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• Section 1: Membership
• Section 2: Scheduling & Use of CPC Equipment & Facilities
• Section 3: CPC Cablecast Technical Standards
• Section 4: Program Content
• Section 5: Public Records
• Section 6: Appeal of a Series Pre-emption
• Section 7: Disciplinary Actions
• Section 8: Producer/User's Redress of Grievances
  

The Mission of the Community Program Center (CPC) is to provide to individuals, organizations, agencies, institutions, and groups from Boone and Kenton counties the facilities, training and equipment necessary to produce quality television programs which are responsive to their interests, issues, and needs.

These Guidelines and Operating Procedures (Guidelines) have been recommended by the Community Program Center Advisory Committee, and approved by the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky. The Guidelines were developed to ensure maximum convenience and fairness for producers. To insure that the Guidelines continue to reflect the best interest of the community they are subject to review and change by the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky upon recommendation of the Community Program Center Advisory Committee.

Public participation in the goals of the Community Program Center is encouraged and the public is invited to be a part of its success.

The Community Program Center (CPC) is a member organization. Membership is open to any and all residents of Boone and Kenton counties on a non-discriminatory basis. Organizations and groups, based in a participating community, are also eligible for membership. Individuals under the age of eighteen (18) who wish to use the CPC services and facilities must have a signed parental consent form on file with the CPC. Members are entitled to use CPC equipment and facilities for the production of a program at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis upon completion of certification requirements.

A. ORIENTATION

Orientation sessions will be presented on a regularly scheduled basis. These sessions will include discussions of: the history of public-access television; First Amendment rights; public access as a community communication tool; the structure of the CPC and its relationship to the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky (TBNK), its member communities, the cable operator, access policies and procedures; cablecast equipment use agreements; and how individuals can become involved in the CPC beyond making programs. During these sessions, the CPC staff may also present program options and help the participants plan how they will begin their training in order to accomplish their program goals

B. TRAINING COURSES

Training classes will be offered on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis. Special workshops and advanced classes may be offered from time to time, and will be announced at least 14 days in advance.

Any person wishing to take an access training workshop, an equipment competency test, or cablecast a program must first attend an orientation session. Likewise, any individual wishing to use CPC equipment, facilities, or channel time must attend this orientation.

Training classes will be offered in the following areas:

Producing
Field Production
Studio Production
Beginning Editing
Advanced Editing

C. CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

It shall be the certified user's responsibility to make sure that their records of equipment certification are kept current. Any person who has not used a particular piece of CPC equipment for a period of 12 months must be recertified by demonstrating his/her competency in the operation of the equipment before they may use it. After 12 months of inactivity, the user will be treated as a new member and will be required to begin the recertification process, starting with the Orientation Session.

Certification in Field Production, Studio Production, and Beginning Editing may be obtained by attending training courses provided by CPC staff and demonstrating proficiency with the appropriate equipment. Testing shall be designed to demonstrate the user's ability to safely and properly setup, operate, shut down and repack the equipment.

Producers who come to the CPC with prior video experience may be certified by the CPC Staff on specific pieces of equipment by demonstrating their competency instead of attending classes. However, people who wish to receive certification in this manner must first attend the CPC Orientation Session. 

The name, address, telephone number, qualifications, and most recent equipment or facility used shall be recorded and kept on file with the member's certification records.

Use of CPC production facilities and equipment must be for the purpose of producing a non-commercial program to be cablecast on CPC access channel(s). Access facilities, equipment, technical assistance, and channel time is available at no cost to certified users who reside within Boone and Kenton counties. Certified users may use CPC equipment and facilities after passage of specified training courses provided by the CPC as outlined above.  Users must complete the current project before beginning a new production unless special arrangements are made with the CPC staff. Series Producers must complete a Cablecast Request Form with the series title included.

