Showing posts with label cable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cable. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
MassAccess Testifies in Support of Community Access Television
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| MassAccess Testifies in Support of Community Access Television |
Local cable television channels, often called "PEG channels" to correspond with the mission of public, educational or government access, provide a valuable public service to the community. Passage of the Bill would require cable companies to allow for broadcast of PEG channels in HD format and inclusion of programming in viewers' electronic guides. These two changes would allow for PEG channels to be on par with most other offerings in cable television, and allow for greater access for viewers.
"These stations provide a public service to Massachusetts residents," said William Nay, General Manager, MashpeeTV, and MassAccess President. "The refusal to offer local channels in HD and access to the programming guide discriminates against cable subscribers in Massachusetts and hinders the independent voices in our communities by denying equal access to local stations."
Massachusetts residents account for only 2% of the cable subscribers in the country, but accounts for 16% of all the community media stations in the country. There are over 200 local access cable TV centers in Massachusetts, the highest concentration of media centers in the country. Local Access TV is the last hyper-local outlet for citizens, providing access to municipal meetings and providing transparency in local government. Channels provide local notices and information for citizens and residents. Additionally, individual centers provide educational and media literacy training, while serving as community hubs and centers and a training ground for students who want to pursue careers in TV and film.
"In a world where media production has become global, the community media center has stayed true to its local roots…all while continuing to embrace emerging technology. This is what community media centers do," said Melinda Garfield, Executive Director, Westwood Media Center and MassAccess Vice President. "But, to stay relevant and accessible, stations need the same consideration and treatment as other cable offerings."
The bill was previously heard by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy in November 2015, and given a "study order" in April 2016. Language relevant to the Bill was included in both the House and Senate versions of the Economic Development bill last year, but was omitted from the final version put forward.
About MassAccess
Massachusetts Community Media, Inc. (MassAccess) is a non-profit, 501(c)(6), [membership-based], advocacy agency, guided by a volunteer board of community media professionals. Our goal is to ensure the future vitality of Massachusetts based community media centers by developing educational workshops, monitoring legislation, utilizing technology to inform and enhance community media centers, as well as acting as government liaisons to inform supporters across Massachusetts regarding the current political landscape in regards to media.Tuesday, January 24, 2017
WFPR - 102.9 FM - A Radio Station Grows in Franklin
"It was a very big week for our soon-to-be community radio station WFPR, here in Franklin. On Tuesday, Jan 17 our new broadcast tower suddenly sprouted up at Forge Hill. On Friday our transmitter housing was installed in place. After years of planning, paperwork and preparations, it’s all finally coming together.
This week we install our FM antenna system and transmission equipment. Thus
far, the winter weather gods have been reasonably accommodating, and once our antennas are installed, the larger technical challenges will be behind us.
We’re also wiring up / firing up the audio equipment in our radio studio. We plan
to begin our on-air broadcast tests on Thursday, February 2nd, Groundhog Day.
(Just like in Bill Murray’s movie, if we don’t get it quite right, we get a do–over).
During the next few months we’ll be conducting program tests while we plan our full program schedule to be launched in spring.
So, what do our programming plans look like? That’s where you come in. WFPR is Franklin’s community radio station. It will be powered and programmed by the passions of people who have something to say and music to play.
Could that be you? Consider volunteering. Help us to make WFPR into great community radio.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved in community radio, call us. 508-528-9377 – That’s 528-WFPR
Soon we’ll be able to say, “Thanks for listening”.
But, for now – as always, thanks for watching!"
Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/22/2017
This week's viewing guide can be found here http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRzdhRFk1SElxVFE/view?usp=sharing
Note: phone number updated/corrected 4/11/17
This week we install our FM antenna system and transmission equipment. Thus
far, the winter weather gods have been reasonably accommodating, and once our antennas are installed, the larger technical challenges will be behind us.
We’re also wiring up / firing up the audio equipment in our radio studio. We plan
to begin our on-air broadcast tests on Thursday, February 2nd, Groundhog Day.
(Just like in Bill Murray’s movie, if we don’t get it quite right, we get a do–over).
During the next few months we’ll be conducting program tests while we plan our full program schedule to be launched in spring.
