Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is public access and what is "PEG"?
In this country, public access is defined as that segment of PEG (Public, Educational, Governmental) Access where citizens have access to cable television channels for individual expression of ideas as protected by the First Amendment. Local cable franchising authorities set requirements for the noncommercial PEG channels for the local community's use.
2. Who pays for public access television?
AOC is funded by a portion of the franchise fees that Lafayette Consolidated government collects from Cox Communications. This fee is composed of 3% of each and every cable bill in Lafayette parish. Therefore, essentially, the cable customers of Lafayette parish pay for AOC, truly making it YOUR cable television station.
3. Can anything be shown on AOC?
Public access television is an open, nondiscriminatory venue that is protected by the First Amendment's freedom of speech. Public access, like other free speech, is governed by the laws regarding slander, obscenity, and libel, and is not a haven for criminal activity. The public access producer assumes any and all liability. In addition, public access programming is noncommercial and cannot be used to sell a product or service, although commercial entities can be allowed to sponsor a program and receive acknowledgment of their sponsorship.
4. Who can put programs on the public access channel?
Residents or non-profit organizations are welcome to provide programs for the access channel. The channel is available on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis.
5. What kind of programs can I make for public access?
There are a wide variety of programs that appear on AOC. They include arts, music, cultural events, public affairs, governmental issues and meetings, public service announcements for non-profit groups, children's programs, religious and educational programs, documentaries, talk shows, etc. The list of possibilities is endless.
6. How does AOC decide what to put on Channels 5 and 19?
AOC actually does NOT decide what to air on cable channels 5 and 19. Volunteer producers decide what plays on AOC by producing a variety of programs and turning them in to AOC to be aired. AOC’s volunteer producers follow specific federal regulations to ensure that their programs are appropriate for television.
7. Does AOC screen the programs for content?
No, all programs that producers turn in are screened to ensure visual and audio quality, but they are not screened for content.
8. Why don't the shows on AOC look and sound more like commercial television?
One of the many purposed of public access television is to provide a media outlet that is NOT commercially driven. All programs on AOC are required to be non-commercial in content.
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9. Do you run advertisements?
No we do not run advertisements, but we do accept underwriting
10. How do I submit a program?
To submit a program, simply come by AOC, fill out a Cablecast Contract, and drop off the program in VHS, or S-VHS format.
11. What about a regular time slot?
In order to qualify for a series program, or regular time slot, a producer must produce three programs with similar content and layout. Twice a year, producers who qualify for a series participate in a lottery to determine time slots for their programs.
12. How often can I run my program?
Several factors are taken into consideration when scheduling programs on AOC. The date and time of submission, length of program, and whether or not the program is a series are all factored in. AOC does not guarantee any set quantity of run times, but strives to allow a minimum of four air times per program.
13. What if I don't know how to make a TV program?
No problem. The equipment available is designed to be as easy to operate as possible. We also provide training in basic television production techniques, and ongoing technical assistance to producers as they develop ideas into finished productions.
14. What if I don't have my own equipment?
If you would like to make a program but do not have your own equipment, complete the AOC Cablecasting/Orientation and a workshop. You will then be certified, and therefore qualified to reserve and checkout equipment.
15. Can I hire AOC to make my program?
No, you must make your own program, however, AOC staff is available to train you to do so.
16. What equipment is available?
AOC has portable production capabilities, a television studio, and editing systems. We have lighting equipment, sound equipment, and computer graphics capabilities. All of these are available at no charge to the access producer.
17. How do I get started?
The first step for most access producers is to complete one or more workshops in the use of video production equipment. AOC offers training in several areas, and will be happy to help you make a training appointment.
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18. Can I hire AOC staff to videotape my event?
No, AOC staff work to support community volunteer producers to make their own programs. If you would like your event videotaped, it is recommended that you become a producer yourself or send someone from your organization to become a producer and get training to cover events.
19. What channels on my television are Acadiana Open Channels?
AOC can be found on Lafayette parish cable channels 5 and 19.
20. How soon will my program air on AOC?
It generally takes up to five business days, after a program has been submitted, for it run on AOC.
21. How long can programs be?
Programs can be any length, although AOC HIGHLY recommends that programs exceed no more than one hour. The viewing audience does not usually tolerate programs running longer than one hour.
22. What videotape formats are acceptable?
AOC accepts programs in VHS, S-VHS format.
23. I am appearing as a guest on an AOC production. Where do I go.?
AOC’s entrance during regular business hours is located at 704 Lee Avenue. If you are arriving after 5 pm Monday through Friday or anytime on a Saturday or Sunday, you should enter through the production entrance located at 124 E. Main.
I forgot to pick up or return my equipment at the time on my Equipment Request Form. What are the consequences?
First and foremost call AOC to let the staff know of the problem. If you are late to pick up equipment, AOC may not be able to meet your equipment request due to staffing or equipment issues. Repeat action of tardiness or lack of responsibility may lead to suspension, starting with a 30 day suspension leading all the way up to a year’s suspension of privileges.
25. I have an important issue that I would like to address on AOC. What are my options for getting on air?
Acadiana Open Channel has a program called Open Mic which is open to the public for the purpose of expressing opinions, addressing issues, or just making announcements. To appear on Open Mic, call AOC to make an appointment. Open Mic is taped on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7 pm. Other options include forming your own crew to make a show, or appearing as a guest on another producer’s program.