A.   OPERATING HOURS

CPC offices will be open to the public consistent with the following schedule:

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays/Sundays

The production facilities will be open to certified members during the hours that best meet the needs of the communities and producers it serves at the discretion of the Executive Director. The following schedule will generally be followed:

Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (after 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays by reservation)               Closed Sundays

The CPC production facilities will be closed during the last two (2) weeks of December at the discretion of the Executive Director and on the following days: (based on Kenton County Fiscal Court approved holidays)

New Year’s Eve and Day
Martin Luther King Day
President’s Day
Spring Holiday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Day and Day after Thanksgiving
December 24, December 25, and December 26

B.   VIDEOTAPE FORMATS

In order to ensure the highest quality possible, the CPC has chosen to use SVHS as its preferred videotape format. Exceptions to this rule will be granted on a case by case basis, at the discretion of the CPC Staff.

Playback of videotapes will be possible on VHS, 3/4" U-matic, SVHS, or other formats upon consultation with the staff.

The CPC will have SVHS videotape stock available for purchase by members if desired. Please see the "CPC Fee Schedule" for current prices (videotapes will be sold at CPC costs). A copy of a program is available for the cost of the tape, plus a small duplication fee. Videotapes may be duplicated on VHS format. Please see the "CPC Fee Schedule" for tape duplication rates.

C.   EQUIPMENT AND FACILITY RESERVATIONS

Equipment and facility reservations will be accepted from 24 hours to 30 days in advance on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis. All equipment, facility reservations and cablecast scheduling must be made through CPC staff. Separate arrangements must be made for series programs. Arrangements for live programming must be made through the staff. A reservation made outside this time frame is left to the discretion of the CPC Production or Program Director.

Editing time will be scheduled in two (2) hour blocks. Studio time will be scheduled in four (4) hour blocks.  No more than four (4) continuous hours of time shall be granted without a showing of special circumstances.  Producers must arrive and claim their reservation within 15 minutes of their scheduled starting time, or risk forfeiture of their reservation. Producers and/or crew must vacate the facilities at the completion of their reserved time block.  No individual producer may have more than one edit/studio/field session scheduled at a time.  A producer may reserve blocks of time for editing, studio use, or field use in consecutive blocks for each respective purpose.

Any producer who wishes to cablecast a live program that would pre-empt a series program shall submit a channel time reservation request to the Program Director 45 days in advance of the date of the proposed cablecast. Staff shall determine the community value of the proposed live program and, if justified, shall notify the series producer of its preemption within five (5) days of receipt of the live program request. If the series producer accepts the preemption, the staff will do the following:

• Play the series program at a different time or day
• Schedule an additional playback of the series program on a different day
• Schedule notice of preemption of the program on the channel where program is regularly scheduled to run two days in advance of regularly scheduled time noting the new dates and times of playback
  

The live program producer will be required to:

Schedule a video announcement at the beginning of the program alerting the viewer that the regularly scheduled program(s) has been preempted with the times and dates when the program(s) will be cablecast

During the live program, the producer will provide video notice of the preemption of programming regularly scheduled with the new dates and times of the playback of the program(s).

At the end of the live program, a video announcement will be made regarding the preemption of regularly scheduled program with the dates and times when the program(s) will be cablecast.

The pre-empted producer may appeal the decision of the staff by following the procedures set forth in the guidelines for the "Appeal of a Series Preemption" in this manual.

Producers wishing to use CPC equipment and facilities must present their current certification card, indicating valid certification on the particular item they wish to use. Each time any equipment of the CPC is used, the producer must execute an "Equipment Use Agreement", accepting the responsibility for its safekeeping and for any negligent or intentional misuse.

D. EQUIPMENT CHECK OUT/CHECK IN

Any equipment that is checked out on a weekday is due back to the facility within 24 hours. Any equipment that is checked out on a Saturday is due back on Monday or Tuesday, if Monday falls on a day that the CPC facility is closed. The Production Director or Program Directormay address any exceptions or special circumstances to this checkout policy on an individual basis.

The certified producer must sign an "Equipment Use Agreement" before any equipment is loaned out of the CPC facility. It is the responsibility of the producer and staff to determine that the equipment is all accounted for and in proper operational condition before they sign the checkout form. The producer is required to return, at the specified time, all equipment in undamaged working order, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and the producer is liable to compensate the CPC for any loss or damage.CPC staff will inspect and test the equipment as it is being checked in, and will notify the producer and the Program Director immediately of any loss or damage.

