RCTV POLICY MANUAL

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MISSION STATEMENT RCTV is a Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Access television station.  As such, its primary purpose is to permit participation and awareness of governmental and educational programming and in terms of public access to act as a resource for the expression of FREE SPEECH for those in our community.  The fulfillment of that primary purpose fosters the secondary purposes which are: A tool for communication; A means of entertainment and information; A means of education of the Townspeople of Raymond; and To foster the spirit of community.
STRUCTURE RCTV is run by the Cable Television Committee of the Town of Raymond under the authority of the Board of Selectmen which is the Franchising Authority.  This authority was given to the Board of Selectmen by a vote of the Town Meeting.  The committee consists of 5 regular members, an alternate and one representative from the Board of Selectmen and the School Board.  Committee members are appointed by the selectmen for a three-year term.
OPERATION The Raymond Cable TV Committee does not produce any programming.  However, as private citizens outside of the scope of their appointed status, these same people have the same rights as everyone else to use the resource of RCTV to exercise their First Amendment Rights.  The Cable TV Committee is a volunteer committee, which relies on other volunteers for many functions.
1. PURPOSE The purpose of this document is to describe in detail the procedures for use of equipment and facilities belonging to the Town of Raymond School District.  Raymond Community Television is committed to the idea that community and public access programming should be community television serving the greater Raymond community. Raymond Community Television is a public, educational, and governmental resource provided by the franchise agreement between the Town of Raymond and MediaOne.  All access is administered on a non-discriminatory basis.  RCTV is the logo and call name of the channel that originates from the Raymond Town Office or other official origination sites in the town of Raymond.  Priority of programming will be determined by the Raymond Cable Television Committee. RCTV has one part time paid employee. The Raymond Cable Television Committee is responsible for overseeing operation of the equipment, control room and studio.  The Raymond Cable Television Committee has been chartered by the Raymond Selectmen with this task and operates under by-laws established and approved by them. GLOSSARY
RCTV	Raymond Community Television
Cable Committee	The committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen in accordance with the Town Code manual Chapter 213.
P.E.G.	Public, Educational & Government
Public Access	Non-Commercial programs created by Raymond citizens and non-profit Groups.
Government Access	Programs produced by staff or elected officials of the Town of Raymond and may include coverage of government meetings (as defined by RSA-91A), profiles of town services as well as servicing the communications needs of various town departments.
Educational Access	Programs produced or sanctioned by the Raymond School district and Raymond based private educational institutions.
Operator	Someone who is authorized to use the Control Room, Studio and/or portable equipment.
Producer	Someone who is responsible for a program developed for broadcast.
Production Control Room	The room at the Raymond High School leased to the Town of Raymond for use in producing video programming either live or on tape.
Master Control Room	The room located at the Town Office where videotape playback, the bulletin board computer, and portable control unit is normally located.
Studio	The room at the Raymond High School shared by the school and RCTV.
BB	Bulletin Board - the computer that displays announcements on CH 22 when other programs are not being shown.
2.  CODE OF CONDUCT
Raymond Community Television has adopted and believes in the following Code of Conduct.  Every member of Raymond Community Television will:
Act respectfully and politely to students, members, and staff. Work for the long-term success of Raymond Community Television and its goals. Work for the long-term success of community media in general Be expected to research, obtain, and communicate necessary facts to key people in a timely manner.
Every member, when acting in public on behalf of Raymond Community Television, will:
Present themselves politely and positively when using RCTV facilities or on location for the purposes of producing programming for RCTV. Speak factually and honestly. Not misrepresent themselves or their actions in their associations with RCTV.
Every member, when acting in public as individuals, will be free to hold, express, and publicize their own beliefs or strategies even if they differ from those expressed by RCTV.
3.  POLICY AMENDMENTS
Changes, additions or deletions to this document will be made in accordance with the Raymond Code Manual Chapter 213-7.  "These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the full membership present at any regular monthly meeting provided that a minimum of 20 days written notice of changes is provided."  Amendments will then be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for adoption. RCTV reserves the right to waive any self-imposed regulation when such a waiver is judged to be in the public interest.  Such waivers must have the approval of the Committee Chair or his/her appointee.
4.  GENERAL FACILITY & OPERATIONS
These sections apply to Public, Educational, and Government productions.
4.1 PERSONNEL, AND DUTIES
All Personnel, Operators, Coordinators and Producers operate under the rules set forth in this document and ultimately report to the RCTV Committee who report to the Raymond Selectmen.
