[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of
Raymond as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Cable television franchise — See Ch. 119.
[Adopted 3-26-1990]
A.
The principal function of the Committee is to:
(1)
Develop and manage the Cable Television local organization for the
Town of Raymond;
(2)
Act as intermediaries regarding contract compliance by the cable
operator;
(3)
Be a point of contact for public complaints and concerns regarding
cable service; and
(4)
Train outside residents or organizations in the use of cable equipment
for public access productions.
B.
These functions are carried out through the following activities:
(1)
Recommendation of users and expansion of programming which meet the
broad range of community age groups and interests.
(2)
Recommendation of processes to promote programming and services to
encourage support and participation.
(3)
Recommendation of processes to promote and encourage the development
of new facilities while promoting maximum utilization of existing
facilities.
(4)
Reporting to the Board of Selectmen in April of each year.
A.
The membership of the Committee shall represent a range of community
interest including schools, businesses, parents, civic and youth organizations.
Membership on the Committee shall consist of seven voting members.
B.
Members shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen to three-year
terms, to be terminated by resignation or three consecutive absences
from meetings without excuse.
C.
Individual members cannot act in the name of the Cable Television
Committee without express approval of the Cable Television Committee.
However, each member can address an area of concern as a member of
the Cable Television Committee.
All meetings are open to the public. All members of the community
may offer opinions and comments.
A.
The officers of the Committee shall be the Chairman, Vice Chairman
and Secretary, to be elected by majority vote of members present annually
at the regularly scheduled March Committee meeting. No officer shall
serve for more than one consecutive term in the same office.
B.
Duties of the officers are as follows:
(1)
The Chairman shall preside over the meetings and perform other such
duties as pertain to the office, i.e., be present at Town Meeting
to answer questions and concerns regarding Cable Television Committee
functions, advise the Town Manager of all expenditures necessary and
make same.
(2)
The Vice Chairman shall preside over the meetings in the absence
of the Chairman and assume the duties of the Chairman if the Chairman
is unable.
(3)
The Secretary will record minutes of all meetings, with copies to
all members.
A.
The Committee will meet monthly with more frequent meetings established
by the will of the Committee. Special meetings may be called upon
the request of the Chairman or the majority of the Committee members.
B.
Notice of all meetings (including special meetings) will be provided
to all committee members at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Notice
of such meetings shall conform to local requirements and state statutes.
C.
A majority vote by voting members present at any meeting shall be
necessary to take action, except as specified in meetings. Items not
appearing on the agenda may be discussed but not voted upon.
D.
General parliamentary rules, as stated in "Robert's Rules of
Order" may be observed in conducting meetings.
The following are responsibilities of the Cable Television Committee:
A.
Recommend the overall philosophy and goals of the cable television
local organization.
B.
Recommend a long-range and short-range plan for meeting the goals
of the organization.
C.
Recommend annual objectives for the Cable Television Committee.
D.
Recommend procedures under which the Cable Television Committee will
operate, including such areas as programs to be conducted, fees and
charges and use of facilities.
E.
Attend and support the work of the NFLCP and other appropriate voluntary
organizations to keep informed and improve cable service and programming
in the Town of Raymond.
F.
Maintain an open mind in all of its work; making decisions which
are in the best interest of the total community.
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the full membership
present at any regular monthly meeting provided that a minimum of
20 days' written notice of changes is provided.
[Adopted 4-17-2000]
RCTV is a public, educational and government (PEG)
access television station. As such, its primary purpose is to permit
participation and awareness of governmental and educational programming
and, in terms of public access, to act as a resource for the expression
of free speech for those in our community. The fulfillment of that
primary purpose fosters the secondary purposes which are:
RCTV is run by the Cable Television Committee of the Town of
Raymond under the authority of the Board of Selectmen which is the
franchising authority. This authority was given to the Board of Selectmen
by a vote of the Town Meeting. The Committee consists of five regular
members, an alternate and one representative from the Board of Selectmen
and the School Board. Committee members are appointed by the Selectmen
for three-year terms.
