audio tech tip

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learn more about audio pick up patterns, what a PZM is used for and what is phantom power.

Closures for the Holidays

SPNN will be closed on December 24 and 25th for Christmas. We will also close at 6PM on December 31st and open on Wednesday, January 2 at 6PM.

Producer Night

Ernest Moore

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Meet SPNN Member Ernest Moore. He produces a program called "Come and See Ministries". Find out more about him.

Interview with Julio Opeda Zapata

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Talking tech toys with St. Pioneer Press colunist Julio Opeda Zapata.

Chimera Hood

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Learn more about how the Chimera hood is used and set up. The Chimera Hood is a soft box for the Tota light or Omni light.

SPNN Open House

The SPNN Open is happening on December 8th from 10AM-1PM. The live Santa Call-In show will be going on- see how a live production happens. Tape a message for your family or loved ones that will air through December on all five SPNN channels. Tour the production van and two television studios, enter in a contest for teens, work on a production in the Youth Department.

SPNN now accepts DVD

SPNN is now accepting programs for playback on DVD. When making a DVD for SPNN, please make sure there is no bars and tone or countdown on the front of the DVD. Please include only the program from start to finish. Unless otherwise requested, SPNN will dispose of DVD's once they are done playing, we will not be returning them.

When submitting on tape, either DV or VHS, please make sure to include bars and tone and countdown at the front of the tape.

Remember to include a playback release form for each tape/DVD submitted.

Thank you,

SPNN Access Staff

Volunteer with SPNN

If you would like to volunteer with SPNN contact our volunteer Coordinator Sherine Crooms. Check our her blog for volunteer opportunities http://www.involvedspnn.blogspot.com/


A new opportunity for an individual interested in rights of the homeless;
Ralph Olson is looking for someone to tape a speaker November 15th at 8PM. The Speaker is speaking on Homelessness. Please contact Ralph Olson by Wednesday the 14th of November if you are interested. Please leave a message for him at 290-6855 ext. 5536.

Winter Carnival

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St. Paul hosts a winter carnival each January. They have a button, find out how to vote for your favorite

Audio tech tip

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Find out more about microphones and their pick up patterns in the tech tip.

Robert Annan- MOTM

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SPNN's member of the month for November is Robert Annan.  He has produced a religious program called Redeemed Life International for several years.  He has also particpated in an ACM conference panel discussion regarding production.

Store to Door

We did an interview with Store to Door for November's All Things Access. Store to Door is a local non-profit that helps home bound individuals receive groceries.

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eCycling Days

Help save a river, or a forest or a city tree - by bringing your old electronics to the country's biggest eCycling event! Best of all - it's FREE!
Old electronics are a major problem for the environment. You can't leave them in the street, you can't put them in the trash anymore - so bring them to the country's largest-ever eCycling (electronics recycling) event organized by Materials Processing Corporation.
The event kicks off on Thursday, November 15th on America Recycles Day.
Bring your old computers, TV sets and small electronics (no appliances) and MPC will recycle them for FREE. Best of all, you will leave with free goodies and coupons to thank you for your efforts!
It's three days to save the planet, or at least to make a start. Start eCycling for the future today!
Presented by Materials Processing Corporation (MPC)
When & Where
Thursday, November 15, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday, November 16, 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Parking Lot North of Mall of AmericaR, just East of IKEA (off Lindau Lane)

World Premiere

See the world premiere of MR. POSITIVE: CARL BENTSON at the West Seventh Community Center, 265 Oneida Street in St. Paul, on Saturday night, November 10, 2007. Free, there will be shows at 7pm and 8pm. For information, call 651.298.5493.

For a neat story about this poetic documentary read:
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_7399589

For a trailer visit:
http://www.thecie.org

Carl will make you want to help clean up the world.

His favorite word is “Yeah.” Yeah.

Zoom,
Media Mike

Film Debut

John Akre is screening his animated feature film, "Wargoon Flishe," on Monday, November 19th at the Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave. NE. Admission cost is a donation to the Ritz Theater. All proceeds will go to the Ritz Theater Foundation.
"Wargoon Flishe" is a cartoon about cannibalism, mass murder, and marketing. It is a hero's story based in part on "The Epic of Gligamesh." City Pages called it, "hypnotic and completely overwhelming."
For more information: http://www.sloppyfilms.com/wargoon/index.html

John Akre
http://www.sloppyfilms.com

Public Hearing at the FCC

On Halloween, the FCC is holding the last of its public hearings on 'localism' in media. Free Press, Prometheus Radio and others will be holding a rally outside the FCC beginning at 9:00 am, that is expected to continue until the hearing begins.We'd also like to point out that the Wednesday agenda also includes a "Second Report and Order" concerning local video franchises and incumbent cable companies. We expect that the FCC will issue the same order they did on behalf of the telephone companies last December, which placed greater restraints and limitations on municipalities in determining appropriate local video franchises for their communities. According to the ACM, NLC, NATOA and ACD; "the FCC is expected to rule that existing cable operators can, under certain circumstances, back out of key provisions in their current franchise contracts with local governments, renegotiate lower municipal fees, and reduce the benefits they currently provide to the public."We find it deceptively ironic that in a hearing where the FCC will consider the larger issue of 'localism' in the media, they would also plan to issue an order that undermines the existence of one of the most local forms of media in the U.S., Public, Educational and Governmental Access Television.Take Action Today:We hope you can come out to the FCC on Halloween and join us! If you can't, please take time today to send the FCC a message. The ACM has prepared a letter you can fax to the FCC today (download at http://saveaccess.org/sites/saveaccess.org/files/FCCtricks.doc) and Stop Big Media has an email form (http://www.stopbigmedia.com/comment.php) to contact the FCC. Take a moment, do both, and tell others to do the same as well!

Tape Quality

We have been having playback issues on Channel 14 and 15. These issues can be attributed to several things, but the mostly likely cause is the re-use of tapes.

A VHS tape degrades every time it is played. Continuous recording and playing back of tapes can cause video and audio drop outs, tracking issues, and the tape to finally snap. If you turn in a tape and we air it seven times, remember that each time we air the tape the quality of the product on the tape will look worse with each play. Please do not reuse tapes again and again. We would like your show to look as good as it can. You have to help by turning it in on a good quality tape.

Also when you are recording your program make sure to look at the audio levels while recording. If the audio level is below -7, there could be problems with the sound being heard. Always check your dubs after you have made them to double check that the audio and video recorded appropriately. This means we are less likely to call and tell you that your tape doesn't work. Also make sure you are taping at the SP speed.

The problem we have with mini DV's is different. If you don't use a Sony tape, the lubricant will gum up the heads on our decks. If this happens you will see bars across the beginning of your show or the show after. Using poor quality tapes can also have an affect on how our machines operate. Please make sure to use high quality Sony tape when turning it in for us to air.

Keep these things in mind and we can improve the cablecast of your show!

Film Festival at the History center

The Greatest Generation Film Festival featuring shorts produced about Minnesota natives or people who spent a significant portion of their lives in MN born between 1929-1939. It is an annual competition and winning films receive $10,000 and are archived in the MN Historical Society Collection for reference material. The festival is from 12-5pm Sunday 10.21.07 @ the History Center $8 adults $6 sr/students $4 kids (6-17yrs).

Awards Program 7-9pm @ the Riverview Theater, Mpls $12 bucks

Any questions?
google MN Historical Societies Greatest Generation Project

Producer Screening

SPNN is holding a Producer Night on Monday, October 22. The screenings start at 6:30PM and goes until 8PM. Please bring a five minute sample of your work to share with the group. This is a great networking opportunity to talk about hardware and software issues, techniques, and to meet other members to see what they are working on. SPNN will provide snacks and drink. Please bring a friend and come to our Producer Evening.

