Policies

 

I. Auburn Regional Media Access
Auburn Regional Media Access is an independent, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors from the Auburn area community whose mission is to help all Auburn area citizens and institutions realize their fuII potential through community communication, and to encourage and facilitate their fullest participation in communicating their message. ARMA operates the public access channels currently assigned by Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS. The access corporation is financed by a percentage of the profits earned by Verizon FiOS and Time Warner Cable of the Auburn area, program underwriting, sponsorship, membership fees and donations.

Auburn Regional Media Access exists to give the public access to the communication medium of television. The public includes all individuals who live, work or have taxpayer status in Auburn area, and to all organized groups with offices in Auburn area-such as schools, hospitals, government agencies, non-profit organizations and fraternal groups. ARMA accepts all types of information and expression and welcomes a diversity of views. ARMA will make no judgments on the content of a program except for programs that are commercial, libelous, slanderous, obscene or violate Federal, State or Local laws. As demands on ARMA’s facilities grow, these policies are subject to revision. Individuals and organizations may utilize the training, equipment and support of staff to produce programming for playback on the access channel subject to these rules and regulations.

II. Statement of Purpose
The Purpose of Auburn Regional Media Access is outlined in the By-Laws of the Corporation.

III. Role of ARMA Staff
ARMA staff and volunteers designated as interns provide technical assistance to community members and are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the facility. The primary role of  the Board of Directors, Executive Director, Technical Directors and Staff is to train community producers, maintain equipment and facilities, schedule programming and equipment, and bring community volunteers together in an environment that will foster the best use of public access television on cable channels. The management of the corporation reserves the right to schedule equipment and the facility as needed to perform operational requirements.

IV. Location & Hours of Operation
ARMA is located at 108 Genesee St., Auburn, New York 13021. Regular business hours are posted on the station’s office door, on our website and the Community Bulletin Board Channel.

V. Membership.
A. Active Membership (Programmers & Producers)
Open to all individuals who reside, work or have taxpayer status in Auburn area, and to all organized groups in Auburn area including; schools, government agencies, hospitals, fraternal groups, social service, arts, environmental, science, religious, political and business groups. Minors require a parent or legal guardian authorize their Active Membership status. Proof of age, Auburn residency, or local taxpayer status may be required. One becomes a member by meeting all criteria outlined above and filling out a Statement of Compliance.

B. Benefits
• Attend ARMA workshops
• Access to ARMA production facilities and equipment to produce programs for cablecast.
• Reserve channel time on ARMA channels for cablecasting.

C. Dues: There are no annual dues for Active Membership at present time. Memberships break into several categories:
• Individual
• Organizational (This covers one (1) Primary Delegate who participates on the organization’s behalf). Plus additional representative organizational members.

VI. Supporting Friends of ARMA
Active Memberships are free at present time to insure that ARMA facilities and equipment remain accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of financial resources. As a consequence, memberships do not cover any portion of ARMA’s expenses. ARMA welcomes financial contributions from anyone who supports our services and programs regardless of involvement in production. Participation in ARMA’s Supporting Friends program is not restricted to Auburn area residents, taxpayers and organizations. Anyone may become a Supporting Friend of ARMA. Contributions in any amount are welcome. As a way of thanking Friends for their support, ARMA offers special benefits to different levels of contribution.

VII. ARMA Community Calendar
A. ARMA’s community bulletin board is used for Auburn area not-for-profit and community groups to publicize activities and events.  An Auburn area phone number must accompany each press release.

B. Special Greetings (birthday, anniversary, Mothers Day) may be displayed for $10 per day, prepaid.

C. Community Calendar forms may be picked up/dropped off at ARMA during normal business hours or accessed/submitted electronically via our website at www.armatv.org.

D. Forms must be submitted I week prior to when you want your message to begin airing.

E. All messages that have not been renewed may be removed after 6 months.

F. ARMA Staff reserve the right to edit, re-format, and/or refuse any message.

VIII. Out-of-Town Producers
In order for individuals who do not live, work or have taxpayer status in Auburn area to have access to equipment and/or facilities the individual must:

A. Be sponsored by a non-profit group or group directly related to Auburn area (i.e. League of Women Voters, United Way of Cayuga County, or Cayuga Seneca Community Action Agency) and produce a program for that agency/company during which lime the individual will have access to the facility.