The Raymond Cable TV Committee does not produce any programming.
However, as private citizens outside of the scope of their appointed
status, these same people have the same rights as everyone else to
use the resource of RCTV to exercise their First Amendment rights.
The Cable TV Committee is a volunteer committee, which relies on other
volunteers for many functions.
A.
The purpose of this document is to describe in detail the procedures
for use of equipment and facilities belonging to the Town of Raymond
and the Raymond School District. Raymond Community Television is committed
to the idea that community and public access programming should be
community television serving the greater Raymond community. The programs
broadcast on RCTV-22 should be for, by and as needed by the community.
B.
Raymond Community Television is a public, educational and governmental
resource provided by the franchise agreement between the Town of Raymond
and MediaOne. All access is administered on a nondiscriminatory basis.
RCTV is the logo and call name of the channel that originates from
the Raymond Town Office or other official origination sites in the
Town of Raymond. Priority of programming will be determined by the
Raymond Cable Television Committee.
C.
RCTV has no full-time or part time paid staff or employees.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The computer that displays announcements on Ch. 22 when other
programs are not being shown.
Someone who is authorized to schedule use of the control
room or studio equipment or to certify training of individuals.
Programs produced or sanctioned by the Raymond School District
and Raymond-based private educational institutions.
Programs produced by staff or elected officials of the Town
of Raymond and may include coverage of government meetings (as defined
by RSA 91-A), profiles of Town services, as well as servicing the
communications needs of various Town departments.
The room located at the Town Office where videotape playback,
the bulletin board computer and portable control unit is normally
located.
Someone who is authorized to use the control room, studio
and or portable equipment.
Public, educational and government.
Someone who is responsible for a program developed for broadcast.
The room at the Raymond High School leased to the Town of
Raymond for use in producing video programming either live or on tape.
Noncommercial programs created by Raymond citizens and nonprofit
groups.
Raymond Community Television.
The room at the Raymond High School shared by the school
and RCTV.
Raymond Community Television has adopted and believes in the
following code of conduct.
A.
Every member of Raymond Community Television will:
(1)
Act respectfully and politely to students, members and staff.
(2)
Work for the long-term success of Raymond Community Television and
its goals.
(3)
Work for the long-term success of community media in general.
(4)
Be expected to research, obtain and communicate necessary facts to
key people in a timely manner.
B.
Every member, when acting in public on behalf of Raymond Community
Television, will:
C.
Every member, when acting in public as individuals, will be free
to hold, express and publicize their own beliefs or strategies even
if they differ from those expressed by RCTV.
A.
Changes, additions or deletions to this document will be made in accordance with the Raymond Code Manual, § 213-7. "These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the full membership present at any regular monthly meeting, provided that a minimum of 20 days' written notice of changes is provided." Amendments will then be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for adoption.
B.
RCTV reserves the right to waive any self-imposed regulation when
such a waiver is judged to be in the public interest. Such waivers
must have the approval of the Committee Chair or his/her appointee.
These sections apply to public, educational and government productions.
A.
Personnel and duties. All personnel, operators, coordinators and
producers operate under the rules set forth in document and ultimately
report to the RCTV Committee who report to the Raymond Selectmen.
(1)
Operator. Operators are personnel who have taken the Basic PEG Channel
Training course. These people are authorized to use the audio and
video equipment for both studio and remote live or taped broadcast.
They may use the equipment unsupervised. They understand all the RCTV
procedures and rules.
(2)
Coordinator. Coordinators are personnel who have taken the Basic
PEG Channel Training course. In addition, they have further volunteered
to help coordinate the operation of the RCTV PEG channel. This involves
helping to schedule operators to provide coverage of scheduled Town
Board meeting and other special Town events. These people are authorized
to add to or modify the facilities (control room and studio) and to
authorize the use of the equipment for public purposes.
(3)
Producer.
(a)
All residents of the Town of Raymond age 18 and over are eligible
to become producers after attending an initial orientation/training
class. Minors between age 16 and 18 must have parental authorization
(Form RCTV-5). Parents assume responsibility for liabilities and equipment
damage that may result from a minor's use.
