debates usually evening tapings Contact: Robin Palmer 257-3748 Left Angle ' As its title advertises', a Leftist political issues show Contact: Jim Everts 272-7198 • Tapes -Fr -i -days -- Good News Gospel choir music & sermon Porta-pak taping 1 Sunday/month Contact: Helen Jones 272-7823 'Round About Ithaca 2 hours of live, recently controversial programming Tapes Thus. 5-7; Fri. 5-8pm Contact: Bill McCormick (leave message at access off.) k14..<249.1 c 1.4 40 A;& tnig •ES 1. T:Y • too • r, w , ,a`' "4`' .a `1 .4 G 4. , �t 4.,,x;, o jq}t - - ei ('1,n•1' . ;.' .JA : �V. - , ' t 4 * .. 1. : t,e , btu rt; , m tiey :,ici . "5• ;it 40 1 19.—^,. 7_e' i�; O. �5 `I'1 � 4 l,,' •111? `,ib fid .ira e ,�, • � � ;�. �,:: . fY . is ,,. is til 41. 6 E ST• • 'kilt, i..tr 1L, Xts 4 �z 9.4 tia-1 -11 40, R 61) ( • q� • 4' .- 4 it 4J ANYONE UP FOR A LAST FLING BEFORE THE END OF THE SUMMER? HOW ABOUT A DISH—TO—PASS PICNIC AT LOWER BUTTERMILK PARK? SATURDAY, AUGUST 20th, 2-4 PM: RAIN DATE SEPTEMBER 10, SAME TIME. CITY BUSES ARE AVAILABLE FROM DOWNTOWN: THERE ARE LIFEGUARDS AND OPEN SWIMMING. R.S.V.P. TO US BY PHONE (272-7272) OR USING THE CUTE FORM BELOW: **************************************-****************************** FUN'IN THE SUN R.S.V.P. NAME GUESTS . (#) • BRINGING FOOD ? WHAT KIND ? 420 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 March 30, 1988 Mike Withiam A.C.C. 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mike, This is a follow-up letter to our conversation of yesterday. As you know, I (and other access producers) are very concerned about the staffing situation at the access facility. According to the agreement in principle for the new franchise contract, there should be two full-time access people. As you know and told me yesterday, this has not been the case for at least 4 weeks. Both Lauren and Bryan have been assigned duties at your money -making facility across the parking lot, and have not been around anywhere close to a full-time basis. There are many things that need to be done by the access staff. Flats are in dire need of repair, furniture is falling apart, lights are not being replaced, the studio itself is filthy, and most importantly, help is often not around when we need it. This does not auger well in regard to your committment to honor your agreement concerning access in the future. What provisions are you taking to insure that access staff are assigned to work on access for their 40 hours per week? 1 hope that this situation will be remedied immediately, and that we begin to truly have two full-time access staff people. Sincerely, John Efroy son Producer, More Than the News cc:Cable commission Mayor Gutenberger Common Council members Ralph Nash, city attorney City of Ithaca. Cable'' Commission IN RE THE MATTER OF ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC ACCESS BROADCASTING ON CHANNEL 13I Affidavit of Michael Fingerhut MICHAEL FINGERHUT, being first duly sworn, deposes and says: (1) My name is Michael Fingerhut. I reside at 205 Bryant Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850. My home subscribes to cable service. (2) On June the 2nd, 1985, I shall be leaving the city of Ithaca to work in Paris, France. Consequently, I will be unable to attend the hearings which will be held on this • matter by the Cable Commission of the City of Ithaca. (3) I recite the following events, because I believe they are pertinent to an inquiry into the way ACC has administered the public access channel. Efforts to Bring a Response to the Revisionist Series (4) Until a couple of months ago, I had been relatively unaware of the revisionist cam- paign in Ithaca. I had vaguely heard of the attempts to advertise one book on the topic in one of the local newspapers, a year ago. (5) On March the 5th, one of my housemates called me to watch a program on Channel 13, on which he had found by randomly flipping through the various stations. This turned out to be the interview of one Dietlieb Felderer by Michael Hoffman. 16) Felderer''s, point was immediatly and unmistakenly clear to me: he was speaking of "so-called Jews," the Holocaust and Anne Frank's hoaxes and so on; his multiple visits to Auschwitz had convinced him that the ruins of the gas chambers were enough of a proof of his theory. (7) It took mea while to realise..that the interviewer—Michael Hoffman—through a clever use of words and rhetoric, misrepresentation of facts, insinuation and lies, attempted at presenting an objective and scientific view masking a very simple attitude: anti- Semitism. I was their target, and so were my family, my relatives and my friends. (8) I tried to figure an adequate response, one which would not debate the reality of his- tory, but inform the viewers of it. I called ACC and talked to Cal Wood, the director for programming, and told him I wanted to bring Resnais' film Night and Fog. This is considered to be one of the most moving films on the concentration camps experience; it consists of footage made at Auschwitz and other camps in 1955 intermixed with his- torical clips and stills made by the Nazis in those same places during the war. (9) I had never been involved in any television programming and did not know what Pub- lic Access TV was all about, so I asked Cal Wood what had to be done. He replied that they couldnot let this film be shown, for their policy was to show` only locally - made films so as to encourage local producers and to show material of local interest. He mentioned that Gene Katz, an independent local producer, was preparing such a response. • (10) At this point, I was at a loss as to what to do. I `started contacting various members of the community, all of whom had been hurt and incensed by this program, the publicity made for it and the news of its showing. On Saturday, April the 13th, as I was walk- ing to campus, I saw posters all over announcing another program, this time with Faurisson. Having attended a lecture on revisionism several days before, I knew who he was: a man convicted in his country for the hatred he was inciting to. (11) The following Monday, I called Georgia Griffith, the manager of ACC, to express my anger at the coming show. She explained that they had no control on what was shown on their channel, and that the only way to do something was to counter -program, and asked me why there had been no response. I told her that I had wanted to show Night and Fog, since it was the only response it was in my power to bring, being unfamiliar with production for TV, and of the reaction of Cal Wood to this. I pointed to her the relevance of the film in this issue. She agreed in principle to let me show this film as is. specifying she would still have to check with Cal Wood. She called me later to confirm that Channel 13 would show the film and to go ahead with its scheduling. I was told by friends who talked to her after I had .that she mentioned to them that Channel 13 would show Night and Fog. (12) Two days after that conversation, on the night that the Faurisson show went on, I attended the Cable Commission's hearings on the performance of ACC. In the course of the hearings, Ms Griffith publicly declared that to that date no one had approached her with a desire to present any counter programming. At that point in the meeting, I spoke up and reminded her that Gene Katz was preparing one, and of our conversation regarding Night and Fog. She then apologized and said she must have been mistaken. (13) At that same hearing, she -stated that they were willing to let anyone show any appropriate rebuttal or reaction. When I said that Cal Wood had originally told me that the film I wished to show could not be aired, she answered that this had been his mistake and that she could not be held responsible for that. (14) When I first called Cal Wood to schedule Night and Fog, he mentioned he needed a written proof that I had received the rights to copy and show the film. (15) When I finally did receive those rights and called Cal Wood again, on Friday April the 26th, I spoke with John Woods, his assistant, who told me that Cal Wood was not available. Woods said that Cal had told him to tell me that I would have to produce something to add to the film, before and/or after, to make it "of local interest." I replied that this was not what I had been told by Ms Griffith. Mr. Woods said that this was what he had been told and that I would have to talk to Cal Wood. (16) The following Monday I finally reached Mr. Wood, who then said that they they would not insist on additional production, but rather recommend it very strongly. (17). Following this conversation, I got together with Gene Katz, and made an introduction and conclusion to the film; it opened with a speech that was sent to me from Governor Cuomo's office for this purpose, in which he spoke of the need to remember and casti- gated those who incite to hatred by denying the Holocaust. The film was followed by a discussion between Prof. Harvey Fireside (Ithaca College) and Prof. Peter Kahn (Cor- nell), Cornell), on the actuality of remembering, in this time and place. 