So, what do our programming plans look like? That’s where you come in. WFPR is Franklin’s community radio station. It will be powered and programmed by the passions of people who have something to say and music to play.
Could that be you? Consider volunteering. Help us to make WFPR into great community radio.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved in community radio, call us. 508-528-9377 – That’s 528-WFPR
Soon we’ll be able to say, “Thanks for listening”.
But, for now – as always, thanks for watching!"
Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/22/2017
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| the empty spot was ready for the tower to be installed |
Men are assembling the WFPR (102.9 FM) tower today. pic.twitter.com/JrxNMKrPt1— Ken Norman (@wknorman) January 17, 2017
This week's viewing guide can be found here http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRzdhRFk1SElxVFE/view?usp=sharing
Note: phone number updated/corrected 4/11/17
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Annual Report 2016: Franklin TV
Franklin TV is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We operate the local access TV studios for Franklin. We produce local TV programs on three channels:
We are Franklin’s local TV channels on Comcast and Verizon, but we do not provide cable TV service.
Background
The Town of Franklin is the Local Franchise Authority (LFA) that maintains agreements with Comcast and Verizon cable TV providers.
Franklin TV’s funding comes from a 4.8% access fee on cable service that cable subscribers pay via these agreements.
Franklin TV does not rely on government taxes. Franklin TV pays a PILOT fee (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) to the Town of Franklin by agreement. We are the first nonprofit organization that pays for town services.
As an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization we also may receive grants and donations from contributors.
Local Programming Produced in 2015
During our 2015 operating year we generated:
All of these programs were produced, recorded and edited by our staff on behalf of Franklin residents, organizations, agencies and local government. Our extensive production support reaches beyond the customary charter of other public access studios to lend equipment and provide technical training. This additional commitment of professional support enables us to provide a broader range of programs
In addition to programming, Franklin TV offers free community announcements on our Bulletin Board for all three P/E/G channels. Nonprofit organizations who wish to promote their meetings, special events and activities are welcome to contact us.
Our Studios and Offices
We have five thousand square feet that houses two video studios (a large drive-in access studio and an interview studio), two audio recording rooms, four digital video editing/effects systems, and our offices.
We also have general purpose Community Meeting Space available – free to qualified nonprofit groups and service organizations for occasional meetings. Our facility accommodates up to 30 people.
After some years of effort, we finally succeeded in arranging for Comcast to upgrade our PEG channels connection to digital fiber. We are now connected by our own private fiber directly to the Comcast Milford Network Operations Center (NOC). This noise and distortion free connection was installed in April at a cost to us of $30,000. This digital upgrade retires the obsolete Comcast analog RF iNet link that experienced regular signal outages and interference.
Our Interview Studio
Franklin TV has two studios. Our smaller studio is an excellent facility for staging and recording interview and discussion programs. In 2015 this room was transformed with five all-digital displays that provide fully animated backgrounds. This novel approach enables us to stage more programs very efficiently, with each enjoying customized graphic set design.
Scholarships
In June, as part of our continuing commitment to Franklin students, Franklin TV awarded two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors:
Our congratulations and best wishes go out to them in their academic endeavors.
A Broadcasting Opportunity, WFPR-FM
In February of 2014, Franklin TV was awarded a construction permit by the FCC for a 100 Watt, noncommercial educational FM radio station. WFPR, (Franklin Public Radio) broadcasting on 102.9 FM. The FCC received 3,000 applications. Franklin.TV was among 81 Massachusetts applicants.
Of these, 19 permits were granted, with 8 going to P/E/G studios like Franklin TV. WFPR will be an extension of Franklin TV’s services to the community and surrounding towns. Our construction permit runs to February, 2017 to allow sufficient time to properly site and construct a broadcast antenna.
FPR will also provide opportunities for local citizens to have a voice by producing their own programs or participating as volunteers to make our radio station successful as a local community resource.
Our Charter Operations
We continue to see increasing requests from various town agencies and civic organizations to provide TV coverage for local events. We cover Franklin events that are cultural or institutional in nature and of general interest.