(b)
All producers must sign a statement of compliance (Form RCTV-1)
indicating they have read and understand the policies within this
document.
B.
Security.
(1)
Security is the responsibility of everyone. The security of the Town
Office, Raymond High School, control room, studio and all equipment,
portable and fixed, shall be of utmost importance to everyone. No
unauthorized personnel shall be allowed access nor shall any unapproved
activities be tolerated. Failure to abide by these provisions shall
be cause for permanent revocation of all use privileges.
(2)
RCTV users are not permitted outside the high school control room
and studio during hours when school is closed and the alarms are set.
RCTV users are not authorized to use any school computers or equipment
not previously arranged with school personnel. RCTV users are not
permitted in any offices or nonpublic spaces in the Town office.
(3)
RCTV reserves the right to refuse the use of facilities and equipment
to any person under the influence of alcohol, drugs or otherwise not
in full control of his or her own faculties.
(4)
There are no bathroom facilities available to RCTV users when school
is closed and the alarms are set.
C.
Facilities. Raymond Community Television studio and production control
room are located at Raymond High School. The facilities will be available
to all RCTV approved individuals. The studio is subject to the rules
and regulations developed jointly by RCTV and the Raymond School Department.
The facilities are available for authorized users by appointment.
The RCTV master control room and office is located in the Town Office.
It is used for the playback of recorded tapes and for recording events
held at the Town Office meeting room.
(1)
Parking policy. Parking is available in the front and rear parking
lots of the school both during and after school hours. Parking at
the Town Office is in designated spaces.
(2)
Facility rules.
(a)
Users should be aware of the dangers of food and liquids around
electronic equipment. All food and drinks must be kept away from any
equipment. Users will be held responsible for the costs of equipment
repairs. There is no smoking or alcohol allowed anywhere on school
grounds. Studio and edit areas should be left in an orderly fashion.
Cables should be coiled neatly and put away. Microphones should be
returned to the audio cabinet. Tapes and other materials should not
be left behind after a shooting or editing session.
(b)
Individuals using RCTV-22 equipment or studio facilities will
not change wiring, patch bays or components without coordinator permission
and supervision. No attempts should be made to work on or repair equipment.
Any damage caused in this manner will be charged to the user.
D.
Program timing and labeling.
E.
Equipment sign-out procedures. Reservations for remote equipment
packages can be made by filling out a reservation form (RCTV-3) at
least three days in advance. Reservations are accepted on a first-come,
first-serve basis. On the day of pickup, arrangements must be made
with an RCTV coordinator. If there is no reservation form filled out
prior to that day, or if the form is incomplete, then no equipment
will be released. Camcorder sign-out is limited to two weekends per
month plus two weekday/overnights per month (for a total of four).
Equipment must be returned when specified on the reservation sheet.
Failure to do so may lead to temporary revocation of sign-out privileges.
Sign-in/out times should be arranged with the access coordinator.
Upon return of equipment, all items not normally belonging in camcorder
cases (i.e., extra microphones, cables, lights, tapes, etc.) should
be removed. Batteries should be fully charged before returning equipment.
The equipment must be returned in the condition it left in. If there
are any problems with equipment while using it, notify staff immediately
upon return. Evidence of the mishandling of equipment can lead to
revocation of sign-out privileges.
F.
Production control room policy. Requests for production time will
be made using reservation form (RCTV-4). Production time is signed
out on calendars posted in the control room.
G.
Videotape.
(1)
RCTV will provide blank videotapes upon request, but said videotape
remains the property of RCTV even though the copyright of the program
content is held by the producer. Videotapes held by RCTV will be recycled
after a period of two months.
(2)
Copies of raw footage may be obtained only with the consent of the
producer involved. "Raw footage" is defined as the unedited raw material,
which, in its present form, is unfit for airing due to technical or
content reasons. Programming shot live on tape and aired in the same
fashion (i.e., studio programs or sports events and government meetings)
do not qualify as raw footage since the actual tape used for shooting
is also the tape that is aired.
