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SCVTV
Santa Clarita Valley (Calif.) Public Television
PUBLIC ACCESS
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Rev. 9/22/2010
INTRODUCTION
Channel 20 on the Time Warner Cable system and Channel 99/Santa Clarita on the AT&T U-verse system are the City of Santa Clarita's PEG (public, education, government) television channels. They are governed by the Santa Clarita Public Television Authority (SCPTA) and operated by SCVTV, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. SCVTV.com and affiliated websites are owned and operated by SCVTV. SCVTV programming also appears on Internet destinations that are maintained by others, such as YouTube and Facebook. Collectively, these multimedia platforms, aka "the SCVTV channels" or "SCVTV," are made possible through the financial and volunteer support of the City, the community, the local Video Service Providers, and individual sponsors and users.
Four distinct types of programming run on SCVTV. They are:
• Public Access — Noncommercial programming produced and/or provided by members of the Santa Clarita Valley community;
• Educational Access — Educational programming produced and/or provided by Santa Clarita Valley-based schools and colleges;
• Government Access — Santa Clarita City Council and other local municipal government meetings; other programming produced by the City of Santa Clarita; imported programming produced by other local, regional, special, state and federal agencies;
• SCVTV Original Programming — Community-oriented programming produced by, or in partnership with, the SCVTV channel operator (SCVTV). As the contract operator, SCVTV's Original Programming is a subset of Government Access.
APPLICABILITY
These policies and procedures pertain only to the "Public Access" component of SCVTV programming and services. They are designed to ensure that:
• Interested community members will have the opportunity to produce programming for playback on the SCVTV channels;
• Interested community members understand the procedures and responsibilities involved in producing and/or providing programming for playback on the SCVTV channels;
• The Public Access component of SCVTV will be managed in a fair and equitable manner.
ELIGIBILITY
Persons and organizations wishing to use the SCVTV Media Center to produce Public Access programming, or submit prerecorded programming for playback on SCVTV, must be members of Club20 in good standing and must adhere to the policies and procedures defined herein.
CLUB20 MEMBERSHIP
The following community members are eligible to join Club20: residents of the Santa Clarita Valley; persons who work more than 50 percent of the time in the Santa Clarita Valley; students enrolled in a local college; designated representatives of nonprofit organizations that serve the Santa Clarita Valley; elected and appointed government officials whose jurisdiction includes all or part of the Santa Clarita Valley.
Community members may be required to demonstrate proof of eligibility by providing, as applicable: verification of residency; verification of employment; student identification; a letter of authorization from a qualifying nonprofit agency.
Persons under age 18 must have the written consent of an eligible parent or guardian to join Club20.
Persons who are not actively engaged in the production of the particular Public Access programming they submit or represent are not eligible for Club20 membership.
Volunteers who merely assist in the production of a Club20 member's program are not required to join Club20.
Persons who are qualified to submit notices for the SCVTV Community Bulletin Board (see below) are not required to join Club20.
Club20 members and their crews who use the SCVTV Media Center and/or SCVTV equipment are acting as individuals only, and do not in any way represent SCVTV, the Santa Clarita Public Television Authority, the City of Santa Clarita, William S. Hart Union High School District, Santa Clarita Community College District (COC), Saugus Union School District, Newhall School District, Castaic Union School District, Sulphur Springs Union School District, Time Warner Cable, AT&T U-verse, or any other Video Service Provider. No statement or pretense of such representation shall be accepted.
"SCVTV" is a registered trademark and may not be used without the express permission of SCVTV. Nothing in this document authorizes the use of the SCVTV trademark or logo by any party.
Programming submitted by Club20 members in good standing will be telecast on the SCVTV channels, provided that the program meets the standards and technical requirements mandated herein.
Club20 members must complete and sign SCVTV's Producer/Submitter Agreement, which serves as the Club20 enrollment form. A Producer/Submitter Agreement may be rejected if SCVTV reasonably suspects falsification or insincerity on the part of the submitter.
CLUB20 DUES
Club20 dues help offset SCVTV's costs of operating SCVTV and the SCVTV Media Center.
Club20 dues are payable annually. They are detailed in the SCVTV Fee Schedule and are subject to change from time to time. Paid memberships are not cancelable or refundable.
Club20 accounts are permanently canceled 60 days after expiration if not renewed. If canceled, qualifying parties must reapply for Club20 membership.
CLUB20 BENEFITS
All Club20 benefits are subject to the availability of SCVTV staffing and equipment. Club20 members are subject to, and limited by, the policies and procedures described throughout this document.