SCC Excellence in Communtiy TV Awards

10th Anniversary SCC Excellence in Community Television Awards
Maplewood Community Center Performing Arts Theater
Thursday, October 18th, 7:00 PM
(doors open at 6:30 PM)
Reception follows.
Awards program to be shown LIVE on On Location TV19
Suburban Community Channels 651-426-7338 ext. 1 www. scctv.org

with National Country recording artist ROCKIE LYNNE performing his #1 single “Lipstick”

FREE admission!
Free prize drawing: DVD player drawing & iPod!
$10 raffl e tickets for Rockie’s autographed guitar to benefit NSP food shelf.

Bring a food/toiletry/cash donation for the NSP Area Food Shelf & get an extra entry into the free drawing!

Celebrity Host KSTP’S TIM SHERNO

And a performance by percussionist
Peter O’Gorman

THE MARY HANSON SHOW “MINNESOTA LEADERS”

This fall, The Mary Hanson Show is celebrating 27 years on television. The award winning program is the longest running cable show in the United States and has been on the public television, station KTCI, for the past twelve years. The program provides a forum for Minnesota leaders and social and health issues. It can be seen every week on Metro Cable Network Channel 6 on Mondays at 9 PM as well as on MTN, SPNN and PACT Television.

Beginning October 14, 2007
Public Television, Channel 17, KTCI, Sundays at 10PM
The Mary Hanson Show returns to the Minnesota Channel, KTCI, Channel 17, beginning Sunday, October 14, at 10 PM. The sixth annual series featuring Minnesota leaders will run through January 20, 2007. Meet these leaders and get to know them as people and as leaders. The series kicks off with former Governor Arne Carlson on October 14

Special thanks to Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, the McFarland Family Fund, Cinequipt and individual supporters for their help in making this series possible.

Giving to SPNN made easy

Good news! SPNN is now a charity in the Kowalski's Groceries for Good Causes program at the Grand Avenue location. When you shop at Kowalski's, you can put your receipt in a bin marked "SPNN" and a portion of the sale will go to SPNN.

Tell your friends and take advantage of this yourself!

Recording Audio on the PD 170

Question from a viewer: THANK U VERY MUCH SIR,U HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL.ONE OTHER QUESTION HOPE U DONT MIND.I AM DOING A SCHOOL PROGRAM IN A FEW WEEKS,CAN I TAKE AUDIO FROM THE MIXER USING THE XLR TO XLR CORD,AND STILL THE ONBOARD MIC AT THE SAME TIME???I WANNA GET THE BEST AUDIO VERY CLEAN AND STILL GET THE RESPONSE FROM THE AUDIENCE.CAN I GET YOUR OPINION ON WHAT 2 DO??

Answer: You would leave the xlr cord from the onboard mic plugged into mic 1 and plug the XLR cord from the mixer into mic input 2. You would then change the Rec Select from mic 1 and 2 to just mic 1. Under Input 2 you need to change the input to line and turn the +48 off. Most of the time when you are using a signal from a mixer it is a line input instead of mic. The signal is a higher level signal. Also you don't want to use the +48 if you aren't using a microphone needing phantom power.

SPNN Tech Tip

Learn how to utilize an external hard drive to edit your videos in both Final Cut Express and iMovie

SPNN Tech Tips

SPNN Members of the Month

Member of the Month for October Alison Maciejewski

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alison is working on a documentry about new business owners in Mpls and St. Paul. Find out more about her project and herself.

Model Railroad Bandana Square

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There is a model railroad museum in bandana square in St. Paul MN

Set Design Workshop a Success

We held a Set Design Workshop Monday night that seven people attended. Overall the attendees thought the workshop was wonderful. Carol Critchley, SPNN staff producer, gave tips on how to make sure your show stands out from the sea of other access shows. The complaints most viewers have is that the set is always the same, black or blue curtain with plant. This workshop showed how easily you can use gels, gobos, creative elements and fabric to give your set the punch it needs.

Health Fair for Artists

St. Paul, MN - (September 24, 2007)... Springboard for the Arts is excited to announce this year's bigger and better Health Fair for Artists, a day devoted to connecting artists, arts administrators and their families to healthcare resources. The free event will be held Saturday, November 3rd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Carleton Artist Lofts in St. Paul (2285 University Ave). Springboard for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate a vibrant arts community by connecting artists with the skills, contacts, information and services they need to make a living and a life. This is Springboard's third Health Fair for Artists.

There will be health-related workshops, free and low-cost screenings, a flu shot clinic, and representatives of affordable health insurance, nutrition, fitness, low-cost clinics, and alternative care. As in past years, there will be hourly seminars on topics of special interest. New to this year, financial planners will help attendees design a plan for a healthy future without the high pressure. Further, residents of the Carleton Artist Lofts will open up their spaces, so Health Fair attendees can check out the work of local artists while getting connected to health resources.

Table Sponsors include: 2 Degrees North, AFLAC, Arts Medicine Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, bright hands : light body, LLC, Cedar Riverside People's Center, The Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota, Family Tree Clinic, Fractured Atlas, HealthPlus Chiropractic Clinic, Homeland Health Specialists, Homeopathic Practitioners LTD, Massage Geek, Medica, Midwest Health Center for Women, The Minnesota Academy of Audiology, The Minnesota Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, Mississippi Market, N.I.P. Community Clinic, NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, Open Cities Health Center, Portico Healthnet, The Sage Women's Cancer Screening Program, Well Within, The Universal Health Care Action Network, and The University of Minnesota's Center for Spirituality and Healing.
The event is FREE. Attendees are asked to pre-register online at www.springboardforthearts.org or by phone at 651-292-4381.



###



For more info, contact:
Nikki Hunt
Artist Services Associate
Springboard for the Arts
nikki@springboardforthearts.org
651-379-0871

Proctor Access Center looking for more shows

Peter W. Luke is the Public Access Cable TV Coordinator for 2 different Public Access TV Channels in Proctor, MN (TRAC 7) and Superior, WI (SATV 7). Proctor's Cable Provider is Mediacom (approx 1,000 subs in Proctor) and Superior is covered by Charter Communications (approx 5,000 subs in Superior). They are also seen in Duluth, MN on Charter Cable on Channel 14 (approx 18,000 subs in Duluth).



Luke is seeking outside programming to air on our local access channels. He is wondering if you would be interested in airing any of your shows on our channels? Comedy, Music, Cooking, Talk, Youth Programs, Variety...etc..



They accept series' programming and can air your program on a regular basis. They accept DVD's and Mini-DV's for playback. Only 1 show per DVD and no countdowns or bars please. Minimum of 10 seconds of black at start of show with open and closing titles. Properly labeled with exact running times. Shows can be 1/2 hour, 1 hour or longer. If you wish your programs returned, please include postage and a return mailer. Please let me know your mailing address so he can mail you out a cable-cast submission form. You need only fill out 1 form for a series'.


Peter W. Luke

Public Access Cable Coordinator

Proctor, MN and Superior, WI

(218) 940-7777

Mailing Address for Superior.

SATV 7

1530 Tower Avenue

Superior, WI

54880



superioraccesstv@yahoo.com

http://superiorpublicaccess.tripod.com

proctoraccesstv@yahoo.com

http://trac7cableaccesstv.tripod.com

Set Design Workshop

Don't forget SPNN is holding a Set Design workshop on September 24 at 6PM. Bring a picture of your current set and Carol Critchley SPNN producer will help you to make it better. She will help you to utilize lights, backdrops and set pieces to make your set more intersting and unique. Cost for the workshop is $20 for SPNN members, half price for seniors, students, and limited income members, and $30 for non members. Mark your calendars for this Monday at 6PM the 24th.

MN Folk Arts Alliance

We're half way to St. Patrick's Day and the Minnesota Folk Arts Alliance is sponsoring a fundraiser Irish Ceili Dance taking place this Saturday, September 15.

This dance will take place at a different venue for us, a renovated building called the Klub Haus located at 1079 Rice Street, St. Paul. It has a great wooden dance floor perfect for a dance and we're excited to try out this new location. It will also has a cash bar available.

Basics will be taught at 7:45 and the dance will begin at 8. Tim McAndrew will teach, Barra (barraband.com) will provide the music, and Loma Mor will also perform a couple of dances throughout the evening for our viewing pleasure.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $9 for adults and half price for children 5 to 16 and seniors 62+. Children under 5 are free.