(3)
Videotape copies. No master copies of videotapes will be released.
(a)
Copies of public meetings (as defined by RSA 91-A) and all other
programming released for duplication are available for a fee of $15.
(b)
One copy of public board meetings will be made for the convening
board. This copy becomes the responsibility of the board chairperson.
Each board will be responsible for storing its own tapes and determining
how long they will be archived.
H.
Program content. RCTV requires all access users to accept full responsibility
for program content. This means that access users alone are accountable
for what they communicate. Therefore, access users should become familiar
with local and federal laws and any other regulations that apply to
program content and its cablecast.
(1)
The following types of programming will not be produced or cablecast.
Appeals to any program rejections will be made first to the Cable
Committee and finally to the Board of Selectmen.
(a)
Obscene programming is prohibited from broadcast on cable access.
Obscenity as defined by current State of New Hampshire laws will apply.
(b)
Programming, soliciting or promoting unlawful conduct.
(c)
Material which constitutes libel, slander, invasion of privacy
or which might violate other local, state or federal law.
(d)
Programs containing material which violates copyright, trademarks
or service marks. Use of such material generally requires obtaining
appropriate rights from music licensing organizations, publishers,
representatives, copyright holders and any other person as to make
necessary for cablecast. Producers will be asked to furnish written
authorization for use of such materials.
(e)
Program material that creates the immediate danger or damage
to property or injury to persons, or the substantial obstruction of
law enforcement or other governmental functions or services, or by
deprivation of a legal right of a person by threat, threat of force
or physical action, or the creation of a public nuisance.
(f)
The direct or indirect presentation of lotteries or lottery
information.
(2)
Public access programming is by tradition nonprofit and noncommercial.
The channel time and facilities are provided to benefit the community.
Therefore access programs should not contain the following:
(a)
Advertising material designed to promote the sale of commercial
products, businesses, services or individuals.
(b)
Direct sales or provision of commercial products, businesses
or services during a program.
(c)
Material which identifies any product, service, trademark or
brand name in a manner that is not reasonably related to the noncommercial
use of such in the program and which promotes the commercial gain
of such products, services, trademarks or brand names.
(d)
The direct solicitation of funds without first receiving permission
from RCTV.
(3)
Raymond Community Television reserves the right to review all programs
submitted for broadcast to ensure conformity with all laws.
(a)
Programming which may be considered "indecent" (see note below),
presents any adult themes or contains strong language or explicit
video will carry the disclaimer "This program contains (strong language)
(explicit video) (an adult theme) which may not be suitable for sensitive
audiences." All promotions for that program will contain the same
disclaimer. Programming meeting these guidelines will not be shown
between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. per Section 505 of the
1996 Telecommunications Act.
(b)
Indecent programming. For the purposes of these policies, "indecent
programming" is programming that describes or depicts sexual or excretory
activities or organs in a patently offensive manner as measured by
contemporary community standards. The access user or producer shall
certify to RCTV if their programming contains indecent material.
(4)
Program credits.
(a)
Program credits for underwriting and grants must be for goods,
services and in-kind contributions and/or donations that aid in developing
or improving programs.
(b)
Credit for underwriting should be in the manner of "This program
was made possible through a grant by. . ." or "Goods and services
used in this program were contributed by. . ."
(c)
Only the name of the underwriter or donor, not the product,
service or contribution, can be listed in the credit. Such credits
can only be shown before and after the program.
(d)
Verbal credit to donors and underwriters during a program is
not permitted.
(e)
Programs containing personal or organizational viewpoints will
include the disclaimer at the beginning and end of the program. "The
views expressed in this program are not those of RCTV or the Town
of Raymond."
I.
Bulletin board. RCTV shall establish a bulletin board (BB) that will
run continuously whenever a live or taped program is not. Persons
that are allowed to maintain and modify the BB shall receive training
from the graphics coordinator before modifying the BB without supervision.