We are always interested in training volunteers who would like to learn the craft of video production. Trained volunteers and interns work alongside our roster of free-lance and staff professionals to shoot and edit the institutional programs that we cover.
Citizen Access
Residents who produce their own access programs are the owners of these programs. As such, these producers hold their own copyright and may copy and distribute these programs freely, provided that the programs are cablecast on the Franklin system.
Per our Public Access charter, we do not provide equipment for covering private or personal events or for purposes other than generating Access Programs to be shown over the Franklin cable system Information about our weekly programming can be found on our web site: www.franklin.tv.
While visiting our website, also read our informative F.A.Q. on P/E/G TV studios, their operation, history and charter. We also recommend browsing our past newsletter archives to learn more about Franklin TV, our growth and development, and the civic events that we cover throughout the year.
Finally, in closing, “Thanks for watching!”
Respectfully submitted,
Franklin TV’s Board of Directors
Ken Norman, President
Jay Horrigan, Vice President
Wesley Rea, Treasurer
John Milot, Clerk
Anne Bergen, Nick Remissong, Rose Turco
Peter Fasciano, Executive Director
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26).
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28).
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29).
We are Franklin’s local TV channels on Comcast and Verizon, but we do not provide cable TV service.
Background
The Town of Franklin is the Local Franchise Authority (LFA) that maintains agreements with Comcast and Verizon cable TV providers.
Franklin TV’s funding comes from a 4.8% access fee on cable service that cable subscribers pay via these agreements.
Franklin TV does not rely on government taxes. Franklin TV pays a PILOT fee (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) to the Town of Franklin by agreement. We are the first nonprofit organization that pays for town services.
As an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization we also may receive grants and donations from contributors.
Local Programming Produced in 2015
During our 2015 operating year we generated:
- 217 Public Access Programs
- 95 School/Sports Programs
- 19 School/Civic Events Programs
- 96 Government Meetings
- 427 Locally Produced Programs
All of these programs were produced, recorded and edited by our staff on behalf of Franklin residents, organizations, agencies and local government. Our extensive production support reaches beyond the customary charter of other public access studios to lend equipment and provide technical training. This additional commitment of professional support enables us to provide a broader range of programs
In addition to programming, Franklin TV offers free community announcements on our Bulletin Board for all three P/E/G channels. Nonprofit organizations who wish to promote their meetings, special events and activities are welcome to contact us.
Our Studios and Offices
We have five thousand square feet that houses two video studios (a large drive-in access studio and an interview studio), two audio recording rooms, four digital video editing/effects systems, and our offices.
We also have general purpose Community Meeting Space available – free to qualified nonprofit groups and service organizations for occasional meetings. Our facility accommodates up to 30 people.
After some years of effort, we finally succeeded in arranging for Comcast to upgrade our PEG channels connection to digital fiber. We are now connected by our own private fiber directly to the Comcast Milford Network Operations Center (NOC). This noise and distortion free connection was installed in April at a cost to us of $30,000. This digital upgrade retires the obsolete Comcast analog RF iNet link that experienced regular signal outages and interference.
Our Interview Studio
Franklin TV has two studios. Our smaller studio is an excellent facility for staging and recording interview and discussion programs. In 2015 this room was transformed with five all-digital displays that provide fully animated backgrounds. This novel approach enables us to stage more programs very efficiently, with each enjoying customized graphic set design.
Scholarships
In June, as part of our continuing commitment to Franklin students, Franklin TV awarded two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors:
- Tatyana Youssef of Franklin High
- Emily Scannell of Tri-County High
Our congratulations and best wishes go out to them in their academic endeavors.
A Broadcasting Opportunity, WFPR-FM
In February of 2014, Franklin TV was awarded a construction permit by the FCC for a 100 Watt, noncommercial educational FM radio station. WFPR, (Franklin Public Radio) broadcasting on 102.9 FM. The FCC received 3,000 applications. Franklin.TV was among 81 Massachusetts applicants.
Of these, 19 permits were granted, with 8 going to P/E/G studios like Franklin TV. WFPR will be an extension of Franklin TV’s services to the community and surrounding towns. Our construction permit runs to February, 2017 to allow sufficient time to properly site and construct a broadcast antenna.
