What is Public Access?
Public Access television is a means of giving residents of the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County an opportunity to have their opinions heard over a special cable channel. It is your electronic forum or soapbox, whichever you prefer.
The Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Access Corporation (CMPAC) is licensed to the City of Charlotte to operate and administrate ACCESS 21, the public access channel on the local Time Warner Cable system.
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How is Public Access funded?
The franchise agreement between the City of Charlotte and Time Warner Cable requires all cable subscribers within the city to be charged a monthly fee to support public access. This is listed as a separate line item on your cable bill. The fee is currently $.22 per month per subscriber and is adjusted annually.
Effective – 1/1/04
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A. Mission Statement
1. Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Access Corporation (CMPAC) was created to manage and operate ACCESS21 on the Time Warner Cable system in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.
2. Our mission is to provide facilities and education that welcome and accommodate individuals to create and submit programming that expresses diverse opinions, talents, activities, and interests in the Charlotte metropolitan area through non-commercial open access television.
3. The facilities and services of ACCESS21 are available for use by residents of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on a first-come, first-considered, non-discriminatory back upon the filing of an appropriate request and consistent with the availability of time periods on ACCESS21 at the time and for the duration requested.
4. CMPAC will not exercise control over content of a program except as described in the regulations. However, CMPAC reserves the right to preview any program prior to cablecast to ensure that ACCESS21 transmits a reasonable level of technical quality and permitted content.
5. All CMPAC programs must be produced and/or submitted by a Mecklenburg County resident and adhere to the following standards:
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B. Regulations Governing Use of Access21
1. These Regulations and Procedures are a guide to participation in the operation and services of ACCESS21. They are to be read and interpreted in their entirety.
2. The definition and interpretation of the rules on a day-to-day basis will be at the discretion of the Executive Director. If conditions arise that are not specifically covered by the regulations, the decision of the Executive Director will prevail. Any requested appeal of the Executive Director's decision must be made to the CMPAC Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
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C. Procedure For Becoming An Accredited CMPAC Producer
1. Application for the next available General Studio Workshop must be made,
In person, at the CMPAC office at 613 Calvert Street in Charlotte.
2. A General Studio Workshop Application must be completed.
3a. There is a deposit of $25 for all residents of the city of Charlotte, which will be returned upon completion of the scheduled workshop. If the registrant fails to attend the scheduled workshop, the deposit is forfeited.
3b. There is a non-refundable fee of $65 for residents of outside the city but within Mecklenburg County.
3c. All fees and deposits are payable upon submission of the application form for the workshop.
4. Following completion of the General Studio Workshop, all applicants must volunteer to work on five (5) complete tape sessions of current programs. Schedules of tape sessions and times are available at the CMPAC office or on the Internet at www.tvaccess21.com.
5. Following the volunteer sessions, all applicants may sign up for the next available Producers Workshop.
6. Upon completion of the Producer Workshop, the applicant is certified as a CMPAC producer and may sign up their program during the next available sign-up week.
Although not required, all new producers are encouraged to also attend CMPAC advanced workshops offered in videotape editing, studio lighting, audio, directing and character generator (graphics). A description of advanced workshops is located later in this document.
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D. Procedure For Scheduling A New Program
1. After completion of the Producer Workshop, a new producer must complete and submit a Program Information Sheet to the CMPAC office. This provides CMPAC with information about the producer and the proposed program.
2. Active producers will receive a packet of information and forms during each production quarter allowing them to sign up their programs for the following quarter. During the quarterly sign-up week CMPAC accepts applications for programs for the following quarter.
3. After signing up the program, a day and time period will be assigned by the CMPAC staff.
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E. Other Production Requirements
1. Once a weekly program is scheduled, the producer is required to turn in thirteen (13) programs per quarter. Of the 13 programs, a minimum of eight (8) must be original programs. This allows for a maximum of five (5) repeat programs. Producers with scheduled monthly programs are required to turn in three (3) programs per quarter. Two (2) programs must be original programs. This allows only one (1) repeat program per quarter. A bi-weekly producer is required to submit six (6) programs per quarter. Four (4) programs must be original programs. An original program is defined as one that has not been cablecast in its current form within the past year. However, any program submitted that is over a year old must be re-edited to conform with current regulations. If a weekly producer fails to turn in four (4) programs in a quarter, the program will not be renewed for the next quarter. If a monthly producer fails to turn in two (2) programs in a quarter, the program will not be renewed for the next quarter. If a bi-weekly producer fails to submit three (3) programs, the program will not be renewed for the next quarter.