If you have not been to a ceili, they are great fun, you need no experience, all dances are taught, and beginners are welcome. Bring the whole family and friends for a fun night out.

Please help us get the word out about this upcoming event by sharing our information with your friends, and we look forward to seeing you at the Half Way to St. Patrick's Day Irish Ceili Dance on September 15!

The Prima Donn's

The Prima Donns airs Thursdays at 10PM. They are also this month's member of the month. Find out more about them in the following piece.

SPNN Closure

We will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day Holiday. Take time to enjoy the time with friends and family. SPNN will re-open on Tuesday at noon.

The DSR 250 Tripods

WE have two different styles of tripods for the DSR 250. In each of the styles over time the knobs that hold the legs tighten lossen. With the early tripods you have to replace the lever mechanism. With the second it takes an allen wrench to tighten the screw. Tighting of the first four tripods is a little tricky, since the lever on the back can move.

We have had problems with the tripods slipping and the camera falling to the floor. This is costly for the member and us. Ed Sanders walks us through the two different tirpods, safety features and how you can make sure you don't have a tripod slip and break a camera.

Rondo Community Land Trust

Greg Finzell was a guest on All Things Access for Sept. He is the Executive Director for the Rondo Community Land Trust. If you would like more information on the land trust visit their website at http://www.rondoclt.org/.

Watch the interview SPNN staffer Sherine Crooms had with Greg.

Set Design Workshop to take place at SPNN

Jazz up your production by discovering simple, creative ways to transform a blank studio into a unique and eye catching set design with dynamic Producer, Carol Critchley of SPNN.
Sept. 24, 2007 6pm

Looking to Partner

We are looking to partner with food vendors. We'd like to find community minded establishments that would like to provide food for SPNN events in exchange for support mentions on our channels. If anyone is interested please contact me at 651-298-8904 or schumacher@spnn.org

Copyrights

Have you ever wondered, Can I use this music? How much of this TV program can I utilize in my skit? These Questions and more will be answered when SPNN Welcomes Heidi Pliam of Pliam Law Group to give the basics of media and the law. She will talk about copyright infringement, release forms, and fair use. This will be a great workshop for people who want to have questions about what is fair use, what do you have to get permission for and how do you protect your work.

Cost is $30 for non members, $20 for members, and $10 for limited income, seniors, and students. It will be held Aug. 16th at 6PM.

ACM recap

The Alliance for Community Media conference was in Mpls. last week. It was great to network with other centers, attend great panel discusions and hear a speech from Al Frankin at the keynote luncheon on Saturday.

Access opened back up Monday and we are having our Intro to SPNN class on Tuesday night at 6:30. This is a great way for you to see how you can get involved at SPNN. We look forward to seeing you then.

Bonnie

Access will be closed

don't forget SPNN's Access Dept. will be closed for the Alliance for Community Media conference July 26-28. SPNN will reopen Sunday July 29.

Movement around your Movie

SPNN Welcomes Award Winning Executive Producer & Public Relations Guru, Robin P. Hickman of Soultouch Productions to discuss strategies and tipsfor getting other people interested in your project and creating a socially conscious media movement.

All Things Access July

Watch the new edition of All Things Access.

Neighborhood House

Learn more about what Neighborhood House is in the video below.

Cable Wrangling

When you are handling cables, either audio or video, remember to always handle with care. There are many tiny cables inside the cable that could break if not properly wrapped. Putting stress on the mic cables can also cause them to break and a the mic would need to be replaced. Please always handle with care. For more tips on how to wrap the cables watch this video done by Sherine Crooms, access coordinator.

July's Member of the Month

Jerah has been an active part of the SPNN community for many years. He has been involved in music productions, work out videos, and now a cooking show. Ed Sanders caught up with Jerah as he was checking out SPNN's portable switcher.

Local St. Paul Business, inovative energy

Izzy's Ice Cream decided to go green by using solar power. Izzy's involved their customers in the project by asking for donations and volunteers to affix the pannels. Bonnie Schumacher, Access manager of SPNN, talked with Jeff Sommers, owner of Izzy's Ice Cream Parlor.

Multi-Camera Shoot

Are you wanting to do a field shoot with more than one camera? Then SPNN's switcher class is for you. This class will show you how to use our field switcher and two cameras to make a production you can be proud of. The class is Une 27 at 6:30PM. Cost is $20.

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

Learn more about the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park with an interview with Ed Sanders and Tina Dombrowski, horticuluturlist.

Central Touring Theater

Learn more about the Central Touring Theater.

Learn more about graphics on FCE

have you always wanted to make your title snappier? Maria Tototzintle gives you a tutorial for making your titles stand out.

June MOTM

Paul Romero is June's member of the month. Check out his interview.

Member of the Month for June

June's member of the month is no stranger to television or film. From an early age he wanted to direct the train on "Silver Spoons"and spent hours pushing his brother around in a stroller pretending he was a camera. When he got his first job on with the Disney Jungle Cruise, he spent his off time with his fellow cast making short films. Video has always been in Paul Romero's blood. He produced his own film "Life in General" in 2004 and is currently working on his new film "Plan E.T." He hopes to have a trailer out later this summer. "Life in General" is currently airing on SPNN, please check the SPNN website for air dates. Also watch "All Things Access" for the segment on Paul Wednesdays at 7PM on Channel 15 in June.

Successful Series Makers

If you’ve ever thought about producing a regular series, whether you are an SPNN member or not join us on June 14th to learn more about creating a Successful Series. The program will begin at 6:30PM.

Join us for a panel discussion with 5 accomplished Cable Access television producers
Our panel will share tips on
*series vision
*set design
*crew and talent management
*distribution and marketing
*directing and producing tips

while balancing a busy home and work life.

Construction around SPNN

The East Building at 375 Jackson will have its facade replaced over the next five months. Construction at the building will close access to the east building to two dooes, the east and north entries (under the skyway and facing the parking lot).

We don't anticipate the construction will interrupt our business, and the building will maintain access to the parking lot during construction.

An Animated Film Debut

Wargoon Flishe, an animated feature by John Akre of Minneapolis TV Network, will be showing along with Trevor Adams' "President 1 Hour Photo," this Sunday (May 20) at Bedlam Theater. The show starts at 7 p.m. and costs $5.

Bedlam Theatre is located at 1501 S. 6th St., in the West Bank of Minneapolis. It is located just behind the Cedar Riverside LRT station.

For more info, visit
http://www.sloppyfilms.com/wargoon/index.html

As always, there will be a drawing and prizes for those who stay until the finish!

Producer Night

Mark your calendars for this Monday night, May 21 for the Producer Night. Anyone is welcome to bring samples of their work and share with everyone. Members of the public are also welcome to attend. There will be food and beverages. This is a great networking opportunity.

Holman Field

Ed Sanders, training cooordinator for SPNN, visited St. Paul's Holeman Field and found out some very interesting information. Watch to find out what.

St. Paul Cathedral

Kevin Kalla did an interview with Father Joeseph, rector of the Cathedral of St. Paul. They have a celebration coming up for their centienial on June 1,2, and 3.
You can watch the interview below.

How to Make A DVD on the Dub Rack

If you are confused about how to make a DVD on the SPNN Dub Rack, watch this piece by staff member Maria Tototzintle.

Member of the Month and Year

This month's member profile is on Surafel Matiyas, also SPNN's producer of the year. Watch to find out more about Surafel.

New SPNN Board Member

Here is new board member Gordon Leverett with staff member Maria Tototzintle.

Gordon has was born and raised in St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood. He has a pasion for video, community and bringing the under represented into the forfront. He was elected as SPNN's newest board member at the annual meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 2007.

SPNN Producer of the Year

This year's Producer of the Year came up through the Connections program in SPNN's Youth Department. He has spent the last three years organizing fellow Ethiopians, to help produce his program, "Ethiopian Entertainment TV." (EETV)

Surafel is a conscientious member and is anxious to learn new things. He puts a lot of effort into his show and it comes through.

