RULES & GUIDELINES

As an aid in developing these Public Access User Rules and Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as "Rules"), the Foundation has established the following set of "access principles" to serve as a guide insofar as they will help to underline the goals for and commitment to public access programming.

1. To provide for the flow of creative subject matter and information throughout the community and to be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.

2. To encourage use of the access channels by the greatest number of users so as to promote the widest possible diversity of information sources to the public.

3. To insure good technical quality in access programming.

4. To protect against violation of federal laws regarding copyright and performing rights.

5. To protect against violation of federal and state laws and regulations regarding procedures for the cable system operators and the Foundation.

6. To protect against misuse and damage of production equipment and facilities.

7. To protect against injuries resulting from improper use of the equipment.

These rules are intended for use by Public Access users of the Foundation's facilities and the Foundation reserves the right to review the Rules at any time for any reason; however, no revision or amendment to these Rules shall be deemed effective without the Foundation first having obtained the written consent of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers ("Division").
The headings and captions in these Rules are for the purpose of convenience of reference only, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of these Rules or in any way affect these Rules.

The public's right to studio access is established pursuant to the Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended, and the Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems promulgated by the Division. These Rules are intended to provide uniform and fair guidelines, which both encourage the use of Public Access studios and provide for the smooth and effective operation of each studio located in Rhode Island.

2.1    Public Access production facilities, equipment, and training programs may be used by local, non-profit organizations, governments or schools and people who live, work, or attend public schools within the service areas of the State of Rhode Island for the sole purpose of making programs to be cablecast on the Public Access channel(s).
2.2    Public Access programming and copies thereof which are produced using said equipment cannot be distributed for profit while being cablecast on Public Access. Public Access producers and crew may not receive any personal profit or remuneration while using Public Access equipment or facilities; however, Public Access producers and/or their crew who are employed by local, qualified non-profit organizations, governments or schools are not disqualified from using Public Access equipment or facilities within the scope of their employment as a result of their employment by such organizations.
2.3    Once a program has been cablecast on Public Access, any modifications to the program for personal or commercial use cannot be accomplished with Public Access Equipment.

3.1    The Public Access channels of the Foundation shall be made available to any member of the public who qualifies under Section 2 on a non-discriminatory basis at no charge. To the extent feasible, scheduling priorities will be given to locally produced programs within the state in a content-neutral manner, in accordance with applicable laws. However, the Foundation reserves the right to refuse to cablecast any program on a case-by-case basis if such program:
(i)    fails to comply with the minimum technical quality standards set forth in Section 3.2 of the Rules, or Federal Communications Commission guidelines including Volume 47, Part 76 of the Code of Federal Regulations (47 C.F.R. 76) and as referenced in Section 6.1 of the Rules;
(ii)    contains material that constitutes copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark infringement in violation of Section 6.2 of the Rules, or the producer of such program has failed to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 7.1 of the Rules, if applicable;
(iii)    contains material requiring a talent release and the producer of such program has failed to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 7.2 of the Rules;
(iv)    contains material that constitutes a solicitation of funds, lottery, gift enterprise or use of any telephone or electronic mail address to solicit funds in violation of Section 6.3 of the Rules;
