5.3. SR 01-27-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CONCLUSION: Since the inception of ERtV Cable Channel 12, the City Council, city staff, and the Sherbume/Wright Counties Cable Commission have been extremely supportive of the channel's growth and development. In ~act, in anticipation of additional staff, the cable commission recently expended $25,000 on new equipment. This is small portion o£ the total $140,000 planned on being spent for upgrades, digital changeover, and new technology within the next few years. My poskion as the government access cable producer has changed over the years. In the beginning, my entire focus was on the development and growth of the access channel. I created several new programs that were incorporated into the channel lineup. Over time, my focus has spread over numerous iob duties. As a part of my job I deal with: unresolved cable customer complaints; problems caused by construction; the system changeover to fiber optic lines and digital service; new equipment and equipment related problems; yearly budget proposals and budget tracking; I attend cable commission and Minnesota Government Access Producers meetings; and complete other administrative duties as necessary. I also have other duties which include: gathering stock footage throughout the year for the annual report video; producing the annual report video; producing short tapes for presentation during meetings; assisting all departments with their audio/visual needs; taking digital photographs for use in the Current, Inside Citywide, the city website, and other city publications; and taping safety training for employees that were unable to attend the session. The time once spent solely on developing the channel now is spread over numerous iob duties that are not directly connected to the channel. Therefore, assistance is necessary for the channel to continue growing. Unfortunately, potential state aid cuts from our city budget have complicated the decision to continue to develop and enhance our government access channd. Three options have been presented to you for discussion to decide the current stares of the assistant cable producer position. Option One would allow for the continued growth and development of our government access channel. To develop the channel and increase its viewership, ERtV needs to create a news program, more features, and concentrate on community events. Community events would need to be timely. Currently, k takes at least one month to get a community event on the channd (if k makes it at all). It is important to get these items on the air one to two weeks after the events are completed. Focus also needs to be put on getting the shows we produce on within 2 to 3 days of taping. Currently, it takes at least a week, and many times longer, to get the new information on the air. Option Two would remm our channel to its status prior to the resignation of our last cable assistant. It has been difficult in the past to find and keep a person technically and creatively qualified in a part-time position. However, if we were able to locate and hire such a candidate, he/she would be able to help in the production of the meeting summary program and assist in creating stock programs or community event programs when remodeling begins. Option Three would bring us back to our core programming. Focus would be made on taping meetings, maintaining the bulletin board, and producing a very limited amount of shows. Audio/Visual assistance to departments would be limited.