FPR will also provide opportunities for local citizens to have a voice by producing their own programs or participating as volunteers to make our radio station successful as a local community resource.
Our Charter Operations
We continue to see increasing requests from various town agencies and civic organizations to provide TV coverage for local events. We cover Franklin events that are cultural or institutional in nature and of general interest.
We are always interested in training volunteers who would like to learn the craft of video production. Trained volunteers and interns work alongside our roster of free-lance and staff professionals to shoot and edit the institutional programs that we cover.
Citizen Access
Residents who produce their own access programs are the owners of these programs. As such, these producers hold their own copyright and may copy and distribute these programs freely, provided that the programs are cablecast on the Franklin system.
Per our Public Access charter, we do not provide equipment for covering private or personal events or for purposes other than generating Access Programs to be shown over the Franklin cable system Information about our weekly programming can be found on our web site: www.franklin.tv.
While visiting our website, also read our informative F.A.Q. on P/E/G TV studios, their operation, history and charter. We also recommend browsing our past newsletter archives to learn more about Franklin TV, our growth and development, and the civic events that we cover throughout the year.
Finally, in closing, “Thanks for watching!”
Respectfully submitted,
Franklin TV’s Board of Directors
Ken Norman, President
Jay Horrigan, Vice President
Wesley Rea, Treasurer
John Milot, Clerk
Anne Bergen, Nick Remissong, Rose Turco
Peter Fasciano, Executive Director
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| Franklin Public Access Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street |
Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016
Prior year annual reports can be found
http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports
Monday, August 22, 2016
How do you connect? A Consumer Guide to Cable Service: 3 Part Series by MA Consumer Affairs
"Cable service is available in most Massachusetts communities through one or more providers, and may be offered as a stand-alone service or as part of a bundled package. The term “bundled package” refers to a specially-priced combination of services that may include telephone service (wireless or landline), television (cable or satellite television), internet or a home security system. Bundled packages often include a contract agreement that will require you to maintain your services for a fixed period of time, usually 12-24 months.
The cost of cable service alone can be broken down into three main categories: (1) programming, promotions and pricing; (2) equipment and installation; and (3) taxes, fees and surcharges."
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| iamge from MA.gov series on cable service subscriptions |
Continue reading Part 1
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-1/Part 2
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-2/Part 3
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-3/Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Live reporting: Franklin TV
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
» Cable TV
Ken Norman, Dr Ann Bergen, Peter Fasciano, Executive Director
Dr Bergen
talking about the scope of the drug issue here in Franklin
has gathered multiple resources to put together a show
Jeff Nutting
talked of the video being put together by Cable TV to advertise the Town
Peter
5 short videos, 90 - 2 mins each
(hopefully will be able to share the videos sometime sooner than later)
Vallee - why don't you consider hiring a part-time reporter to cover the news
Norman - we have tried but not given up on, we have things we want to get done. We have three channels and we want you to watch them. The school channel covers all the schools. The Community channel provides Ann's program. The government channel broadcasts the town meetings
We have made investment into the studio, now we are investing in the equipment to operate the studio. It will take several years to get what we want done.
Kelly - I think the videos really hit home on what we wanted. The big thing is to get the word on the street to get folks to watch them. Maybe use the sign in the center of town to help spread the word. Light years from where we were several years ago.
Bissanti - if someone would like to see those videos, how do they do that?
Norman - those are meant to market the town
Nutting - hook up with a trade show next month to put them on a CD and hand out. They are separate so they can cover multiple points
Norman - we have been awarded a 100-watt license to run a radio station. We have not yet done construction on the antenna, hopefully will be up in about 18 months. It will be used to broadcast these meetings and other original radio shows.
Frasciano - there are changes coming with the FCC that may allow us to get to a 250 watt broadcast. We do have plans over time to get to a radio broadcast. One of my highest priorities to get our programs listed on the TV guide. We are willing to do what we need to do so it won't just say "local access". There is no reason why a local broadcaster can't comply if we provide the details. My hopes are high.
