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Few Words About Copyright Issues I. Introduction Pg. 3 II. Programming Pg. 5 III. Political Programming Pg. 9 IV. Underwriting & Sponsorship Pg. 9 V. Prohibited Material Pg. 10 VI. Viewer Feedback And Complaints Pg. 10 VII. Use of Equipment and Facilities Pg. 11 VIII. Production Services Pg. 13 IX. Program Ownership and Distribution Pg. 13 X. Standards of Conduct Pg. 14 XI. Rules Violations and Penalties Pg. 15 The Policies & Procedures outlined in this handbook are designed to make the most effective use of the Cheshire TV (CTV) equipment, facilities, staff, and volunteers, and to ensure that resources are used only for intended purposes and that all who wish to participate have an opportunity to do so on a fair and non-discriminatory basis. These policies and procedures shall be amended from time to time to reflect the changing needs of the membership and the organization. The most recent version can be obtained by visiting the studio or checking our website at www.cheshiretv.org CTV reserves the right to waive any self-imposed regulation when such a waiver is deemed to be in the interest of the community. a. Statement of Purpose for PEG Channel Public, Educational and Government (PEG) access channels exist
to give individuals who otherwise might not have access to the media
an opportunity to display and showcase their talent, knowledge,
interests and any other information with the rest of their community,
and thereby enhance the quality of life in the community. CTV is a non-profit corporation established to operate and manage
facilities for public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access
on the cable television system in the communities of Keene, Marlborough
and Swanzey, New Hampshire (the "Community"). CTV exists to further the educational missions of local schools
and institutions. c. Funding, Staffing, Management and Governance CTV's funding comes primarily from Franchise Fees paid to the City of Keene by Time Warner Cable. Additional funding is sought from within the community in the form of donations from individuals, corporations and organizations. Further operating funds are obtained from nominal fees and charges for some optional services provided by CTV. Operations are managed by the Executive Director, and governed
by the CTV Board of Directors. d. Mission Statement and Philosophy "CTV exists to encourage citizens to exercise their right to free speech, and to foster awareness of their community through democratic use of electronic media by providing access to cable television and for the purpose of non-commercial communication within the community." To this end, CTV is committed to providing an opportunity for members of the Community to use cable television to communicate their views. CTV makes available channel time on the cable system as well as access to and training in the use of production resources. e. Location CTV's offices and facilities are located at 76 Winter St., next to the Public Library, in Keene. Telephone: (603) 283-6621 f. Membership Eligibility and Fees Individuals that wish to use our resources are required to become members of CTV. Membership is free charge for those who meet any of the following criteria: " Resident of Keene, Swanzey, Marlborough, or within the franchise area " Employee of a company, town or school within the franchise area " Students attending educational institutions full time within the franchise area Members must provide proof of this eligibility (Driver's license, employee ID, student, ID, etc.) annually when renewing their membership, and from time to time as needed by staff. Any person that does not meet the free membership criteria has the option of becoming a member by paying an annual membership fee of $50.00. This fee may be waived in exchange for volunteer hours with management approval. Members must further meet the following requirements to make use of CTV equipment and facilities: " Read and agree to the policies and procedures and other required forms as needed " Complete appropriate training and/or become certified to use equipment/facilities Members are independent Producers and are not employees of CTV, and should never represent themselves as such, nor speak on behalf of CTV, nor give any indication that they are acting or speaking on behalf of CTV. g. Minors Eligibility The minimum age for membership is 14, however, members under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or legal guardian present to sign all required forms and take full responsibility for the actions and behavior of the minor, as well as financial responsibility for any damage to CTV equipment or facilities. If a school or other organization involving minors is acting as a Producer, the representative of the school has the option of either acting as co-signer, or obtaining the necessary signatures from parents or guardians. CTV management reserves the right to assign certifications to minors based upon their experience and proficiency with equipment. II. Programming a. General Policies & Minimum Requirements For Cablecast Anyone may submit a program for cablecast. For CTV purposes, the individual submitting the program is considered the Producer. Producers are solely responsible for and should be familiar with the content of that program. Programs produced by anyone outside the franchise area with equipment other than that of CTV are considered bicycled, or imported. The individual submitting the program is still considered the Producer. CTV does not censor programs based on content or preview programs before they are cablecast, but CTV does require that certain minimum requirements be met. Pre-recorded programs can be submitted for cablecast on the following formats: MPG2 video file on a data DVD Programs not on these formats must be transferred to one of the approved formats prior to being cablecast. CTV will transfer at standard duplication rates. All paperwork must be properly completed before a program can be cablecast. The cablecast master will be retained in the CTV library for 30 days. All unclaimed media may be disposed of after 30 days. Programs must include the following: " A 10 second opening disclaimer slate of black background, with white text in a plain font such as Arial or Times New Roman, in a size that fills the screen without affecting the aspect ratio of the text, with no music, voiceover (except V/O of the text below) or movement, that states the following, verbatim: "The following program was provided by an independent producer " Titling equal to the name of the program on the paperwork