'Inconsistent Applications of Public Access Rules and Policies (18) When I finally brought the film to Cal Wood, I provided him with a copy of the letter specifying I had acquired the copyrights allowing two showings, and requested that the film be shown twice. He first replied in the negative, saying that he then would. have to give the same amountof time to Hoffman. I said that Night and Fog was 31 min. long, while Hoffman had already shown several hours of his material. Cal Wood replied that he would have to let Hoffman show his films twice too, in order to be equally fair to him. I told himthat their own policies stated that it was at the sole discretion of ACC to decide whether to show a film another time or not. He later decided to show Night and Fog twice. (19) I mentioned to Cal Wood that the sheet ACC handed out to producers specified that they have to disclose all. considerations received in said programs, and asked him what I was required to do, in that respect. I told him that various individuals in this com— munity had contributed towards the costs. Was I requested to display a note to that effect? He said it was not mandatory. (20) I asked him whether or not (a) Hoffman's tapes were locally produced, (b) Hoffman had disclosed any of his sources of support, financial or organisational, and (c) if so what that information available? He replied that . he did not know, Hoffman just brought the tapes and scheduled showing times. Lack of Definition of What Constitutes Abuse (21) On Tuesday April the 23rd, at a meeting between Ms Griffith and Mr. Withiam on the one hand, 'and several concerned citizens and myself on the other hand, we noted that ACC's written policy mentioned that any person who abused the privileges granted by ACC could have them revoked. We asked Ms Griffith: (a) Had her company been ever abused before? (b) Did she consider Hoffman's repeated showings an abuse of any sort or not? (c) What was her definition of abuse for the purpose of applying, their stated policy regarding it? She answered to (a) by saying never, to (b) and (c) she refused to answer. (22) With respect to the question of what constitutes "abuse," we suggested to her that it appeared from both the law and their stated policies that the purposes of Channel 13 were to serve -the public in education and entertainment, and to be of local interest. We argued that indefinitely letting Hoffman show his programs, in which he inter- viewed individuals who were convicted in their own countries (Faurisson in France, Thief Christophersen in Germany, and Felderer in Sweden) for that very same pro- paganda that Channel 13 was showing, and that broadcasting programs which not only cast abuse at, and hurt, a large segment of the population, but also incited to hatred towards that group (by such suggestions as that the Holocaust myth was instigated by so-called Jews to exert financial gain from the population at large and so on), did in no way serve those purposes. (23) We mentioned the association of this individual (through his submissions to Spotlight—the magazine of the racist Populist Party—on the one hand and his access to the people he interviewed on the other hand) with various non=local racist, white - supremacist neo -nazi groups, and that his program could thus be viewed as part of a plan to abuse the local public media in order to achieve their aims. (24) Even assuming that one airing of these programs was appropriate, we still questioned whether continued airings were not repetitive and thus another kind of abuse of the local access concept. (25) We noted. that there were many other ways in which their policies could be abused, such as multiple scheduling of a single film; scheduling of inconsequential footage merely to occupy all the free time and thus prevent other producers to show their work. She responded that ACC would obviously prevent such occurrences, at which point we pointed to her that this indicated that they indeed made editorial decisions beyond the letter of the franchise. (26) Ms Griffith did not respond to any of these arguments. I have read the foregoing and it is true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this 2 day of May, 1985, Notary Public NAN A. COLVIN Notary Public, State of New York No. 4674392 Qualified in Tompkins County Commission Expires March 30, 19. OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY CITY DF ITHACA . 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 'I 4850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 MEMORANDUM TO: Bob Fletcher, Chair. Cable Commission FROM: L. Richard Stumbar, Corporate Counsel DATE: July 9,1985 RE: Cable Commission Investigation - ACC license - Holocaust Broadcasts We previously discussed the above matter. It was my opinion that the City could not revoke ACC's franchise or otherwise penalize them based on the content of the holocaust programming - as obnoxious and offensive as it is. This conclusion is based on 1. Constitutional Interpretation - i.e. the first amendment right to free speech. 2. Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 in conjunction with New York State regulations (9 NY CPR 594.4). These provisions read together allow a municipality as part of its franchise to require dedication of part of the channel capacity to "public, educational, or governmental" use. However, once so required the municipality has no editorial control. 3. Franchise Agreement. Pursuant to paragraph 31 of the agreement administrative control is given to ACC. Although the City has no control over the content of programming and cannot revoke the franchise based on content, the City does have the power to see that the spirit and letter of community access as set forth in paragraph 31 of the franchise and state regulations is honored by ACC. If a finding of discriminatory treatment or a failure to comply with Section 31(c) for example, then the possibility of revocation exists. In other words the City can examine the context of community access and the manner in "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program' MEMO TO BOB FLETCHER JULY 9, 1985 PAGE 2 which ACC handles its own rules - the content of programming however is not within our powers of review. It is important to determine whether ACC is following its own rules and the priorities in the franchise. If they are not we, can consider this fact in our franchise renewal hearings or we could cite them for violation of the existing franchise agreement. Our course of action would depend on how severe any violations are. LRS:bw CABLE73NEWS1 Vol. 2, No. 4 APRIL, VOLUNTEER -OF -THE -MONTH CSIKO SAWYER April's Volunteer -of -the -Month is Csiko Sawyer. Csiko and a close- knit group from the OASIS Christian Fellowship produce A Different Drummer, a 15 -minute program of Christian music and issues, shown on CABLE 13 Mondays at 8pm and Fridays at 5:45pm. , Outside access, Csiko Sawyer works as a loan officer for Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services. His sister and co -host, Jacqueline Sawyer,, works for NYSEG. Both serve as Elders at the OASIS Christian Fellowship. As producer of A Different Drummer, Csiko has definite ideas on how to construct a television program. In fact, he plotted out every detail of the show's develop- ment in a "2 Year Plan" made at the show's outset in.early 1987. First, he decided that "longevity in a time -slot is one of the secrets to success on access:" He figured that after 2 years, "if you could stay in the same time - slot and do a quality show, eventually people would appreciate what you were trying to do," and the show would begin to build up an audience. (Continued on Page 2) APRIL VOLUNTEER -OF -THE -MONTH VIDEO FESTIVAL Featuring