Norman - we have had preliminary talks with the Milford Radio station. We are a non-profit and they are a commercial operation. There are some technical issues to work through but we are continuing the discussion. They are active with the Senior Center program.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Live reporting: Franklin TV
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Back Bay Restaurant Group TR, LLC dba Joe’s American Bar and Grill – Change of Manager
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Cable TV
Ken Norman, Peter Fasciano
You can find out more about Franklin TV on their webpage http://franklin.tv/
old studio at Depot Plaza was 600 sq ft
the new studio located at 23 Hutchinson St is
added a second ADA ramp to make it more accessible
community room available to other non-profits
kitchen built into the facility is designed for TV so it can broadcast a cooking show for example
small studio and larger studio available
everything produced is now high-definition
fiber connections between the municipal building and Hutchinson St
donated $164,000 to equip the new studio at the High School
operating about $23K per month
2011 did 197 locally produced programs, \last year (2013) there were 423 programs
Franklin TV provides all the resources for technical and production
compared to regular public access charters
everyone has a right to high quality programming
40-50% of the day is devoted to community bulletin board messages
looking to upgrade the Council Chamber to HDTV as well as upgrade the streaming service
construct a new FM radio station (obtained a low band license last year)
WFPR.FM 102.9
coverage in Franklin and A grade coverage for 10 miles around
Nutting:
a public service video is in development to tout Franklin's highlights
negotiate the renewal with Verizon
Fasciano
if they site the tower during the summer, could be online by the Fall 2015
we have an obligation to provide a minimum of 8 hours of local program daily, while broadcasting 24 hours we should exceed the minimum
Norman
if cable subscribers leave Comcast or Verizon, it is a concern for out future funding
Mercer
thanks to you for all you have done to help with the High School
Fasciano
the larger studio is two story, events can be staged that couldn't be done in the 'normal' studios
allows to work in multiple studios
looking forward to working on the kitchen to develop cooking programs
Mass General Hospital has a legacy grant to produce a series, so looking at other sources of revenue that could be using the studio and equipment
the radio station could be a good source of info during future emergency situations
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Important Information Regarding FiOS TV
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Monday, November 17, 2014
Franklin Community Cable Access - Annual Meeting - Nov 13, 2014
On Thursday we held our third annual open member meeting. This was a good opportunity to begin shifting gears from all the construction and preparations of a new facility to a new focus - on how we will better serve Franklin.
We began with a review of our finances to date: In spring of 2012 we began operations with some of the cable funds that the town had held in reserve. We purchased and renovated our building, installed new video equipment and paid our operating expenses.
In sum: We remain on track with our development plan that was submitted to the town when we formed and began operating as FCCA, Inc. in 2012.
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| L to R (back row):. Ken Norman, Nick Remissong, Jay Horrigan, Wesley Rea L to R (front row):John Milot, Anne K. Bergen, Rose Turco, |
There were no new board seats opening up this year, so our current board soldiers on. They have all been actively engaged in our progress, our programming and operation.
As Executive Director, I have enjoyed their full support and thoughtful guidance in piloting our excellent progress to date. For all they do, I am most grateful.
Looking forward, we turned to the topic of Community Outreach. We invited Franklin’s nonprofit groups to participate in our meeting. We discussed how we can work together, helping each other to better address the needs of the community. Some excellent ideas were put forward and plans are in the works. Stay tuned.
And, thanks for watching!
Peter Frasciano
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| Franklin TV |
This was re-posted from Franklin.tv here http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Annual Report 2013: Franklin TV
Continuing our series of sharing sections of the 2013 Annual Report of Franklin, MA we have Franklin TV
The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf
Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
In November 2011 the town of Franklin incorporated Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. (FCCA) d/b/a Franklin TV as an educational, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to run the community’s three local cable channels. In taking up the charter of the cable committee, we are submitting this report as a nongovernmental body that maintains a close working relationship with municipal agencies, other nonprofit organizations and civic groups.
In February 2012 a seven member board of directors was elected to run the corporation. In March, 2012 the town funded FCCA through the licensing fees collected from Comcast and Verizon. No taxpayer dollars are used to maintain and operate the community cable access studios.
In April 2012 the board hired Peter Fasciano as its executive director to run the day to day operations. The first order of business was to stabilize our technical operation and brand our three channels.