submitted "The preceding program was provided by an independent producer It is acceptable to substitute the words "this channel" for "CTV". Any program presented without these requirements can have them dubbed in by CTV for a fee. Technical Standards Each program must meet minimal technical standards to be cablecast. Technical standards are based on the premise that no program should cause a viewer to think that their TV or other home equipment, CTV, or the cable system is having technical difficulties. " Lack of signal or control track (snow) must not appear anywhere
within the program Technical standards may be waived in cases where the program is of a "one time" event. In such cases, the Producer may provide a written explanation to the Executive Director. A disclaimer advising viewers that portions of the program may have technical issues must then be inserted at the head of the program either by the Producer or by CTV for a nominal fee. Labeling Requirements Programs must be labeled on the media in legible lettering with the following information: " Complete Program Name (and air date, if a series) b. Mature Content In the event a program airing on CTV receives a complaint that the mature content policy has been violated, the Executive Director of CTV will immediately remove the program from the schedule and review the material within five working days of receiving the complaint. If the program material is deemed in violation of CTV Policy, the program will be moved to the above specified safe harbor hours and the responsible Producer will be contacted and given written explanation of the policy. If a Producer violates the mature content policy three times, all further materials submitted by that Producer will be scheduled for cablecast only during Safe Harbor hours. c. Scheduling Before any program will be scheduled, it must be submitted according to the requirements in Section 2B, along with the completed paperwork. The CTV schedule runs from 12:00:00 am Sunday to 11:59:59 pm Saturday. All available time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific time slot requests will be honored when possible, but CTV reserves the right to schedule programs at our discretion to meet the needs of the channel and the community. In some cases, programs of a time-critical nature will pre-empt scheduled programming. All submitted programs that meet the requirements will be shown at least once. CTV reserves the right to schedule any program, including series programs as often and in any time slot it deems appropriate, however, the Producer reserves the right to limit playback and can indicate this on the forms. The following list will determine priority of cablecast whenever there is a scheduling conflict: 1. Programs produced by CTV members d. Series Programs A series is defined as a program that is cablecast at the same time, on the same day, each week. To request a series slot, a Producer must submit two complete episodes. CTV will provide a list of available time slots to choose from. Once that time slot is selected, the Producer must submit a new episode at least every other week to keep that time slot. Series slots will be forfeited if the producer fails to provide new original programming for more than two consecutive time slots. After 20 consecutive non-repeating episodes have been produced, the Producer can submit a written request for a hiatus during which time the Producer has the option of submitting repeats for up to three consecutive weeks. In some cases, a waiver can be obtained by submitting a written request for an extension showing the reason and length of time for a hiatus. Email will not be accepted. Waivers will be granted at the sole discretion of management. Once a time slot has been released, it is available to any Producer. e. Live Programs Time slots and studio time for live programs must be scheduled at least 14 calendar days in advance of the live program. Due to the technical demands of live programming, a Producer must successfully produce two live-to-tape programs before being certified to produce a live program. The Producer must be present and check in with staff one hour prior to the start of the live program. Crew and talent are required to arrive and check in with staff thirty minutes prior to the start of the live program. A live-event qualified staff member must be present for live programs, and the CTV disclaimer must be included prior to the opening credits and after the closing credits of each live program via a tape roll, or a graphic. Live programs with a studio audience require at least one usher or audience wrangler, fire safety regulations be met, and no admission be charged without prior arrangements with management. Live programs require a certified crew member for each of the following