interviews Sawyer and clips from Drummer. Saturday, April 29,. with Csiko A Different 8:30pm Above:- Jackie and Csiko Sawyer on the set of A Different Drummer. Myrtice Stuckey is on camera. INSIDE: ACCESS JOB NOTICE MAY TRAINING SCHEDULE INCLUDING RETRAINING A.C.E. UPDATE - R.S.V.P.s A.C.E JUDGES P.3 P.4 P.5 OUR GRAND OPENING: HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED - P.6 2 (Csiko, Continued from P.1) A Different Drummer has stayed in Its time -slot for 2 years, and Csiko says they've gotten a lot of positive feedback from people who say they watch the program faithfully, especially elderly people. Most of these people are not members of the Oasis Christian Fellowship. "We're not out to get people to come to our church," says Csiko. The times of services and meetings are listed in the credits., but "we don't emphasize that. It [the program] is our gift" to the community. Another important element was "to get a crew who'd stick with it. It takes time to train a crew. That's where having a church and having relatives came in handy," Cskio admits. Cskio and his sister Jackie co -host and edit the program, Csiko's wife Rashida is the show's director. The rest of the crew is comprised of fellow church members: Myrtice Stuckey, Yvonne and Lois Hawes. All of them have been with the show from the beginning. The 15 minute length of the program, broken up into several short entertainment and informa- tion segments,_ is geared to the remote control generation. "I'd rather get people to tune in for 5 to 15 minutes than lose them for 30 minutes," Cskio explains. A short program also lets them devote more attention to quality. The show's format is also part of the plan. Considering that his wife Rashida has turned a flair for creating amazing cheesecakes into a catering business, perhaps it's not so surprising that Csiko plans each edition of A Different Drummer as if it were a fine restaurant meal. First for the hors d'oevres. This, Csiko explains, is the opening of the show, a finely layered special effect with pictures and titles appearing inside the head of a drum, followed by introductory remarks by himself and Jackie. Next comes the soup and salad: A Different Drummer strives to bring Christian musicians from around New York State to Ithaca to appear on the program. Each week's show features a song or two by a different artist. Finally, the "main course": This 'is a discussion by Csiko and Jackie on Christian issues. This section of the show avoids being "preachy". or overly sentimental. Csiko and Jackie decide on a piece of scripture to serve as a basis for the discussion, but the discussion itself is unscripted, informal and full of anecdotes from their own lives. The "main course" always contains a message, but Csiko hopes that the way the message is "packaged," not overly long, and set into a program featuring fine musical entertainment and excellent overall production values, makes the show palatable to a wide audience. _ Csiko feels that the show has still only reached "507x" of its potential level of content and quality, but "we've got the basics." The group has produced 2 30 minute Christmas shows so far - less than their original plans for 4 "specials" a year. And the cost of travel expenses and scheduling difficulties have held them back from having as many out-of-town artists on the show as he'd like. But Csiko is full of plans for the future. These include making a new opening sequence, shooting man -on - (Continued on Page 3) if / JOB OPENING AT CABLE 13: COMMUNITY ACCESS FACILITATOR ACCESS ACROSS THE REGION 1 (Csiko, Continued from P.2) the -street interviews as show introductions, adding a researcher to help prepare theological issues for discussion, and adding more visual inserts and other music video touches to music segments. In addition, Csiko is excited about the possibility of using the new portable video unit at the church to have all -day recording sessions for guest artists, and is considering the idea of starting.a children's show. A main goal of the fare served .by A Different Drummer, says Csiko, Is that "a tomer viewers have finished the dessert, they'll say, 'Ahh-h-h,' and decide to go back to that restaurant again." Job Description: Assist in providing staff support to volunteer producers, and administrative assistance to the access coordinator. This position will encompass a wide range of duties, including cablecasting playback, studio supervision, technical assistance and training to volunteers on all access video facilities, assisting with facility scheduling and equipment maintenance systems, and working on staff productions. Full time. Hours will be varied, and will regularly include evenings and Saturdays. Current facility hours are: M -F: 12-11; S: 11-8 Qualifications: Must have good working knowledge of 3/4" video systems, including studio, editing and portable 3 equipment. Specific familiarity with equipment of the type used at the access studio (or with the facilities of the access studio) a plus. Must have experience in 3/4" video production. Must have excellent communication skills, and be able to get along with the wide range of individuals who work at the access studio. Interest in and enthusiasm about community access television a plus. Must have .. good teaching skills. The job will require teaching video -production techniques to beginners in a quick and accessable manner, as well as giving spot tutorial assistance to volunteers using the facilities. Must be able to perform simple clerical functions efficiently and neatly. Must be punctual, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure. Application Deadline: Apply to American Community Cablevision through May 1, 1989. A number of Open Houses are being held by access centers in the northeast in the next few weeks. All will be holding workshops and welcoming access producers from all over. On April 28 and 29, open houses will be held at access centers in S. Portland, Maine and Cambridge, Mass, respectively. On Saturday, May 13, an open house will be held in New York City. Details are posted on our bulletin board. Anyone interested in carpooling to New York on the 13th? MAY VIDEO TRAINING CLASSES I 4 LREINING FOR THE NEW STUDIO The new studio system will have many features which current volunteers will be familiar with. But there will be quite a few differences as well. Rather than make everyone attend laborious mass retraining classes, we will be conducting retraining sessions on a crew by crew basis for all current productions. In many cases, this will simply involve having crews arrive about 45 minutes early on one of their regular studio dates to be instructed on the new studio setup. I will be contacting individual producers who have studio time in May to schedule these sessions. As the most significant changes involve the director, audio person, and CG operator, staff will assist in the control room on all programs for the first 2 weeks of the new studio's operation. One retraining session which current studio crews should send _their CG operator to attend: KNOX K-200 CHARACTER GENERATOR THUS, 5/4 8pm _ Open to those familiar with the K- 100 only. This class is intended to enable those who are already familiar with the K-100 to use our new control room character generator, the K-200. Note that the current studio CG, the Knox K-40, will disappear completely in May, -favor of a control room CG with a disk drive (to save credits from week to week). Any studio crew CG operator not familiar with the K- 100 should try to attend the next class: Saturday, April 29, 11-2pm. ORIENTATION TO COMMUNITY ACCESS TV WED, 5/3 6-7pm What is community access? How does one go about making one's own TV show? Attendence at an orientation meeting is a prerequisite for all video classes. Sign-up for May classes at this meeting. Trained volunteers and those who have attended an orientation may sign up for any part of the course through the access office without attending another orientation. 