2. All programs submitted for cablecast must be submitted in DVCAM or Mini-DV formats and must be recorded at SP speed.
3. All labeling is the sole responsibility of the Producer. CMPAC is not responsible for programs that are labeled incorrectly. Each tape face and tape box shall be labeled with the title of the program (series, not episode), the running time of the program, and the date the program is to be cablecast. Mini-DV and DVCAM tapes must be placed in plastic bags provided. The bag must be properly labeled and the cablecast form folded in so the upper third of the form can be read through the plastic bag. Each videotape must be submitted with a videotape case.
4. A completed Cablecast Agreement Form must accompany each video cassette submitted for cablecast, or the tape will not be aired.
5. Technical standards must be maintained throughout the videotape. Luminance levels shall not exceed 100 IRE units. Black levels shall not drop below 7.5 IRE units.
6. Audio recording must be on both Channel 1 and 2. Stereo audio is permissible (Channel 1 is the left channel and Channel 2 is the right channel). Audio cannot be over modulated at any frequency and cannot be distorted. Peak audio level shall be 0 VU referenced to +4dB across 600 ohms.
7. Counting track (or timecode) must be continuous throughout the entire program. Thirty (30) seconds of video at black level and no audio must precede and follow each program, with no interruption of the counting track. Countdowns, color bars, slates and other identification, if used, must be before the required 30 seconds of black on the tape.
8. All videotapes must be received at the CMPAC administrative office by 5:00 P.M. one (1) business day prior to the scheduled cablecast. Programs to air Saturday, Sunday or Monday must be received by CMPAC not later than 5:00 P.M. on the preceding Friday. Tapes will be accepted Monday through Friday during normal CMPAC office hours (8:30AM to 5:00PM). Tapes may also be placed through the slot in the front door of the administrative building after hours, provided there is a business day preceding the cablecast date. Tapes deposited through the slot after 5:00PM on Friday, or the day before a holiday, will not be picked up until the next business day. Videotapes may be left with the Studio Coordinator, but if tapes are left after 5:00PM the tapes will not be filed until the following business day. Under no circumstances are videotapes for cablecast to be left with the Master Control Operator.
9. No program will be cablecast on ACCESS 21 that contains advertising for the sale of commercial products or services, promotion of candidates for public office, or solicitation for contributions, donations or offerings. In addition, promotion of talent for hire, products, vendors, or entertainment venues is not permitted. Talent performances on a public access program must be for entertainment purposes only. A telephone number and/or website may be given on the program if the primary purpose is non-commercial.
10. Mention of financial support by commercial sponsors who underwrite public access programs is allowed only at the end of the program. The name of the sponsor may be displayed as a graphic (with or without a voice-over) stating, "This program has been made possible through the support of (sponsor name)." No slogans, addresses, telephone numbers, websites, travel directions or other representations of sponsors or products of the sponsors will be permitted. Use of the public access channel, or facility, for financial gain will result in the permanent loss of public access privileges.
11. No program will be cablecast on ACCESS 21, which directly or indirectly concerns a lottery or contest.
12. No program will be cablecast on ACCESS 21 that contains material that is libelous, slanderous or incites riot.
13. No program will be cablecast on ACCESS 21 that contains obscene material, as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The specific FCC definition of obscene material is available on the Internet at www.fcc.gov/gbh/consumerfacts/obscene/html. Programs identified by the Producer to contain material for mature audiences will be cablecast no earlier than 11:00PM.
14. Each program must show the program title graphically within the first three (3) minutes.
15. Each program must end with credits that show:
a. The legal name of the producer and an actual method of contact, i.e.: phone number, fax number, e-mail address or website. This must remain on the screen for a minimum of five seconds.
b. The statement, "The producer assumes full and sole responsibility for the entire content of this program" must follow the Producer's name.
c. If CMPAC facilities are used in the production of the program the following statement must appear in the credits, "Produced using the facilities of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Access Corporation Access 21." An additional voice-over is acceptable, but the graphic must appear.
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F. Regulations For Producers
1. The producer of each program is responsible for the content of each program submitted for cablecast. Any program containing material with copyright to anyone other than the producer must be accompanied by a written authorization for use. The producer is responsible for any copyright infringement liability and/or any resultant expenses.
