I will be having a demo of Discover Video at AOTV tomorrow,
Wednesday, May 2 at 4:30-5:30PM. I thought I would invite others
if you would like to see it. Please RSVP
Carol Courville
Athol-Orange Community TV
163 South Main Street
Athol, MA 01331
978-249-4470 carol@aotv13.org
Both Central Mass and Western Mass are invited.....
Hi All,
The address for Athol-Orange Community TV is
163 South Main Street
Athol, MA 01331
978-249-4470
Let me know if you need specific directions. It's right on Route 2A.
Also, let me know if you are planning to attend...
I already have supper planned so please come.
Thanks,
Carol Courville
PS. We are in the middle of Auction Prep, so you'll get to see some of it, and we've just created a new workflow with a NAS system that a few of you were interested in.
This video explains how to set up your TelVue Princeton Server to access, upload and down load from the CMDN and MyMassTV sharing servers. You will find that the TelVue system is tightly integrated with the sharing servers, and allows for one-click upload and download from the servers. Please note that you MUST have an account with MassAccess and the Community Media Distribution network in order to use these servers. Access is free, but you must have a username and password for each server. Feel free to call me if you have any setup questions. 413-726-2922
Note that CMDN has timely daily downloads of "Democracy Now!" and they are free to download and use, but you must register with the Democracy Now organization before airing their programs
MyMassTV is currently somewhat underutilized at the moment, but does have some state-produced programming such as a consumer affairs program available for use.
I writing to everyone both on this old email list and the WMass site to arrange for a meeting of WMass community media centers on Friday, June 24 at Amherst Media, previously dba Amherst Community Television.
This will not be an official Mass Access conference but it will be an occasion for us all to set aside time to talk with one another. This will be informal, but a number of topics have been raised to be put on a meeting agenda, including:
A. Discussion of broadband in Western Mass, Wired West, Axia, and PEG centers as anchor institutions.
B. Sharing Programming - Sharing Server Costs
C. What if cable funding does go away... What can small stations do now to diversify
Please do two things if you have a chance:
1. RSVP as to whether you can make a meeting that day. We will not have any vendors or formal lunch plan but I will chip in for pizza myself.
2. Send any other topics you would like to set aside specifically for that day.
Thanks everyone. As a final FYI I am no longer representing Western Mass on the Mass Access board as I have accepted an invitation to appointment on the national board of the Alliance for Community Media. But Jim Lescault of Amherst Media has thankfully accepted the invitation of serving out my term on the Mass Access board and Western Mass will still be represented there.
URGENT! - Verizon Bill Statehous Hearing May 18, 2011
Everyone,
The Verizon legislation which was filed in 2009 has returned in 2011. A date of May 18, 2011 has been set for a Statehouse Hearing in Boston.
Talking points are currently being generated regarding this issue.
One quick elevator summation - Verizon wants to limit contract negotiation periods to approximately 95 days. Typical contracts currently often take 3 years. If you can imagine mobilizing your local government to assess,negotiate, and sign a contract in 95 days, the problem here may be evident.
In 2009, Massachusetts community media centers mobilized a group of bodies to present evidence at a similar hearing. That legislation died on the floor of the committee. It's important that we try to mobilize support from with our group and, as importantly, our own constituencies who utilize and benefit from our services...
local churches
local nonprofits
local producers
local schools
local government
the community at large
...essentially anyone with which you have a relationship can either testify or, at the least, offer a phone call, letter, email.
In addition, and importantly, the Senate Chair of the committee is from Western Mass - Benjamin Downing of Pittsfield (Berkshire, Hampshire, and Franklin counties). It's important for Western Mass, and especially for those communities he represents and who have connections to him.
Also on the committee is Representative Michael Knapik of Westfield.who represents areas of Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield, Blandford, Chester, Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Easthampton and Southampton.
If we can generate enough critical mass interest in Western Mass we could consider renting a bus to travel to Boston on that day. I realize I recently sent a notice indicating interest to meet regarding broadband issues, but given this new and sudden timeline, is there interest to meet earlier to talk about this issue?
Hatfield's station will be without a director starting April 2. We are looking for someone who can keep our programming up to date with the Nexus server. Your time will be well compensated. If interested please contact Mark Stein at muv at comcast dot net. Thanks.
It's a great idea. I am in, let me know if you need anything.
Other topics for the mini conference might be...