3/4" PORTABLE VIDEO SAT, 5/6 llam-2:30pm Basic training on our 2 3/4" portable kits. STUDIO I THUS, 5/11 7-l0pm The beginning of the first training class in the new studio! Cameras, lighting, sets, floor managing, taking direction. SVHS CAMCORDERS SAT, 5/13 11-2pm The moment many producers have been waiting for! The camcorders will be available for sign -out after this class. STUDIO II THUS, 5/18 7-10pm The control room: the special effects generator and audio system; directing skills, and fun video tricks you can do. EDIT I SAT, 5/20 llam-2pm Introduction to editing. STUDIO III THUS, 5/25 7-10pm Taping of several editions of Our Community, to be shown in June. EDIT II An introduction to the Knox K-100 and the K-200 character generators 9 1989 CABLE 13 AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE The date for the 1989 A.C.E. awards ceremony has been changed to 7pm, Saturday, June 10, 1989. All volunteers are cordially invited to this event. Please send in the R.S.V.P. form at the bottom of this sheet if you plan to attend. There will be a dessert and coffee buffet. I would like to congratulate all, the entrants to this year's A.C.E. awards. Although not, everyone can win an award, participating in the process helps to strengthen community access, by bringing together a group of shows representing the "Best of CABLE 13" for each year. We had more participation this year than ever before. There are 43 entrants this year, compared with 24 last year and 18 the year before. Ithaca College and the T.C. Public Library are strongly represented. The number of programs submitted by access volunteers has also risen since last year by 6 entries. 1989 A.C.E. JUDGES The judges for this year's Awards for Cablecasting Excellence are: 5 Annie Ball Annie Ball is a returned Tompkins County native who became active in community access production in Tucson, Arizona. Annie's Tucson Talent, a music ser ems pproduced in there, is currently running on CABLE 13. Annie is also a member of the Access Advisory Board. Annie's most recent claim to fame is a Talent episode which happened to have ootage of a man on the FBI's "Most Wanted List." The footage was shown on the national series, America's Most Wanted, and helped in the identification and capture of a man wanted for rape, assault and kidnapping. Floyd Johnson Floyd has been active in Ithaca's community access studio for many years, producing and directing several long-running series. He has worked on Punk Out, Ithaca Music Today, PeaTITT=Mae Time, TTai Chi ,- Take 1, and the Imam Hour, among ours. Ann Michel and Phil Wilde This well-known and respected video production team have done shoots as far away as Europe and the Soviet Union, as.well as video (Continued on P. 6) R.S.V.P. FOR THE 1989 CABLE 13 AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE Saturday, June 10, 1989 7pm at the Community Access Studio 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY I will be attending the 1989 A.C.E. award ceremony. NAME NUMBER OF GUESTS Please we can return this form to the access office by May 15th, so plan appropriate amounts of refreshments and seating. that 6 (Judges, Continued from Page 5) consulting for the Cornell Hotel School. They are judging in tandem Phil Wilde was involved in Community Access at its inception in the late '70s. This interest in video developed into a flourishing career. Phil and Ann are currently at work on a video for the State Human Services Department about family problems, including child abuse. -0) / GRAND OPENING OPEN HOUSE Our Grand Opening/Open House will also—Eheld on Jun -e ---I-6. The studio will be reserved all day for this event. (Editing time, however, will be available until 6pm) This is a chance for all of us to welcome the community at large into our new studio, to acquaint the uninitiated with the possibilities of community access. And I would like to invite as many volunteers as possible to play the role of ambassador. Members of the press, as well as representatives from local non- profit organizations will be invited to drop by for a tour. We will be putting members of the CABLE 13 519 West State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 public on television. Several acoustic music groups will provide talent for live, "exhibition" programs which the public will be invited to observe from the control room or as part of a studio audience. We could use as many as a dozen or more people to help for a while during the day. We need crews for the exhibition programs, tour guides, people to shoot man -on - the -street interviews of visitors. Also, I'm looking for access "stars" who would like to take short sprints manning an . "Autographs Here" information booth. All volunteers contributing their time to help with this event will receive a "CABLE 13 Ambassador" T-shirt. Interested volunteers may sign up to participate in the Open House at the access office. CABLE 13 News is published by American Community Cablevision. Writer/Editor/Photos Lauren Stefanelli Mailing address: CABLE 13, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 4850 Studio located at 612 W. Green St. Tel. 272-7272 Acz4 r UrAGEI APR 25'88 ✓- r - `-1,-11. n.tt.rr,E7F� 604n�xg CAROL TERRIZZI 714 N. CAYUGA ST. ITHACA, NY 14850 Cw►BLE73NEWS Vol. 2, No. 2 ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD CREATED At the February 14th meeting of the Ithaca Cable Commission, one of the major topics of discussion was the formation of the new Access Advisory Board. As described in the January newsletter, this body is to include 7 voting members:- 5 appointed by the City and 2 appointed by ACC; and 2 non-voting members: a City and an ACC representative. Only 8 people wrote letters of interest to the Cityregarding these appointments. Five of these eight were appointed Tuesday night, plus the City's (non- voting) representative. The City appointees to the Advisory Board were: Institutional Representatives: Louis Mezgar, Director, T.C. Library. Under his direction, the Library has developed an extensive public access program, producing over 10 years of fine shows, includ- ing arts features, local en- tertainment magazines, docu- mentaries and a wonderful series of programs surround- ing the Ithaca Centennial. Marilyn Rivchin, Professor of Film and Video, Cornell, producer of many access programs over the years, from an aerobics show to dance performances, coverage of political rallies and marches, and collections of student films. (Continued on Page 2) February 1989 The 1989 A.C.E.s It's that time of year again. Attached to this newsletter are entry materials for the Fifth Annual CABLE 13 Awards for Cablecasting Excellence (A.C.E.). These awards are intended to celebrate and encourage community access producers in Ithaca. The awards ceremony will be held in our new building, 612 W. Green St., on Thursday, May 25th, as part of our Grand Opening celebrations. I hope that whether or not you have a program to enter, that you will come help us celebrate the growth of community access in Ithaca.. R.S.V.P.'s for the ceremony will be sent out in the next newsletter. THE NEW ACCESS FACILITY Work in the back end ofthe new acccess facility at 612 West Green St. has been substantially completed. Construction work will be continuing on the new studio area for about another month, at which time the next phase of access changes can take place: the installation of equipment into the new studio, and the incorporation of the new equipment package into the system. The, equipment package has been ordered, and we hope for arrival of the new equipment in 6 to 8 weeks. This should time out pretty well with the completion of the studio. (Continued on Page 3) (Board, Continued from Page 1) City Residents: John Efroymson, Producer, More Than the News, CABLE 13's lie weekly alternative news program. Mary Joe Dudley, More Than the News; C.U.S.L.A.R. Non -City Residents: Annie Ball (Anne Scrocco), returned Ithacan who brought with her a series of music programs she produced at the public access studio in Tucson, Arizona City Representative (non-voting): Richard Herskowitz, member, City Cable Commission, Director, Cornell Cinema, sponsor, Cornell Cinema T.V. The applicants who were not chosen: Floyd Johnson, long-time access producer who produced and directed such classics as Pearly - Mae Time and T'ai Ch'i; Robin Palmer, producer and host of Freewheeling,. a weekly political debate program; and Bill McCormick, another access veteran, producer/host of 'Round About Ithaca and Ithaca Access Moir, enecLt ve pro ucer o Videoactive and associate producer and editor of Freewheeling - perhaps our most active volunteer. Only 2 people wrote letters of interest to ACC. Both of these wrote letters to the City as well, and one was appointed by the City. As ACC did not have enough