2. All programs submitted to ACCESS 21 for cablecast are the sole property of the producer and cannot be used for any purpose other than cablecast without the written consent of the producer, except when videotapes may be reviewed and/or reproduced by CMPAC staff for technical quality and/or content analysis.
3. The producer of each program using CMPAC facilities is responsible for the use of those facilities and equipment and must be present at all times when their program is in production or post-production. It is the producer’s responsibility to provide an authorized crew for any production in the CMPAC studio facilities. Every person using CMPAC equipment is required to complete the CMPAC General Studio Workshop prior to working in the facility.
4. The producer is responsible for their guests in the facility and must ensure that all regulations are properly observed. Any damage to the facility, or equipment in the facility, or loss of equipment from the facility, is the sole responsibility of the producer.
5. Use of ACCESS 21 by any one Producer is limited to not more than one (1) regularly scheduled program per week during the times normally scheduled for cablecast by CMPAC. Programs for cablecast must be twenty-nine (29) minutes in length for a half-hour program, and fifty-nine (59) minutes in length for a one-hour program. Only one person may be listed as the Producer for each program cablecast on ACCESS 21. Time slots will be determined by CMPAC staff. Producer requests for changes in scheduled cablecast times, in frequency or duration of programs can be made to the Executive Director.
6. Each calendar year is divided into four (4) thirteen week quarters. Producers wishing to utilize ACCESS 21 studio and/or edit facilities for their production must complete a Program Information Sheet. Six (6) weeks prior to beginning each production quarter, CMPAC will mail Production Agreement Forms and a cover letter of specific instructions to all Producers who have a current Program Information Sheet on file. Each Producer is responsible for returning completed Production Agreement Forms to CMPAC within the dates and times specified in the cover letter.
7. The Production Agreement Forms will be numbered and dated by CMPAC in the order that they are received within the specified times. CMPAC will allocate the use of studio and edit facilities on a first-come first-considered basis, and will make every effort to achieve an equitable distribution of available facilities. CMPAC will provide in-person scheduling of production studio time on a first-come first-considered basis beginning on the first day of the week designated for Agreements to be turned in to CMPAC.
8. No Producer is authorized to designate, trade, or substitute facility usage time in any area with any other producer without the direct authorization of the CMPAC Production Coordinator on duty.
9. Weekly producers may schedule no more than four (4) production studio sessions per quarter. Only two of those sessions may be scheduled in the evening. One of these may be a Saturday. Monthly producers may schedule no more than two (2) production studio sessions per quarter. One of those sessions may be scheduled in the evening. Producers of bi-weekly programming may schedule no more than three (3) production studio sessions per quarter.
10. Producers of new programs may schedule no more than two (2) production sessions in the period between sign-up week and the beginning of the new quarter, depending on availability, in order to have programs for the beginning of the quarter.
11. Producers may schedule no more than four (4) Cut Editing periods per calendar month. Two of these periods may be scheduled for 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. One of these may be on Saturday.
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G. Regulations For Studio Usage
1. It is the responsibility of Studio Coordinators to see that the studio facilities are utilized in a safe and efficient manner. The producer must be on site no later those forty-five (45) minutes after the scheduled beginning of the assigned studio session. After that time, the studio session will be cancelled. Failure to utilize scheduled studio time on two (2) occasions in the same quarter will result in the loss of studio privileges to that producer for the following quarter. If the session must be cancelled, notification must be made to the CMPAC office at least two (2) business days in advance of the scheduled session. CMPAC will make an effort to reschedule sessions that are properly cancelled, but cannot guarantee that the facility will be available. If a studio session is cancelled without proper notification, that producer’s next scheduled session will be cancelled.
2. Producers are required to provide sufficient crew personnel for their own productions. The suggested crew size for a typical production is from eight (8) to ten (10) crew members. The minimum crew consists of a director, an audio engineer and one camera operator for each camera in use. Additional crew members that are desirable but not required are graphics operator, lighting director and grips. Producers without a minimum crew will not be allowed to use the facility.
3. The producer is responsible to ensure that all equipment and props are returned to their proper place after the production; that the studio and control room are left clean and neat; and that any personal property is removed by the end of the studio session. In order to ensure sufficient time to clear the studio, recording sessions will end at least fifteen (15) minutes before the end of the scheduled session. Large or complex settings will require more time to remove. The Studio Coordinator will determine the required strike time.