(v)    constitutes a commercial or contains commercial or other material in violation of Sections 6.4, 9.1 or 10.2 ;
(vi)    contains obscene material in violation of Section 6.5 of the Rules;
(vii)    contains material constituting an invasion of privacy, defamation, or libel or slander in violation of Section 6.6 of the Rules; or
(viii)    is used for illegal purposes or constitutes a violation of law prohibited by Section 6.7 of the Rules.
In the event that the Foundation refuses to cablecast any program under this section, the Foundation shall give the affected public access producer, whose program has been refused for cablecast, the opportunity to cure the identified problem(s) with the program. In the event that the producer does not cure or refuses to cure the identified problem(s), and the Foundation still refuses to cablecast such programming, the Foundation shall promptly (within five (5) business days) notify the Administrator of the Division of such refusal and thereafter submit a written request for a prompt informal determination, pursuant to Section 6 of the Division's Rules of Practice and Procedure, as to whether its decision to refuse to cablecast the program was appropriate. The Foundation shall mail a copy of the request to the affected producer by regular mail, postage prepaid. If the Administrator of the Division determines that the program should be cablecast, the Foundation may continue to refrain from cablecast of the program pending a formal hearing and order, and thereafter so long as a stay is in effect. In no event shall the Foundation refuse to cablecast any public access program for a period of time of more than thirty (30) days from the date that the program has first been refused for cablecast on any Public Access Channel without a stay or order authorizing the Foundation to refuse to cablecast the program having been entered.
3.2    Minimum technical quality standards shall mean the following according to Federal Communications Commission and industry standards:
1.    The video signal will not exceed 100 IRE but will have at least 7.4 IRE;
2.    The video signal should have 40 units of sync and 9 cycles of burst; and,
3.    Peak audio level should fall within -3 and 0 dB and shall have reasonable clarity.
NOTE: These are the minimum audio and video quality standards as established by the Federal Communications Commission. The Foundation reserves the right to refuse cablecast of any program that does not meet these standards.
3.3    The Foundation reserves the right to refuse Public Access privileges (including access to any and all Public Access facilities, equipment, and/or training) to any person(s) who:
1.    Has demonstrated a lack of ability to safely and proficiently operate and care for television production equipment or is abusive to the Foundation personnel;
2.    Has not successfully completed the required training or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency, or has not provided to your Public Access Coordinator a completed, signed Producer Agreement (Appendix 1) and other applicable documentation referred to in these Rules, such as a Studio/Editing Suite Request (Appendix 2) as required by Section 13.1 of the Rules, an Equipment Request (Appendix 3) as required by Section 14.2 of the Rules, an official license or waiver as required by Section 7.1 of the Rules, a Talent Release (Appendix 4) as required by Section 7.2 of the Rules, or a Parental/Legal Guardian Consent (Appendix 5) as required by Section 7.3 of the Rules;
3.    Does not comply with these Rules;
4.    Does not adequately crew their productions. Studio productions require three (3) crewmembers, unless the Public Access Coordinator gives prior approval. The full crew must be present at the beginning of and throughout the duration of the production; or,
5.    Engages in misconduct as defined in Section 17.14 of the Rules.
3.4    If the Foundation determines that a problem or concern exists under Section 3.3 of the Rules, it will first attempt to resolve the matter with the Public Access participant. If the matter is not resolved through this process, the Foundation may deny such individual Public Access privileges, and will provide that individual with a written statement of the reason(s) for such denial. When an individual is denied Public Access privileges pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Rules, the individual may: (1) bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate Service Area Citizens Advisory Committee, and/or (2) then, file a complaint with the Division.