4.1.1 OPERATOR
Operators are personnel who have taken the Basic PEG Channel Training Course.  These people are authorized to use the audio and video equipment for both Studio and remote live or taped broadcast.  They may use the equipment unsupervised.  They understand all the RCTV procedures and rules.
4.1.2 COORDINATOR
Coordinators are personnel who have taken the Basic PEG Channel Training course.  In addition, they have further volunteered to help coordinate the operation of the RCTV PEG channel.  This involves helping to schedule Operators to provide coverage of scheduled Town board meeting and other special Town events.  These people are authorized to add to, or modify the facilities (Control Room and Studio) and to authorize the use of equipment for Public purposes.
4.1.3 PRODUCER
All residents of the Town of Raymond, age 18 and over, are eligible to become producers after attending an initial orientation/training class.  Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 must have Parental Authorization (Form RCTV-5).  Parents assume responsibility for liabilities and equipment damage that may result from a minor's use. All producers must sign a Statement of Compliance (Form RCTV-1) indicating they have read and understand the policies within this document.
4.2 SECURITY
Security is the responsibility of everyone.  The security of the Town Office, Raymond High School, Control Room, Studio and all equipment, portable and fized shall be of utmost importance to everyone.  No unauthorized personnel shall be allowed access nor shall any unapproved activities be tolerated.  Failure to abide by these provisions shall be cause for permanent revocation of all use privileges. RCTV users are NOT permitted outside the High School Control Room and Studio during hours when school is closed and the alarms are set.  RCTV users are not authorized to use any school computers or equipment not previously arranged with school personnel.  RCTV users are not permitted in any offices or non-public spaces in the Town Office. RCTV reserves the right to refuse the use of facilities and equipment to any person under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or otherwise not in full control of his or her own faculties.
4.3  FACILITIES
There are no bathroom facilities available to RCTV users when school is closed and the alarms are set.
Raymond Community Television Studio and Production Control Room are located at Raymond High School.  The facilities will be available to all RCTV approved individuals.  The Studio is subject to the rules and regulations developed jointly by RCTV and the Raymond School Department.  The facilities are available for authorized users by appointment.  The RCTV Master Control Room and Office is located in the Town Office.  It is used for the playback of recorded tapes and for recording events held at the Town Office Meeting Room.
4.3.1 PARKING POLICY
Parking is available in the front and rear parking lots of the school both during and after school hours.  Parking at the Town Office is in designated spaces.
4.3.2  FACILITY RULES
Users should be aware of the dangers of food and liquids around electronic equipment.  All food and drinks must be kept away from any equipment.  Users will be held responsible for the costs of equipment repairs.  There is no smoking or alcohol allowed anywhere on school grounds.  Studio and edit areas should be left in an orderly fashion.  Cables should be coiled neatly and put away.  Microphones should be returned to the audio cabinet.  Tapes and other materials should not be left behind after a shooting or editing session. Individuals using RCTV-Channel 22 equipment or studio facilities will not change wiring, patch bays, or components without coordinator permission and supervision.  No attempts should be made to work on or repair equipment.  Any damage caused in this manner will be charged to the user.
4.4 PROGRAM TIMING & LABELING
All tapes should be clearly labeled with the following information on both the tape box and the tape itself. Title Producer's Name Date Completed Total Running Time Pre-roll Program lengths should be timed from the beginning of active program video or audio to the last active video or audio (usually the copyright credit).  Pre-roll is defined as the amount of time from the head of the tape to the beginning of active program video or audio.
4.5  EQUIPMENT SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES
Reservations for remote equipment packages can be made by filling out a reservation from (RCTV-3) at least 3 days in advance.  Reservations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.  On the day of pickup arrangements must be made with an RCTV Coordinator.  If there is no reservation form filled out prior to that day, or if the form is incomplete, then no equipment will be released.  Camcorder sign-out is limited to 2 weekends per month plus 2 weekday/overnights per month (for a total of 4).  Equipment MUST be returned when specified on the reservation sheet.  Failure to do so may lead to temporary revocation of sign-out privileges.  Sign-in/out times should be arranged with the Access Coordinator.  Upon return of equipment, all items not normally belonging in camcorder cases (i.e., extra microphones, cables, lights, tapes, etc.,) should be removed.  Batteries should be fully charged before returning equipment.  The equipment must be returned in the condition it left in.  If there are any problems with equipment while using it, notify staff immediately upon return.  Evidence of the mishandling of equipment can lead to revocation of sign-out privileges.
4.6 PRODUCTION CONTROL ROOM POLICY
Requests for Production time will be made using reservation form (RCTV-4).  Production time is signed out on calendars posted in the control room.