In cases where there is damage or the equipment is non-working, the producer will have 14 working days after notification to work out satisfactory arrangements with theExecutive Director for the payment of costs of repair or replacement of any equipment loss and/or damage. All CPC user privileges will be suspended until satisfactory arrangements for payment have been made.

The staff will maintain an equipment repair/maintenance record available for inspection by producers.

All members and producers shall execute an agreement holding the CPC Advisory Committee, its staff, volunteers and the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky, its Board members, employees and agents harmless from any and all claims or losses occasioned by the use of CPC equipment or facilities by any producers, members, their agents or volunteers.

E. STUDIO/FIELD CREW ASSIGNMENTS

Crew position assignments are the responsibility of the program producer. All crew must be certified on the equipment that they are to operate. Interns and volunteers may be available to assist in productions. A database of certified users will be available to help producers obtain crew for productions.

The producer is fully responsible for the conduct of all crew and guests while in the facility or while using checked out equipment.

F. CPC EQUIPMENT WIRING

Under no circumstances should any member or producer of the CPC manipulate or disturb in any fashion any wiring. No changes to the studio, control room, or edit suites wiring, or attachment of any non-CPC accessories will be allowed. Master Control is for CPC employees only. No members are allowed in this area.

G. SCHEDULING CABLECAST TIME

Programs may be scheduled to begin on the hour or half-hour and may be re-aired as time slots allow and at CPC's discretion, subject to the contract with the producers.

A single program may be cablecast up to eight (8) times within a thirty (30) day period. A weekly series program may be cablecast up to two (2) times within a thirty (30) day period, including the originally designated contract time.  A bimonthly series program may be cablecast up to four (4) times within a thirty (30) day period, including the originally designated contact time.  A monthly series program may be cablecast up to eight (8) times within a thirty (30) day period, including the originally designated contract time.

Staff shall set time deadlines for submission of series programs by contract. Failure to fulfill the contract deadline terms shall result in the loss of dedicated time slots. CPC reserves the right to schedule adult material in accordance with other policies set forth herein.

H. NON-LOCAL PROGRAMS

Residents or organizations of Boone and Kenton counties may submit non-local, non-commercial programs from other sources for cablecasting. Non-Local programming shall be defined as any program where 60% or more of the program has been produced or acquired from outside the Boone and Kenton Counties area. The submitter must:

Attend a CPC orientation session;
Obtain any necessary releases;
Complete and sign a "Cablecast Request Form" prior to scheduling;
Meet cablecast technical standards.

The submitter must identify himself or herself as accepting full responsibility for the program content at the end of the program. This is done by placing the text required by the "Cablecast Request Form" at the end of the program. Non-local programming is secondary in priority to local programming and subject at all times to the terms and conditions of the franchise agreement.

I. PROGRAM OWNERSHIP

Anyone who produces a program using CPC equipment and/or facilities maintains the copyright to the production. However, in consideration for the use of CPC equipment or facilities, the producer ofwhich is any program produced in whole, or in part, with CPC equipment or facilities shall provide the CPC withan air quality S-VHS master for cablecast at the CPC before distributing to any other media (other access facilities excluded) and shall display the CPC logo and the following notices in the credits:

This program was produced in whole or in part through the facilities of the Community Program Center, An Agency of the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky."

"The content of this program is solely the responsibility of (insert producer's name) and not the Community Program Center nor the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky and does not necessarily reflect the views of the CPC nor the TBNK."

As further consideration, the CPC reserves the right at its discretion to:

Copy all or any part of the master of any program submitted for cablecast for its archives, and has the right and license to replay the program without charge or any other fee which would be payable to or by the original producer and;

CPC shall not sell or transfer the right to cablecast a program not produced solely by CPC or its employees or agents;

CPC may use any part of a production for the purpose of a promotion of the CPC facilities of CPC after receiving the permission of the producer, whose permission will not be unreasonably withheld.

To insure that programming (videotapes) submitted for cablecast meets reasonable standards of quality the following must be substantially complied with:

• Use CPC approved tape format;
• Begin the tape with a leader consisting of 60 seconds bars and tone (recommended) or 10 seconds of slate and 30 seconds of black (required) before the first frame of video;
• Have control track start within 30 seconds of the physical beginning of the tape, and be continuous throughout the program;
• Have audio on channel 2;
• Be reasonably free of glitches (no more than three (3) video glitches or breakups due to poor editing will be accepted and any distorted audio that lasts for more than 30 seconds should be corrected);
• Have reasonable audio (peak audio level between 0db+2db);
• Have only one program on each videotape;
• All videotapes must be completely erased before used for a program.
  