How about discussing future funding for smaller stations
- With broadband: Access to the internet for PEG Programming
- Sharing Programming - Sharing Server Costs
- what if cable funding does go away... What can small stations do now to diversify
There are a number of groups who have been and continue to work to bring broadband services to all of Western Massachusetts. I propose that this broadband implementation is intimately intertwined with the current and future role of the PEG model. While current projects are dealing with middle mile expansion, last mile considerations have already begun, particularly with groups such as Wired West. The role of PEG (and other) community media centers as anchor institutions needs to begun being addressed today. There has already been interest expressed in gathering Western Mass PEG center representatives with those of the MBI and Axia, who has been selected to run the middle mile network.
It is with these concerns, and with any others you may have, and because we have not had a caucus of our Western Mass centers, that I would like to solicit interest in having a meeting.
I may be speaking in tongues to some who receive this. One of the particular challenges we face in Western Mass is being underfunded and understaffed. If so, even more reason.
I'm currently also planning the next Mass Access Mini-Conference, and one distinct possibility is to hold multiple statewide mini-conferences, the Western Mass one focusing on issues such as these.
Please do respond with your thoughts. I know you are busy. If you have to, send me a private email to nctv@northamptontv.org
The Town of Hatfield is seeking a dynamic video professional to fill the part time position of Director, HCTV-15, our public access station. You will be responsible for all aspects of station operations and planning for future needs. We are looking for an individual who believes in the public access mission, and has both the analog and digital skills to broadcast government meetings and public interest programming across cable and web platforms. Direct all aspects of a small town station that is just starting to retool for a digital future and will be negotiating our cable provider license as soon as you come aboard. For a full job description and application instructions please go to http://www.townofhat...ommunity-television/
Mark Stein, Chair
Hatfield Cable Advisory Committee
Details are finalized for the Western MA bus to the Camera Company Video Show on Friday, March 11, 2011. The bus will leave for the Sears Automotive Center parking lot at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, MA on Friday, March 11 at 8:00AM and will leave the show at 4:30PM. We have a 45 Passenger Motor Coach, so all are invited and encouraged to come. There is NO charge for bus, and the bus will stop at a rest stop once on each trip. I would like to get a head-count if at all possible, so, if you haven't already responded, and plan to come, please call Chip Gorra at 413-726-2922 or at cgorra@cameraco.com. We look forward to seeing everyone at the show!
MassAccess membership is based on a calendar year. (You may want to join or renew)
2011 is already looking to be an active year for PEG Access around the State.
-The Verizon Bill has been re-introduced into the State Legislature.
-The MassAccess new program sharing server is nearly ready to be released.
-A new MassAccess List-serv is also about to be released.
Please send your form and membership fee in today.
Attachment:
application/pdf icon
Membership Renewal Form 2011.pdf
P-T Job opening (Application date extended to 3/5/11
PUBLIC TELEVISION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
The Program Coordinator’s primary function is to schedule and organize the programming for the Public Access Television station’s Public, Education and Government Access channels. Automate the daily programming and ensure a smooth system for cable casting of programs and tapes. Serve as the central delivery point for all incoming programs to be scheduled on the channels, working with producers and “imported” program contacts. Work with volunteers on creating program proposals to be presented to station director. Schedules crew members and talent for recordings as necessary. Research and obtain additional programs and PSAs that are relevant to the community. Maintain a database of programs.
For more information or to apply go to: http://www.wilbraham...Resources/employment
Camera Company is sponsoring it’s 21st annual Pro Video Show at the Holiday Inn in Dedham, MA on Friday March 11, 2011 and Saturday, March 12 from 9AM to 5PM. Camera Company will be sponsoring a complimentary motor coach from Western Mass to the show on Friday, March 11. last year’s show was a big success, and the show promises to be bigger and more interesting this year, with more manufacturer’s representatives, more expert seminars, and more free seminars than ever before. PEG stations employees, volunteers and students are invited to attend, and may also take advantage of the complimentary transplantation. Contact Chip Gorra at 413-726-2922 for reservations and space availability.
This may help you with annual reports - ACM Salary Review
2011 ACM Salary Survey - It's that time of year again!
Below is a link to the 2011 Alliance for Community Media Salary Survey.
Please click on the link and fill out the form by February 28, 2011. The survey results will be sent out to participants in early March. This year th is is a national survey survey and the more centers that respond, the more valuable the information for everyone who participates.
Wilbraham Public Access covered the Hampden County DA Forum at AIC Aug 24, 2010 - we hope to post it to the TelVue sharing server on Mon, Aug 30.
ELCAT & WPA will be covering the HCDA Debate at WNEC on Sept 6 and will post that on the sharing server as well.
WPA also covered the Mass Dept of Public Utilities hearing on the WMECo Proposed Rate Change on Thurs, Aug 26, 2010 in Springfield and hope to post that to TelVue on Mon as well.