4.1    Program time slots are assigned by the Public Access Coordinator, on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. Program playback on certain holidays, especially Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, cannot normally be accommodated because it is subject to the availability and scheduling of the Foundation staff. However, the Foundation will make reasonable efforts to accommodate program playback on Columbus Day, Victory Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Veteran's Day.
4.2    Cablecast frequency will be three (3) plays per week for weekly shows, and four (4) plays within a one-month period for specials or one-time productions, depending on the availability of cablecast time. Meanwhile, the cablecast of programs one or more times in a certain time slot does not guarantee continued availability of that time slot.
4.3    The Foundation reserves the right to assign the times and shall be responsible for resolving conflicts concerning access program scheduling and shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate the needs of Public Access producers. Any programming containing adult-oriented or indecent material will be cablecast between 12:00am and 6:00am.
4.4    The Foundation reserves the right to reassign a producer's assigned program time slot(s) if a producer fails to produce and/or submit a new program at least once per four (4) weeks. The Foundation will make a diligent effort to contact the producer prior to the revocation of the producer's time slot.

5.1    All producers and/or persons desiring to use any Public Access equipment and/or facilities must have: (1) successfully completed all the necessary training provided by the Foundation or (2) have received a Certification of Proficiency from the Foundation. Training is available at no cost.
5.2    It is preferred that producers submit a completed program. The term "completed program" means that the program is timed properly to fit the preferred 30:00 or 60:00 minute program block, all breaks are filled and any additional footage has been rolled in, such that the program could be aired immediately.
5.3    Regular producers are encouraged to fill their allotted time. Producers whose shows do not adhere to these lengths should notify the Public Access Coordinator in advance. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate non-conforming programs, consistent with other programming obligations.
5.4    Accurate timing of each program is required.
5.5    All programs must begin with fifteen seconds (:15) of black before the program opening titles and music. Any disclaimers should be counted in as part of the program.
5.6    Acceptable formats include 1/2" VHS, 1/2" SVHS, Mini DV, DV Cam, DVD (-R). All programs produced in VHS or SVHS formats must be recorded at Standard Play (SP) speed. Programs recorded in formats containing menus at the beginning of the recording, will be refused for cablecast.
5.7    All tapes should be properly labeled with the following information:
Studio
Producer's name, address, and telephone number
Program title (if regularly scheduled program there should be sub-title and/or #)
Cablecast dates Exact length of program (HH.MM.SS)
Playback operators will not be responsible for any tapes that are mislabeled.
5.8    Public Access producers retain ownership rights to their individual programs.
5.9    All programs submitted for cablecast on Public Access channels shall provide video and audio quality consistent with the standards set forth in Section 3.2 of these Rules. All programming submitted may be reviewed by your Public Access Coordinator to ensure that the program does not contain material prohibited by Section 6 of the Rules and that the producer has complied with the requirements set forth in Sections 7, 9 and 10 of the Rules.
5.10    A new, "blacked," or otherwise completely erased tape must be used at all times. Taping over previously recorded programs will not be accepted.
5.11    Producers are encouraged to apply a rating to their programming setting forth the recommended viewing audience in compliance with guidelines established by the National Cable Television Association. Information concerning the guidelines and the appropriate icon to be inserted on the programming is available from the Foundation.
5.12   The Authority reserves the right to run a statement of disclaimer before, during and/or after any Public Access program to alert viewers that, the views expressed in the program are not necessarily those of the Authority and that the Authority has no control over or responsibility for the content of such programming.
5.13    Any new producer submitting a program for the first time must submit his or her program and an executed Producer Agreement seven (7) business days prior to the program's earliest anticipated carriage date. A "new producer" is one who has not previously produced or cablecast a program on any Public Access channels utilizing the Foundation's facilities.
5.14    The Foundation reserves the right to require, the producer of a live program to submit a detailed program outline to include a listing of the persons to be interviewed and/or material to be presented. If required, the producer of said live program shall furnish this information to the Foundation no later than seven (7) business days prior to the scheduled cablecast of the live program. Any proposed material changes to live programming may not be made without 48 hours or two (2) business days notice to the Public Access Coordinator, unless otherwise approved by the Public Access Coordinator.
5.15    The Foundation reserves the right to require all producers to deliver their programs at least (2) business days prior to the cablecast of said program to the local Public Access Studio to ensure proper playback.

Programs produced for use on the Public Access channel may address a wide variety of topics. Many of these topics may not be addressed by the more traditional network broadcasters. The following are some guidelines:
6.1    The Foundation operates within the guidelines for programming established by the Federal Communications Commission. See e.g., 47 C.F.R. 76. Programming submitted for cablecast must meet the same requirements.
6.2    Material constituting copyright, trademark, trade name or service mark infringement is prohibited. Producers using any material requiring a record of payment or official waiver pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Rules, must provide a copy of this record of payment or official waiver prior to the program being scheduled for cablecast. Producers using any material requiring a talent release pursuant to Section 7.2 of the Rules, must provide the release prior to the program being scheduled for cablecast.
6.3    Any solicitation of funds, lottery, or gift enterprise, is prohibited except where all applicable laws have been complied with and the Foundation has given prior approval in writing. Material, which is intended to defraud the viewer or designed to obtain money by false or fraudulent means, is prohibited. Use of any telephone number or electronic mail address to solicit funds is not permitted.
6.4    Commercial material as defined in Section 9.1 of the Rules is prohibited.
6.5    The Foundation will comply with all federal laws regarding the content of Public Access programming. The Foundation will not exercise any editorial control over public, educational, or governmental use of channel capacity pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §531, except that the Foundation may refuse to transmit any Public Access program or portion of a program which is obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution of the United States of America.
Pursuant to federal law, 47 U.S.C. §559, programming which is "obscene" will not be cablecast on any access channel at any time. Programming is "obscene" if: the average person, applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by state law; and the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. Prior to the cablecast of any Public Access program, the program's producer must certify that the content of the intended program is not "obscene" by signing the Producer Agreement.
6.6    Any material constituting an invasion of privacy, defamation, or libel or slander of any person, entity or organization, is prohibited.
6.7    Public Access programming may not be used for any criminal activity or other illegal purpose, nor may it be used in any manner which violates any local, state or federal law.