OR

B. Become an ARMA intern. During the internship period the individual may work on programming relative to Auburn area, which will be cablecast on ARMA Channels. The scheduled work hours will be spent working at ARMA, not on the individuals’ project unless otherwise directed. Internship hours will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

C. All fees must be paid prior to the start of gaining access.

D. Extenuating circumstances are reviewed and executed at the discretion of the Executive Director or the Board of Directors.

IX. Training
A. ARMA offers workshops in basic video production and editing courses, as well as training in related topics. Certification must be achieved separately for each type of equipment and production situation.

B. Experienced producers may demonstrate technical proficiency and be exempt from training classes at the discretion of the Executive Director or the Board of Directors. In order to take the proficiency test, the producer must schedule and attend a minimum one hour review class with the ARMA staff for each area tested on.

Membership must be current and renewed each year for successful completion of the basic video production workshop qualifies an individual to be an ARMA community producer. She/he is then eligible to submit a proposal for a show, receive a production contract number and subsequently to produce it.

Persons wishing to register for workshops or courses must fill out a registration form at the station. Waiting lists are maintained to insure that trainees are admitted to workshops and other educational programs on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis.

Attendance at all meetings of a workshop, in the sequence given and all obligations in connection with the class is mandatory. Failure to attend class or meet obligations may result in being dropped from the workshop.

ARMA reserves the right to revoke certification if, in the opinion of ARMA staff, you are unable to demonstrate sufficient working knowledge of the equipment or fail to demonstrate an attitude of respect and care for ARMA equipment.

Course Listings
1. Orientation
2. Basic and Advanced Field Production (F1, F2)
3. Basic & Advanced Non-Linear Editing (E1, E2)
4. Basic and Advanced Studio Production (S1, S2)
5. Additional development courses as time and trainers permit.

Certification Levels
E1
– Basic Non-Linear Editing
Requirement: Member must display ability to edit a program from beginning to end w/titles utilizing Apple iMovie software or the equivalent.
Access: May use the edit suite to work on post-production.
Prerequisite: Orientation &  F1 – Basic Field Production

E2Advanced Non-Linear Editing
Requirement: Member must display ability to edit a program from beginning to end with advanced Live Type Software or Inscriber software for titles also utilizing Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro software. Access: May use either the Adobe Premiere or Final Cut edit suites to work on post-production.
Prerequisite:  Orientation, E1- Basic Non-Linear Editing

F1- Basic Field Production
Requirement: Member must display the ability to utilize ARMA’s field cameras, tripods and other field equipment, demonstrate the ability to complete a field-produced program to the Access Coordinator’s satisfaction, contribute to a program produced by another certified ARMA member and volunteer on (2) Selectmen Meeting tapings or other program assigned by staff. Access: May sign out ARMA field equipment designated for field use. May not sign out ARMA’s road case but may work with the ARMA road case if under the supervision of an F2-certified ARMA member. Prerequisite: Sl -Basic Studio

F2 Advanced Field Production
Requirement: Member must display knowledge of ARMA roadcase and portable titler to the Executive Director’s satisfaction, Volunteer on 2 municipal meeting tapings or other program as assigned by staff. Access: May sign out ARMA’s road case and other field-designated equipment for the purpose of producing multi-camera programs in the field. Prerequisite: F1-Basic Field & Orientation.

S1 – Basic Studio Production
Requirement: Member must display a working knowledge of the ARMA SEG, studio cameras, audio board, lighting equipment, simple VTR skills and studio protocols. Member must attend ARMA’s basic studio workshop to the Executive Director’s satisfaction. Serve as crew on 2 studio program tapings as assigned by ARMA Access:

S1 certification allows the member to run the above mentioned equipment and may produce a program at ARMA, provided that the intended production has at least one S2-certified person on the crew during the production.
Prerequisite: Orientation

S2 – Advanced Studio Production
Requirement: Members must display ability to direct a production from beginning to end without staff assistance. Display a working knowledge of the ARMA studio’s basic wiring and engineering. Member must complete ARMA’s basic studio workshop to the Executive Director’s satisfaction. Members must be crew on 2 studio program tapings as assigned by staff.
Access: May direct a production and use the vectorscope/wave-form monitor to properly engineer the production. Every production must have at least one
S2 – Certified member to direct the crew.
Prerequisite: S1 -Basic Studio Production & Orientation

 

X. Media Formats and Policies
A. ARMA currently supports the following media formats: DVD, and several digital video CODECs that can be brought in on USB thumb drives, CD-Rs, or DVD-Rs (for cablecasting only).