crew positions: Live programs utilizing telephone call in features will require an additional crew member to handle those demands. Live programming will be cancelled for any the following reasons: Having inadequate crew at air time III. Political Programming CTV itself will not produce any partisan programming but will assist producers in providing non-partisan forums, such as live or pre-recorded debates. CTV encourages political candidates and other citizens to use the public access channel to communicate their political views. Candidates and other providers of political programs, as well as the programs themselves, are subject to the same policies and procedures as any other user of CTV. IV. Underwriting, Sponsorship, Business-Friendly Programs Producers are permitted to seek underwriting, sponsorship, grants or other assistance for their production. Sponsorship for programs may be obtained for goods, services, in-kind contributions and/or donations. Because CTV offers its equipment and facilities at no charge to the Producer, and the non-profit nature of PEG channels, specific policies are in place regarding crediting underwriters and sponsors of programs: Credit for underwriting can be shown at the beginning and end of the program, and/or breaks during the program. Sponsor messages must include verbiage approximating a "PBS" style: "This program is brought to you in part by…" and may include the name, location, website and general nature of the business. Hours of operation, telephone numbers and pricing are not acceptable. Graphics, text, video, music and voiceover may all be included. The sponsor's name, location, website, and the general nature of their business may be displayed. For example: "This program is brought to you by Ed's Widget Works, on Main St. in Keene….serving the Monadnock region's widget needs for over 25 years." Sponsor messages shall not include: ¢ Pricing or sale information ¢ Calls to action ¢ Comparisons/Contrasts Producers must disclose all details of any sponsorship arrangements in writing and submit this information with their Request for Cablecast form. If at any time any program at or using CTV facilities or equipment earns income exceeding one hundred dollars, CTV is entitled to 10% of all gross monies received. Any program produced at or using CTV facilities or equipment that is at any time sold, rented or earns income exceeding one hundred dollars, CTV is entitled to 10% of all net monies received. CTV reserves the right to seek and/or approve sponsorship and collect funds for any programming produced or cablecast at CTV facilities. Producers are strongly encouraged to review their sponsor message plans with management to avoid violating this policy. V. Prohibited Material The following programming content is prohibited. The list includes, but is not limited to: " Solicitation of funds or material for any and all purposes including the promotion, advertising and sale of commercial products and services. This includes but is not limited to: " Having the intent to make a profit Community-based licensed non-profits are exempt from this rule. VI. Viewer Feedback And Complaints Audience Feedback: CTV encourages and welcomes feedback from its audience. All comments should be addressed to: Cheshire TV Feedback can also be made available to the producers of specific shows through their contact information, or through CTV.
VII. Use of Equipment and Facilities a. General Policies CTV equipment and facilities are available only for the production of programs to be shown on the channel. Use for private, recreational or commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. Programming must be submitted within 14 days of the use of equipment or facilities. Members who do not provide programming within 14 days of using equipment will be charged the value of the use of the equipment and facilities as is specified on the reservation form signed at the time the equipment is checked out. No food or beverages are permitted in any CTV area. Bottled water with a closing sports cap is permitted in the studio only. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the facility. Members may only access areas of the building leased by CTV. This includes the common entry, the public bathrooms, and rooms occupied by CTV. All other areas are off limits. Equipment is available only to members who have been certified by the Executive Director. Never leave equipment unattended. Members are responsible for any loss or damage to equipment checked out to them. b. Reservations and Checking Equipment Out and In " Producers using CTV equipment must use unused tape stock.
c. Post-Production (Editing) Facilities " Editing time must be reserved by members certified in the
use of the editing equipment. d. Studio Facilities " Reserved for the length of the program plus one half hour
for setup and one half hour for strike. " All equipment stored in original condition and location
Please respect the needs of other users and make cancellations
at least twenty-four hours in advance. Failure to do so may result
in a temporary suspension or loss of privileges. If a producer does not show up within fifteen minutes of reservation time, the equipment or facilities may be used by any waiting, certified member. f. Training and Certification CTV offers opportunities for interested members to become familiar and comfortable with equipment and facilities. Certification is required for all equipment and facilities use, and training is available by appointment for those who are interested. VIII. Production Services CTV offers production services to Producers who are unable to provide their own technical crew, at no charge to the Producer beyond the cost of materials. These services are available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability of equipment, facilities and staff. The Executive Director will schedule an appointment with the Producer to review the requirements of the program and determine the appropriate level of staff involvement. IX. Program Ownership and Distribution a. Content Rights and Responsibilities Producers maintain copyrights and ownership of the programs they produce, and must release CTV from any and all liability resulting from cablecast of the program. Producers may, at their discretion, limit the number of times a program may be cablecast. The use of the CTV name, logo or anything intended to identify the program as a production of CTV is prohibited. b. Disposition of Programs, Duplication, Distribution No duplicates will be made for distribution nor will the program be lent out to other channels or persons without the express written permission of the Producer. It is the Producer's responsibility to pick up their program after 30 days. After that time, CTV retains the right to dispose of or recycle such media. Producers who are unable to pick up their programs within the specified amount of time may leave a self addressed