Erie Government Television Channel 8
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Erie residents who subscribe to Comcast Cable receive Erie Government Television on Channel 8. Channel 8 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the control room at Town Hall. Erie Government Television is a division of the Information Services Division. |
MISSION STATEMENT
Town of Erie Government Access Television Channel, Comcast Cable Channel 8, is considered by the Town to be a valuable tool for providing the residents of Erie with information about governmental issues. As such, the Town's goal shall be to focus programming on matters pertaining to public health and safety, civics, local history and topics deemed by the Town to be of benefit or interest to our residents.
DEFINITION
The Town of Erie and Comcast Cable define Comcast Cable Channel 8 as a Government Access channel. As stated in the cable franchise agreement, and pursuant to the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 Section 611 (47 USC 531), Comcast Communications provides one downstream video channel for Government Access (Channel 8), one channel for Public/Community Access and one channel for Educational Access.
The Town of Erie defines Government Access as access where governmental institutions or their designees are the primary users, having editorial control over all programming and services.
OBJECTIVES
Based upon this Concept Plan, the Town of Erie's objectives for Erie Government Television (Comcast Cable Channel 8) are to:
1. Enhance civics knowledge
2. Enhance community identity
3. Enhance and augment communication to support the Town's mission and values
4. Utilize the sensory dimension of the medium to strengthen communication efforts
5. Integrate cable with other communications tools as part of the Town's comprehensive communication strategy
GUIDELINES
General guidelines for Erie Government Television (Comcast Cable Channel 8) are as follows:
Programming on Channel 8 is limited to Town of Erie originated or endorsed programs.
1. All material submitted is subject to editorial discretion by the Communication and Information Services Staff for technical quality and appropriateness of message in keeping with the stated objectives.
2. The development and inception of video programs by departments is strongly encouraged to be done in conjunction with the Communication and Information Services Staff.
3. Authority for program lineup rests with Communication and Information Services Staff.
4. All cablecast requests will receive a written response, and programming requests deemed more appropriate for the Public/Community or Education access channels will be directed to Comcast Communications.
5. Channel 8 shall not be utilized as a format for promotion of political candidates, agendas or specific ballot issues.
PRIORITIES
The following priorities will apply when accepting programs for Channel 8 cablecast:
1. Programming of an emergency nature involving public health or safety matters
2. Programming initiated by the Board of Trustees
3. Programming initiated by the Town Administrator
4. Programming initiated by the Public Information Staff
5. Programming initiated by a Town Department
6. Programming produced by a Town Board or Commission
Promotion
Promotion on Erie Government Television is limited in duration and restricted to the conditions of the Town's Municipal Sponsorship Marketing Policy (Resolution No. 06-38) and the Erie Parks & Recreation Department Sponsorship/Advertising Policy.
Electronic Bulletin Board & Calendars
The Town of Erie maintains electronic bulletin boards and calendar on Erie Government Television for the purpose of providing information to the public on matters related directly to the services and functions that the Town provides to its citizens. Information and notices on these calendars are limited to:
1. Town of Erie Board of Trustees and advisory board/commission meetings, study sessions and events;
2. Town of Erie sponsored events (i.e., Erie Police Department or Department of Public Works events, Erie Community Center activities, etc….);and
3. Major community events funded by the Town of Erie where the Town is recognized as a co-sponsor contributing $10,000 or more in cash and/or in-kind services.
The Town of Erie shall promote the Erie Chamber of Commerce Special Events Calendar which serves as a posting site for announcements of general community events which are not official or sponsored events of the Town. When the Town receives requests for promoting general community events, staff will reference the Erie Chamber of Commerce calendar and direct the requestor to the Erie Chamber of Commerce.
For more information please contact Information Services Manager - Robin Purdes at 303-926-2761