applicants to complete its appointments, it deferred making its two appointments to voting positions until later in the month. This delay will not prevent the new Advisory Board from meeting, as.only four members are needed to provide a quorum, and 7 of the nine members are now in place. ACC Representative (non-voting): Lauren Stefanelli, Community Access Coordinator The Cable Commission must also appoint the Chair of the Advisory Board. They appointed Richard Herskowitz to that duty. It was decided that the first meeting of the new Board would be set for approximately the first week of March. All meetings of the Access Advisory Board will be open to the public. As the date, time and place for the first meeting have not yet been set, and as the first meeting will take place before the next newsletter is published, all those interested in attending are advised to contact Richard Herskowitz at 272-5506 for more information. If you are interested in being considered for the remaining ACC appointments on the Board, contact the access office. Published by CABLE 13, American Community Cablevision, 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY _14850 Tel. (607) 272-7272 Writer/Editor: Lauren Stefanelli (Studio, Continued from Page 1) Meanwhile, I hope studio producers can be patient a little longer. I know that taping in the conference room is not exactly the optimal configuration for live or taped shows. I'm proud to tell you that most of our regular programs continued, in one form or another, throughout this interim period, and all 7 weekly live series, except 1 which is still shooting on Porta-Paks, were back on the "air" live this month. Some of the more __adventurous producers have asked about using the main office area to shoot in when it is completed (as it will be when you read this). This is a quite workable idea. We'll be moving the playback unit into its own room shortly, setting up the new portable switcher for studio tapings andadding intercoms. Producers who feel overly cramped in the conference room may wish to try using the conference room as a control room while rolling the cameras out into the main office area. This will be a little tricky to orchestrate, given the edit suite and office functions, but it should be workable for most evening tapings. Please make sure you discuss such pans with access staff first, though! MARCH TRAINING CLASSES We are changing the procedure for registration for the video train- ing classes a bit. Previously, registration was taken at the first class, followed by an hour lecture about the access facili- ties. This was followed by the hands-on parts of the course. We are now breaking out the orientation part of the class into a separate session, so that those who want to find out more about community access may do so without having to take the training class, and so that we may have a session in which to register students. We hope in this way to effectively have monthly community access open houses, at which more members of the community can find out how to produce their own local TV show. This orientation session will be held every month, prior to the start of that month's training classes. Attendence at an orienta- tion will become a requirement for admittance_ tothe classes. ORIENTATION TO THE CABLE 13 COMMUNITY ACCESS FACILITIES Wednesday, March 8, 6-7pm 612 W. Green St. Introduction to the services offered at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio; a description of free training classes available; tour of the new access building. Sign-up for March training classes will be taken at this time. Training class dates this month: PORTABLE VIDEO I Sat., March 11 Ilam - 2pm PORTABLE VIDEO II. Ilam - 1pm INTRO TO STUDIO. 2-4pm Sat. Marc1718 EDITING I Sat., March 25 Ilam - 2pm EDITING II Tues., March 28 8 lOpm HOW TO BE A COMMUNITY ACCESS PRODUCER Thur., March 30 7 - 8pm Reserving production and cable - casting time, finding crew, pre- production planning hints, story - boarding, how to get free promotion for your show, and more! CABLE13 AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CABLE 13 FIFTH ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE Official Rules and Instructions 1. Program must have been produced within Tompkins County. 2. Program must have been produced for cablecasting on CABLE 13, and have been first cablecast between March 18, 1988. and March 24, 1989. 3. Producer must have the authority to submit the Program for this contest, and sign a statement on the entry form verifying that all appropriate copyright clearances have been obtained.. ACC will not be liable for any copyright violations. 4. Program must have been produced primarily using 3/4" or 1/2" video equipment. Programs transferred from film or computer will not be accepted. However, programs primarily produced using video equipment may include limited use of slides and consumer -grade computer images. 5. The 1989 CABLE 13 A.C.E. Awards have 12 Entry Categories. Each program may only be entered in one category. For programs which might be appropriate for more than one, the producer may select the category under which the program is entered. For example, a talk show made by teens might be entered either under the Talk Show or the Youth Programming category. Programs which the judges feel do not represent the category into which they were entered will be disqualified. 6. Entries may be submitted on 3/4" or 1/2" (VHS) videotape, clearly labeled on both the tape box and the tape cassette with: Program Title, Program Length, Series or Single Program, Producer Name and Telephone Number, and Entry Category. All entries must be accompanied by a completed Official Entry Form. 7. Do NOT submit masters. Access staff will be available to make--Uubs for entry purposes; ACC will not be responsible for lost or damaged videotapes. 8. Minimum length of entries, except Short Subject, is 10 minutes. Maximum length of entries is 30 minutes.- For programs longer than 30 minutes, excerpts will be accepted. "Television for Tompkins County" !r, 9. Series programs may be represented by a single show or by a composite tape. Composite tapes for long (over 30 minutes) single programs or series must have: a) black at tape start; black with titles between each segment; b) a cue sheet; example: Black 00:00 to 00:30 Title 00:30 to 00:45 Segment #1 00:46 to 05:00 Black 05:01 to 05:31 Title 05:32 to 05:47 Segment #2 05:48 to. 09:00 Etc 10. Entrants which do not follow the above instructions will be disqualified. If you are unsure about any of the entry procedures, please note that access staff will be available to check over entry materials to make sure they conform to contest specifications. 11. Winners will be chosen by a panel of 3 independent judges. 12. Entries will be judged for the following criteria, as applicable to each program: Technical Criteria (weight : 50%) Camera Work, Audio, Lighting, Editing or Switching, Graphics and Effects, Use of Sets or Props, Attention to Detail. Content (weight : 50%) Originality and/or Style; Content Development (Interviewing techniques, Pacing, Organization, How effectively the program's subject is presented); Color, excitement and/or emotional power; How well program holds viewer interest; and an overall content rating by each judge. 13. Judges will also be instructed to disregard differences in program quality attributable to differences in local non- profit video facilities. For example, a more expensive character generator or 3 -tube camera image -will not be judged superior to programs using simpler CG's and cameras. 