If programming contains restricted material, it must carry the following viewer warning on the videotape case and the spine of the case and be cablecast for 15 seconds at the beginning and end of the program:

"The following program contains material which may be offensive to some viewers, or is inappropriate for viewing by children (under age 18). Viewer discretion is advised.

"The content of this program is solely the responsibility of (insert producer's name) and not the Community Program Center nor the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky and does not necessarily reflect the views of the CPC nor the TBNK."

(A label containing this warning may be obtained from CPC.)

Contain as the last two (2) images, the following items, held for fifteen (15) seconds each:

1. The Producer's name and organization, if there is one

2. If CPC equipment is used, the CPC Logo and the following text:

"This program was produced in whole or in part through the facilities of the Community Program Center, an agency of the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky."

End with at least 30 seconds of black following the last image;

Both the videotape and case spine must be labeled with a title, length of the program, the date of the production and the name and telephone number of the producer. Labels may be obtained from CPC;

Videotapes with false starts and retakes will be returned to the producer;

Once a program has completed airing on CPC, the producer is encouraged to reclaim the videotape. The CPC will retain unclaimed videotapes for up to six monthsand may recycle ordestroy it them after such time, at the discretion of CPC.

In consideration of the use of the facilities of CPC the producer hereby agrees to hold CPC, the CPC Advisory Committee, its agents and employees, the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky and its employees and agents harmless from any and all damages or claims which may result from erasure of videotapes or any loss of program material or any resulting claims which may be made as a result of playback or use of any CPC equipment.

Anyone who produces programming using CPC equipment or facilities is wholly responsible for all program content and legal responsibilities as described in the "Statement of Compliance", and "Equipment Use Agreement." Additionally, producers or users presenting taped and/or live programming for cablecast on CPC channels must sign a "Cablecast Request Form" accepting full responsibility for the content of their program.

The following is prohibited on CPC access channels:

Material that is obscene, indecent, libelous, slanderous, invades personal privacy, or is otherwise illegal according to Federal, State, Local law, or CPC policies;

Advertising material with a call to action, soliciting the sale of specific products or services or soliciting votes for public office; appeal for money or property, except for CPC fundraising purposes approved by the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky. (Identifyinginformation such as name, address, telephone number, sponsors or place of employment shall not be considered as advertising.) Mentioning of events that program participants will be involved with, also will not be considered as advertising.  This does not prohibit offering of equal time to debate issues.   

Advertisement of, or information concerning any lottery;

Material or performances that require copyright or trademark, unless written authorization for the use of such material has been obtained, and is on file with the CPC;.

Material promoting illegal acts.

CPC OBSCENITY, INDECENCY and RESTRICTED MATERIAL POLICY

The staff of CPC shall determine whether or not a program contains prohibited material, or is inconsistent with the purposes of CPC. If the program cannot be cablecast because of the content of the material contained in the program, the producer has the option of altering the program to conform, or may withdraw the program entirely. The producer may appeal the decision of the staff by following the procedures set forth below for appealing of a major infraction.

Programs containing material defined by CPC policy, local, state, or federal law as obscene, libelous, slanderous, invasion of personal privacy or otherwise illegal will not be cablecast and will be returned to the producer.  However restricted material will be cablecast between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. All programs cablecast during this time period must include the approved CPC disclaimer (see Cablecast Technical Standard) placed at the beginning of the program. This disclaimer must be in the form of written and spoken text. Such disclaimers shall be included in all CPC promotional materials and announcements, which contain restricted material.

WARNING: Producers are advised that productions that are in violation of applicable law or CPC rules may result in criminal prosecution or civil action. If a producer is uncertain of the propriety of a production, they are strongly urged to consult legal counsel. If it is found in any court action that a producer has violated these rules, the producer's CPC Privileges will be suspended.