B. Provision of Blank Media: Certified community producers must provide their own media (be it DVD, CD, SD Card or USB thumb drive). Items other than those provided by ARMA must be approved to insure quality.

C. Retention and use of media:

1. The edit master or a copy must be kept in the ARMA library for 2 months. A copy may be kept longer depending upon program content and availability of storage space. ARMA reserves the right to show a program, as many times as there is interest in the community, unless a written agreement is entered into. ARMA reserves the right to duplicate the program for ARMA purposes. No duplicates will be made for distribution, nor with the Media be lent out to other access stations without the producer’s permission.

2. Two months after cablecast submission, it is the producers’ responsibility to pick up their media. Any Items left at ARMA for longer than 6 months become the property of ARMA and ARMA retains the right to dispose of such videotapes in any manner, which they may elect.

3. Community producers may make up to one copy of their finished, edited program on their own media. For additional copies, producers will pay the going ARMA tape duplication rate. If the producer sells their copy, ARMA rates will apply.

4. If footage produced or edited at ARMA is at any time sold, rented or brings in any money to the producer, (including, but not limited to grants & underwriting), ARMA is entitled to 40% of all moneys received. (Unless a rental agreement is entered into.)

5. ARMA agrees to take reasonable care of program videotapes or other media left at ARMA for cablecast. However, ARMA does not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to any media left at the facility.

XI. Access to Facility and Equipment Use – General

A. Authorized Use:

1. ARMA equipment & facilities are available for use by any ARMA member certified by ARMA staff through training.

2. ARMA equipment & facilities are to be used for producing programs for cablecast on ARMA channels (Time Warner Channels 12 and 98; Verizon FiOS Channel 31). Use of equipment for exclusively personal or commercial purposes is prohibited. (Unless a Rental Agreement is entered into.)

3. All productions using ARMA equipment or facilities must be cablecast on ARMA channels (Unless a Rental Agreement is entered into.)

4. Production equipment/facilities are available at no charge to certified members, providing:

– They are preparing a program for cablecast on ARMA (Time Warner Channels 12 and 98; Verizon FiOS Channel 31)

– The program is for non-profit, non-commercial purposes.

– All persons operating equipment have completed the appropriate training classes.

– The community producer has filled out an ARMA program proposal for that program and obtained written approval from the Executive Director or Board of Directors.

– Time must be scheduled with staff to fill out paperwork before equipment or facility time is scheduled.

5. The community producer has read and signed an acknowledgment form that he/she has read, understands and agrees to abide by these rules. Acknowledgment forms must be updated annually.

B. Use of production equipment and studio facilities is scheduled on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis. However, no one individual or group may monopolize equipment, and the Executive Director may take whatever actions deemed necessary to rectify such a situation.

C. Personal property is not the responsibility of ARMA.

D. Users are responsible for loss or damage due to theft, negligence or abuse while the equipment is checked out to them. All fees in connection with repair or replacement must be paid in full or a payment schedule agreed upon with the Executive Director before any further equipment use will be allowed.

E. ARMA production equipment and facilities are not intended to be used as an income-generating source by community producers, but rather as a forum for community communication.

F. Personal equipment or property used at ARMA must not create a hazard to anyone or anything.

G. Scheduling:

1. Scheduling of ARMA Facilities must be initialed & approved by ARMA staff in order to be valid,

2. Community producers must have a filled-out and approved Program Proposal form and been assigned a production number before scheduling equipment or facility usage

3. Equipment and facilities are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability and consistent with ARMA activities, hours of operation and programming guidelines.

4. While equipment and facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, staff will use their discretion to ensure that no individual/group monopolizes equipment or facilities.

5. Access users under the age of 18 must have a signed consent form from a parent or guardian for each program proposal and equipment reservation, Minors must also have approval from the staff before taking equipment on their own.

6. Scheduling priority will be given to members producing programs for cablecast.

7. Scheduling of equipment and facility time for program series are assigned in 13-week (or 13 episode) time blocks. After 13 weeks (or episodes) those awaiting time receive priority.

8. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of scheduled time, Failure to use the facility or equipment when reserved. or failure to provide the minimum advanced notice of cancellation, is a Minor Violation of ARMA’s Policies, as outlined in the “Violations” section of this guide.

H. Care of equipment and facilities:

1. Individuals using ARMA equipment and facilities will not tamper with or change any wiring or components, No attempt should be made to repair or work on equipment.

2. Any damage caused by unauthorized tampering will be charged to the user. Loss of equipment and facilities privileges will result from such abuse.

3. All equipment defects, damages, and problems must be reported to ARMA staff upon check-in.

4. No food, drink, or smoking is allowed near equipment on ARMA premises except in designated areas. No food, drink or smoking is permitted in the field.

5. Equipment may not be kept in a car overnight, or exposed to elements, which could cause equipment failure,

6. Facilities must be left in a clean and neat condition:

a. Props, tapes, scripts, etc. should be removed or put away at the end of the session.

b. Cables should be wrapped appropriately and portable equipment replaced,

c. Power should be turned off and floors swept.

d. Repeated failure to clean up properly and on time will result in loss of privileges,

e. Staff must be notified when producer is finished with the studio or editing suite.

 

Rights and Obligations

1. All programs must adhere to copyright regulations.

2. Anyone producing programming using ARMA equipment retains ownership of the copyright to that program, as well as full responsibility for any disputes, which may arise. The producer must secure all releases of copyrights, talents, etc.

3. Anyone producing programs in a normal classroom setting in the Auburn area Schools must have on file at ARMA a signed copy of the ARMA Talent Release Forms for each student videotaped prior to cablecast.

4. Producers may identify themselves only as volunteer public access community producers, not as staff, employees, or in any way representing ARMA

5. If subsequent use of any Media produced at ARMA generates income, that income must be shared with ARMA on a 40% basis. (Unless a prior rental agreement was entered into.)

 

XII. Field Equipment: Check-out & Check-in

(See “Access to Facility and Equipment Use: General” for additional regulations.)

A. To use field equipment, the producer and all crew must be certified for field production. (F1).

B. All equipment must be checked-in and out by ARMA staff or someone designated by staff.

C. Equipment checkout forms must be filled out accurately, contain a production # and be signed by user and staff (or designated a designated Intern).

D.  It is suggested that users set up and test equipment before removing it from ARMA. Failure to do so will be the user’s responsibility. The return of damaged or broken equipment will be the responsibility of that person.

E. Users must report any problems or breakage when returning equipment.

G. Equipment should be reserved as early as possible, but no more than 6 weeks before it is to be used.

H. Normally equipment may be used for no more than 24 hours or one weekend unless the ARMA Staff, Executive Director or Board of Directors grants permission. An individual or organization may reserve equipment for only one weekend per month unless working on a series program. Additional weekend time may be scheduled on Fridays after 3:00 PM, if equipment is available.

I. Field equipment reservations for program series are assigned in 13-week time blocks.

J. One camera is allowed to be used per person per weekend (exceptions can be made by staff).

K. No more than 2 cameras out per project, unless approved by the Executive. Director.

L. One certified member may reserve 1 camera, additional cameras used for a project must be reserved by certified crew members_

M. Equipment must be returned on time, by the producer who borrowed it. Failure to return equipment promptly will result in a warning. Subsequent late returns result in loss of privileges.

XIII. Studio Use

(See “Access to Facility and Equipment Use: General” for additional regulations.)

A. To use the studio and control room, the community producer and all crew must be certified for studio production. (See training certification)

B. A minimum of two weeks notification for scheduling of the studio is necessary for live programs.

C. Live studio productions require ARMA Staff supervision (or equivalent agreed upon by ARMA Staff).

D. Producers are entitled to a maximum of six hours per session and 12 hours per finished program. Scheduled studio time includes time needed for lighting, set-up, taping, breakdown and clean-up. Exceptions to the length of a session may be granted by the ARMA Staff, Executive Director or the Board of Directors.

E. Studio productions are to be scheduled during regular ARMA station operating hours unless special permission in writing is granted by the Executive Director.

F. Community producers are responsible for the behavior and actions of their guests, talent and others in attendance and require their guests comply with these policies.