Surafel Matiyas is this year's Producer of the Year. Congratulations, Surafel!
pictured here with friend at SPNN's annual meeting

EETV airs Sundays at 4:30PM on Channel 15. Find out more information on Surafel by watching this month's MOTM on "All Things Access."

Volunteer of the Year

Heinz Iwen is SPNN's 2007 Volunteer of the Year. Heinz has been involved with SPNN for over ten years and has worked on a vairiety of programs, sports, ethnic, entertainment.

His passion is video and he likes to help others create it. Heinz started in video by literaly being plucked from the stands of his kids baseball game to run a camera. He has stayed active eversince.

Heinz put in more than twice as many hours as the next volunteer. Congratulations Heinz, you earned our appreciation.

Class Dates Change

Due to our annual meeting being held on the second Tuesday, May 8th, we have had to move our iMovie class and camera class. The iMovie class is May 15th and the Camera class is May 22. Both are at 6:30PM.

Access will also be closed on Tuesday, May 8th to prepare for the annual meeting and so that all the Access Staff can attend the meeting.

Tripod/ Camera Safety

Just last week we had a member have the camera fall of the Tripod. The cost to fix the camera is just under $1000. The member is responsible for the cost of the repair. I figured this was a good time to remind everyone about camera safety when using a tripod.

1. First Set Up the Tripod. Before putting the camera on the tripod, test each of the three legs to make sure they are securely tightened. Push down on the top of the tripod to make sure none of the legs "sink".

2. Securely put the tripod plate onto the camera. Make sure it doesn't wiggle or slide out. Then place the camera on the plate. Again testing to make sure that the camera is secure.

3. when using a tripod it is important to remember that the legs stick out further than the camera. While people walking by may see the camera, they may miss the leg sticking out and trip on it, bringing the whole camera crashing down. Never turn your back or walk away from a camera on a tripod.

4. If possible when setting up the tripod, try to find a spot that is out of the way of regular traffic. If that is not possible, try to only have one leg sticking out and put something in front of the leg so people see it. Always stand by your tripod.

If you notice one of the tripod legs slipping please mention it when you bring the camera back. We can use an Allen wrench to tighten the leg. This will prevent someone else from having the same problem.

By following these tips hopefully you can avoid the same fate. You are responsible for the care of the camera while it is in your possession.

DSR 250

Find out more about the DSR 250 in this tech tip.

What to expect at the Access desk

What is SPNN?

Have you always wanted to know more about SPNN and how to get involved? check out this video.

What's happening in other States with regards to State Leg.

CA is also wrangling with legislation that may change the nature of how cities receive funding for public access television stations.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20061023/ai_n16799675


Wisconsin's story is similar. http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/index.php?ntid=127950&ntpid=0

and this article too. http://www.hudsonstarobserver.com/articles/index.cfm?id=23336&section=homepage

Interesting Article on Pulic Access

This is an interesting article on who uses public access and the kind of interest and attention they garner.

http://www.fresnobee.com/384/story/40598.html

Local Governments Ask Courts to Reverse FCC Ruling on Video Franchising

Local Governments Ask Courts to Reverse FCC Ruling on Video Franchising
Washington, DC – Local government organizations representing municipal and county officials across America today asked the Federal courts to reverse the recent franchising order adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would severely restrict the ability of local governments to protect their citizens, rights-of-way, community channels and public safety networks. In addition, the FCC order would lead to a tremendous reduction in the revenues received by local governments for use of their rights of way, as well as loss of cable services to many governmental buildings and schools.
The formal Petitions for Review filed today said the FCC order "exceeds the FCC’s statutory authority," is "arbitrary and capricious," "an abuse of discretion, unsupported by substantial evidence, and in violation of the United States Constitution." The FCC order also "violates both the Communications Act and Administrative Procedure Act’s public notice requirements," according to the Petitions.
Organizations participating in the court challenge to the FCC order include the Alliance for Communications Democracy (ACD), Alliance for Community Media (ACM), National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC), National Association of Telecommunications Officials and Advisors (NATOA), and The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM).
According to these groups, the repercussions of the FCC’s order are far-reaching and extreme on numerous fronts. Local governments want competition in the video marketplace, but the FCC’s order ignores local interests, provides regulatory advantages for a few of the largest telecommunications companies in the country, and is simply contrary to law in many respects.
Local government representatives also expressed concern over the loss of protections for their residents if the FCC order were to stand. According to these officials, the order provides little recognition of the need by local governments to protect public rights of way, and to ensure that all their citizens benefit from increased competition and advances in telecommunications technology – not just a chosen few.

You Tube Works

Putting your vido on a free video hosting site does work. SPNN has all of our tech tips and member profiles on You Tube.

The tech tip on the Altman light kit has been watched 19 times and been rated by one person with a five star rating.

A tech tip with Community Producer Steve Brunsberg on how to use a light meter was viewed 123 times and received a five star rating.

Sherine's shooting tips has been viewed 147 times.

David and I did a piece on how to use the audio board and compressor in the studio that has received 630 views, one comment (very positive) and 2 people rated it giving it 4.5 stars.

The piece David and I did on how to use the waveform and vecotorscope has received 206 views and one five star rating.

Ed's piece on the PD 170 has received 636 views, one comment (positive), and five people rated it giving it an overall 4.5 stars.

139 people have seen the tour of SPNN.

In relation to numbers of views You Tube's most popular videos get, this is just a drop in the bucket. But if taken in the context that video from SPNN has helped this many people with technical questons, I think it is positive.

Lots of Video Hosting Sites

Here at SPNN we utilize two different free video hosting sites, You Tube and Google Video. Those are just the tip of the iceberg though.

Internet Video Magazine has a list and a review of each of the currently available services. http://www.internetvideomag.com/ProductReviews/Services/FreeVideoHosting102.htm

Check out this site to find out what video hosting site is best for you.

SPNN will be having a how to use You Tube workshop for free on April 24. Members of SPNN are welcome to attend and get your video on the web.

Membership Dues Increase

Over the past two years, SPNN has increased the number of workshops,
networking opportunities for producers, and added Sunday hours to
increase the ability for members to take advantage of our facilities. In
order to continue to offer these services, SPNN will be increasing
membership rates for the first time since 1998. The new rates, listed
below, go into affect May 1, 2007.

$20 Limited Income
$25 Student and Senior
$35 St Paul Resident
$60 MN Resident
$110 Non-Profit Organization and Non-MN Resident

Limited Income, Student, and Senior members will continue to get 50%
price reductions on classes. In order to receive the limited income
membership, an individual needs to be enrolled with one of the following
State or Federal programs: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical
Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SSI, Food Stamps, or Section 8.

After May 1, to qualify for a limited income membership you will need to
show your EBT card, Minnesota Health Care Programs card, or Section 8
document, together with a picture ID to the access desk when renewing
your membership. A student must show proof of age or a school ID. To
find out when your membership expires, please call the Access Desk at 651-
298-8908 or email me at schumacher@spnn.org.

If you have any questions contact me via email or phone.

FCC's Order on Local Cable Franchising

On March 5, 2007 the FCC's report and Order finds that local franchising authorities have acted unreasonably and delayed competitive entry. It claims to preempt local franchising authority (LFA) and change the normal franchise process with respect to new applicants.

The LFA would have 90 days to act if "the applicant has existing authority to access public rights-of-way or 180 days if the applicant does not.

The LFA cannot refuse a franchise based on "unreasonable build out mandates". The FCC laid out several examples of what would be unreasonable, but no examples of what would be acceptable.

In regards to Franchise Fee, revenue from non cable services, including Internet access, cannot be taken into account in determining the 5% cap. Any in kind services would count against the 5% cap. In kind services might include, fiber for INets, cable from the cable company to the access facility, etc. PEG operating grants would also count against the 5% cap.

According to Miller Van Eaton, "if the Commission were to apply all the conditions summarized above to the existing operators, the renewal process, already heavily biased against local communities would be further encumbered with short time limits, restrictions on build-out requirements, threats to PEG and I-Net support and in-kind benefits."