Our channels are:
Franklin All Access TV,
Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26),
Franklin Pride,
Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28),
Franklin Town Hall TV,
Our Government Channel, (Comcast 11, Verizon 29).
Throughout the past 16 months, Franklin TV has upgraded its equipment and broadcast signal. We continue to work with Comcast to have them carry our channels in a digital format. Our cameras are now recording programs in HD, waiting for Comcast and Verizon will provide HD channel support.
Franklin.TV is our web site. Our weekly programming schedule is posted along with information about the station and contact information for posting messages to our Community Bulletin Board (CBB).
In February 2013 we purchased the market building at 23 Hutchinson St to serve as our new home and broadcast studios. Construction will soon be underway to renovate the building and add a 1200 Sq Ft studio in the rear. The site will provide Franklin and its residents with a free, open access, state of the art Media and Arts Center.
The Corporation is fully committed to serving the community. In April 2013 we entered into a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with the town, becoming the first nonprofit organization to do so. We have also installed three small live TV facilities (video control systems and audio mixers with three cameras at each location) at two middle schools and at the high school. In June we awarded our $1,000 scholarship to Andrew Cyr, a deserving Franklin senior studying Communications. We are active members of the Downtown Partnership and Greater Attleboro Chamber of Commerce. We are working closely with other nonprofit and benevolent groups in Franklin to promote their mission goals and good works.
We are very thankful to the cable committee and local officials for their prudent planning and foresight in managing the access studios in the years prior to our formation, thus insuring a bright future for both Franklin TV and the Franklin Community.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Norman,
President, FCCA, Inc.
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| one of the three channels, Franklin Town Hall TV |
The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf
Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
Friday, November 1, 2013
Candidates Forum replay schedule
The recent Candidates Forum is available for replay via your cable channel on these days and times. Franklin TV has confirmed that the schedule was adjusted to provide more views of the program before our election on Tuesday, Nov 5th.
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| Franklin Town Hall TV |
The Candidates Forum will run this week:
Friday 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM
They will also schedule it heavily Mon/Tues next week.
Franklin.TV ... 23 Hutchinson St., Box 286 Franklin, MA 02038-0286 ... 508-541-4118
Friday 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM
They will also schedule it heavily Mon/Tues next week.
Franklin.TV ... 23 Hutchinson St., Box 286 Franklin, MA 02038-0286 ... 508-541-4118
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Reminder - Franklin TV meeting - Nov 8 6:00 PM
A quick reminder:
Our first annual member meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening, November 8th at 6:00 PM at the Senior Center. This meeting is open to all Franklin TV members. Questions? Call 508-541-4118.
This meeting is an opportunity to learn about Franklin TV's plans to provide better production support for Franklin residents and organizations who wish to create TV programs. Our progress to date, plus the groundwork for our plans going forward are all thanks to our current board members who have contributed so much of their time and energy to shape a clear vision for Franklin TV and move ahead as a new nonprofit organization.
At this meeting Franklin TV members will be voting to elect directors for two board positions. If you received this email, then you are listed as a member and you are eligible to vote.
Come to the Senior Center, November 8th at 6:00 PM.
We will start with a brief Presentation at 6:30.
Please join us at this important Franklin TV event. Get to know the current board. Come meet, greet, and vote for the nominees. Hope to see you there.
And, thanks for watching!
Pete Fasciano,
Executive Director,
FCCA, Inc., Franklin TV
Our first annual member meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening, November 8th at 6:00 PM at the Senior Center. This meeting is open to all Franklin TV members. Questions? Call 508-541-4118.
This meeting is an opportunity to learn about Franklin TV's plans to provide better production support for Franklin residents and organizations who wish to create TV programs. Our progress to date, plus the groundwork for our plans going forward are all thanks to our current board members who have contributed so much of their time and energy to shape a clear vision for Franklin TV and move ahead as a new nonprofit organization.
At this meeting Franklin TV members will be voting to elect directors for two board positions. If you received this email, then you are listed as a member and you are eligible to vote.
Come to the Senior Center, November 8th at 6:00 PM.
We will start with a brief Presentation at 6:30.
Please join us at this important Franklin TV event. Get to know the current board. Come meet, greet, and vote for the nominees. Hope to see you there.