G. Studio production times for program series are assigned in 13-week (or 13 episode) time blocks. After 13 weeks (or 13 episodes) those awaiting studio-time receive priority.

H. ARMA reserves the right to pre-empt a scheduled studio production for another activity or production of special or timely value. Live programming has priority over recorded media and local programming has priority over “bicycled” shows.

I. The order of priority for resolving studio conflicts are as follows: Facility Rental, Production Workshops, Series Program Tapings, Single Program Tapings, Rehearsals or Crew meetings

 

XIV Editing and Post-Production
(See “Access to Facility and Equipment Use: General” for additional regulations.)

A. In order to schedule edit time, ARMA staff must certify a community producer. (E1)

B. Request for editing time should be reserved as early as possible, but no more than six weeks before it is to be used.

C. Producers may schedule a maximum of three, four-hour sessions at anyone time.

D. Editing times are scheduled for regular station business hours. Interns may be allowed off-hour editing time at the discretion of ARMA staff in keeping with the ARMA key policy.

E. If user requires staff assistance during edit session, this must be scheduled when time is booked.

F. Users should not tamper with computers/character generators, or use functions they are not familiar with. Producer will be held financially responsible for abuse or reconfiguring equipment.

G. The order of priority for resolving scheduling conflicts are as follows:
– Facility Rental
– Production Workshops
– Full-length programs
– PSA’s (Public Service Announcements)
– Promos (Promotional Announcements)
– Dubs (copies)

XV. No-Shows on Scheduled Equipment Time
A. Cancellation of equipment and facility reservations must be made 24 hours in advance, except in cases of emergency. A user who is more than 30 minutes late picking up equipment will be considered a no-show and the equipment may be released to another person. Once the facility or equipment has been released to another producer, the person using it cannot be bumped. Repeated last minute cancellations or no-shows will result in loss of privileges. Consequences are as follows:

1. First no-show: Verbal warning
2. Second no show: Written warning
3. Third no-show: 30-day suspension of privileges.
4. Fourth no-show. 90-day suspension must meet with Executive Director to be reinstated.

XVI. Underwriting and Grants
A.  ARMA community producers are encouraged to apply for & receive underwriting or grants that aid in the development, production, distribution or improvement of programs. Donations can be in the form of in-kind contributions (goods or services) or money. You must adhere to the following guidelines when you plan to solicit or receive contributions on behalf of your program:

1. Before making any solicitations for program funding, you must meet with ARMA staff regarding your plans. We will review with you the policies and procedures governing underwriting/grant solicitations, credits, and help you draft a budget. No solicitation may be made on behalf of a program unless ARMA has given prior written approval. ARMA’s name may not be used in connection with any program or solicitation without prior written approval.

2. You must explicitly inform all prospective underwriters and/or grantors you are a community producer acting on your own behalf – not an ARMA official, and that ARMA does not assume any responsibility for your program.

3. All underwriting funds must be paid directly to ARMA. ARMA will reimburse you for your expenses upon the presentation of receipts. After the completion of your program, or in the case of a series, after 1 year, all remaining funds will remain in ARMA’s custody

4. All underwriting funds must be used for production expenses only, such as the costs of media formats such-as DVD’s, USB’s, music rights, set supplies, and talent. Since your membership does not cover the actual costs associated with your production, 40% of your budget will be allocated to offset ARMA’s facility and staff time costs.

5. Because ARMA’s facilities may not be used for personal gain, the producer and members of the production crew may NOT be paid for their efforts. Use of ARMA facilities for commercial, profit-making, or private use under the pretense of creating work for the public interest is prohibited.

B. ARMA credit must still be included. “This program was produced at Auburn Regional Media Access.”

C. For additional information and forms see the “ARMA Underwriting Packet”,

 

XVII. Facility Rental

A. In order to fulfill the needs of the community to the greatest extent possible, ARMA offers the opportunity to rent video production facilities and equipment for the purpose of recording and/or editing material which is not primarily intended for play on the community access channel.

B. All material recorded under the Rental Agreement remains the sole property of the producer.

C. No ARMA facilities or equipment may be used for personal profit either direct or indirect, unless ARMA and the producer have signed a rental agreement,

D. Only Active Members of ARMA are eligible to rent ARMA’s facilities and/or equipment and only properly certified members may actually use the equipment.