I have DVD's available if anyone wants one.
Caroline
Caroline Cunningham
Executive Director
Wilbraham Public Access
28 Springfield Street
Wilbraham, MA 01095
(413) 599-0940 ccunningham@wilbraham-ma.gov
Northampton Community Television covered the debate between Northwestern District Attorney candidates Cahillane and Sullivan last Tuesday, August 24, 2010. The show is available for download as an MPEG 2 Layer 2 file that is the server standard. (This file can be encoded as needed).
In addition, the Northampton Community Television coverage of Thom Hartman's presentation on May 28 in Northampton is available for similar download.
Those of you who can download PSAs and shows electronically via FTP and wish to include the Montague Soapbox Races PSAs and 1-hour build party show in your cablecast program schedule can grab the files from the Princeton Server Group's server. Contact me for FTP info.
The race entry deadline has been extended to August 30th. Race date is Sunday, September 19th in Turners Falls.
This soapbox derby / race is a fundraiser for Montague Community TV. All help that can be given by other public access stations would be welcomed and appreciated.
If you cannot download the shows, or air digital files, and wish to have these programs mailed to you, please contact me with your address. You can reply to this email, or click on my username on the website.
WesternMA Connect, Inc. July 2010 Broadband Update
MBI Application Successful!
On July 2, 2010, Governor Deval Patrick and members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation announced that the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) had been awarded $45.4 million of federal ARRA funds. These funds will be used to construct over 1,100 miles of fiber-optic middle-mile infrastructure in western and north central Massachusetts. The award was formally announced at a ceremony held on July 8 at Greenfield Community College. Event attendees included U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, U.S. Senator John Kerry, Governor Patrick, and Congressmen Richard Neal and John Olver. Both Senator Kerry and Congressman Olver recognized Connect for its decade-long support for the creation of an advanced telecommunications landscape throughout the region. All speakers made reference to the many letters received in support of the application. Your compelling stories definitely impacted the application outcome. Thank you to everyone who submitted letters and congratulations to the MBI!
What Does This Mean For You?
In 2008, Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts Legislature established the MBI with the mission to extend affordable high-speed Internet access to ALL residential, commercial and public places across the Commonwealth. This new federal award will be combined with the $26 million of state funding already in place to make this a reality. Internet service providers have stated that once the MBI's network is complete, it will become more cost effective for them to bring high-speed Internet access to those who currently have none.
What's Next?
In the coming months, the MBI will continue to be very busy designing and engineering the network, negotiating access to state-owned assets, forming partnerships to support network deployment, and encouraging the telecommunications industry to be prepared to provide services and invest in the region. Meanwhile, the MBI has contracted with Connect to work collaboratively with regional planning agencies, local municipalities, and other organizations to ensure that this network is constructed as quickly, cost-effectively and efficiently as possible. Under the terms of the federal grant, two-thirds of the project must be built by 2012 and the network completed in 2013. This is a huge undertaking. Although you may not visually see progress right away, be assured that the MBI and many others are working diligently to meet the federal timeline and requirements set.
How Can You Help?
If you have not already done so, please visit http://www.massbroadband.org/mapping/survey.html and complete the online survey. Encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. This information will assist the MBI in its effort to more accurately map where broadband does and does not exist. If you are an elected official or local department head, please respond to outreach conducted by the MBI and Connect. This network cannot succeed without your participation!
Wilbraham Public Access TV will host a demonstration of the new JVC-GH-HM790 studio camera system on Monday, July 19 at their studios: 28 Springfield Street, Wilbraham. Mr. Ken Freed, Northeast Regional Manager for JVC Professional products will demonstrate the studio system, and will entertain questions about studio setup and installation during his visit; refreshments will be served, sponsored by The Camera Company. To RSVP, call Caroline Cunningham at 413-433-7331
[ From the OOOPS! Department: the date of the Race has changed, so if you downloaded the slides, you'll need to download them again and re-import them into your PSAs. My deepest apologies. -Mik ]
Hey all,
Through MCTV, we're hosting a soapbox derby in September up here in Turners Falls.
If you're interested in putting up a PSA for us, here's a ZIP file of a bunch of BMP slides. Play one or two or all of them.
Obviously MCTV will be shooting the event (four-cameras, Anycast, appx 5 hours long) but you're all more than welcome to come out and either help shoot or operate a camera, or do a single camera hand-held to create your own mini-piece about the day. It should be pretty damn cool.
- Mon, Nov 14, 2011, 4:56 P