(1)
BB subject matter. All announcements shall be reviewed by the graphics
coordinators or a Cable TV Committee Chairperson before it is installed
in the BB computer and aired unless it is a notice of a Town Board,
School Board or Town business hours, etc. All material deemed commercial,
political, lewd, inflammatory or personal is not allowed. Appeals
of rejection may be made to the Cable TV Committee. Further appeal
will be to the Board of Selectmen. The decision of the Board of Selectmen
is final.
(a)
Acceptable subject matter.
[1]
Notice of Town or school public meetings, i.e., Selectmen, Planning
Board, School Board, etc.
[2]
Notices of try-outs or games for various Raymond School and
private athletic teams.
[3]
Notices of one-time events for nonprofit organizations such
as Boy Scout X-Mass tree sale.
[4]
Notices of one-time religious fund-raising events such as rummage
or bake sales.
[5]
Religious services schedules.
[6]
Special events.
(b)
Unacceptable subject matter.
(2)
Material submission.
(b)
The request shall be submitted to the graphics coordinators
and will be reviewed by that person and put into the BB as soon as
possible. The Raymond Cable TV Committee and graphics coordinator
assume no liability for delays in putting material on the BB. Announcements
should be submitted 10 days in advance of the event to ensure timely
notice.
J.
K.
Technical standards.
(1)
Tapes submitted for playback on RCTV should conform to the following
standards:
(a)
Acceptable videotape formats: VHS, SVHS.
(b)
Each program should be submitted on its own individual videotape.
(c)
All videotapes should be clearly labeled on the spine of both
the videotape and the container, including title of program, pre-roll
and total running time of program.
(d)
Both pre-roll and post-roll should be 7.5 IRE black.
(e)
Pre-roll should be a minimum of 10 seconds to a maximum of 90
seconds; ideally all pre-rolls should be exactly 60 seconds.
(f)
If possible pre-roll should contain 30 seconds of color bars
and tone, 20 seconds of program slate and 10 seconds of countdown.
(g)
Post-roll should be a minimum of 15 seconds of black.
(h)
Videotapes submitted for playback should be of the highest possible
picture and sound quality (no second or third generation dubs from
masters if possible).
(i)
All videotapes should be clear of excessive audio and/or video
dropouts.
(j)
Videotapes in VHS or SVHS format will only be played back using
the standard (not hi-fi) audio track(s).
(k)
All videotapes should have proper video levels (7.5 IRE black
to 100 IRE white).
(l)
All videotapes must have continuous control track signal from
beginning of tape, including pre-roll, through to the end of the program
and post-roll black.
(m)
Videotapes which do not meet all of the above criteria may be
returned to the producer to fix any problem(s) before the program
is aired.
(2)
Program lengths.
(3)
Programming priority. Priority of programming will be determined
by the Raymond Cable Television Committee.
Public access programming is programming which has been produced
by the public. When the program is produced using RCTV facilities
and equipment, it means that the production arrangements are made
by the volunteer public access producers and the crew is primarily
volunteer. In this case RCTV Committee members are largely there in
an advisory capacity, to provide training, program proposal review,
assistance in lining up crews, basic studio set up and occasional
crew assistance. When an access user brings in a prerecorded tape
for broadcast, it is also considered public access. In both these
instances RCTV, by federal law, may not edit or control content.
A.
Public access producers. All residents of the Town of Raymond age
18 and over are eligible to become public access producers after attending
an initial orientation/training class and maintaining any and all
fees required. Minors between age 16 and 18 must have parental authorization
(Form RCTV-5). Parents assume responsibility for liabilities and equipment
damage that may result from the minor's membership. Private citizens
or nonprofit groups who use the equipment to produce programming seen
on RCTV and/or the facilities of RCTV may have their programs broadcast.
This usage is free of charge and on a first-come first-served basis.
Training on the use of equipment is scheduled on a request basis.
Arrangements for classes can be made by calling 895-4735 ext 104.
A member of the Committee will return your call.
B.
Workshop classes. Public access producers are required to take a
four-hour orientation class before working with equipment. During
this class producers will be given safety information on studio and
remote equipment. Additional advanced workshops will be given on various
subjects on an as-needed basis.
C.
Public access programming.
(1)
Procedures.