4.7 VIDEOTAPE
RCTV will provide blank videotapes upon request, but said videotape remains the property of RCTV even though the copyright of the program content is held by the producer.  Videotapes held by RCTV will be recycled after a period of 2 months. Copies of raw footage may be obtained only with the consent of the producer involved.  Raw footage is defined as the unedited raw material, which, in its present form, is unfit for airing due to technical or content reasons.  Programming shot live on tape and aired in the same fashion (i.e., studio programs or sports events and government meetings) do not qualify as raw footage since the actual tape used for shooting is also the tape that is aired.
4.7.1 VIDEOTAPE COPIES
No Master copies of videotapes will be released. One copy of public board meetings will be made for the convening board.  This copy becomes the responsibility of the board chairperson.  Each board will be responsible for storing its own tapes and determining how long they will be archived.
4.8  PROGRAM CONTENT
RCTV requires all access users to accept full responsibility for program content.  This means that access users alone are accountable for what they communicate.  Therefore, access users should become familiar with local and federal laws and any other regulations that apply to program content and its cablecast. A. The following types of programming will not be produced or cablecast.  Appeals to any program rejections will be made first to the Cable committee and finally to the Board of Selectmen. 1. Obscene programming is prohibited from broadcast on cable access.  Obscenity as defined by current state of New Hampshire laws will apply. 2. Programming soliciting or promoting unlawful conduct. 3. Material which constitutes libel, slander, invasion of privacy, or which might violate other Local, State or Federal law. 4. Programs containing material which violates copyright, trademarks, or service marks.  Use of such material generally requires obtaining appropriate rights from music licensing organizations, publishers, representatives, copyright holders, and any other person as to make necessary for cablecast.  Producers will be asked to furnish written authorization for use of such materials. 5. Program material that creates the immediate danger or damage to property or injury to persons, or the substantial obstruction of law enforcement or other governmental functions or services, or by deprivation of a legal right of a person by threat, threat of force, or physical action, or the creation of a public nuisance. 6. The direct or indirect presentation of lotteries or lottery information B. Public access programming is by tradition, non-profit and non-commercial.  The channel time and facilities are provided to benefit the community.  Therefore access programs should not contain the following: 1. Advertising material designed to promote the sale of commercial products, businesses, services, or individuals. 2. Direct sales or provision of commercial products, businesses or services during a program. 3. Material which identifies any product, service, trademark, or brand name in a manner that is not reasonably related to the non-commercial use of such in the program and which promotes the commercial gain of such products, services, trademarks or brand names. . 4. The direct solicitation of funds without first receiving permission from RCTV C. Raymond Community Television reserves the right to review all programs submitted for broadcast to insure conformity with all laws.  Programming which may be considered "indecent" (see note below), presents adult themes or contains strong language or explicit video will carry the disclaimer, "This program contains (strong language)(explisit video)(an adult theme) which may not be suitable for sensitive audiences.  All promotions for that program will contain the same disclaimer.  Programming meeting these guidelines will not be shown between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM per section 505 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Indecent Programming.  For the purposes of these policies, indecent programming is programming that describes or depicts sexual or excretory activities or organs in a patently offensive manner as measured by contemporary community standards.  The access user or producer shall certify to RCTV if their programming contains indecent material.
4.8.1 PROGRAM CREDITS
Program credits for underwriting and Grants must be for goods, services, and in-kind contributions and/or donations that aid in developing or improving programs Credit for underwriting should be in the manner of "This program was made possible through a grant by...." or "Goods and services used in this program were contributed by..." Only the name of the underwriter or donor, not the product, service, or contribution can be listed in the credit.  Such credits can only be shown before and after the program. Verbal credit to donors and underwriters during a program is not permitted. Programs containing personal or organizational viewpoints will include the disclaimer at the beginning and end of the program.  "The views expressed in this program are not those of RCTV or the Town of Raymond.".
4.9 BULLETIN BOARD
RCTV shall establish a Bulletin Board (BB) that will run continuously whenever a live or taped program is not.  Persons that are allowed to maintain and modify the BB shall receive training from the Graphics Coordinator before modifying the BB without supervision.
4.9.1 BB SUBJECT MATTER
All announcements shall be reviewed by the Graphics Coordinators or a Cable TV Committee Chairperson before it is installed in the BB computer and aired unless it is a notice of a Town Board, School Board, or Town business hours, etc.,  All material deemed commercial, political, lewd, inflammatory, or personal is not allowed.  Appeals of rejection may be made to the Cable TV Committee.  Further appeal will be to the Board of Selectmen.  The decision of the Board of Selectmen is final.