For the aid of producers in identifying prohibited material, the following definitions and summary of applicable law and rules are provided:

CPC OBSCENITY, INDECENCY AND RESTRICTED MATERIAL DEFINITIONS

A. COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY OBSCENITY LAWS

KENTUCKY REVISED STATUTES 531.010 DEFINITIONS

(1) "Distribute" means to transfer possession of, whether with or without consideration.

(2) "Matter" means any book, magazine, newspaper, or other printed or written material or any picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture, or other pictorial representation or any statue or other figure, or any recording transcription or mechanical, chemical or electrical reproduction or any other articles, equipment, machines, or materials.

(3) "Obscene" means:

To the average person, applying contemporary community standards, the predominant appeal of the matter, taken as a whole, is to prurient interest in sexual conduct; and

The matter depicts or describes the sexual conduct in a patently offensive way; and

The matter, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

(4) "Sexual conduct" means acts of masturbation, homosexuality, lesbianism, bestiality, sexual intercourse, or deviant sexual intercourse; or physical contact with the genitals, flagellation, or excretion for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification.

KRS 531.020 DISTRIBUTION OF OBSCENE MATTER.

(1) A person is guilty of distribution of obscene matter when, having knowledge of its content and character: (c) in this state he:

Prepares, or

Distributes, or

Offers to distribute, or

Has in his possession with intent to distribute, exhibit or offer to distribute any obscene matter.

(2) Distribution of obscene matter is a class B misdemeanor... Punishable by a fine of up to $250 or 90 days in jail or both.

KRS 531.030 DISTRIBUTION OF OBSCENE MATTER TO MINORS.

(1) A person is guilty of distribution of obscene material to minors when, knowing a person to be a minor, or having possession of such facts that he should reasonably know that such person is a minor, and with knowledge of the content and character of the material, he knowingly.

Distributes, or offers to distribute, obscene material to a minor.

(2) Distribution of obscene materials to minors is a Class A misdemeanor... Punishable by a fine of up to $500 or 12 months in jail or both.

(CPC NOTE: Since to cablecast on public access would necessarily be to minors in the viewing audience, the violator would be charged with the latter offense.)

B. CPC STANDARDS CONCERNING OBSCENE, OFFENSIVE, AND RESTRICTED MATERIAL

The CPC has determined that material which is patently offensive and which violates the contemporary community standards of the average person, when taken as a whole, is material which may be restricted from cablecast between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., or prohibited altogether.

The CPC recognizes that speech, which is offensive and/or indecent, but not obscene, is afforded a degree of protection by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.  As such, merely indecent speech may not be banned from cablecast completely. Similarly, the CPC recognizes that speech, which is hostile, but not rising to the level of insightful language, is afforded protection by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.  As such, hostile or profane speech may not be banned from cablecast completely.  However, offensive material which, if displayed or uttered in a public place which could be prosecuted as a criminal public offenseive, should be prohibited on public access cable channels.  The public access cable channels are the modern day public soapbox and users of the public cable media are responsible to the public for their actions.  The CPC has determined, as a result of public  hearings and after extensive public debate, that certain material is so offensive and violative of the community standards that it may be prohibited from cablecast.

The CPC wishes to protect children and those adults who do not wish to be exposed to such restrictive or offensive material to the full extent of its legal ability.  As such, the CPC has determined that all programming which is indecent or hostile, but not obscene or otherwise prohibited, may be cablecast between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. only.  This policy provides a means of protecting children from this type of material while still allowing adults who wish to view such material access to the programming.  Similarly, material, which is offensive, may not be cablecast at anytime.

(1) OFFENSIVE MATERIAL

The CPC, in accordance with community standards, has determined that a range of materials which are not legally obscene under the definition articulated by the United States Supreme Court are still offensive and should be prohibited from cablecast at all times.  These materials include programming which discusses or depicts sexual conduct, excretory activities or organs in a manner which may not be obscene; however, when taken as a whole, offends the average person within the local community.  The CPC has determined the following material is patently offensive and violates contemporary community standards of decency and shall be prohibited from cablecast.

Gratuitous displays or discussions of sexual acts;
Gratuitous violence to humans or animals;
Gratuitous profanity; and
Gratuitous nudity

While these materials are not legally obscene, the CPC believes that these patently offensive materials should be prohibited from cablecast at all times of the day in the best interests of the community.