This is just a quick summary of the latest FCC ruling. It is what I gleamed from reading the six page document our lawyers drafted for us.

Job opening for White Bear Access Center

Visual Storyteller Wanted!

Production Services Department seeks experienced photographer/editor/graphics producer. Qualifications: Minimum 2 years professional production experience. Non-linear editing (Final Cut Pro), field/studio camera operation, experience with production software (Adobe Photoshop, After Effects). Looking for a team player with a knack for visual storytelling. Work with in-house producers, government and community clients.
Salary up to $33,000, DOE, FT, benefits. No phone calls.
Resume & demo reel by 03/23 to:

Director of Production Services
2460 E. County Rd. F, Suite B
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

SPNN to carry Saints Games

SPNN will carry 29 St. Paul Saints games this Spring and Summer. The games that will be covered are listed below. Most of the games will be carried live, but some will be tape delayed as well.

SPNN is very excited about this parternship. CTN in Coon Rapids will be taping all the St. Paul Saints games. Some will be carried on Fox Sports, but these 29 games will only be seen on access centers around the Metro area. In St. Paul you will be able to watch it on Channel 19.

TUE 15-May 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
WED 16-May 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
FRI 18-May 7:05PM vs. St. Joseph
SUN 20-May 1:05PM vs. St. Joseph
FRI 25-May 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
FRI 8-Jun 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
MON 11-Jun 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
TUE 12-Jun 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
WED 13-Jun 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
FRI 22-Jun 7:05PM vs. St. Joseph
TUE 26-Jun 1:05PM vs. Pensacola
WED 27-Jun 7:05PM vs. Pensacola
THU 28-Jun 7:05PM vs. Pensacola
FRI 6-Jul 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
SUN 8-Jul 1:05PM vs. Lincoln
WED 18-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
THU 19-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
FRI 20-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
FRI 27-Jul 7:05PM vs. Sioux City
TUE 31-Jul 7:05PM vs. St. Joseph
WED 1-Aug 1:05PM vs. St. Joseph
MON 6-Aug 7:05PM vs. El Paso
TUE 7-Aug 7:05PM vs. El Paso
WED 8-Aug 7:05PM vs. El Paso
FRI 10-Aug 7:05PM vs. Fort Worth
THU 16-Aug 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
FRI 17-Aug 7:05PM vs. Sioux Falls
MON 20-Aug 7:05PM vs. Lincoln
TUE 21-Aug 7:05PM vs. Lincoln

MN State Legislation

Qwest introduced draft language on a bill to allow them to by-pass local franchising, and will release the full language next week. At a hearing today, John Stanoch of Qwest told the committee that Qwest supported the idea of "parallel obliigations to support PEG." The bill is a version of Washington State language and
subverts PEG.

Another hearing on the full language will happen next Friday AM. The committee's legislative staff has asked Mike Wassenaar of SPNN to help with language to ensure PEG is not harmed.

We will keep you updated.

Looking for possible board members

There is one three-year term up for election amongst the membership at the meeting. The deadline for applications will be May 1. Please let me know if you are interested in running for the board. You must be a member of SPNN.

New State Senate Bill

A new bill is being introduced into the State Senate dealing with Franchising. Rep. Sheldon Johnson is introducing the bill. There will be a hearing on Friday. Mike Wassenaar of SPNN will be testifying.

March ATA

The new All Things Access is now on SPNN. You can watch it Wednesday nights at 7Pm on Channel 15. This month's show will focus on memorable interviews with members. Featured this month are James Adiamk, Reggie Moore, A-yia Thoj, and Gordon Leverett.

We also have an update from you the Youth Dept. using Sock Puppets.

If you don't get cable you can watch it here.

MOTM- Bernie Piorek

Bernie is an audio expert and long time member of SPNN.

MOTM- Reggie Moore

Reggie Moore has been producing at SPNN for over five years. He has two different shows that he works on, Fabulus Underground and Max Showcase. Max Showcase was designed for the younger viewer.

Take a look at the man behind the production.

MOTM- Helen Broderick

Helen Broderick has worked in theater and video for many years. She has recently started working with two SPNN programs, "Active Generations" and "City Passport". She also volunteers on SPNN programs. Maria Tototzintle talked with Helen, find out what Helen had to say.

Limited Income Memberships

We are making some changes to the way we accept limited income memberships.

SPNN wants to make sure that everyone has access to create video to communicate with the St. Paul community. For this reason we have set up the limited income membership. It allows individuals that have limited resources to join SPNN. To get a limited income membership, an individual needs to be involved with one of the following: TANF, MFIP, WIC, General Assistance, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SSI, Food Stamps, or Section 8.

To receive the limited income membership just show your EBT card, Minnesota Health Care Programs card, or Section 8 document, together with a picture ID to the access desk.

Limited Income memberships are $15 for a one year membership.

Altman Light Kit

SPNN has two Altman Swing Pack Ligtht kits. This is a how to for those kits.

YouTube

There are lots of free video hosting sites out there. We at SPNN utilize two of them Google Video and YouTube. Ed Sanders took a look at how to put your video on YouTube and did a step by step instruction.

Watch the video for Ed's tips.

Another look inside

This is why we don't do extension. Member B came to a staff member and asked for an extension for her/his hard drive. The staff member granted Member B the extension for two weeks. The expiration date on the drive was changed to reflect the new date. After those two weeks were up, Member B came to me and asked if she/he could have an extension. I explained that we didn't do extension and member B said that another staff member had told her she could have a two week extension. I told member B that I would honor what the other staff member had offered. Member B neglected to tell me that those two weeks had already passed. Member B received a one month extension. This is an example of a member taking advantage of there being more than one staff and that we don't always talk about each circumstance.

The lesson I learned that even when we are sympathetic and grant an extension, some members will still try to take advantage of our compassion even more. When we do things like this, we typically have to do some juggling to make sure everyone still gets the equipment they were promised.

ATA-Full Video

If you missed an episode or All Things Access you can now catch it on the internet. We are in the process of loading all of our previous episodes onto Google video, so you can watch them at your covience. If you want you can still catch the TV version Wednesday nights at 7.

Don't worry you can still view all the tech tips and member of the months' at YouTube.

The following episodes are now available at Google Video.

Episode 205 click beleow.


Episode 201


Episdoe 102


Episode 104


Episode 108

Turning in a Program to SPNN

If you would like to submit a program to SPNN you must first be a member. There are several other steps you need to take. Those steps are described in the video below. You can also visit our website at www.spnn.org to find out more information.

Video Compression

I've had lots of requests on compression and uploading to the web. No matter what video share service you are using or if you are putting it on your own website, you will need to compress the video.

In this piece Sarah Rudek gives us the basics and shows some examples.

MOTM-Gordon Leverett

One of our past members of the month was Gordon Leverett. He works on a program called the Maximus Report which airs on SPNN channel 15 on Thursday nights at 8PM.

Check out the segment access staff, Sherine Crooms, put together.

ATA 201

Did you miss the October episode of All Things Access. Well here is your chance to watch it. This episosde includes, The Vantage Point, MOTM Carlos Garcia Velasco, tech tip- White balancing in the studio, and an interview on the Wabash Caves.

Why Do They Do That?

This is to give people insight as to why we make the decisions we make, using real examples.

A member was working on his/her hard drive. It was set to expire the next day. Member A came to me and asked if the drive could be extended. Understanding that life sometimes gets in the way and we don't get things done when we should, but also knowing that member A had the drive for 71 days(or ten weeks)and that there was ample notification that the drive was set to expire and taking in the needs for the member who needs the drive next, I gave an extension of two days. Normally we don't give any extensions, but in this case since the drive wasn't going to be used right away, staff would have time to reformat the drive, and taking in special circumstances, assuring that the extension would be a one time deal the extension was granted.

After granting the extension, member A asked why we didn't allow members to pay an additional fee to allow members to keep the drive (and by extension other equipment for additional time). Now keep in mind that once the drive expires, the member can reserve another drive to start immediately if there is one available. There are two reasons why this would not be acceptable.

