HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAMAGENDA REPORT
AityMger Approv
Item to be presented by:
Gail Foy
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
DATE: June 28, 1994
SUBJECT: Public Access Program
DEPARTMENT: Management Services
BACKGROUND
Last spring, the City Council voted to implement a public access program in Santa Clarita through
the franchise agreement with Time -Warner (formerly ATC Cablevision) and King Videocable.
In August 1993, a public access studio site was leased by the cable companies, located at San
Fernando Road and 14th Street. In September 1993, Susan Shapiro was hired as the director of the
public access studio.
Shapiro spent her first few months talking to residents, meeting with community groups, and
listening to ideas and suggestions for the studio. From the conversations, she put together a
preliminary equipment needs list. The list of needs topped $300,000 — double the amount allotted
for the establishment of the studio. She submitted proposals to each of the Cable companies and
subsequently received approval to double the budget at the cable companies' expense.
These events, together with the earthquake, have delayed the studio. In a June 14, 1994
communication from Shapiro to the City, it is our understanding that the studio will open no later
than January of 1995.
In the meantime, training in the basic use of portable television production equipment (2 S-VHS
camcorders) will be available July 25,1994. This equipment will be available specifically for access
producers who wish to videotape local events for the access channel (i.e. Council meetings, public
hearings, etc.). This training in single camera production will be available on an individual basis
for such producers. More extensive training in electronic field production and videotape editing
will be available when the facility opens.
It is important to understand that the City is one of several users and will need to work with
volunteers to tape the meetings, utilizing access equipment to air on the channel.
RECOMMENDATION
Direct Staff to work with volunteers to tape City Council meetings to air on public access television
by September, 1994, at no cost.
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