Club20 members in good standing are entitled to the following:
• Playback of qualifying prerecorded programming;
• One hour of SCVTV Media Center use per month, for the purpose of producing programming for playback on SCVTV;
• Use of a designated SCVTV digital editing suite when available.
Club20 members who wish to use the SCVTV Media Center in excess of one hour per month must provide facility user fees as defined in the SCVTV Fee Schedule. Upon approval, certain facility user fees may be reduced or waived in exchange for volunteer hours as determined by SCVTV.
CLUB20 SUSPENSION
Club20 membership benefits may be restricted, temporarily suspended or permanently revoked if SCVTV determines that the member has violated the policies and procedures herein, or has made any fraudulent misrepresentation on any application or agreement.
PLAYBACK OF PROGRAMS
For a program to be considered for playback on SCVTV, the Club20 member must complete a Playback Application.
A Playback Application may be rejected if SCVTV staff believes the program would violate these policies and procedures in any way. All programming is subject to review by SCVTV staff for compliance with these policies and procedures.
Programming must be provided a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the requested playback date unless special arrangements have been made with and accepted by SCVTV staff.
In the case of new series, four (4) completed episodes must be delivered to SCVTV for playback before a time slot will be assigned.
Programming may be delivered for playback in person; by mail, courier or other delivery service; or by drop-off in the mail slot at the SCVTV Media Center. However, SCVTV is not responsible for programming that is not delivered in person.
Once submitted, DVDs, tapes and/or digital media files are not returned. SCVTV retains an original copy of all programming submitted. Producers should not submit their only copy of a program.
Consumer-grade DVD duplicators often produce DVDs that do not play properly. Repeated submission of programming that does not play properly may result in limitation or suspension of playback privileges.
In the event of accidental damage to or loss of a DVD, tape or media file, SCVTV is not responsible for its replacement. Again, producers should not submit their only copy of a program.
Each DVD, tape or media file, and its case, must be clearly marked with the title of the show, runtime and episode number, if any; together with the name, telephone number and email address, if any, of the responsible Club20 member.
Check with SCVTV staff for requirements for leaders and bars and tone.
Video must adhere to NTSC standards with a 4:3 aspect ratio. It must be broadcast-safe and free from video noise, pixelation and excessive color fluctuations. Text and similar graphical elements must display within title-safe zones. Optimal audio is -12 dB for DV audio. Programs with distorted sound and excessive over-modulation will be rejected. If any of these terms are unfamiliar, it is the responsibility of the producer to seek clarification from an SCVTV staff member.
A request for playback on SCVTV will be considered a request for playback on all SCVTV channels, including SCVTV's various Internet channels. SCVTV may elect to distribute any or all programming over the Internet, but it is under no obligation to do so. "Distribution over the Internet" includes streaming, podcasting, archiving, webcasting, and any other format that exists now or may exist in the future.
As detailed in the Producer/Submitter Agreement, producers must have full distribution rights (television and Internet) to all content contained in any submitted program, including music (score, lyrics, arrangement, performance) and "B-roll."
IMPORTED PROGRAMS
SCPTA and SCVTV accommodate Public Access programming to give local residents, employees and organizations the means of producing programming that might not otherwise be produced.
"Imported programs" are defined herein as having both of the following characteristics: (a) they are not produced in the Santa Clarita Valley; and (b) they do not involve the active participation of a qualifying Club20 member in their production.
Imported programs are not eligible for submission as Public Access programs.
PROGRAM LENGTH
Noncommercial programming is limited to a maximum of 24 minutes per 30-minute time slot, and 48 minutes per 60-minute time slot.
The remaining time is set aside for sponsorship recognition, which may be inserted either by SCVTV or by the producer, subject to fees set forth in the SCVTV Fee Schedule, which may change from time to time.
Producers may insert no more than 5 minutes of sponsorship recognition in any 30-minute time slot. SCVTV reserves a minimum of one (1) minute per 30-minute time slot for SCVTV's own purposes. Individual DVDs may have a runtime of no more than 58 minutes.
FORMATS
Programming for playback must be submitted in a format identified in the SCVTV Media Formats list.
Club20 members who use the SCVTV Media Center for production must provide stock for mastering in a format identified in the Media Formats list.
SCVTV may make stock available for purchase, but it should not be assumed that SCVTV has sufficient stock on hand.
The Media Formats list is subject to change from time to time. Changes are automatically incorporated herein.