E. If a certified member is needed to run the equipment, ARMA will provide one or provide a list of certified producers. There will be an additional charge for labor beyond the rental rate.

F. Reservations for equipment rental may be made three (3) weeks in advance.

G. A rental agreement must be signed in advance and all fees in connection with the rental pre-paid at the time of scheduling.

H. Rates:

1. A rate sheet will be made available at ARMA.

2. Rates will be maintained in two (2) categories: Commercial and Non-Commercial.

3. ARMA may require documentation to determine your projects’ correct category.

4. The non-profit rate applies to non-commercial productions and/or producers acting on behalf of a non-profit organization.

5. The Commercial rate applies to commercial productions or producers acting on behalf of commercial entities.

6. The producer is solely responsible for the content of the program and its timely delivery.

7. The producer must inform potential customers or underwriters that they are solely responsible for content and timely delivery and not ARMA.

8. Refunds will be given provided that cancellations are made 24 hours in advance. After that there will be no refunds.

 

XVIII. Channel Time Request and Cablecasting Procedures

A. Requests for Cablecasting:

1. All requests for channel time on ARMA will be processed on a fair and equitable basis. Only programs submitted for cablecast and/or sponsored by ARMA members will be cablecast. A Cablecast Agreement form must be filled out & will be used for scheduling.

2. A Cablecast Agreement form and Statement of Compliance form must be filled out and signed prior to the program’s being cablecast.

3. Programs produced outside ARMA may be cablecast on Time Warner Channels 98 and 12 or Verizon FiOS Channel 31 if they meet the technical and legal standards specified in this document and only if submitted by a resident or organization of Auburn area who is a member of ARMA. The local sponsor must co-sign all ARMA forms.

4. Programs submitted for cablecast will be granted one cablecast. Any repeat showings will be scheduled at the discretion of staff.

5. ARMA retains the right to schedule programming at its discretion.

B. Series:

1. Regularly scheduled series time slots will be allocated at the discretion of staff, provided ample time remains available for other community programming requests.

2. A series will be allocated a maximum of 13 programs, after which re-application is required. Re-application will be considered in light of other scheduling demands.

3. If a series producer fails to produce new, original programming for more than two consecutive showings or regularly fails to have the program ready for scheduled cablecast, the time slot may be reassigned to other users.

4. A series may be daily, weekly, bi-weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. ARMA reserves the right to reject any program that does not meet minimum technical standards. Tapes which do not carry a stable signal over the cable system or which might damage ARMA equipment will not be cablecast.

Scheduled programs may be preempted for time-sensitive programs.

For anyone wanting their media returned, DVD’s must be accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope upon submission to ARMA or be picked up.

 

1.  Finished DVD’s must be labeled as follows on the DVD & jewel case.

a. The complete program title as it appears on cablecast request form.

b. Total running time in hours:minutes:seconds (00:00:00).

c. Producer name (phone number requested.)

d. Indication by date or number, the sequence of the programs if more than one on tape or more than one program in a series.

e. The jewel box and DVD/CD must be labeled the same.

f. All old labels must be completely removed or covered. (no use of Lead pencils)

 

2. USB Thumb Drives must be labeled with a corresponding envelope

a. The complete program title as it appears on cablecast request form.

b. Total running time in hours:minutes:seconds (00:00:00).

c. Producer name (phone number requested.)

d. Indication by date or number, the sequence of the programs if more than one on tape or more than one program in a series.

e. Envelope must be labeled the same.

f. All old labels must be completely removed or covered. (no use of Lead pencils)

F. Give completed media to the Executive Director for cataloging and scheduling.

 

G. Programs must be received by Noon -Tuesday to be scheduled for cablecast the following week.

 

H. ARMA wants to assist parents with a means of controlling the viewing of programming with indecent, adult content, nudity or violent material by children, as well as provide viewers with notification of programming with potentially indecent material so they can make informed viewing choices.

While providing such notification, we do not wish to preclude the opportunity for all forms of expression on ARMA in accordance with all relevant laws. Therefore, ARMA requests that community producers place content advisory at the beginning of any program cablecast on the channel, which may be unsuitable for children and ARMA reserves, the right to cablecast programming with adult content after 11:00 PM.