prepaid mailer to ensure the return of their media. For duplications, producers will pay the current rate for duplication. Producers must take all media with them during production and post-production. CTV is not responsible for media left at the facility. X. Standards of Conduct a. General Standards It is expected that all participating individuals will conduct themselves in a responsible and appropriate manner at all times, and never interfere with CTV activities or programs, or that of its members. CTV facilities are for producing programming for the channel, training, and for specific volunteer purposes only. Loitering is not permitted. Any action or behavior that adversely affects the safety of others or the security of CTV is prohibited. CTV has a zero-tolerance policy towards verbal or physical abuse, threats or acts of violence towards any person. Any such behavior will result in the immediate removal from the facilities of the individuals involved, and permanent revocation of membership privileges. Possession or use of any illegal substance or any weapon is prohibited. CTV computers, fax machines, and telephones are for use by CTV staff ONLY. Personal property is not the responsibility of CTV. b. Eating, Drinking and Smoking Food, gum and beverages are not permitted in any CTV area. c. Drug and Alcohol Use Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while using CTV equipment or facilities is prohibited. d. Interaction with Staff and Volunteers CTV reserves the right to refuse to provide access to any person or group who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs; who interferes with the orderly conduct of business; who refuses to cooperate with or in any way abuses or disrespects staff, volunteers, and community members; who has misused equipment of facilities or has abused the privileges of CTV. e. Harassment Policy It is the policy of CTV to provide an environment in which all members may work and learn in an atmosphere of respect for the dignity and worth of all its members. It must be free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is not only illegal but also unacceptable and impermissible conduct towards which CTV will maintain a zero tolerance policy. Harassment on the basis of sex constitutes unlawful sex discrimination.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other
verbal, non-verbal and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes
sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either
explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of achievement or related
matters, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual
is used as the basis for achievement or related matters affecting
an individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of
unreasonably interfering with individuals performance, ability to
achieve, or related matters, or creating an intimidating, hostile
or otherwise offensive environment. Behavior of this nature should
be immediately reported to staff, the Executive Director and/or
the Board of Directors. No member shall be denied access to CTV equipment or facilities or channel time on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, disability, or religious or political affiliation. XI. Rules Violations and Penalties a. Minor Violations and Resulting Penalties Minor violations include but are not limited to: " Failure to cancel reservations, no show Penalties for minor violations will be based on a 12 month rolling calendar: First offense - Verbal warning b. Major Violations and Resulting Penalties Major violations include, but are not limited to: " Unauthorized or commercial / profit-making use of equipment
or facilities Penalties for major violations will NOT be based on a rolling calendar: First offense: 90-day suspension of all equipment and facilities
privileges. Additionally, any costs incurred will be paid by the member. No penalties will be interpreted to deny the user of access to channel time, only the privilege of use of CTV equipment and facilities. c. Grievance Procedures Members are strongly encouraged to resolve differences at the staff level. Any grievance regarding policies shall first be discussed with the CTV management. If this does not result in a satisfactory solution, or if the grievance is with the Director, a formal grievance may be filed with the Board using the following procedure: Anyone aggrieved by the management, or a decision of the Director or any interpretation of the policies may file a written appeal to the CTV board. The appeal should specifically describe the grievance and cite applicable policies. Supporting documents and statements may be included. The CTV board will, within thirty days of receipt of written grievance, hold a hearing on the complaint. The CTV Director will be provided a copy of the written complaint. No formal rules of evidence or procedure will be required for such a hearing, but the CTV Board will hear all evidence it deems relevant to the matter, and will permit all involved parties to address the issues raised. Within thirty days of the close of a hearing, the CTV Board will issue a final written decision.
You
don't need to make money from something to commit an act of infringement. Indecent
programming contains patently offensive sexual or excretory references
that do not rise to the level of obscenity. The
FCC traditionally refers complaints about programming under these
rules back to the municipality that regulates the access center.
Most municipalities have adopted the FCC standards on obscenity
and indecency and enforce local community standards for PEG cablecasts. When it comes to controversial (not illegal) content in programming, the response should be to encourage more speech, as opposed to enforcing silence. Furthermore, Cheshire TV is forbidden by law from censorship, or content control. Cheshire TV encourages anyone who disagrees with a program to produce counter-programming presenting an opposing point of view, or otherwise responding to the program in question. Illegal
and/or Obscene Programming Web
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