1. It would be unethical to allow this behavior. Allowing members to buy their way to additional use flies in the face of our mission. If members are allowed to buy more time, then it puts people who don't have the funds at a disadvantage over those who do. It begins to feel like we can be bribed to give preferences to members who can afford to pay for them.

2. It doesn't take into account the poor member who has the drive or gear after Member A. If we allow members to start buying additional days then we have a more difficult job of juggling competing needs of members.

Call for Films

Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc. Seeks Notable Films, Documentaries and Participants for Consideration for its 2007 Programs

THE EXCITING FOLLOW-UP TO THIS YEAR'S OSCAR-WINNING PREMIERES
THESE PROGRAMS WILL BE ANOTHER SET OF HISTORIC EVENTS:
Historians, Celebrities and Notable Guests
TV/Newspaper/Magazine/Radio Reviews, Interviews and Appearances

Visit www.UrbanFilmSeries.com for Details, Instructions & Info on Prior Years
__________________________________________

INSTRUCTIONS


Artists, Directors and Filmmakers: Please submit press packets with your submissions, alternatively, you may submit a 1-page biographical description of your submission and your vitae. Include a self-addressed and stamped return package. Film and video entries must be on DVD (if DVD avialable) and/or (standard) 1/2' VHS video (NTSC) ~ DVD Copies Must Be Available for Screenings, unless otherwise agreed upon. Shorts, Features, Documentaries and Children's films are encouraged. Please include a money order or cashier's check for the $20 processing fee with your entry; $35 if submitting for multiple programs; an additional $10 late fee will apply for packages postmarked after respective deadlines. Must be made out to "Next Generation Awareness Foundation".

Send all submissions to:
Project Coordinator
{Name of Program For Which You Are Submitting
2007 Programs If For All Programs}
Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 6885
Alexandria, Virginia 22306

Phone: 202-409-7240

Email: UrbanFilmSeries@ hotmail.com (if with attachments)
Info@ UrbanFilmSeries.com (if without attachments)

The Following should Follow INSTRUCTIONS at UrbanFilmSeries.com
Vendors
City or Partnership Proposals
Sponsors
Press
Volunteers


http://www.urbanfilmseries.com

All Things Access-February

Take a look at our full length ATA piece from February.

Wrapping Cables

Wrapping cables. I think it is an art form. An art form that most don't master. But we do ask that you do your best.

Inside the cable are tons of tiny little cables. When you wrap a cable incorrectly, you damage the tiny cables inside. When the tiny cables inside are damaged, the cable no longer works.

The rule of thumb is over and under, but mostly follow the natural curve of the cable, make sure there are no kinks in the cable and that it hangs neatly without being twisted.

If you are unsure of how to wrap the cable, ask at the desk and we will give you a demonstration. If you bring it in wrapped incorrectly, we will make you rewrap the cable.

A Girl Like Me

CELEBRATE!: LOVIN' THE SKIN I'M IN WITH
AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER KIRI DAVIS, A GIRL LIKE ME

SATURDAY, MARCH 10TH, 6:30 P.M.
AT DUNWOODY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MINNEAPOLIS

A Girl Like Me, an 8-minute documentary Kiri Davis produced and directed when she was only 16, explores the standards of beauty imposed on today's black girls and how this affects their self-image. A key element of the film is a recreation of the Dr. Kenneth Clark black doll-white doll experiment made famous during the 1954 landmark desegregation case Brown v. Board of Education. SoulTouch Productions is presenting the event in partnership with African American Family Services, Camphor United Methodist Church, Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter The Links, Inc., Southside Community Health Services and the Walker Arts Center's Women with Vision International Film Fest. The "Celebration" will also feature the voices and talents of young women and men representing the Lovin' the Skin I'm In movement, and surprise guests.

Inspired by award-winning novelist Sharon G. Flake's The Skin I'm In, the goal of the Lovin' the Skin I'm In movement is to address the common yet painful issues of adolescence as experienced by African American youth. That's why Robin Hickman, executive producer of SoulTouch Productions is a part of developing the literary work into a feature film as well as working with young students who have read the book and are contributing their personal reflections of what it means to love the skin they're in. Hickman's work with the Lovin' movement also has an educational component: because Hickman in her own words believes 'it is crucial to teach these young people the historical origins of negative legacies within our community, as well as the impact of images and stereotypes in the media.' According to Black Women's Health, Black people account for approximately 25% of the mental health needs in this country though they only make up 11- 12% of the national population. To make matters worse, only 2% of the nation's psychologists are Black. The rates of mental health problems are higher than average for Black women because of psychological factors that result directly from their experience as Black Americans. These experiences include racism, cultural alienation, and violence and sexual exploitation. The past three years Lovin' has engaged a diverse group of young people in a media arts, social impact and creative expression initiative, which explores societal standards of beauty and media influences on self-esteem and identity. Proactively engaging the communities they serve is a hallmark of the operating philosophies of event partnership and other individuals and organizations in the Lovin' movement.

In addition to the screening of A Girl Like Me at the event, the public can check-out the film as part of the Science Museum's RACE exhibit. During her energetic and inspiring tour of the Twin Cities, on Thursday, March 8th Kiri will spend the day at the Walker Art Center meeting with youth from various Twin Cities media arts programs, A Girl will be showing at the Walker throughout March. Kiri will also be visiting schools and community groups during her time in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Equipment Use

Please remember is you are having issues with the equipment let someone at the access desk know, no matter how big or small. When using the tripod if you notice the legs slipping or not tightening all the way, please let us know. Through ordinary wear and tear the screw that holds the knob needs to be tightened. It just takes an Allen Wrench. So a mention from, you a minute of my time and it saves stress for the next user, and that next user may be YOU!

I know sometimes people are afraid to mention things that might not be working properly because they don't want to be blamed. A lot of things are simple fixes or are through ordinary use, it would be better if you mentioned it so we can fix it. If we catch it early and it doesn't cost us anything, there is no charge to you either!

The equipment you use is in the shape it is because members either choose to take care of it or don't. Don't be a member who adds to the abuse the equipment gets. When you come you want it to be in working order for you, leave it in the same shape for someone else.

Copyright Rules

If you are looking for some helpful hints on copyright, check the following sites out. A member passed them on to me.

http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Podcasting_Legal_Guide

http://www.law.duke.edu/cspd/comics/digital.html


Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke
Univ. has a 78 page comic book presentation available
as PDF or as animated flash video. I've begun to read
the comic book. It's an example of creative info
presentation that certainly took some time for them to
create.

Hometown Awards

IT'S HOMETOWN TIME.


A groovy new Hometown website features ON-LINE ENTRY (yes it's true and
it works great).

Go to www.alliancecm.org and click on the Hometown banner.

Fill out the entry form, download the PDF of the Support Information
Form.

The website will send you an e-mail with a printable version of your
entryform or you can use the print function in your browser to print the
entry form after you submit it. COPIES OF THE ENTRY FORMS AND SUPPORT
INFORMATION MUST BE MAILED WITH YOUR TAPE OR DVD. Please do not send
them separately. No payments are accepted on the website. Checks/
Purchase Order/ or Charge Form must be sent with your entry.


ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY MARCH 28, 2007

Light Meters

Have you always wondered what a light meter does or how to use it? Wonder no more, we have the answers. In this six minute video Steve Brunsberg, a SPNN Producer, tells how when we should use the light meter, how to understand what the light meter is telling us, and how it will improve our picture.

Video is a complicated tool to tell your story. Using certain tools of the trade can drastically improve your picture quality and audio. Both are important for people to want to hear your story. This video will help you increase your picture quality with good lighting.