(a)
Producers must complete a program proposal form (Form RCTV-2)
for each show (or series) they plan to produce. Producers are responsible
for coordinating their own technical crew (if needed); only trained
RCTV volunteers are allowed to use equipment.
(b)
All programs must be submitted at least 24 hours before they
are scheduled to be cablecast, along with a cablecast form (Form RCTV-3)
indicating the desired date and time of cablecasting, as well as any
controversial content (if any). Failure to notify staff of possible
controversial content in advance may result in disciplinary action.
(2)
Copyright and liability.
(a)
All editorial control and responsibility and ownership of content
of public access programming lies with each program's producer.
(b)
RCTV reserves the right not to air any program which violates
copyright, obscenity or libel laws; which is in any way commercial
in nature; or which is unviewable for technical reasons. RCTV recommends
obtaining signed release forms for minors who appear in videotaped
productions.
(3)
Controversial programming. All comments and complaints about any
program will be forwarded to the producer of said program; all producers
must supply RCTV with a current valid phone number which will be made
available to the general public upon request. RCTV reserves the right
to schedule adult-oriented or controversial programming at specific
times.
(4)
Political candidates and access.
(a)
FCC regulations applying to political candidates and issues
do not apply to public access. The two rules most referred to are
the equal time rule, which applies to political candidates, and the
fairness doctrine, which stated that broadcast programmers must give
time to diverse sides of an issue. The FCC personal attack rule also
does not apply to public access.
(b)
No paid advertising will be accepted on behalf of candidates
for public office or political parties on RCTV.
(c)
Public access users are under no legal obligation to show any
view other than their own. Community residents with diverse viewpoints
are encouraged to use public access to express those views.
D.
It is up to each producer to contact his or her own crews. Phone
lists will be given out on a request basis only; also, producers may
put an ad on the Community Bulletin Board for crew for a program.
Those wishing not to use their home phone number can use the cable
office phone number in the Town Office that has voice mail.
E.
Release forms. Producers must obtain signed release forms for person(s)
appearing on a program which will be cablecast. This is especially
important when taping children under 18 (in which case a signature
is needed by the child's parent or legal guardian). These forms
will be kept on file at RCTV. Exceptions to this rule include videotaping
of public events such as government meetings or sporting events or
in some other public location or forum.
F.
Children. Young children are not allowed in the studio unsupervised.
Since the use of video production equipment requires one's full
attention, supervision must be by an adult who is not involved with
any production during their stay. However, because of safety concerns,
it is strongly encouraged that children not be brought into the studio
at all. This includes guests of shows as well as producers and audience
members.
G.
Live programming. Producers who wish to do live on-air programming
must meet the following prerequisites:
H.
Nonlocal programming. RCTV does provide airtime for programs produced
outside of its facilities and by nonlocal residents. A local resident
must sponsor programs produced outside of Raymond in order to air.
The local resident will take responsibility for the program's
content, as well as provide 10 signatures of Raymond residents or
prior approval by the Raymond Cable TV Committee. Also, RCTV reserves
the right not to air nonlocal programming based on technical quality
or availability of airtime. Programming must abide by same rules as
public access programming. RCTV Forms 4.0 and 4.1 must be completed.
A.
"Government access" is defined as in the glossary as programs produced
by staff or elected officials of the Town of Raymond and may include
coverage of government meetings (as defined by RSA 91-A), profiles
of Town services as well as servicing the communications needs of
various Town departments.
B.
Government access producers and users are subject to all sections
of this policy manual. Government meetings and productions are those
sanctioned by a particular board or Town department. When Town officials
or employees participate in or produce any programming not under this
category, they do so under the category, rules and procedures of public
access.
A.
"Educational access" is defined in the glossary as programs produced
by the faculty and students of the Raymond School District and Raymond-based
private educational institutions.
B.
Educational access producers and users are subject to all sections
of this policy manual. Educational meetings and productions are those
sanctioned by a particular school, the SAU or School Board. When school
officials or employees participate in or produce any programming not
under this category, they do so under the category, rules and procedures
of public access.