(2)RESTRICTED MATERIAL

"Restricted Material" is defined as material, which when taken as a whole, is indecent or hostile as measured by contemporary community standards of the average person.  This material includes: 1) programming which discusses sexual acts, organs or nudity, but which does not rise to the level of offensive or obscenity; 2) programming which discusses or displays realistic violence; and 3) programming which contains repeated profanity within the context of a program which do not rise to the level of obscenity

C. DETERMINATION OF OBSCENE or RESTRICTED MATERIAL

Based on the information provided by a producer concerning the content of his or her production, the Executive Directorwill review the submitted production to determine if it contains material which is prohibited from cablecast or restricted to the hours of 1 a.m. through 5 a.m. for cablecast.  Any producer whose production is deemed obscene or otherwise prohibited or restricted material will be notified of the Executive Director'sdecision by letter.

D. PRODUCER APPEAL OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S DETERMINATION

If a producer disagrees withthe Executive Director's determination that his or her production contains prohibited or restricted material, he or she may file a request for appeal with the CPC Advisory Committee.  The CPC Advisory Committee will hear the producer's complaint, and make a recommendation to the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky, who will make the final determination.  ANY AND ALL DECISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY WILL BE FINAL.

The Community Program Center will maintain a detailed record of all persons and organizations granted time on the public access channel(s). The records shall be maintained in a public file, and will be made available for inspection during normal executive business hours and as provided by law. Those requesting inspection will be required to provide identification, which will become part of the public file 

Any series producer who is aggrieved by the determination of the CPC staff that his/her series will be pre-empted by a live program, may appeal such action within 5 days of his/her receipt of the notice of preemption by filing a written appeal with the Executive Director. The Executive Directorshall, within 24 hours of receipt of the notice of appeal, excluding weekends or holidays, determine whether the decision of the staff is appropriate and will notify the series producer of the decision. If the preempted producer is not satisfied with the determination of the Executive Director, a meeting will be scheduled within five (5) days with the Executive Director, the staff, the chairperson of the CPCAC or the vice-chair, the preempted producer and the live producer. They will review the determination of the staff and Executive Director and make a determination of the merits of the appeal after the preempted producer and live producer have had the opportunity to be heard. At this time the chairperson of the CPCAC may grant the preempted producer relief from the determination of the decision of the Executive Director or sustain the decision.

If the preempted producer is not satisfied with the decision of the CPCAC chairperson, a written appeal may be made to the chairperson of the Telecommunications Board. The chairperson or vice-chair of the Telecommunications Board shall convene a meeting of the Executive Director, the CPCAC chairperson or vice-chair, the preempted producer, the live producer and the TBNK legal counsel within five (5) days of receiving the written appeal. The chairperson or vice-chair of the Telecommunications Board will review the record of the meeting with the CPCAC chairperson or vice-chair and will make a final determination after hearing from the preempted producer and the live producer. The record of this meeting shall consist of a written recitation of the finding of fact and the decision as recorded by the TBNK legal counsel, who shall be present at the hearing of appeal. ANY AND ALL DECISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD CHAIRPERSON OR VICE-CHAIR WILL BE FINAL.

This process should be completed within fifteen (15) working days from the date of the receipt of the notification of a live program from the live program producer.

To ensure that CPC equipment and facilities remain in good working order, available to the broadest possible range of users, and that all available resources are used in such a manner as to fulfill the mandate under which the CPC was created, the CPC reserves the right to initiate disciplinary actions. These include any necessary legal action against individuals or organizations interfering with or jeopardizing the CPC operations, or otherwise violating CPC rules and procedures under which the CPC provides such resources and services. Immediate suspension of privileges may be imposed for a major offense.

A. Minor Infractions

Disciplinary action for minor infractions including, but not limited to, the following violations of the published rules and procedures may be imposed by the CPC Staff:

Failure to return equipment on time;
Return of equipment that is improperly packed or dirty;
Leaving production facilities unclean and/or improperly storing equipment;
Making equipment and/or facility reservations on behalf of others;
Smoking, eating, or drinking in any restricted areas of the CPC;
Unauthorized posting of materials in the CPC facility;
Unauthorized use of CPC office equipment;
Unauthorized entry into any "employee's only" area;
Repeated minor misuse or abuse of equipment or facilities.

