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<br /> . <br /> Municipal Access Policies & Procedures -- An Outline . <br /> Prepared by Coralie A. Wilson, Executive Director <br /> North Suburban Cable Commission <br /> I. The basics <br /> A. The mission of muncipal access programming -- What <br /> do you want to accomplish? Public information, <br /> promotion, public safety? While the answer may <br /> seem obvious, going through the exercise makes <br /> sure that everyone is on the same track. <br /> B. Who will oversee the channel and be ultimately <br /> accountable? It could be the city manager or <br /> administrator, the city clerk, the city council as <br /> a whole or a subcommittee of the council. Or, you <br /> may want to create an advisory committee with <br /> representation from the main departments of the <br /> city, such as administration, public safety, <br /> operations, and the city council. There is no <br /> one right answer, but it is important that it be <br /> answered. <br /> C. Who can use the channel? I suggest you restrict <br /> use of the municipal channel to city functions and <br /> city-sponsored events. Parades and city festivals <br /> would be appropriate because they are usually . <br /> either sponsored by the city or the city is <br /> heavily involved in the planning and implementa- <br /> tion. If the city is not directly involved in an <br /> official capacity, then leave the programming for <br /> public or educational access. <br /> II. Programming Policies <br /> A. Videotext/community bulletin board -- For most <br /> cities, this type of programming is the primary <br /> use of the channel. The primary issues here are <br /> procedural: who can submit information for the <br /> channel; how the information is submitted; how <br /> long it will run~ A simple form will take care of <br /> most of these questions. <br /> B. Video Programming <br /> l. Public Meetings -- Decide which public meet- <br /> ings will be covered. For credibility, I <br /> strongly suggest you include language that <br /> says the meetings will be covered gavel-to- <br /> gavel, with no editing. Sometimes well- <br /> meaning staff want to edit the meetings to <br /> eliminate the "boring" parts, but, as soon as <br /> you do, some citizens/viewers will assume <br /> that you're trying to hide something or keep . <br /> information from them. <br /> -------------- <br />