Frequently Asked Questions

What is public access television?

Public access television is the only forum where individuals can express their opinions and perspectives to the commu­nity through cable television. Access television provides the community an important venue for First Amendment rights, the right to free speech. Public access television makes the use of electronic media possible for many groups that are under represented, or not heard or seen at all in conventional broadcast television.

What is Access Television of Salina?

Access Television of Salina is a nonprofit corporation, established in conjunction with the cable television franchise ordinance with Salina Cable TV. Access Television of Salina is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership at an annual meeting held in January.
Programs are produced by volunteer community producers for the purpose of free and open discussion of issues and ideas important to Salina.

What channels does Access TV of Salina operate?

Access Television operates channel 20 (Government Access), and channel 21 (Public Access) in Salina, Kansas, on the Cox cable system. Additionally, selected programs are available for viewing on-demand at our website - log on to www.salinatv.org, and click on "Video On Demand."

How is Access Television of Salina funded?

Access Television is funded by several different sources. We receive 70% of the cable franchise fee paid to the City of Saiina. The remaining funds are generated by class fees, memberships, underwriting, DVD sales, grants, and interest.

What are "franchise fees?"

When the cable company runs their cables through a city, they do it in the public rights-of-way (under streets, on poles, etc.). This is land owned by the city. Franchise fees are, in essence, rent for the use of these rights-of-way. The annual franchise fee has been set at 5% of the cable company's gross revenues from cable TV-related activities. The cable company does not pay franchise fees on services such as high-speed Internet.

How can I produce a program for cablecast on Access Television?

To produce a program on Access TV, you must fulfill the requirements of membership - you must live or work within Saline County. You must also become a certified producer. This involves taking the producer orientation class ($25 fee) and acting as an assistant producer on at least two programs. After that, you may produce your own programs for air on Channel 21, Public Access. Access TV maintains a list of certified crew members to help you produce your program. Access TV volunteer producers are responsible for arranging for all crew members.

How long does it take for my program to get on the air? Can I request specific airtimes for my program?

Normally, there is about a three-week period between the time you turn in your program and the first airing on the channel. This is mainly because of the programming requirements. You may request specific airtimes for your program; we will do our best to honor your request, but all final decisions about airtimes are made by the staff. Additionally, all programming deemed unsuitable for children will only air between the hours of 10pm-6am.

How much does it cost to get a program on Community Access?

There is a $25 fee for the producer orientation class, and you must provide your own tape for your program (Access TV sells digital tapes and DVDs). All use of production equipment, as well as all airtime, is free.

Can I just pay the Access TV staff to do my program for me?

Only non-profit organizations who are organizational members of Access TV can have the staff shoot and edit their program for a fee. We do have a Fee-For-Service schedule that is available to for-profit businesses. For more information on Fee For Service, please contact Executive Director, Marcia Smith msmith@salinatv.org.

What other training classes are available, and how much do they cost?

Access TV offers monthly basic training classes in the use of the studio, the portable camera, and non-linear computer editing. The cost for each of these classes is $10. Advanced training on our 2-camera kit and the production truck, as well as more in-depth training on selected topics, is available on a regular basis. Advanced training is free to current members who have completed basic training prerequisites.

What kind of production equipment will I being working with?

Access TV uses digital production equipment, ensuring a high-quality production experience. Although our production equipment is technologically sophisticated, it is relatively easy to learn to operate.

Do I have to produce programming to be a volunteer at Community Access?

No! If you only want to run a camera, do audio, or just edit, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available. Please contact any staff member for more information on current volunteer opportunities.

Is there assistance available if I have a question about using the equipment?

Yes! Community Access staff members are highly skilled in television production and are always available to provide assistance and advice for your production.

Are there volunteer opportunities available that don't involve TV production?

Yes! We always need help with mailings and facility maintenance. From time to time there are also opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors, or on a board committee. Please contact the Executive Director, Marcia Smith, for more information.

Why does controversial programming appear on Access TV from time to time? Can't you just not show those kinds of programs?

We at Access TV believe in the rights granted under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, among which is the right to free speech. In order to provide a venue for the greatest number of ideas and opinions to be heard on the access channels, Access TV does not exercise editorial control over any program submitted by a commu­nity producer. In fact, our contract with the City of Salina prohibits us from doing so. So occasionally we have pro­gramming that may express "extreme" viewpoints. Programming on Access TV does not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of Access TV, the City of Salina, or the cable company. Community producers who submit programming take full and sole responsibility for the content of their programs.

So I can put anything I want in my program?

While the allowable content in programming on Access TV is extremely broad, there are some types of content that are prohibited. This would fall under "unprotected speech;" that is, speech not afforded protection under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This includes libel, slander, obscenity, illegal activity, invasion of privacy, etc. Additionally, since our contract with the City of Salina provides for us to facilitate programming of a noncommercial nature, commercials and advertising are prohibited on Access TV as well.

If I see something that I disagree with on Access TV, what can I do?

You may contact Access TV at (785) 823-2500 and let us know how you feel about programming you disagree with. Our policy is to provide you with the name and contact information of the producer responsible for the program. You may then contact the producer directly if you so choose. You may also come to Access TV and become a community producer yourself, and produce a program expressing an opposing point of view.

If I have any additional questions about Access TV of Salina, who can I contact?

You may contact Access TV of Salina by phone at (785) 823-2500; by e-mail at general@salinatv.org; by mail at P.O. Box 645, Salina, KS 67402-0645; or in person at the Access TV facility, located in Memorial Hall, 215 North 9th Street in Salina.