B. Disciplinary Actions for Minor Infractions

The Executive Directormay impose the following disciplinary action in cases involving minor infractions:

First infraction results in verbal warning with a notation made in the individual's file;

Second infraction results in a written warning by the Executive Director, Program Director, or Production Director;

The third infraction results in a suspension of all CPC privileges for up to 60 days. If there are previous suspensions, the third offense may result in a suspension for longer than 60 days.

C. Notification of Minor Infraction Disciplinary Action

The CPC will notify the individual who has been cited for a third minor infraction, in writing, within 20 days, stating the disciplinary action to be taken. Such notification shall also indicate any conditions for reinstatement of the user's privileges.

D. Minor Infraction Appeals

Any individual, against whom the CPC has imposed a disciplinary action for a minor infraction, may appeal such action within 20days by filing a written, appeal with the Executive Director. The Executive Directormay at his or her discretion present the issues to the CPC Advisory Committee Chairman who may in his discretion convene a special CPC Advisory Committee meeting. If no extraordinary action was taken by the Executive Directoror the Advisory Committee Chairman then the Executive Directorwill then present this appeal at the next meeting of the CPC Advisory Committee, at which time the individual will have an opportunity to be heard and receive relief from the CPC Advisory Committee. If the individual is not satisfied with the action of the CPC Advisory Committee then he/she may appeal to the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky by written request within 20 days.  The Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky will make the final determination at the next regular meeting. ANY AND ALL DECISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD WILL BE FINAL.

E. Major Infractions

The CPC may impose appropriate disciplinary action, including legal or other actions, for major infractions of the rules and regulations including, but not limited to:

Misuse or abuse of CPC equipment or facilities;

Theft or vandalism of the property of the CPC, the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky, or of any staff member, volunteer, or visitor;

Failure to return equipment for any reason including, but not limited to intent, negligence, illegal activity, theft, damage, destruction, loss of possession, or loss; (for whatever reason).  (Equipment returned more than 48 hours late will be considered a major infraction)

Making false or misleading statements on any CPC document or to any CPC staff member;

Use of CPC facilities and/or equipment for commercial/profit-making purposes or for personal purposes, without contractual approval first;

Removal of equipment or other materials from the CPC facility without proper sign out and supervision of a CPC staff member;

Any adjustment or removal of wiring in any part of the CPC facility;

Allowing the use of CPC equipment by non-certified or suspended users;

Chronic or willful disregard for CPC rules and regulations. Chronic is defined as 6 violations in a 6 month period;

Abuse and/or harassment, physical, mental, or sexual, of CPC staff, volunteers, or visitors;

Production with CPC equipment or facilities of any material that is in violation of the CPC obscenity, indecency and restricted material policy or obscene by CPC policy, local, state, or federal law;

Causing the cable casting of any material that is in violation of the CPC obscenity, indecency and restricted material policy.

Conviction for fraud, theft, forgery or other criminal acts of dishonesty.

F. Disciplinary Actions for Major Infraction

The first major infraction will result in a suspension of CPC Privileges for90 days. A second infraction within 5 years will result in a suspension of 6 months. Third infractions, regardless of time of occurrence, will result in permanent suspension from the CPC.

In cases where an individual’s conduct has endangered CPC facilities, other individuals, or the property of others, refusal of services may be permanent, regardless of the number of previous infractions. In cases of lost or damaged equipment and/or facilities, users’ privileges will not be reinstated until service of the suspension period prescribed in section F, and satisfactory restitution or compensation for loss or damage has been made.

Where it is deemed appropriate by the Executive Director, appropriate civil or criminal charges may be brought.

If the CPC staff becomes aware of a CPC user's conviction of a violent crime it will result in automatic termination of the CPC production facility privileges.  Such producer may still submit programs by mail or courier - butnot in person.

G. Notification of Major Infraction Disciplinary Action

The CPC will notify the individual who has been cited for a major infraction, in writing, by ordinary mail, within 20 days of CPC staff notice of the infraction, at the producer’s address provided to CPC, stating the disciplinary action to be taken. Such notification shall also indicate any conditions for reinstatement of the user’s privileges.