 

I. Live Programs:

1. All live programs must be requested a minimum of 2 weeks in advance

2. A producer who fails to use a live time slot that has been scheduled, or who cancels a live production with less than I week notice, must submit a written explanation to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Such a cancellation may be a reason to deny other such live program requests. Acceptable reasons for not using a live time slot include sickness, severe personal problems and technical problems beyond the producer’s control.

XX. Program Content Rules

A. The producer of the program accepts all responsibility for the content of the program and must agree to hold harmless and indemnify ARMA Staff, Volunteers, Board of Directors, the City of Auburn, Time Warner, and Verizon.

B. The ARMA channels (Time Warner Channels: Channel 12 and Channel 98; Verizon FiOS Channels: Channel 31) name and logo shall not be used in any credits or any other part of the program, unless specifically authorized by the Board of Directors.

C. All productions using ARMA facilities and/or equipment shall carry the following full-page credit for 10 seconds at the open of the program; ” The following program is a public access production of (Producer’s Name) and (Production Company), who assumes full responsibility for it’s content. The content of this program does not represent the views of Auburn Regional Media Access, which serves as a forum for community expression and offers TV training, production facilities, and channel time to all Auburn area residents and organizations.”

(It is recommended that this credit is done as a “voice over” as well as a written credit)

D. All productions using ARMA facilities and/or equipment shall carry the following full-page credit at the end of the program; “Production Facilities provided by Auburn Regional Media Access, ARMA”

E. Presentation of the following material on the community access channel is prohibited:

1. Any program that is commercial in nature.

2. Any material, which is intended to defraud the viewer or is designed to obtain money by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises.

3. All advertisement of (or information concerning) any lottery, gift, enterprise or similar scheme offering prizes dependent in whole or part, upon lot or chance; or any list of the prizes drawn or awarded by means of such lottery, gift enterprises or scheme, whether list contains any part or all of such prizes.

4. Libelous or slanderous material

5. Material that is obscene.

F. Non-profit organizations interested in producing fundraising programs must submit a proposal to the ARMA Board of Directors.

G. Obtaining personal releases is the responsibility of an individual, producer or organization.

XXI. Political Programming

Political Programming Definition: Programming dedicated to Candidates for Public office or Spokespersons for Ballot/Warrant issues. Any program describing or endorsing declared political candidates or describing ballot issues that are directly related to a current campaign is considered “political programming”.

Programs, which include appearances by incumbents acting in their current elected or professional capacity, are not included in this definition.

An opportunity to respond have been given to all Candidates or Spokespersons for a Ballot/Warrant issue, The Forum/Debate must have an impartial moderator identified in the “NOTICE,”

“NOTICE” must include the names of the producer(s) and the moderator as well as the time and place of the event to be produced.

A producer must demonstrate in writing “NOTICE” to all Candidates or Spokespersons

A “Political Programming Kit” will be available for interested Producers to insure fairness and accuracy during an election period.

Political Programming may pre-empt regularly scheduled programming,

Public Meetings such as Town Meeting, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Planning Board, etc, are not considered Political Programming and are not subject to the “24 hour” rule.

ARMA maintains a non-partisan political policy

XXII. ARMA & ARMA Member Informational Programming

A. Each program produced by ARMA, for which ARMA has direct editorial control will be non-partisan and will provide an equal opportunity for all candidates, or parties concerned to participate, If a candidate or issue representative declines to participate, ARMA will not be obligated to provide other opportunities, All candidates or representatives of ballot issues will be notified by ARMA of the upcoming opportunity to appear on the ESCTV program at least 10 days prior to the program production and by certified mail, return receipt requested,

B. ARMA member/producers who are not candidates for public office or spokespersons for ballot issues who want to discuss political issues on a program within 2 weeks of an election may do so under the following guidelines;

1. An invitation must be extended a minimum of three times via channel 9, by telephone or in writing no less than 2 weeks prior to cablecast inviting opposing viewpoints to participate,

2. The producer should make every attempt to promote balanced participation and viewpoints,

3. Discussion or participation by declared candidates or spokespersons for ballot/warrant issues do not fall under this category but rather under the political programming section (see XXI. Political Programming), This rule is intended for free discussion of political events by the community and applies only within 2 weeks of an election,

XXIII. Program Promotion

A. All community producers are encouraged to promote their own programs,

B. Effective promotional techniques include short news releases we can send with our cablecast schedule to area newspapers and radio stations in addition to a listing on the ARMA bulletin board, weekly ARMA E-News and Home page on the World Wide Web.