PROGRAM SCHEDULING
SCVTV staff is responsible for all program scheduling on SCVTV to ensure that SCVTV fulfills its multiple roles as the community's public, education, government and original programming channel. To that end, SCVTV staff will determine the best block or blocks of time for Public Access programming, as discussed below.
Public Access programming is scheduled on the real-time SCVTV channels in specific blocks of time each week. In general, and at SCVTV's own discretion, Public Access programming is telecast during daytime hours Saturday and daytime hours Sunday, except as follows: Programming that is suited for all age groups will be scheduled during times when children are presumed to be awake. Programming that is intended for, or only appropriate for, mature audiences will be scheduled to run between midnight and 4 a.m., and will be required to carry an advisory warning as defined by SCVTV staff.
Daily prime time slots (6PM to 11pm, seven days per week) are reserved exclusively for Education Access, Government Access and SCVTV Original Programming.
Any Club20 member in good standing may request a particular time slot within the designated Public Access block(s) of time. If two or more Club20 members request the same time slot, SCVTV will make the determination that it believes is in the best interest of the public.
Producers of weekly or biweekly episodic Public Access programs shall be eligible for one (1) time slot per week on the real-time SCVTV channels. Producers of less frequent or stand-alone Public Access programs shall be eligible for time slot(s) as deemed appropriate by SCVTV staff. All other provisions notwithstanding, SCVTV is under no obligation to televise any individual episode (or stand-alone program) more than four (4) times.
SCVTV reserves the authority repeat programming at any time, and may reschedule programming as necessary. Public Access programming may be preempted at any time without notice by Government Access, official emergency communications, SCVTV's own coverage of breaking news or emergency communications.
NONCURRENT PROGRAMMING
Episodic Public Access series shall be considered noncurrent if no new episode has been produced or delivered for playback within any current 90-day period. Noncurrent Public Access series are subject to suspension from playback, irrespective of the producer's Club20 membership status. In the event of suspension or cancelation, Club20 membership fees are not returned, either in whole or on a pro-rata basis.
PROGRAM CONTENT
In general, Public Access programming is noncommercial programming that is produced by volunteers and is of particular interest to local community residents.
Producers and/or submitters of programming for playback on SCVTV must be Club20 members and must complete and sign SCVTV's Producer/Submitter Agreement, wherein each producer/submitter makes the following affirmations:
"I am the producer of the video(s) and/or I have all necessary rights to display it on and disseminate it over the Internet and local television system(s), including any music (score, lyrics, arrangement, performance) or 'B-roll' it may contain. (...)"
"I am completely familiar with and accountable for the contents of the video(s) and assert that it/they do(es) not contain any obscenity, indecency, or nudity; material soliciting or promoting unlawful conduct; information concerning any lottery, gift, enterprise, or similar scheme, offering prizes dependent in whole or in part upon lot or chance, or any list of prizes drawn or awarded by means of any such lottery, gift enterprise, or scheme, whether said list contains any part or all of such prizes, or any material to which I do not have distribution rights. I accept full responsibility for the video(s)' content and hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless SCVTV and affiliates, the Santa Clarita Public Television Authority, the City of Santa Clarita, William S. Hart Union High School District, Santa Clarita Community College District (COC), Saugus Union School District, Newhall School District, Castaic Union School District, Sulphur Springs Union School District, Time Warner Cable, AT&T U-verse, their officers, directors, employees, and agents from liability as a result of distributing such video(s)."
Subject to fees set forth in the SCVTV Fee Schedule, producers may insert commercial spots to thank sponsors or underwriters who offset the producer's actual costs. The SCVTV Fee Schedule is subject to change from time to time; changes are automatically incorporated herein.
Nonprofit organizations are allowed up to 15 seconds for sponsorship recognition at no cost, provided the recognition contains no corporate logos or any reference to prices. Additional sponsorship recognition is subject to rates set forth in the SCVTV Fee Schedule.
ADVERTISING, UNDERWRITING OR SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION
Public Access producers whose programming contains any advertising, underwriting or sponsorship recognition must submit audited financial statements upon request, and no less than once per annum, demonstrating that their PEG-related activities conform with Public Utilities Code § 5870(b).
To the extent that a producer's receipts exceed the producer's expenses, inclusive of costs associated with staff, equipment, production of programming and applicable fees set forth in the SCVTV Fee Schedule, the excess payments for such advertising, underwriting or sponsorship recognition shall accrue to SCVTV. In the event that the producer's receipts exceed both (a) the producer's costs as defined above, and (b) SCVTV's annualized costs of providing PEG service in Santa Clarita, the excess payments shall accrue to a holding account for disbursement to the Santa Clarita Public Television Authority.
