Q&A's about Public Access Television

What is Public Access Television?

But what if I don’t know how to make videos?

Why doesn’t the access center staff just produce all the programs?

What are the advantages of creating outreach or training videos at my local public access center?

How much money can I save by making my videos through public access?

How do I find the Public Access Center near me?

What is Public Access Television?

Your community television access center is your center; it is television by and for the community. Started in the 1960s, public access is a television center/channel provided through cable companies, supported by federal law and municipal government, and available to the community to express their opinions and views. There are many different types of access centers since each is established to meet individual community needs. Some are run by an independent non-profit corporation, others by the cable company, the municipality or a school. However, all access centers share the common goal of facilitating the production of television programs by and for the local community. By becoming a member and learning how to use the studio and video equipment, you pave the way to producing your own programs. Whether it's the creation of a public service announcement or documentary, a talk show or live series — it's up to you to make it happen. Since public access television centers are non-profit organizations supported by funds from the cable companies as well as private and public sources, they are able to offer equipment and classes for very little cost to members. A nominal fee is often requested for membership and classes, while equipment (cameras, studio, editing rooms) use and channel time are free. At SCAT, for example, local organizations pay $100/year for two representatives to become members. After that, classes, all equipment usage, and airtime are all free.

But what if I don’t know how to make videos?

Making TV isn’t as complicated as you might think. The majority of people who sign up at their local public access center have little or no previous experience with video cameras, editing equipment or television production. Access centers welcome members of all ages, from every educational and career background to join. Public access was created to provide everyone with the tools to make community television and the training to use those tools.

Why doesn’t the access center staff just produce all the programs?

While many access centers do create programs under agreements with the local community, such as coverage of the Town Meeting and public hearings, local access is "Do It Yourself" TV. Most are funded by a small cable license fee (typically 1-5% of the local cable company’s revenues) and this pays for facility upkeep, equipment and a small staff -- usually 1 to 4 people, although urban centers have more. These employees manage the public resources, provide training in TV production, and facilitate the cable casting on the local channels.

What are the advantages of creating outreach or training videos at my local public access center?

Rather than hiring someone to make a video for you, why not make it yourself? There are several advantages to doing this:

• You are in charge of portraying your own message.
• It’s inexpensive.
• You will be able to cablecast your video or public service announcement on your public access channel —bringing you directly into the homes of thousands of local cable subscribers including home-bound audiences.
• You will now have your own custom-made video or public service announcement that you can use for outreach, training, publicity, and fund-raising.
• You can create programs for a local focus.

How much money can I save by making my videos through public access?

If you hire a film or video production company to make a video for you the costs are high. The rule of thumb is $1,000 per minute for a completed video. So if you’ve decided that you’d like a 15-minute video to recruit volunteers, send to potential funders or do outreach, it will cost you $15,000. On the other hand, when you use public access, you can expect to pay less than $150 for everything you need: center membership, training, videotapes stock and other supplies. And the time to learn to use the equipment is a worthwhile investment as you gain the ability to make programs in the future. Most importantly though you’ve taken charge of your own media -- you determine how your message is communicated, the story you want to tell.

How do I find the Public Access Center near me?

To find out how you can make use of access television in your community, contact your City or Town Hall. For more information about access across the country, contact the Alliance for Community Media through their web site at http://www.alliancecm.org or email acm@alliancecm.org or by mail to 666 11th St., NW, Suite 806, Washington DC 20001.