14. Deadline for entries is Friday, March 24, 1989, at 5:00 pm, to the Comunity Access Studio at 612 W. Green St. 15. Winners will be announced and awards presented at a ceremony to be held at the Community Access Studio, 612 West Green St., at 7:30pm on May 25, 1989. Producers of winning. programs will receive plaques at that time. Crewmembers of winning programs will receive certificates. Good Luck! CABLE AMERICAN COMMUNITY CABLEVISION CABLE 13 FIFTH ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE 1989 Official Entry Form (Please type or print clearly) Producer Name Group (if Applicable) Address Phone Program Title Series Single Program (check one) Production Facility Used Cablecast Date(s) _ Crew Members (technical crew, co -producers, and talent participating the in technical production of the program. Do not include program subjects or guests who did not participate in tie technical production of the program): Category: (There are 12 entry categories. Please check only one) Arts Performance: music, dance, mime, "performance art," theatrical or other artistic performance. Comedy/Variety: comedy skits, "talent shows," free -form entertainment programs. Dramatic Work: edited videotape of a dramatic work. "Television for Tompkins County" Instructional: "How -To" Programs, Advice Programs. Religion/Philosophy: traditional and non-traditional religious and philosophical issues. Innovative: including programs with an experimental, "avant garde" or otherwise unconventional approach to television, video art, etc. Youth: programs produced by young people under 18 years of age. (An adult executive producer is required under CABLE 13 rules for producers who are minors, and does not disqualify entrants in this category) Tompkins County: programs about Ithaca or the Tompkins County area; programs covering community events. Documentary: examination of a single issue, event, person, place or organization. Talk Show: interview programs, discussion groups. Magazine -Format (Series only): Programs dealing with several issues with more visual detail than possible in a talk show, usually including edited field material. Short Subject: Program of less than 10 minutes in length, on any subject. The purpose of the CABLE 13 Awards for Cablecasting Excellence is to promote the best in local community access programming. By signing below, I avow that I have the authority to submit this videotape, and have obtained all necessary copyright clearances. I know that ACC will not be liable for copyright violations. I also agree to allow ACC to cablecast this program or portions thereof on CABLE 13 as part of A.C.E. programming. Signature Date CABLE73N E W Sl Volume JANUARY VOLUNTEERS -OF -THE -MONTH DEBI FREEDMAN AND TERRY ZIMMERMAN Debi Freedman and Terry Zimmerman, January's Volunteers -of -the -Month, are the team who together created the CABLE 13 comedy series, Take 1. Take 1 is cablecast each Friday night at 10:OOprn on CABLE 13. Since the show's inception in July of 1987, the duo have completed 51 programs. They have also expanded their viewership by ferrying shows themselves to the cable access studio in Cortland, where the access manager assures us it has become a "cult hit" among SUNY students and Yuppies. Terry writes almost all the material on the.program, and acts in many of the sketches. Debi is the show's producer/director, and (Continued on Page 2) January. 1989 NEW ACCESS FACILITY UPDATE The construction schedule for the new access facility has been pushed back by about 2 weeks. We now expect to have the office, playback, editor and a limited 2 - camera taping facility (pending the completion of our new studio) in the.new building by February 1. Producers who have gone on hiatus while awaiting the move are encouraged td renew their series production and cablecasting reservations as soon as possible, to insure their preferred timeslots. INSIDE: (Page 5). » DEC. & JAN. CABLE COMMIS- SION MEETINGS REGARDING ACCESS : ACCESS ADVISORY BOARD : EQUIPMENT PACKAGE » FEBRUARY TRAINING DATES VOLUNTEER -OF -THE -MONTH -VIDEO-FESTIVAL Saturday, January .28 7pm, on CABLE 13 Featuring interviews with the Take 1 producer Debi Freedman, writer Terry Zimmerman, as well as members of their cast and crew, and "actors' choice" selections from their best shows. «Part of the Take 1 cast in action (L -R): Lisa Schreiner', Terry Zimmerman, Miles Mac - Vane, Sharon Bortnick and Rob Levitsky. 2 (Take 1, continued from Page 1) works on cue cards, costumes and props. Both of them spend hours editing each finished program. Ire addition, their show boasts are enthusiastic and loyal cast of actors and technical crew, who number from a half dozen to a dozen members at any point in time. In "real life," Debi works at Angelheart, a clothing designer in Danby, while Terry is a counselor for delinquent youth. Their new home is an old church building in the country, which they purchased in 1988 and are—in the process of renovating themselves. Take 1 is Debi and Terry's first experience producing a community access program. Getting involved was, for them, "an accident." Their main prior experience with television comedy was watching shows like Monty Python and SCTV. Answering a newspaper ad for talent from Bad TV in early 1987 provided their introduction to community access television. Before long, they had seized the opportunity to learn to produce their own programming at the access studio. They found crew among friends, co-workers, Bad TV - members, and new access trainees. As for material - there never seems to be a shortage of that: Terry's been writing short stories and satire since his college days. "It's therapy," he explains. "I have beer► living with a lot of the characters all my life." Most sketches on Take 1 are, paradoxically, both tightly scripted and unrehearsed. Scripts are written out on large cue cards, and the cast are given typed copies, but they don't see their lines until about 20 minutes before the taping. Working with , volunteer cast that isn't avail- able for lengthly rehearsals means some compromise. "We've sacrificed quality for quantity," Terry says, because "lots of satire is timely." It needs to get out near the time of the event it's spoofing or it risks falling flat. The style of the show has grown to make the lack of rehearsal time- less of a liability and more of an asset to the program. Early shows had many stiff stand-up routines with actors visibly reading cue cards, with an emphasis on getting the text read verbatim. The show has evolved to include more camera movement as the technical crew became more confident. Many of the characters return at intervals throughout the series, giving the actors a chance to put something of themselves into the bits. Terry emphasizes that the show owes much to the contributions the cast makes to developing their characters: "The people create much of the show. Many of the characters are extensions of the talent." Given the importance of spontaneity and the actors' characterizations to the success of the sketches, Terry says that from his perspective as writer, it's hard to know which scripts will transfer best to -video. "The rule is, the best scripts get ruined: the camera shots are bad, people blow their lines. Then stuff you think is marginal turns out great." Political humor, send-ups of popular TV and film formats and satires of pop personalities form the meat and potatoes of Take 1's fare. Yet everything, including their access experiences, has (Continued on Page 3) (Take 1, continued from Page 2) become grist for the Take 1 humor mill. As CABLE 13's only comedy show, Take 1 lost out in the race for a 1988 A.C.E. among the other entertainment category entrants. After the entire cast had arrived, in costume, in a limoslne! (Quel humiliation: it lost to a poetry show!) Something for which they leave yet to forgive us. For months afterward, their announcer opened their programs with the snidest voice she could manage and the words: "Ane] now for another non - award -winning show..." The group consoled themselves, however, by awarding themselves an ACE. The ACE Hardware Store Golden Hammer of Comedy Award, that is, presented to them by the staff of the Ace Hardware Store in Cortland. The plaque shows a movable ("it really works!") plastic hammer poised over the head of a clown. The A.C.E. became a running gag, ending late in the year, when Frances McKenzie, producer of the aforementioned poetry show, joined in for a video free-for-all entitled "I'11 Bust Your Face For that A.C.E." Feedback is important in helping Debi and Terry develop their show. "We watch the shows at home over and over," Debi says. Each studio taping is followed by a review of the evening's material by the whole cast.. Many of the crew - members stay for an additional 2 hours as Debi and Terry begin the editing process. It's far from a somber, nit- picking affair, however. On these Monday nights the access studio rings for hours with the sound of a half dozen people giggling and rolling around the hallway in stitches. I have taken to refer- ring to it as "the pajama party." 