STUDIO USE
The SCVTV Media Center is provided for use "as-is."
Club20 members must submit a Program Proposal prior to reserving the SCVTV Media Center for production. A Program Proposal may be modified or rejected if SCVTV staff believes the program would violate these policies and procedures in any way.
Reservations of the SCVTV Media Center must be made at least 30 days in advance.
Cancellations that are made by a Public Access producer with less than 14 days' notice shall count as the producer's studio use for that month.
Two consecutive cancellations by a Public Access producer shall subject the producer to a 90-day suspension of Club20 privileges. Three consecutive cancellations by a Public Access producer shall subject the producer to nonrefundable cancellation of Club20 privileges.
Prior to scheduling the SCVTV Media Center for production, the Club20 member must demonstrate to SCVTV's satisfaction that s/he has sufficient training in using SCVTV production equipment. Producers who lack such training may be required to enroll in a class or course as determined by SCVTV.
Producers are responsible for providing and setting up any props and set pieces. Furniture, equipment and other appurtenances at the SCVTV Media Center that are not identified as set pieces are not set pieces.
Any electrification or rewiring requires prior approval by SCVTV staff.
Smoking, drinking and eating are prohibited in all technical areas including the studio, control room and edit bay(s). Water is permitted in the studio, provided it is kept away from all equipment.
Each studio production must have a producer who is a Club20 member. This person is responsible for contact with SCVTV in all phases of production and for all equipment used in production and/or post-production. The Club20 member producer bears the responsibility to replace or repair any SCVTV equipment or fixtures that are damaged or broken during use.
The typical studio production requires a crew of five to eight persons. Club20 members should assume that SCVTV will provide no more than one (1) SCVTV staff member to assist with production, unless the producer has hired additional SCVTV staff in accordance with the SCVTV Fee Schedule. If SCVTV determines, at its own estimation, that a producer has provided insufficient crew, SCVTV staff may cancel the production and count it as the Club20 member's time for that month. Tardiness of volunteers is not an excuse.
Productions that exceed their allotted time may be allowed to continue only with SCVTV's approval.
Public Access programs produced in the SCVTV Media Center are expected to be presented for playback on the SCVTV channels within one month. Failure to present programming within one month may result in restrictions of studio use and time slots.
PRIORITY OF STUDIO USE
In general, and subject to the availability of SCVTV staff and equipment, the SCVTV Media Center is available for use by Club20 members when it is not otherwise reserved for Government Access, Educational Access, SCVTV Original Programming, or individuals or entities that support Santa Clarita's PEG operations by paying to use or "rent" the facility.
When the studio is available for Public Access use and two or more Club20 members wish to use the studio at the same time, SCVTV staff will determine the fairest distribution of SCVTV resources. Factors in this determination may include timeliness of the production; timeliness of the request; frequency of use by the Club20 members in question; the "local"-ness of the production; and the benefit to the community.
Studio time may always be preempted without notice during emergencies.
REMOTE EQUIPMENT USE
Subject to availability, remote production equipment such as cameras, lights and tripods may be rented in accordance with the SCVTV Fee Schedule.
Members who rent equipment must complete an Equipment Rental Agreement and may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the equipment. Members who lack such proficiency, in SCVTV's own estimation, may be required to enroll in a class or course as determined by SCVTV.
Members will be held responsible for equipment that is lost, stolen or damaged, and billed accordingly for replacements or repair.
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Any nonprofit agency, not-for-profit organization or government entity that serves all or part of the Santa Clarita Valley may submit noncommercial announcements for the SCVTV Community Bulletin Board.
Announcements may be submitted by email, by fax or in person. In addition to the notice itself, announcements must contain the name of the organization, the contact person, a phone number, email address (if any) and a termination date.
Announcements fall into two broad categories: Standing notices with no expiration; and event notices with a specific ending date.
In the case of events, the date of the event is the termination date. In the case of standing notices, the termination date is six months from the date of submission. Standing notices must be resubmitted every six months or they may be deleted.
MODIFICATIONS
SCVTV at all times reserves the right to change or modify SCVTV playback procedures and the management policies of the SCVTV Media Center. Any changes or modifications to these policies and procedures shall be in writing and shall be automatically incorporated into all Producer/Submitter Agreements then in effect.
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