Action Alert

Send a Message to the House Today: STOP THE FCC!Take Action Today at: http://saveaccess.org/node/726

From the Save Access website:

The new House Commerce & Telecommunications Subcommittee meets on Thursday, Feb. 15th to review the FCC. This annual Q/A of the FCC by the House Subcommittee is yet another important moment for us to respond to the December 20th FCC Ruling on Video Franchising. That FCC ruling went far deeper than the failed Congressional legislation of last year in attacking Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) Access channels and facilities. It also threatens local municipalities ability to exercise control over their 'rights of way" and provides little protection against the red-lining of entire communities. Worse of all, the FCC hearing on the matter was rife with inaccuracies and half-truths that even the phone companies backed away from. Such behavior by a Federal agency is reprehensible and we demand full accountability now! The organizations representing cities, along with the Alliance for Community Media, have promised a lawsuit - but we need for members of the House to hear from the people and respond accordingly. Congressional intervention can stop this mess now!Please take a moment today to send our letter to your elected representatives and key members of the House Subcommittee! We have to ensure that 'local video franchising' is on the top of the House list of problematic issues with the FCC.

And though we are seriously miffed about this mess, we have a proper and polite letter you can send to your Representative and key members of the House Commerce SubcommitteeTake Action Today at: http://saveaccess.org/node/726

Wassenaar testifies for House Committee

Here is video of Mike Wassenaar's testimony before the House Telecom Regulation/ Infrastructure Committee from Feb. 2, 2007.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5308169259017726144&hl=en

PBS stations may be hit by Bush budget

It appears the Bush's budget will have a harmful affect for Public Television Stations. His 2007 fiscal year proposes substantial budget cuts for PBS.

Read the whole story at http://tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=11508

Should there be censorship for Access TV

In Lowell, MA late night viewers got more than they bargained for when they tuned into the local access channel. Viewers were outraged and it brings up the question of what is to much for a community. Most access channels have a community standards policy in place. Most stations also follow FCC guidelines on obscenity. SPNN puts the burden on producers. If there is adult content or material not suitable for all audiences, it is up to the producer to notify SPNN so it airs after 10PM. When filling out the Playback Release Form for each episode, producers must also state that no material is obscene, libelous, slanderous, nor an invasion of privacy or public right. If the producer has material that is either adult content or obscene and fails to mention it on the form, it is grounds for suspension of the membership and program.

For the full article on the Lowell situation follow the link.
https://mail.spnn.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.lowellsun.com/front/ci_5168303

The Cold Affects Gear

Just like in the summer when the heat can affect cameras, so can the cold. Cameras should not be left outdoors or in your car at all this time of year. The DSR 250 should not be used or stored below freezing or above 100 degrees, according to the Sony Manual. Similar recommendations are made for the PD 170 as well as the decks.

Cameras aren't the only gear having issues in the cold weather, tripods also suffer from fragility. When metal and plastic get cold they are more likely to snap. We had a tripod come in last week that had a piece of metal snap off the tripod. We believe it was due to being stored in the cold then brought into a building to shoot and when the quick release plate knob was used it just sheared off the metal piece.

Please be aware of safe operating and storage procedure for the gear. For safety purposes you should never leave the camera in the car, but for mechanical reasons you should also never leave the camera or tripods in a car in the winter or summer months. If the gear is damaged due to mishandling, you will be held financially responsible.

When you are traveling with the gear make sure to have it in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, not the trunk. Even a half hour trip with the camera in the trunk in the weather can have disastrous affects.

Reality Series focus on Film makers

You Tube has certainly brought focus to local video producers. First it was the super bowl when Doritoes let a amateur produce their super bowl ad. Now Spielberg and Burnett have joined forces to come up with a reality series that will pit 16 aspiring filmmakers in a contest for a $1-million development deal with DreamWorks.

For the whole story visit http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070207.BURNETT07/TPStory/TPEntertainment/Movies/

FINES

I want to take a moment to remind members that it is your responsibility to return your gear on time. After you have missed your check in time, we call to let you know you are late. We do this to try to get the equipment back before someone else needs it. If you are more than a half an hour late, regardless if it comes in the same day, you have to pay a fine. The first fine is $10, 2nd offense is $20, 3rd offense is $30, the fourth time in the same year it is a $50 fine AND suspension for three months. If the behavior repeats itself after the suspension is over the fees double and the suspension is six months. Continued behavior will result in permanent suspension.

When you bring equipment back late, it affects its use for some one else. Just as you expect the gear to be here when you want it, the gear needs to be returned so it is here when some one else needs it.

It is equally important when scheduling edit room and studio time to also be on time. Frequent failures to show on time or cancellations will result in fines and suspension. We have limited resources and we need to make sure that everyone has the ability to take advantage of them. When you schedule use of the facility you are taking away the ability for some one else to use the same facility. So please use the facility or cancel far enough in advance so others can take advantage of the facility.

Thanks form the Access desk.

Set Pieces

This shot is of the black curtain behind Sherine with the frosted plexi in the frame. We then took a light with a teal gel to shine on the frosted plex from behind. This is the result. We have a bunch of different colored gels to use. You can also use the cyclorama as the back drop with different color on it. There are so many ways to use the new set pieces. In March or April we will have a workshop on set design. It will use the pieces we have and how to create your own unique look.

Feel free to play with things, but make sure to be careful. The pieces are fragile and if you break them you will be held responsible.

The Mary Hanson Show receives an Award

Mary Hanson Receives Award for Making the Community a Better Place


The Metropolitan Community Churches recently awarded Mary Hanson, host and producer of the nation¹s longest-running cable TV show, the first annual Troy D. Perry Living the Vision Award. The award will be given every year to a person who makes the community a better place.

Reverend Paul Eknes-Tucker of All God¹s Children Church in Minneapolis presented the award stating, "Mary brings out the best in her guests ­ eliciting information, knowledge and wisdom."

"The Mary Hanson Show" is celebrating its 27th anniversary on cable and its 14th year on TPT. Among other awards, the show has also won the Minnesota Medical Association¹s Media Award for Excellence in Medical Journalism, the Minnesota Educational Association¹s award for best in-depth TV program, the CARE Award from the Mental Health Association in Hennepin County (given annually to one individual for efforts in promoting mental health), and the Minnesota Psychiatrist¹s Association¹s award for Excellence in the Media.


Watch for these upcoming shows on the Metro Cable Network, Channel 6, on Monday nights at 9 PM: Also watch SPNN channel 15 Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

The Arctic Expedition
Wolves in Minnesota
An Interview with Amy Klobuchar
Sally & George Pillsbury on Leadership
The Minnesota International Center
Toxins in Our Midst

CTV has a Job Opening

Position Title: Facility Coordinator

Position Purpose: This fulltime position is responsible for the upkeep
of CTV's facility, oversight of the internship program, develop program
and production ideas, the provision of assistance to staff and
volunteers, the development with other staff of CTV productions, and
articles for CTV Publications. Candidate must have ability to operate
and understand equipment for a TV studio and edit suites. Salary
$23,000 to $25,000 and excellent benefit package. Send resume to CTV15,
Attn: HR Department, 950 Woodhill Dr., Roseville, MN. 55113 or call for
application: (651) 792-7515. Deadline 2/9/07

Please contact CTV for more information.

Ramsey Talks

This weeks episode of Ramsey Talks deals with the proposed light rail tracks in St. Paul. This is a good overview of the different proposed routes, how it would affect traffic, commuting, and buisnesses. This is an important issue to St. Paul residents. The program airs at 6pm on Wednesday night and again 11 am Thursday morning.

Youth Video on Racism

This is a video a youth producer did on race. This aired on the affiliate ABC station in Seattle. The filmmaker Kiri Davis (17 from Bkyln) will hopefully be at the Girl in the Director's Chair series and "A Girl Like Me" (her doc) is supposed to screen there in March as part of the series. Her documentary mentor is Shola Lynch ("Shirley Chisolm Unbought, Unbossed") and the documentary is based on a sociological study that was conducted by Dr. Kenneth Clark in the 60's in which he asked a series of Black children to choose between a Black and White doll and to select the one they most preferred, or thought to be the prettiest, smartest etc. The study yielded, shocking (to some) results that degrading media images actually have an effect on the way people perceive themselves and their community and now with the re-emergence of the topic this demonstrates that not so much has changed.
Here is a link to the Seattle video

http://www.komotv.com/home/video/5001856.html?video=YHI&t=a

US Senate Hearing

From the Save Access Site:

4000 individuals sent letters over the last four days to the Senate Commerce Committee. More than 80,000 letters in total were received by committee members. Thanks to everyone who helped out.