C. For special promotion of time-sensitive programs or other major projects, please speak with the Executive Director.

D. Press releases must be checked & initialed by ARMA staff for day/time accuracy.

 XXIV. Rules of Conduct

A. Proper respect and care of the equipment must be maintained at all times.

B. Possession or use of any illegal substance, drugs, alcohol, weapon, firearm on ARMA premises is strictly forbidden. Alcohol may not be served at ARMA sanctioned events without the prior authorization of the Board of Directors.

C. Smoking is not permitted in any ARMA premise.

D. No one will be allowed to operate equipment or remain at ARMA facilities while exhibiting unacceptable behavior. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

1. Using or appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

2. Harassment or intimidation of staff, community producers, volunteers or board members.

3. Abusive language or actions, as determined by ARMA staff.

4. Inability to handle equipment safely and properly.

E. ARMA telephones and office machines are for ARMA business only. Volunteers may give out the ARMA phone number for use only in cases of emergency and must have staff permission to utilize telephones.

F. Time spent at ARMA is to be used for producing programs, training or specific volunteer services.

G. Violation of the above rules will result in immediate expulsion from ARMA’s premises. Repeat violations can result in permanent loss of privileges.

XXV. Violations of Policy

A. Major Violations

1. Major violations include but are not limited to:

a. Commercial or profit-making use of ARMA equipment/facilities. (Unless entered into a Rental Agreement)

b. Misrepresentation of members’ affiliation with ARMA.

c. Falsifying forms or giving false information to anyone.

d. Taking or reserving equipment without staff permission.

e. Abuse of equipment, including attempted repair, rewiring, facility reconfiguration, & improper transport.

f. Harassment, intimidation or abuse of staff members Board of Directors/public.

g. Copyright infringement.

h. Possession of illegal substances, drugs, weapons, firearms or explosives on ARMA property.

i. Unauthorized use of alcohol on ARMA premises.

j. Interfering with normal ARMA operations or at ARMA sponsored activities.

k. Theft, trespassing, engaging in unlawful acts or behaving in lewd, indecent, obscene or harassing behavior while on ARMA premises.

1. Default on payment or refusal to pay for replacement or repair of equipment, stolen or damaged for which member has taken responsibility.

2. A major violation will result in an immediate 60-day suspension of privileges. Violator (or parent of a minor) may also be held responsible for repair or replacement charges.

3. Any subsequent major violation will result in the permanent termination of membership and loss of ARMA equipment facilities privileges. Terminated members may rejoin or be reinstated only by application to the ARMA Board of Directors.

B. Minor Violations:

1. Other violations may include, but are not limited to:

a. Failure to cancel a reservation for equipment or facilities

b. Late pick-up or return of equipment without notification and approval

c. Failure to clean up properly and on time after using the facilities.

d. Eating or drinking in non-designated areas

e. Smoking in ARMA facilities.

f. Using equipment without adequate training

g. Failure to properly acknowledge ARMA in program credits and publicity.

2. The first violation of this kind will result in a verbal warning. Further violations within a one-year period will result in:

a. Second violation: Written warning

b. Third violation: One-week suspension of privileges

c. Fourth violation: 6-month suspension of privileges

 

C. Staff Prerogative

1. The Executive Director or Board of Directors are authorized to issue warnings and suspensions. In addition, any ARMA staff member or designated facility manager may reasonably refuse access to ARMA’s production facilities, equipment, or premises to any individual who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or who interferes with the orderly conduct of business.

XXVI. Grievances and Appeals

Members are encouraged to resolve grievances on the staff level.

Grievances regarding disciplinary actions, workshop space assignment, channel time allocation, facility or equipment availability, or any other matter must be discussed first with the Executive Director. If that discussion fails to provide an adequate explanation or solution, the aggrieved member may file an appeal requesting a hearing before ARMA’s Board of Directors. Requests must be made in writing to the President of the Board, within five (5) working days after the meeting with the Executive Director to discuss the grievance. All decisions of ARMA’s Board of Directors regarding the grievance and appeal shall be final.