7.1     Public Access producers are responsible for payment of any cablecast fees in connection with use of any material constituting copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark, subject to the "fair use" exception as recognized in statutes and applicable case law. Payment amounts and information about use are available from the holder of the copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark. The Foundation has no information concerning copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark possibilities or payment schedules and assumes no responsibility for any production containing any of the aforementioned items. An official license or waiver (with record of payment, if necessary) from the holder of a copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark must be on file with the Public Access office before the program(s) will be scheduled for cablecasting, subject to the "fair use" exception set forth above.
7.2    Public Access producers are responsible for obtaining talent releases for all program participants involved in any aspect of Public Access programming. Releases must be on file in the Foundation's Public Access office before the program(s) will be scheduled for cablecasting.
7.3    If any individual seventeen (17) years of age or less ("minor") participates in any material aspect of the production of a Public Access program, the Public Access producer is responsible for providing to the Foundation a Parental/Legal Guardian Consent Form signed by a parent or legal guardian pursuant to which the parent or legal guardian consents to such minor's participation in such production, and accepts financial responsibility for the actions of the minor during the production of the Public Access program. The Parental/Legal Guardian Consent must be on file in the Foundation's Public Access office in advance of any minor's material participation in the production of any Public Access program.

8.1    Public Access users agree to accept full responsibility for program content submitted for cablecasting on the Public Access channel(s) of the Foundation. All Public Access users shall indemnify and hold harmless the Foundation, and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees and agents, from all liability, including damages, costs and attorney's fees, incurred by the Foundation in any case of any copyright, trademark, tradename, or service mark infringement and any other claims arising from cablecasting of the user's programming. Public Access users, however, will not be required to indemnify the Foundation for any attorneys' fees and/or costs in the event it is determined that the Foundation is not subject to liability.

9.1    There can be no commercial endorsement or commercial sponsorship of any business, enterprise, product, service, event or individual created with Public Access equipment, created in a Public Access facility, or created for cablecast on the Public Access channel.
This includes advertising by or on behalf of any candidate for public office, any audio or visual reference to any business, enterprise, product, service, event or individual for which any consideration was received by anyone in exchange for the display, announcement and/or reference to such business, enterprise, product, service, event or individual.
Further, any use of commercials or any use of an on-camera product, service or event for a commercial purpose, or an individual commercial endorsement is strictly prohibited.
9.2    A supply of current public service announcements ("PSAs") from a variety of non-profit organizations will be available for your use at the Public Access studio and the Public Access editing suite. These may be freely used for breaks in your program.

10.1    Grants and/or other types of non-profit support: (1) may be utilized by producers or groups or entities producing Public Access programming for the purposes of underwriting the costs of necessities such as set pieces, props, title cards, and the like, or (2) may be made available to bona fide nonprofit organizations, governments or schools for the purpose of remunerating employees of such entities who are working on Public Access productions within the scope of their employment. However, such funds should not be used to supplement an employee's regular compensation (e.g., by way of a bonus or other additional compensation). The term "grants", as used in this section, refers to traditional, charitable grants for non-profit, non-commercial recipients.
10.2    All "Patron Acknowledgments" must follow the standard form contained in subparagraph (1) below and comply with the standards enumerated in subparagraph (2) below, if applicable:
(1) "This program was made possible by a contribution from [identify the name of the business, group, individual or foundation];" and,
(2) A company, group or personal logotype or video background may only be used if each one complies with the following style standards: (a) standard or existing logotypes may be used in an acknowledgment; however, logotypes that contain product images, slogans, or content beyond the name of the individual or company (or brand) may not be used if in the reasonable opinion of the Foundation they are commercial or promotional in nature, (b) the setting or background over which a patron's name and logo appears must be monochromatic, (c) the acknowledgement is to be shown for no more than thirty seconds (:30) at the end of the program, and (d) the overall effect of each acknowledgment must be in keeping with the noncommercial nature of Public Access cable television.

11.1    The Foundation shall obtain and maintain a complete record of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons, groups, organizations or entities requesting training or use of Public Access facilities or equipment and/or cablecast time. These records shall be made available on request to the public during regular business hours. The Foundation shall retain these records for a two (2) year period and shall update these records every two (2) years.
11.2    The Foundation may require any person, group, organization or entity utilizing the Foundation's Public Access studios or equipment to verify their name, address and telephone number by producing some form of appropriate identification.
11.3    Producers and production crews made up of all minors seventeen (17) years of age or less, must have a parent or guardian, or in the absence of same, at least one person of legal age (18) years or older actively involved in each production to act as an advisor and in order for the group of minors to use any/all Public Access facilities, equipment or training opportunities.
11.4    Should you have any problem relating to Public Access on-site staff or trainers, other Public Access producers, crew or users or specific administration of overall Public Access, please contact the Public Access Coordinator in writing by immediately filling out a grievance form so that the problem may be resolved quickly. (Forms are available in Public Access offices.)
11.5    Public Access users are responsible for having all elements of a complete program available before any taping begins at any of the Public Access studios. This includes video footage from Public Access or other allowable sources in the proper format, PSAs, guests, releases, props, completed production crews, sets, etc.
11.6    Public Access Coordinators will work with Public Access users to assist them in complying with the standard set forth in Section 11.5 of the Rules.
11.7    The Foundation reserves the right to request a full program outline or transcript prior to use of any Public Access equipment to determine any producer's readiness, preparation and ability to complete a Public Access program.

