CCP 05-23-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Municipal Access policies & Procedures Outline . May 12, 1994 Page 2. You should also include language stating that the camera operators will not "editorialize" with the cameras and will show either a wide shot of the councilor will show whoever is speaking. Further, you should make sure that the camera operators understand this policy. Many cities use high school students as camera operators who may not inherently understand that, while training the camera ,on a dozing council member may be amusing, it may also have highly unpleasant political ramifications. Finally, will the videotape be the official record of the meeting? I suggest that it not be, if only because it will take up too much storage space. The tapes are covered by the Data Practices commission and, however long you decide to keep them, you need to submit that decision as a request to the commission for approval. . 2. Other video programs -- Here you need to think about the process for producing or requesting the production of a program, the process for submitting a program for cable- cast on the channel, and the priorities for scheduling. In addition, you may want to establish minimum technical standards to protect the "look" of the channel. The most important issue, however, because it can be the most controversial, is programs by or including incumbents who are declared candidates. Many cities prohibit incumbents who have declared their candidacy from appearing in any live or taped program on the channe,l , except public meetings, during the campaign. This may be the easiest route to follow if the community is served by a public access channel. If incumbent candidate programming is permitted, then the city must give equal time and access to any opponents. Again, this issue does not have one right answer, but it . is important that you answer it, preferably before you're in the heat of elections.