4.9.1.1 ACCEPTABLE SUBJECT MATTER
Notice of Town or School public meetings; i.e., Selectmen, Planning Board, School Board, etc. Notices of try-outs or games for various Raymond School and private athletic teams Notices of one-time events for non-profit organizations such as Boy Scout X-Mass tree sale Notices of one-time religious fund raising events such as rummage or bake sales Religious services schedules Special events
4.9.1.2 UNACCEPTABLE SUBJECT MATTER
Notices of birthdays or other personal messages without the express approval of the Cable Committee Chair Notices of appreciation to businesses donating items for raffles, etc. Political advertisements Lewd or inflammatory matter Commercial advertisements
4.9.2 MATERIAL SUBMISSION
With the exception of noticing Town and School meetings and events, all material for the BB shall be submitted in writing.  The request shall include the following information: Event name Date and Time Place Contact Person Contact Phone Number Start Date End Date The request shall be submitted to the Graphics Coordinators and will be reviewed by that person and put into the BB as soon as possible.  The Raymond Cable TV Committee and Graphics Coordinator assume no liability for delays in putting material on the BB.  Announcements should be submitted 10 days in advance of the event to ensure timely notice.
4.10 DISCIPLINARY ACTION
RCTV reserves the right to rescind access privileges for violation of any of the rules in this document according to the following schedule: First-Time Offense:  Verbal Warning Second-Time Offense:  3 Month Suspension (includes removal of programming from cablecast schedule) Third-Time Offense:  Permanent Removal Upon returning from a period of suspension any regular cablecast time slots will be resumed.
4.11 TECHNICAL STANDARDS
Tapes submitted for playback on RCTV should conform to the following standards: Acceptable videotape formats:  VHS, SVHS Each program should be submitted on its own individual videotape All videotapes should be clearly labeled on the spine of both the videotape and the container including title of program, pre-roll, and total running time of program. both pre-roll and post-roll should be 7l.5 IRE black. Pre-roll should be a minimum of 10 seconds to a maximum of 90 seconds; ideally all pre-rolls should be exactly 60 seconds. If possible pre-roll should contain 30 seconds of color bars and tone, 20 seconds of program slate and 10 seconds of countdown. Post-roll should be a minimum of 15 seconds of black. Videotapes submitted for playback should be of the highest possible picture and sound quality (no 2nd or 3rd generation dubs from masters if possible). All videotapes should be clear of excessive audio and/or video dropouts. Videotapes in VHS or SVHS format will only be played back using the standard (not hi-fi) audio tracks(s). All videotapes should have proper video levels (7.5 IRE black to 100 IRE white). All videotapes must have continuous control track signal from beginning of tape, including pre-roll, through to the end of the program and post-roll black. Videotapes which do not meet all of the above criteria may be returned to the producer to fix any problem(s) before the program is aired.
4.11.1 PROGRAM LENGTHS
Meetings, hearings or other broadcasts carried live or recorded "live on tape" will be aired in the time required.
4.11.2 PROGRAMMING PRIORITY
Priority of programming will be determined by the Raymond Cable Television Committee.
5.0 PUBLIC ACCESS
Public Access programming is programming which has been produced by "the public".  When the program is produced using RCTV facilities and equipment, it means that the production arrangements are made by the volunteer public access producers and the crew is primarily volunteer.  In this case RCTV committee members are largely there in an advisory capacity: to provide training, program proposal review, assistance in lining up crews, basic studio set up, and occasional crew assistance.  When an access user brings in a pre-recorded tape for broadcast, it is also considered public access.  In both these instances RCTV, by Federal law, may not edit or control content.
5.1 PUBLIC ACCESS PRODUCERS
All residents of the Town of Raymond, age 18 and over, are eligible to become Public Access producers after attending an initial orientation/training class and maintaining any and all fees required.  Minors between age 16 and 18 must have parental authorization (Form RCTV-5).  Parents assume responsibility for liabilities and equipment damage that may result from the minor's membership. Private citizens or non-profit groups who use the equipment to produce programming seen on RCTV and/or the facilities of RCTV may have their programs broadcast.  This usage is free of charge and on a first come-first serve basis.  Training on the use of equipment is scheduled on a request basis.  Arrangements for classes can be made by calling 895-4735, extension 104.  A member of the RCTV Cable Committee will return your call.
5.2 WORKSHOP CLASSES
Public Access Producers are required to take a 4-hour Orientation class before working with equipment.  During this class producers will be given safety information on studio and remote equipment.  Additional advanced workshops will be given on various subjects on an as-needed basis.