12.1    Everyone desiring to use the Public Access facilities or equipment must participate in a Public Access workshop to become familiar with Public Access guidelines, procedures and rules, unless they have received a Certification of Proficiency.
12.2    Training is provided in the following three (3) areas:

Workshop Participants	Minimum Required Participants	Maximum Allowed Participants	Frequency
Studio Production	3	10	4 times per year with arrangements for special classes
Portable Equipment	3	10	4 times per year with arrangements for special classes
Editing Facilities	1	2	On an ongoing basis

12.3    Approximate length of workshops will be determined by the Public Access Coordinator when the Public Access Coordinator believes the person and/or group is adequately trained.
12.4    After you and your crew decide what type of program you plan to produce, the Foundation's Public Access staff will inform you which one or combination of workshops you will need to attend and complete before you can begin producing your program.
12.5    Scheduling a Public Access workshop may be done by simply contacting your Public Access Coordinator at the Foundation who will schedule the workshops as needed.
12.6    The Foundation shall maintain a list of names and telephone numbers of all persons who request to participate in training workshops. In the event any individual(s) requesting training cannot satisfy the "Minimum Required Participants" threshold, the Foundation shall contact individual(s) from the list so that the threshold is satisfied. Once the threshold is satisfied, the Foundation shall hold the relevant training workshop.
12.7    In lieu of training, the Foundation may certify the proficiency of individuals in one or more of the designated workshop areas (See Section 5.1 of these Rules). In making such determination, the Foundation shall consider the following:
1. the individual's demonstrated knowledge of these Rules; and
2. the individual's demonstrated proficiency in the operation and use of the facilities and equipment.

13.1    Arranging production time may be accomplished by calling the Public Access Coordinator at the Foundation once you and your crew have successfully completed the necessary workshops, or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency.
Production time is allotted on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Call in early to reserve your preferred studio time.
Please be on time for your scheduled production appointment. If you will be late for any reason, you should contact the Foundation and give the Foundation an approximate time you will be at the site to use the equipment or facilities. If you arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes after your scheduled arrival time and do not provide the Foundation with advance notice of your delay, then your appointment may be canceled. Repeated problems with late or missed appointments may result in a series of disciplinary steps, including warnings, suspension and/or revocation of Public Access privileges. (See Section 3.3 of the Rules)
You will be required to complete fully a Studio/Editing Suite Request (Appendix 2) each time you use the Public Access production studio.
13.2    Studio production time is available only to those who are producing programs solely for use on the Public Access channel, without infringing on the right of the user to show the program in other non-commercial venues.
13.3    Public Access offers ½" VHS, ½" SVHS, MINI DV, DV CAM and DVD (-R) formats at all of the facilities. Please check with your Public Access Coordinator in advance for the availability of formats.

14.1    Arranging for portable equipment check-out is done by calling your Public Access Coordinator at the Foundation after you have successfully completed a portable equipment workshop or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency.
Portable equipment check-outs are scheduled on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Call in early to reserve your preferred date for portable equipment check-out.
Please be on time for your appointment to check-out and return portable equipment. If you will be late for any reason, you should contact the Foundation and give an approximate time you will be at the site to pick up or use the equipment. If you arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes after your scheduled arrival time and do not provide the Foundation with advance notice of your delay, then your appointment may be canceled and or someone else may use the equipment if requested. Users who repeatedly arrive late for appointments, who repeatedly do not show up for their appointments, or who repeatedly return equipment late may lose their Public Access privileges (See Section 3.3 of the Rules).
14.2    Public Access portable production equipment is only to be used within the State of Rhode Island. At no time should this equipment be taken outside the State without prior written approval from the Foundation.
14.3    For your protection, it is the responsibility of the individual who checks out the Public Access portable production equipment to verify personally its operational condition at the time of check-out before leaving the Public Access office.
Remember: From the time you leave the Public Access office until the time you return the portable production equipment to the office, you are financially responsible for said equipment. Should the equipment be lost, damaged, or stolen while checked out to you, the Foundation will seek restitution from you for repair and/or replacement of said equipment.
Public Access portable production equipment should not be left in a car or car trunk, outside or any place the equipment would be susceptible to theft or exposed to water, sand, dust or extreme heat or cold. Extreme temperatures will affect the operation of the equipment and cause permanent damage.
14.4   Camera Safety: Lens should only be cleaned with lens tissue. Do not clean camera or lens with any chemicals (ex. Windex, Polish, Detergents) as this could permanently damage the camera or lens. Do not expose camera to fog, or rain; food or liquids should be kept away. If the camera needs to be dried off, unplug, and wipe with a clean dry cloth.