There is an archive streaming link of the hearing on the Senate site.

To see related past articles and the blog from Save Access go to http://saveaccess.org/node/688

House Telecom Reform/Regulation Committee

Here is the testimony that Mike Wassenaar gave this morning.

My name is Mike Wassenaar. I am the Executive Director of the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, the non-profit community access television center for Saint Paul. I also serve as the chair of the Alliance for Community Media, a national organization which has supported the work of Public, Educational, and Government or PEG access television channels and facilities across the United States for the last thirty years. I have been asked to present a brief look at Minnesota’s experience with PEG television, and give some perspective about the state’s role in helping Minnesota communities use television to support community education, better inform our citizens, and strengthen local culture.

Public, Educational and Govenrment channels have a strong history in Minnesota. Since the early 1980s, municipalities and community groups have used the cable television franchising process to help provide local media content to their citizens through cable. In 2007, there are some twenty different PEG operations serving approximately 50 municipalities in the Twin Cities, and there are approximately 60 local channel providers across the State of Minnesota. This compares with approximately 40 operations in Wisconsin, 30 in Iowa, and a handful of operations in the Dakotas. Minnesota is actually a leader among the states in providing PEG services to its citizens.

PEG facilities in Minnesota range from larger, urban and suburban operations, serving tens of thousands of households, to much smaller facilities in communities throughout Greater Minnesota. In some communities, the local government operates one channel carrying government meetings, school content, and publicly produced programs. In other cities with greater communication needs, local communities have negotiated for more channels on the local cable system to carry more content. For example, in Saint Paul, there are six channels carrying PEG content, and a seventh state mandated PEG channel, Metro Channel 6.

One of the unique characteristics of the cable franchising process in Minnesota has been its responsiveness to local need and circumstance. For PEG community television, this has meant the development of many solutions for local communication needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The community television operation in Little Falls can be set up in the area High School, and coordinate its operations with the school’s curriculum; in Saint Peter, in can be in the local recreation center. In some communities, production centers have been located as anchor tenants in once vacant shopping malls, where the PEG facility acts as a center of community development. My favorite example of this comes not from Minnesota, but from our neighboring state Wisconsin, where WalMart left Wisconsin Rapids, and town leaders were faced with what to with the vacant building in their commercial center. They decided to build a Senior Center and Community Television Center as a way to increase the social connectedness of their community.

Another effect of this localized process is that governance of channels varies in each locality. Some PEG operations are run by a government or municipal office; others by a school district; others by a non-profit that contracts for service with a local government; and in smaller communities, operations are run by individual volunteers. As well, some municipalities have chosen to have PEG operations run by the local cable operator. In a similar fashion, funding of operations varies by locality. Funding typically comes from cable subscribers either from the franchise fee cities negotiate with cable companies, or from a separate PEG fee negotiated to support the operations. In Saint Paul’s example, viewers pay $1.50 per month to support PEG operations, separate from the franchise fee our City negotiated with the cable provider. An independent poll of cable subscribers in St Paul conducted by the Wilder Research Center in 2003 found that viewers of the cable system were comfortable with paying that amount for the service they received, and would actually pay a higher amount if necessary.

One characteristic common to all PEG operations is their mission to serve as part of the civic communications backbone in their locale. Government channels public safety and emergency communications to citizens. As well, they carry local meeting coverage and help citizens understand the workings of their government, replay programs at convenient times for viewers who can’t attend meetings, and increasingly they make those meetings available to viewers on the internet in either a streamed or archived fashion. Just as importantly, public access channels give citizens and political candidates the ability to express political views in an open, unbiased and unfiltered format throughout the state. In many Minnesota communities, the only television media that covers local political debates is community access television.

That local presence is important in communities like Willmar, which has approximately 4500 cable subscribers, and has an increasingly diverse community which now demands educational programming in Spanish, English and Somali. Willmar’s PEG center operates three channels, with two and a half staff, and airs approximately 11,000 hours of local content each year. Compare that with an operation like North West Community Television in Brooklyn Park, which serves nine communities in the west Metro, and is probably the largest access and community television operation in Minnesota. NWCT serves 75,000 cable subscribers on the Comcast system and produces daily news programming for its communities. Even though it is located close to the heart of the Twin Cities media markets, residents will tell you that NWCT is the best and most consistent provider of television news and public information that focuses on life in their area.

Another example of local service and local response by PEG happens in Saint Paul each year, when our station works with a local synagogue to provide high holy services to the elderly who are shut in and cannot attend ceremonies. We can’t put a dollar value on the meaning that creates for the elderly, their families and the congregation. As a non-profit that serves all religious denominations in Saint Paul, and supports religious expression, we have the ability to provide this level of service in a way that government
perhaps cannot.

One other unique aspect of community television in Minnesota is the heavy concentration of ethnic and non-English television production that takes place in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. For example, between our center and Minneapolis Telecommunication Network, there are nine regularly produced programs by, for and about the Somali Minnesotan community, ranging from political discussion, to popular entertainment, community health, language instruction and vocational education. Some of the producers of these programs are professional producers trained by the BBC, and Italian and German state television in Somalia who now want to better the refugee community now making its home in Minnesota. Community television played a similar acculturating and educational role with Minnesota’s Hmong community through the 1990s, when SPNN was the home to the first public television program in Hmong in the United States, Kev Koom Siab. PEG channels in the Twin Cities provide an important outlet that diverse communities cannot find in the commercial media market.

One final aspect of PEG community television is the economic benefit that local communities derive from their operation. For many artists, religious organizations, community groups and non-profits, the cost of media technology and training is prohibitive. Production centers make computer and media technology tools and training available to the public much like a public library provides useful community education. We can put a dollar value on this worth. For example, in 2006 in Saint Paul, the public acquired in-kind media technology service and production equipment use at our studios that were worth the equivalent of $1 million. This has a real impact on the non-profit and creative economy in our community. There is a similar effect in cities of all sizes across Minnesota.



I want to leave you with several brief observations about what the state can do in the future to assist these operations as you deliberate this session. One recommendation is to act like a well-trained doctor and first do no harm. Minnesota law has encouraged an important civic sector to flourish in the last 25 years. Many states that have tinkered with their cable franchising laws in the last few years have put forward one-size-all solutions that fit no community well, and the jury is still out as to how well they accelerate infrastructure investment and spur price competition in cable. In one instance, state legislation has severely cut channel capacity and financial support for PEG operations, forcing them out of operation. Many proposed laws in other states say that PEG channels can exist, but the financial mechanisms that allow them to flourish – particularly PEG fees that companies and communities negotiate - should be eliminated. This in effect places an extra burden on municipalities and creates an unfunded mandate. The State has already done this through its mandate of Metro Channel 6, which is a mandated channel in the Twin Cities that has no sustainable funding mechanism. Creating more situations like this will hurt communities in Minnesota.

Second, all of the PEG operations I talk with welcome cable competition and want their services to go to more people in their communities. However, they do not want government to choose winners and losers in the marketplace, and they want their services to reach the entire community. This means that PEG programming should be carried and supported by cable competitors in an equitable fashion, as Minnesota law currently allows, and that governments have equivalent build out requirements for cable competitors. It makes no sense for community service benefits like PEG to only accrue to certain consumers who have been chosen by an industry. If a community wants these services, they should have the ability to allow them to flourish.

Lastly, I would encourage you to consider ways for our industry to grow capacity and expand services to all Minnesotans. One small example is by furthering the financial support or creating incentives for captioned services for the deaf and hard of hearing. Currently, few if any local PEG programmers have staff time or technical capacity to provide this necessary service for a growing sector of Minnesotans. From talking with service providers working with deaf and hard of hearing communities, I can tell you there is a definite need for more public safety, community education, and public information available via video captioning.
With that I conclude my remarks, and thank you for this opportunity.