4. Producers are responsible for the quality of the programs produced at CMPAC facilities. The role of the Studio Coordinator is supervisory and educational. Studio Coordinators are present to protect the interests of CMPAC and are not to be considered part of the production crew.
5. Guests of the producer, children and other visitors are welcome, but are requested to remain in the front lobby, Green Room or Control Room area. Visitors and children are the responsibility of the producer. Each two children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
6. The total number of crew and guests is not to exceed twenty (20) for any production at CMPAC. Productions requiring more than 20 people should schedule the arrivals of their guests to prevent crowding and confusion in the facility.
7. Food and drink are prohibited in all edit suites, control rooms and studios. Food and drink for crew and guests may be served in the Green Room only.
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H. Regulations for Editing
1. Studio Coordinators are responsible for the efficient utilization of the editing facilities. The producer must be on site no later than forty-five (45) minutes after the scheduled use of the edit suite or the session will be cancelled. Two (2) such cancellations within a quarter will result in the loss of facility usage for the following quarter.
2. Producers wishing to use an edit suite must complete the appropriate advanced workshop, or utilize the services of an editor who has completed that workshop. The producer is responsible to see that the edit suite is left in a clean and neat condition, and that all personal property is removed at the end of the session.
3. The maximum number of people allowed in each edit suite is three (3). Food and drink is prohibited anywhere in the post-production area of the facility.
4. CMPAC maintains a stock of Mini-DV tape that is available, for sale, to active producers who wish to purchase videotape.
5. Dubbing of videotape will be performed by the Studio Coordinator. A Producer is required to bring the required media. A Producer is entitled to one (1) VHS dub of each program. Additional dubs will be made on a time available basis for a fee of $10.00 per hour.
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I. Scheduling Of Cablecasts
1. Cablecast schedules are at the discretion of the Executive Director and Staff.
2. All programs that contain adult or indecent material must air after 11PM.
3. Determining suitability of program content is the sole discretion of the Executive Director of CMPAC.
4. Determining technical quality is the sole discretion of the Chief Engineer of CMPAC.
5. Producers are allowed a maximum of one (1) "Special" program per quarter.
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J. Advanced Workshops
1. Advanced Workshops are held on Saturdays. The schedule of Advanced Workshops varies with available facilities and the number of students desiring the training.
2. Cut-Edit Workshop - consists of one (1) three and a half (3.5) hour class session. Topics covered include Video Signal Quality, Video Tape Editing and hands-on editing practice. Completion of this workshop is required of users of CMPAC Cut-Edit Facilities.
3. Audio Workshop – consists of one (1) three and one-half (3 1/2) class session. Topics covered include microphone selection and placement, audio signal processing, mixing console operation, and general audio information. This workshop is highly recommended for individuals performing audio engineering for studio and field productions.
4. Lighting Workshop – consists of one (1) three and one-half (3 _) hour class session. Topics include lighting instruments, electrical safety, color control and basic lighting techniques for television.
5. Director Workshop – consists of one (1) eight (8) hour class session. Topics include video switcher operation and directing techniques. Includes a hands-on practice session.
6. Character Generator Workshop – consists of one (1) three and one-half (3 _) hour session. Covers the operation of the Quanta Delta character generator used in Control Room A. This workshop is highly recommended for individuals wishing to use this equipment.
7. Special Advanced Workshops – scheduled for new topics as the need presents itself. Existing Special Workshops include Television Engineering and Tips for Talent.
8. Successful completion of any workshop is at the discretion of the instructor. CMPAC reserves the right to waive requirements for any workshop for a user or producer who has demonstrated proficiency in facility and equipment usage.
9. CMPAC reserves the right to require a user or producer to repeat a workshop before continuing use of CMPAC facilities and/or equipment. An individual may not take the same workshop more than twice in a one year period.
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K. Code Of Conduct
1. CMPAC producers and users are expected to conduct themselves in a civil manner while using or representing the organization.
2. CMPAC has an obligation to the City of Charlotte to maintain a Drug-Free Workplace. It is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance on CMPAC property. Violators of this rule will immediately be expelled from the premises and will be subject to existing legal penalties that apply. Local law enforcement authorities will be given the right to enter the property to enforce the law.
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L. Changes in Regulations and Procedures
The Regulations & Procedures were written and instituted to offer guidelines for the usage of CMPAC services by accredited producers and users. CMPAC reserves the right to change the rules and regulations at any time and at our discretion.
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