And, thanks for watching!
Pete Fasciano,
Executive Director,
FCCA, Inc., Franklin TV
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Real time reporting - Franklin TV
I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Franklin TV, Ken Norman
incorporated in Nov 2011
original charter called for 7 directors
Ken now president of Corporation, got funding in March 2012
found and hired Peter Fasciano as Executive Director
using small room downtown, explored other spaces within Franklin
looked at Huchinson St property
over Labor Day weekend, explored the property purchase options and have a signed purchase and sale agreement
have filed or will be filing notices to assume occupancy and build a30,000 900 - 1200 sq ft studio
Thursday, Nov 8th first annual meeting
At the Senior Center, starting at 6:00 PM
handed business plan to Jeff Nutting, completing the requirements
Peter worked in broadcast all his life, TV and video production
built the original Channel 7 studio
had staff of 50 people with a 20,000 sq ft studio for video commercials
worked for Avid technology, an editor software ran the advanced development group
has 24 patents for TV, much that is shown on TV goes through software and features I had part in
rebuilt Medfield facility two years ago, and when the opportunity arose here, I applied for it
received initial funding of $400,000 of the cable funds, expecting to get the remainder of the funding sometime
documented the requirements of a video production studio
size average, 900 to 1,000 sq ft for a town of our size
drive in access, piano or van for equipment moves
one of the difficulties is finding suitable space
did look at the Emmons St, would need to be on the second floor, accessible via the elevator
would be workable but not desirable
there is a stream along the back so the property is designated as river front
Franklin TV, Ken Norman
incorporated in Nov 2011
original charter called for 7 directors
Ken now president of Corporation, got funding in March 2012
found and hired Peter Fasciano as Executive Director
using small room downtown, explored other spaces within Franklin
looked at Huchinson St property
over Labor Day weekend, explored the property purchase options and have a signed purchase and sale agreement
have filed or will be filing notices to assume occupancy and build a
Thursday, Nov 8th first annual meeting
At the Senior Center, starting at 6:00 PM
handed business plan to Jeff Nutting, completing the requirements
Peter worked in broadcast all his life, TV and video production
built the original Channel 7 studio
had staff of 50 people with a 20,000 sq ft studio for video commercials
worked for Avid technology, an editor software ran the advanced development group
has 24 patents for TV, much that is shown on TV goes through software and features I had part in
rebuilt Medfield facility two years ago, and when the opportunity arose here, I applied for it
received initial funding of $400,000 of the cable funds, expecting to get the remainder of the funding sometime
documented the requirements of a video production studio
size average, 900 to 1,000 sq ft for a town of our size
drive in access, piano or van for equipment moves
one of the difficulties is finding suitable space
did look at the Emmons St, would need to be on the second floor, accessible via the elevator
would be workable but not desirable
there is a stream along the back so the property is designated as river front
Friday, December 30, 2011
Franklin, MA: Cable Advisory Commission
Page 131-133 of the Franklin Annual Report for 2011 covers the Cable Advisory Commission.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/Desktop/FRANKLIN%202001%20TR-WEB%20COPY.pdf (Note the page references are to the PDF version, the printed version would be Page 125-127)
Town Council, School Committee and many other committee meetings along with some special events are available via live broadcast or replay via cable. The Commission is also looking into creation of a non-profit entity by which the cable operations would be run instead of by Franklin. Stay tuned for developments in this area.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
"a nonprofit organization to run the town's public access channels"
Franklin's nonprofit idea is not new. The first nonprofit access stations were formed in the early 1970s as cable television grew in popularity and regulations required cable companies to fund local programming. Other stations were run by the towns themselves or by the cable companies.
In the past 10 years, Comcast has stopped running many cable access stations it inherited when it purchased AT&T Broadband, leaving towns to figure out how to keep providing those services, said Amy Palmerino, vice chairman of the Board of Directors of MassAccess, a statewide organization that advocates for public access television.