3 On Friday nights, when Debi and Terry complete the editing of the week't program, however, editing suite takes on more of the characteristics of a boxing match. Although they're always agreed on the outline of the show before they start, the details can become hurdles. Debbie i"s the perfection- ist, while Terry is more ready to accept a rough edit here and there in the interest of getting the show done. Although it's sometimes hard for outsiders to realize that the pair are merely involved in constructive debate, their methods seem to work. "It almost seems like whoever screams the loudest gets their way, and that's usually me," Debi explains with some satisfaction. A growing familiarity with the equipment has increased their productivity enormously as well. "It used to take us 3 edit sessions just to do the credits for the show. Now we can do them in 3 minutes," says Terry. Debi, who claims she's "never been a tech -type person" (although she does her own plumbing), has found new confidence in her abilities since learning the technical end of community television produc- tion. She enjoys having control over the look of the final product. A fiber artist who has exhibited in New York City, Debi sees her work on Take 1 as a new art medium to explore. "I think video is the art form of this time. It reaches so many people, but [unlike gallery showings] it's not an elitist kind of art." She says she'd love to branch out into learning computer graphics. One of the aspects of Take 1 which Debi and Terry particularly enjoy is the friendships that have grown (Continued on Page 4) 4 (Take 1, Continued from Page 3) up among the cast and crew. "There's a really good sense of camaraderie," says Terry, "even though it's a diverse group, in terms of politics and interests." The crew is "real enthusiastic," continues Debbie. "People became really upset when we went to every other Monday night [instead of every Monday for studio tapings]. They had all reserved every Monday [for working on the show] - forever." HOW I -GOT SHANGHAIED APPEARING ON TAKE 1 By Bryan VanCampen INTO Anyone curious about Take l's casting couch will find my little tale of grave interest. Take 1 was in the process of taping another installment of their frighteningly hip game show, "Ripping Off The Hits", and they were looking for actors to play the panel. I happened to mention to Terry that I have a long-standing character: Vic Smarm, lounge lizard extraordinaire. Terry and I both thought that Vic would be a terrific addition to the kind of show that features Dave Craig lip-synching "River Deep, Mountain High". I also thought- that Terry would come up with some typically great dialogue for me. But it was not to be. Terry wouldn't dream of putting words in character's mouth, so I was left to sink or swim. This meant bleating out a "hip" version of "We're Not Gonna Take It", calling everyone "babe", and buying the farm with a cancer stick still in mouth. So yes, it was terrifying but also fun, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. d "End of an era...." The old control room rack units, modeled here by our engineer Joe Powers after a long day of taking everything out of them to put into storage, will be replaced in the new access studio, They have been donated to the Tompkins County Library, for use in its community programming studio. CABLE 13 News is published by: American Community Cablevision, 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850; Tel: 272-7272 Editor/Writer: Lauren Stefanelli Contributor: Bryan Van Campen If you are not on our mailing list and would like to be, or if you would like to submit notices, contact us at the above address. Please note that starting in February, our address will be 621 West Green Street! RECENT CABLE COMMISSION DECISIONS ON COMMUNITY ACCESS There were 2 major steps taken. by the newly reformed Cable Commission with respect to community access in their first two meetings since the signing of the new Ithaca Franchise with ACC. First, at the December 13th meeting, ACC's proposal for spending the $165,000 allocated under the terms of the new Franchise for capital (equipment) was approved. About a dozen access volunteers either attended this meeting or wrote to the Commission to express their feelings about the equipment proposal, which was first presented to the volunteers at an open meeting held at the access studio on December 1. (For anyone who missed the meetings on the equipment package, copies of the equipment plan are available at the access office.) At the January 10th Cable Commission meeting, the topic of forming the Access Advisory Board, a new body to be created under the terms of the Franchise, was discussed. It was resolved that the Cable Commission and ACC, both of whom are responsible for appointing some of the members of the Board, will post notices to the public seeking applications. Under the terms of the Franchise, the Access Advisory Board is to be composed of nine members: 3 City residents (2 appointed by the City, 1 by ACC); 2 Non -City residents (1 appointed by the City, 1 by ACC); . 2 representatives of institutional access users (both appointed by the City); 1 City representative (non- voting) 1 ACC representative (non-voting) 5 If you are interested in serviny on the Access Advisory Board, contact: The Cable Commission, c/o City Hall 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 and/or: CABLE 13 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 You should include some information about your background (such as a resume) and a general statement about why you would like to serve on. the Access Advisory Board, experiences or perspective you could bring to it, etc. The next meeting of the Cable Commission will be February 14, at 7:30pm in Common Council Chambers, City Hall. FEBRUARY TRAINING CLASSES These classes are free and open to all residents of ACC's franchise areas. Saturday, February 11: PORTABLE VIDEO I Introduction to 3/4" portable video production. Ilam - 2pm Saturday, February 18: PORTABLE VIDEO II Open to those who have completed Portable Video I. llarn-2pm Saturday, February 25: INTRODUCTION TO EDITING llam-2pm Tuesday, February 28: KNOX K-100 TUTORIAL An introduction to our edit suite character generator. Must have completed Introduc- tion to Editing. 8-10PM 6 CONTESTS AND FESTIVALS LOCAL A.C.E.'S The 5th Annual CABLE 13 Awards for Cabiecasting Excellence (A.C.E.) are coming up soon: look for A.C.E. materials to be mailed out in mid-February. The deadline for :,ubmis�•ions will be mid-March, and the awards ceremony will take place in late April. HOMETOWN VIDEO FESTIVAL The Hometown Video Festival, Sponsored by the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers (NFLCP), is one of the major annual national contests for access producers. Its entry deadline is also in mid-March. There were 39 separate categories to enter in their 1988 contest. Plus, each category is separated into 2 separate classes: non- profit community producer and professional, so you're not competing against producers with big budgets and salaries. Entry materials for the 1989 Hometown Festival should be out in late January. They'll be available at the access office. We had a winner from Ithaca in 1987 - Tron, who won in the "Innovative" category for a program shot using a consumer VHS camera. In addition to winning $1000, Tron's program was incorporated into an awards program which was shown nationally on the Learning Channel and distributed to access centers around the country. MORE CONTESTS & FESTIVALS The following announcements were taken from the newsletter of the New York Media Alliance. Fir;:t Annual New Angle Video Festival, April 1989 Experimental videos up to 30 minutes in length, 1/2" or 3/4", will be selected for screening at The Collective for Living Cinema, NYC, and distribution throughout the U.S. and Canada. $20 -nt.ry fee. Info: Angle Intermedia, 300 Mercer St., Suite 11N, NY,NY 10003 (212) 228-3307. Deadline: January 30. The 8th Annual Video Shorts Festival, February 11-12, Seattle Now accepting 3/4" and VHS enLt "ies under 6 minutes in length. 