15.1    Reserving edit suite time may be accomplished by calling the Public Access Coordinator at the Foundation once you have successfully completed the Editing Facilities Workshop or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency.
Editing time is allotted weekly on a "first-come, first-served" basis; however, Public Access Coordinators should make reasonable efforts to schedule editing time on an as needed basis. Call in early to reserve your preferred editing time.
Please be on time for scheduled editing time. If you will be late for any reason, you should contact the Foundation, and give the Foundation an approximate time you will be at the site to use the equipment or facilities. If you arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes after your scheduled arrival time and do not provide the Foundation with advance notice of your delay, then your appointment may be canceled. Repeated problems with late or missed appointments may result in a series of disciplinary steps, including warnings, suspension and/or revocation of Public Access privileges (See Section 3.3 of the Rules).
You will be required to complete fully a Studio/Editing Suite Request (Appendix 2) each time you use the Public Access editing equipment and facilities.
15.2    Editing time is available only to those who are editing programs for use on the Public Access channel.

Cancellation of any production, training session, editing session or portable checkout may be done by calling the Public Access office to cancel at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Individuals who repeatedly violate this policy may have their Public Access privileges suspended.

17.1    No smoking, eating or drinking (alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages) in the control room, studio or editing suite. Limited smoking and the consumtion of non-alcoholic beverages may be done outdoors or inside in the appropriate designated area for Public Access users. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly PROHIBITED in all areas at all the Public Access facilities operated by the Foundation.
17.2    Any producer, participant or user who is suspected of or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or otherwise not in full control of their senses, or if exhibiting disruptive or abusive behavior, will be asked to leave the premises.
17.3    No flammable, caustic, toxic, or explosive substances or firearms or knives are allowed in the Public Access facility.
17.4    Live animals and other potentially dangerous items may be used for demonstration purposes on camera, but must be approved at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance by the Public Access Coordinator.
17.5    Telephones at the Public Access studios and editing suites are business telephones. Public Access users may only use designated phones in the case of an emergency or for a brief call relating to a program to be produced at the time (e.g., your program's guest has not arrived). No personal calls may be made from telephones at either the Public Access studio or the editing suite.
17.6    No additional recording, dubbing, amplification, sound, lighting, musical or electronic equipment is to be patched into an existing the Foundation Public Access studio or any of its editing suite equipment. In some limited instances, with prior approval from the Public Access Coordinator, some electronic patching may occur, but may only be done by a designated Public Access staff person.
17.7    Please do not attempt to adjust any equipment you have not been fully trained and authorized to use. If you encounter any technical problems, consult with the Public Access staff person assigned to your production
17.8    Report any broken or missing equipment to a Public Access staff person immediately.
17.9    Please handle all equipment with care.
17.10    Only individuals trained by the Foundation's Public Access staff or who possess the appropriate Certification of Proficiency are permitted to operate any equipment on the premises.
17.11    Public Access producers are responsible for the conduct and actions of all the individuals that they bring into a Public Access studio or editing suite and that are involved with the producers' respective production.
17.12    Each production crew led by their producer is responsible to help keep the studio(s) and editing suite clean. Use the trash receptacles provided. (The Foundation representatives will perform major cleaning such as vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and the lavatories weekly.)
17.13    Each production crew led by their producer is responsible for returning the studio back to its original condition when their production is completed. This includes returning any furniture, lighting, sound equipment or props to their normal location.
17.14    In the event of any misconduct while using any of the Public Access facilities the Foundation staff person on site shall have the authority to terminate the production and ask all persons involved in the production to leave the facilities. "Misconduct" means the use or suspected use of any drugs or alcohol, unsafe or unauthorized use of any equipment, loud or boisterous activities, illegal activities, or other conduct that interferes with the efficient and professional completion of a Public Access production.

© 1998 - 2018 "The Authorities" Public Access Information Website