Many communities, including Milford and Hopkinton, created nonprofit stations when a cable company stopped running their studios, a move Palmerino said increases community participation and creates separation between the town and one of its primary media outlets.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x311049248/Towns-find-ways-to-take-control-of-local-cable-access-TV#ixzz1NjtPZf2t
Franklin, MA
Friday, February 18, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Verizon Cable License Amendment - public comment period
The cable license between Franklin and Verizon is being amended to bring the revenue into agreement with the current revenue from Comcast. Actually a reduction from 5% to 4.8% of gross revenues would come to Franklin.
The comment period begins 14 days after the notification (12/16/10), hence 12/30/10 and runs for 21 days (hence Jan 20th).
Franklin Amendment Verizon Cable License
Related post from the Town Council meeting on Nov 17th discussing the possible public access channel operation
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/live-reporting-cable-update.html
Franklin, MA
The comment period begins 14 days after the notification (12/16/10), hence 12/30/10 and runs for 21 days (hence Jan 20th).
Franklin Amendment Verizon Cable License
Related post from the Town Council meeting on Nov 17th discussing the possible public access channel operation
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/live-reporting-cable-update.html
Franklin, MA
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Live reporting - Historical, Memorial, CATV
Historical Commission
Jeff - keeping documents up to date, pay a few bills for the historical commission
had increased from 1,000 to 2,000 in anticipation of the new building up and running. It hasn't yet but it will be used fully once the new building is open.
Memorial Day
purchase of flags for the graves to be put on by volunteers
CATV
We have to budget a minimum amount per subscriber
used to offset the costs of the broadcasts going out over the air waves
set by the license
Jeff - keeping documents up to date, pay a few bills for the historical commission
had increased from 1,000 to 2,000 in anticipation of the new building up and running. It hasn't yet but it will be used fully once the new building is open.
Memorial Day
purchase of flags for the graves to be put on by volunteers
CATV
We have to budget a minimum amount per subscriber
used to offset the costs of the broadcasts going out over the air waves
set by the license
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Streaming Video - Historic event
There was a significant historical event this week. The first Town Council meeting was streamed live over the web on Wednesday evening.
What does that mean?
Instead of being in your home with a cable subscription, you can now view a town meeting via your computer. This means that anyone with interest to find the meeting can view it anywhere in the world via the internet and their computer.
Since only 90+% of the town has access to cable, how much this will enable those who don't have cable access is open for discussion.
What will this streaming live change?
I think it will be interesting to see how this will change the meetings, if anything changes at all.
How do you view the meeting?
Have you viewed a meeting yet?
What do you think of this?
What does that mean?
Instead of being in your home with a cable subscription, you can now view a town meeting via your computer. This means that anyone with interest to find the meeting can view it anywhere in the world via the internet and their computer.
Since only 90+% of the town has access to cable, how much this will enable those who don't have cable access is open for discussion.
What will this streaming live change?
I think it will be interesting to see how this will change the meetings, if anything changes at all.
- Will the various board and committee members improve their personal behavior and conduct now that they can be viewed around the world?
- Will the nature and presentations of the meetings themselves be modified now that there is a worldwide audience?
- Will there be an increase in viewing amongst the people in the town?
How do you view the meeting?
- On your computer, open your favorite browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)
- Navigate to the Franklin website home page
- Follow the link on the notice for the live streaming (I have not yet found another way to get to this live streaming or archive. I assume there will be an additional path put on the site at some time.)
- The first time you view a meeting, Microsoft Silverlight will require to be installed. Once installed, you'll need to close your browser and restart the browser. After this installation, you should be able to go direct to view either the live or an archived program.
- You can view the meeting from beginning to end or skip to sections according to the published agenda.
Have you viewed a meeting yet?
What do you think of this?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Live reporting - Town Council meeting 2
Attending: Whalen, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak, McGann, Zollo
Absent: Mason, Vallee
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 19, 2008, December 3, 2008, December 10, 2008,
and December 17, 2008 Regular & Executive Session
approved - 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Robert Dean, Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, talks about the new live feed of the Town Council meetings. Chapters will be available in the archive.
Absent: Mason, Vallee
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 19, 2008, December 3, 2008, December 10, 2008,
and December 17, 2008 Regular & Executive Session
approved - 7-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Robert Dean, Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee, talks about the new live feed of the Town Council meetings. Chapters will be available in the archive.
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