10 winners will receive $100 honorariums. All entries will be screened publicly in Seattle. Info: Video Shorts Festival, 1331 Third Ave., Suite 518, Seattle, WA 98101; (206) 628-0838. Deadline: February 1. Dance Theater Workshop is looking for original music, dance, theater or performance work on video for Eyes Wide Open, a new video screening series scheduled for May 8. Documentations of performances will not be considered. Send 3/4" or VHS tapes to: Jaynes Byrne, Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St., NYC 10011. Deadline: February 28. The Retirement Research Foundation 1989 National Media Awards May 11, Chicago Competitition: 1988 -produced media related to the issue of aging. Cash awards.. No entry fee. 16mm, 3/4" or VHS accepted. Contact: Joyce Bolinger, Project Director, RRF National Media Awards, Center for New Television, 912 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60605; (312) 427-5446. Deadline: February 1. The Lesbian and Gay Video Series at Downtown Community Television Center is seeking works for screening March 7. Send 3/4" or 1/2" tapes to: Maria Beatty, Screening Series Director, Lesbian and Gay Screening, DCTV, 87 Lafayette St., NYC 10013; (212) 966-4510. Deadline: February 1. CABLE 13-s 6th ANNUAL AWARDS FOR CABLECASTING EXCELLENCE June 30, 1990 Refreshments 7:OOpm Ceremony 7:30pm Due to the unusually large number of entries this year, And the correspondingly longer time needed to judge the contest, ACC's 1990 A.C.E. awards ceremony has been rescheduled. It will be held on Saturday, June 30, at the CABLE 13 Community Access Studio. All volunteers are encouraged to attend. You may still RSVP [by phone or in person] at the access office if you haven't done so already and would like to attend. ITHACA F,ESTIVAL UPDATE More than a dozen volunteers joined access staff in videotaping the 1990 Ithaca Festival. We collectively racked up about 24 Sours" of footage of musicians, dancers, kids, clowns, parades [including parading dogs!], and many Ithacans simply enjoying themselves. a: Some of this Ithaca Festival .material has already begun appearing on CABLE 13. The Friday parade was cablecast Friday night on 'Round About Ithaca. Assorted musicians will continue appearing weekly on Jorgevisions Unlimited Productions Variety Show. Our Ithaca Festival Highlights series, featuring the work of everyone who helped videotape, will premier on Wednesday, June 20, from 8-10pm, and continue on Wednesday, June 27, from 8-10pm. In addition to being very visible taping the festival, access producers were actually part of the festival: 20 access programs or excerpts were screened at Cinemopolis on Saturday, June 2, in a presentation sponsored by Media Ithaca. The access "sampler" was screened along with a sampling of works by other local independent film and videomakers. Left: Access producer Frances "Leela" McKenzie strikes an alluring pose while dancing with the Mirage bellydancing troupe at the 190 Ithaca Festival. Behind the camcorder [Right] is Jim Blizzard. 2 GET ORGANIZED! We have a number of helpful "paper trail" tools available at the access office which producers are encouraged to use to help organize their productions. These are checklists for studio directors, sound engineers, character generator operators, talk show guests and portable kit users. One thing that staff observe again and again is that mistakes or "bloopers" in access productions most often stem from a lack of pre—planning and organization. Checklists are one easy way to help improve crew organization. Below is one example of a crew checklist, showing the responsi— bilities of a studio director: CREW ARRIVED TALENT ARRIVED SETS READY PROPS READY DIRECTOR'S CHECKLIST LIGHTING ARRANGED CAMERAS APPEAR BALANCED FOR LIVE CALL -INS: PHONE HOOKED UP TALENT MIC'D & WARNED ABOUT MICS SOUND CHECK DONE C.G. READY REMOTE VIDEOTAPES READY & CUED AUDIO CASSETTES READY & CUED ----- -RECORD TAPE -(-S-)- READY -WIT -H -RECORD -BUTT-ON(-S-IN-- INTERCOMS WORKING (UNUSED ONES TURNED OFF) *GOOD LUCK!* AFTER• THE SHOW - SET BREAKDOWN: AUDIO CABLES NEATLY COILED & TIED & STORED CAMERA CABLES COILED & CAMERAS ARRANGED IN ORDER ALONG THE WALL MICS, STANDS & PROPS PUT AWAY CURTAINS PULLED AROUND TO THE SOUTH WALL PAPERS, MASKING TAPE ETC. REMOVED YOUR ACCESS VIDEOTAPES RETURNED TO PROPER SHELVES CHECK FOR PERSONAL POSSESSIONS ALL LIGHTS OUT EXCEPT FOR HOUSE LIGHTS ANY EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS REPORTED TO STAFF • ACCESS FACTS Did you know volunteers: that access * use about 200 hours of time each month; * use about 400 hours of each month; * sign out 80 times per * help schedule of access studio editing camcorders more than month; fill a cablecasting of just under 200 hours programming each month? Did you also know that figures are quadruple the of access activity we had years ago? EQUIPMENT NOTES these levels several Some of you are probably wondering what became of equipment suggestions you. have offered us either verbally, in the suggestion box or at our May 16 Equipment Wishlist Meeting. Well, we're working on organizing all the information we've received in preparation for putting an equipment package together. We will be accepting ideas from people for this year's equipment dollars until July 31. You should find an outline of our equipment plan by S.eptember's newsletter. 3 PLACES TO SUBMIT TAPES [Detailed rules and entry materials for the contests and festivals below are available on the access bulletin board.] 6TH ANNUAL VI$I.ONS OF U.S. VIDEO CONTEST A contest for amateurs sponsored by Sony. Format: 1/2" or 8mm. Categories: Fiction, Non -Fiction, Experimental and Music Video. Prizes: 8mm camcorders. No fee. Deadline: June 15, 1990. 13TH ANNUAL TOKYO VIDEO FESTIVAL Grand Prize: $3,500. Format: 3/4" or 1/2". Contest is oriented to home video producers. Deadline: September 10, 1990. OFF THE WALL VIDEO FESTIVAL ",Enter your wildest, funniest, most outragious self-made video." Entry Fee: .$10; Prizes: $500 First Prize. Maximum Length: 10 min. Deadline: June 30, 1990. GRANTS / FUNDING NY$ FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS FEI,LpWSHIP APPLICATION SEMINAR June 13, l0am-12pm Chemung Valley Arts Council, Baron Steuben Place, Market St., Corning, NY. Artist Fellowships are $7,000 grants awarded by NY Foundation for the Arts to individual artists- this seminar is intended to guide artists through the application process. Info: Kathie Brockman, C.V.A.C. PR Director, (607) 732-4057. ==== SC CABLE 13 News is published by American Community Cablevision. Mailing address: 519 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Studio located at 612 W. Green St., Ithaca, NY. Writer/Editor: Lauren Stefanelli Photos: Phil Quinn, Jay Mendelson Left:: Access staffer Jorge Cuevas directing his live weekly program, Jorgevi$ions Unlimited Productions Variety Show. 4 MEETINGS/CLASSES THE SECOND CENTURY CONFERENCE OF THE UNIVERSITY FILM AND VIDEO ASSOCIATION June 13-16 Roy Park School of. Communications, Ithaca College. Conference fee and other information available on access bulletin board. UNIVISIONS VIDEO .SYSTEMS 2ND ANNUAL SUMMER VIDEO PRESENTATION June 13, 9am-6pm Owego Treadway Inn, Owego NY Any of you interested in purchas- ing your own video equipment or_ getting morel ideas on what -the studio might want to consider purchasing should be able..-tohave a grand time at this annual trade show. Everything from SVHS equip- ment to animation computers - and digital effects systems will be demonstrated. Info: (315) 437-0301 CABLE 13 OPEN $00LF June 30, 1-5pm Tours, live exhibition programs and more! Tell your friends that this,is a good chance to find out about their community access studio. If you'd like to help, contact the access office. CABLE 13 519 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 `TOM TERRIZZI 714 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 CABLE 13 A.C.E. AWARDS CEREMONY June 30, 7:30pm For details, see page 1. ACCESS. ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Monday, July 2, 7pm Sherman Peer Rm, T.C. Library For agenda information, contact Mary Jo Dudley at: 273-5255. 'CABLE 13 ORIENTATION MEETING Thursday, July 5 6-7pm at the access studip 612 W. Green St. The f i r s t - s t e p -f o r -n ew--vo 1 u-n-te-er s is to attend a 1 hour orientation meeting, held at 6pm on the first Thursday of every month. These meetings include sign -ups for video classes. No registration needed for this meeting. CABLE 13 VIDEO CLASSES Video classes are held monthly at the access studio at 612 W. Green St. All require pre -registration: * A series of 3 studio classes are held from 8-llpm on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of the month. * Portable, editing, electronic graphics and producer seminars are held Saturdays from Ilam till 2pm.