H. Major Infraction Appeals

Any individual against whom the CPC has imposed a disciplinary action for a major infraction may appeal such action within 20 days, by filing a written appeal with the Executive Director. The Executive Directormay at his or herdiscretion present the issues to the CPC Advisory Committee Chairperson who may at his or her discretion convene a special CPC Advisory Committee meeting. If no extraordinary action was taken by the Executive Director or the CPC Advisory Chairperson, then the Executive Directorwill present this appeal at the next regular meeting of the CPC Advisory Committee, at which time the individual will have an opportunity be heard and request relief from the CPC Advisory Committee. If the individual is not satisfied with the action of the CPC Advisory Committee, then the individual may appeal to the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky, who will make the final determination. ANY AND ALL DECISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD WILL BE FINAL.

If at any time a producer or user feels any CPC staff member, volunteer, or visitor,is treating them unfairly he or she may fill out a "Grievance Form" and submit it to the Executive Director. The Executive Directorwill investigate the complaint and attempt to rectify the problem as quickly as possible. If the user is not satisfied with the outcome of the Executive Director's investigation, he or she may appeal that decision to the CPC Advisory Committee at its next meeting. The CPC Advisory Committee will hear the user’s complaint and make a recommendation to the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky who will make the final determination. ANY AND ALL DECISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD WILL BE FINAL.

If the user’s complaint is in regard to the Executive Director, he or she may filehis/her grievance directly with the Chairperson of the CPC Advisory Committee, who will then investigate the complaint and report back to the CPC Advisory Committee about his or her findings and recommendations. The Chairperson will then report the recommendations of the CPC Advisory Committee to the Telecommunications Board of Northern Kentucky for a final decision.

If you have any questions regarding the Community Program Center's Guidelines and Operating Procedures, please call the Executive Directorat 859-261-1300.

Revised July 20, 2000 Memorandum

General Rules (Apply to all areas of CPC):

Smoking is forbidden in ALL areas of the CPC.

Producers must check in with the MASTER CONTROL OPERATOR upon arrival at the CPC.

Unless they have been checked into MASTER CONTROL, all videotapes are the responsibility of the producer.  CPC assumes responsibility only for tapes in MASTER CONTROL.

Any videotape found in the CPC, which are not clearly marked on the cassette shell, will be erased for future use or disposed of.

CPC assumes NO responsibility for the quality of a cablecast program that DOES NOT meet our minimum technical standards.

All requests for special needs of a producer must be given at least 24 hours in advance of needed time.  This includes irregular set or equipment needs and special access needs.  CPC staff will attempt to facilitate any special needs, as, as we are able.

The following section will be removed from the CPC Policy & Procedures manual.

Section II C. EQUIPMENT CHECK OUT/CHECK

Equipment may not be reserved in advance by any person or organization for more than two weekends a month.

Amended Rules for Studio and/or Control Room

Producers are not allowed to adjust any equipment in studio control areas labeled ENGINEERING; this also includes anything behind the studio control rack, studio light breakers, and studio audio raceways.

Producers using the studio MUST have at least two CPC studio-trained crewmembers (to include the producer, but excluding talent), in order to produce a TAPED show.

Producers using the studio MUST have at least four CPC studio-trained crewmembers (to include the producer, but excluding talent), in order to producer a LIVE show.

Producers are not allowed on the studio ladder and are not allowed to adjust studio lighting.  Staff members will be happy to make any adjustments desired by a community producer.

Producers are responsible for making sure that their production is recorded to video tape in either one of two ways: a) use the S-VHS record deck in the control room; or b) request that your show be recorded in MASTER CONTROL. Option A is the preferred solution by our staff.

Producers are responsible for the cleanliness off the studio when leaving.  Return all equipment  (microphones, cables, etc.) to their proper storage areas.  Please leave the studio in the condition you found it.

Overhead speakers must be kept at a volume specified by CPC Staff.

No open food or drinks in the studio control room.

No open drinks or food in the studio unless the staff has been notified.  Please refer to cleanliness rule above.