5.3 PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAMMING
5.3.1 PROCEDURES
Producers must complete a program proposal form (Form RCTV-2) for each show (or series) they plan to produce.  Producers are responsible for coordinating their own technical crew (if needed); only trained RCTV volunteers are allowed to use equipment.
All programs must be submitted at least 24 hours before they are scheduoled to be cablecast, along with a cablecast form (Form RCTV-3) indicating the desired date and time of cablecasting, as well as any controversial content (if any).  Failure to notify staff of possible controversial content in advance may result in disciplinary action.
5.3.2 COPYRIGHT AND LIABILITY
All editorial control and responsibility and ownership of content of Public Access programming lies with each program's producer. RCTV reserves the right not to air any program which violates copyright, obscenity, or libel laws, which is in any way commercial in nature; or which is unviewable for technical reasons.  RCTV recommends obtaining signed release forms for minors who appear in videotaped productions.
5.3.3 CONTROVERSIAL PROGRAMMING
All comments and complaints about any program will be forwarded to the producer of said program; all producers must supply RCTV with a current valid phone number which will be made available to the general public upon request.  RCTV reserves the right to schedule adult-oriented or controversial programming at specific times.
5.3.4 POLITICAL CANDIDATES AND ACCESS
FCC regulations applying to political candidates and issues do not apply to "Public Access".  The two rules most referred to are the "Equal Time" rule which applies to political candidates and the "Fairness Doctrine" which stated that broadcast programmers must give time to diverse sides of an issue.  The FCC personal attack rule also does not apply to "Public Access".
No paid advertising will be accepted on behalf of candidates for public office or political parties on RCTV. Public Access users are under no legal obligation to show any view other that their own.  Community residents with diverse viewpoints are encouraged to use public access to express those views.
5.4 CREWS
It is each producer’s responsibility to provide his or her own crews.  Phone lists will be given out on a request basis only; also, producers may put an ad on the Community Bulletin Board for crew for a program.  Those wishing not to use their home phone number can use the cable office phone number in the Town Office that has voice mail.
5.5 RELEASE FORMS
Producers must obtained signed release forms for person(s) appearing on a program which will be cablecast.  This is especially important when taping children under 18 (in which case a signature is needed by the child's parent or legal guardian).  Thses forms will be kept on file at RCTV.  Exceptions to this rule include videotaping of public events such as government meetings, sporting events, or in some other public location or forum.
5.6 CHILDREN
Young children are not allowed in the studio unsupervised.  Since the use of video production equipment requires one's full attention, supervision must be by an adult who is not involved with any production during their stay.  However, because of safety concerns, it is strongly encouraged that children not be brought into the studio at all.  This includes guests of shows, as well as producers and audience members.
5.7 LIVE PROGRAMMING
Producers who wish to do live on-air programming must meet the following prerequisites:  Must provide Cable Coordinator with detailed rundown or script of show's guests and subject, as well as full crew list. Must schedule program at least 2 weeks in advance.
5.8 NON-LOCAL (BICYCLED) PROGRAMMING
RCTV does provide air time for programs produced outside of its facilities and by non-local residents.  A local resident must sponsor programs produced outside of Raymond in order to air.  The local resident will take responsibility for the program's content. Programming must abide by same rules as Public Access programming.  RCTV Form 4.0 must be completed.
6.0 Government Access
Government Access is defined in the Glossary as: "Programs produced by staff or elected officials of the Town of Raymond and may include coverage of government meetings (as defined by RSA-91A), profiles of town services, as well as servicing the communications needs of various town departments." Government Access producers and users are subject to all sections of this Policy Manual.  Government meetings and productions are those sanctioned by a particular board or town department.  When town officials or employees participate in or produce any programming not under this category, they do so under the category, rules and procedures of Public Access.
7.0 EDUCATIONAL ACCESS
Educational Access is defined in the glossary as: "Programs produced by the faculty and students of the Raymond School District and Raymond based private educational institutions." Educational Access producers and users are subject to all sections of this policy manual.  Educational meetings and productions are those sanctioned by a particular school, the SAU or School Board.  When school officials or employees participate in or produce any programming not under this category, they do so under the category, rules and procedures of Public Access.
TOWN OF RAYMOND, NEW HAMPSHIRE ADOPTED APRIL 17, 2000 BY BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Richard S. Ladd, Chairman (signed)
Norman E. Weldy, Jr. (not signed)		Harold R. Wood, Jr. (signed)
William J. Kelley (not signed)		Edward F. French (signed)

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