ACTVOPERATINGRULES&PROCEDURES

MissionStatement

Aurora Community Television’s mission is to provide equal and open access tocurrentcommunicationand informationacquisition technology forresidents,non‐profit organizations, and educational and governmental institutions in theAuroraarea. This is achieved by offering the opportunity for residents to exercise theirFirst Amendment right to freedom of speech by providing technical training,equipment,facilities,andprogrammingopportunitiesontheCityofAurora’spublicaccesstelevisionchannel.

Goals

To make available the expansive opportunities for free expression by utilizingcommunity television for cultural, educational, health, environmental,entertainment,socialservice,civic,community,andothernon‐profitpurposes.

• to promote community awareness and public understanding of theopportunitiesandbenefitsofpublicaccessutilization.

• to encourage programming by, about, and for all segments of the city,thereby nurturing communication and dialogue among the Aurora area’sdiversepeoples,neighborhoods,institutions,andorganizations.

• toprovide training, equipment, facilitiesand technical assistanceonanon‐discriminatorybasisfornon‐profitandnon‐commercialpurposes.

• toprogram theaccess channel(s) inwayswhichgeneratebroad‐basedandspecificinterest.

• to assure community involvement and diversity of participation in allorganizationalactivities.

• to develop a constituency willing to support the spirit of free speech andequalaccessforall.

Thepurposeoftheserulesandregulationsistoprotectthepublicaccesssystemforthe benefit of all residents, increase freedom of expression and assure that allresidentshaveequalaccesstothispowerfulcommunicationtool.

AuroraCommunityTelevision

5EastDownerPlace,SuiteT

Aurora,IL60505

Tel:(630)844­1826

Fax:(630)801­5124

SectionOne ELIGIBILITY

1.1 ACTV equipment and facilities are available to ACTV certified accessusersprovidedthathe/she:

1.1.1 has completed the appropriate training classes or waiver for trainingoperatingsaidequipment.

1.1.2 ismakingaprogramforACTVbroadcast.

1.1.3 ismakingaprogramfornon‐profit,non‐commercialpurposes.

1.1.4 obeyallrulesandregulationsadoptedbyACTVandtheCityofAurora.

1.2 Personseligibletobecomecertifiedaccessusersinclude:

1.2.1 residents of the ACTV service area, which is identified as Aurora, NorthAurora,Montgomery,Oswego,Bristol, and the surrounding area thatACTVreachesonthevideoserviceprovider’ssystem(s).

1.2.2 membersandemployeesofnon‐profitorganizationsservingtheAuroraareawhowillbeproducingprojectsonbehalfofnon‐profitorganizations.

1.2.3 employees and officers of governmental bodies, schools, and businesses intheACTVservicearea.

1.2.4 area residents under the age of eighteen (18). ACTV encourages theparticipation of younger residents and invites them to take advantage ofACTV’s media opportunities. Media usage applicants under the age ofeighteen(18)yearsofagemusthavetheirparentor legalguardianco‐signalldocuments.Theco‐signerisresponsible,alongwiththeuser,forallcoststhat may be incurred from damage to facilities and equipment other thannormalwearandtear.Thereisaminimumagerequirementofthirteen(13)years of age. These conditions may be waived by ACTV management i.e.educational classes conducted by a teacher or administratorwho is also acertifiedACTVaccess producer andwho is under thedirect supervision ofACTVstaff.

1.2.5 a person residing outside the ACTV service area may be eligible toparticipate providing that programming relates to the Aurora area, isapprovedbyACTVmanagement,andarequiredone‐timeout‐of‐areafeeof$100isprovided.

1.3 ProvingEligibility

1.3.1 anindividualusermustprovideproofofresidencyandage.

1.3.2 a user representing a non‐profit organization or institution will beresponsibleforsubmitting:

1.3.2.1 a letter from a senior management official at the non‐profitorganization,onletterhead,authorizinganddescribingACTVinvolvement.

1.3.2.2proofofthenon‐profit’sstreetaddressandlocaltelephonenumber.

1.3.2.3proofofnon‐profitstatus.

1.4 ClassificationsofProducers(CertifiedAccessUsers)

AuroraCommunityTelevisionhasthreeclassificationsofproducers:

1.4.1 Community Producer – an individual or member of a non‐profitorganizationintheACTVservicearea.Communityproducersarerequiredtofulfilltherequirementsdescribedinsections1.1–1.3,andtohavesatisfiedtheequipmentdepositrequirement.

1.4.2 Government Producer – an employee, officer, or board member of agovernment entity who will only produce programming on behalf of saidentity. Government producers are required to fulfill the requirementsdescribed in sections 1.1 – 1.3, but do not have to satisfy the equipmentdepositrequirement.

1.4.3 Educational Producer – an employee, officer, or board member of anaccreditededucationalentitywhowillonlyproduceprogrammingonbehalfofsaidentity.Educationalproducersarerequiredtofulfilltherequirementsdescribed in sections 1.1 – 1.3, but do not have to satisfy the equipmentdepositrequirement.

1.5 WhatisCertification?

1.5.1 CertificationbyACTVacknowledgesthatacertifiedaccessuseriseligibletouseACTVproductionequipment,facilities,andotherapprovedresources.

1.5.2 ACTVwillnotguaranteethecommitmentofanycertifiedaccessusertoanyother potential user. Productions will be the sole responsibility of thosecertifiedaccessuserswhovoluntarilyagreetoparticipate.

1.5.3 OtherthanforauthorizedACTVtraining,orunlessauthorizedinadvancebyACTV management, at no time is a non‐certified access user allowed tooperateACTVproductionequipmentandfacilities.

SectionTwo

AVAILABILITYOFFACILITIESANDEQUIPMENT

Media facilities and equipment will be made available to certified ACTVaccessusersonanon‐discriminatorybasisundertheseconditions:

2.1 CompletionofTrainingCourses.AccessusersmustsuccessfullycompletetherequiredACTVtrainingcoursesandtheevaluationgivenattheendofthecoursetoobtaincertification.

2.2 Demonstrationofknowledgeandskill.InlieuofACTVtraining,applicantsmaydemonstratetoACTVstaff,onastandardtest,theknowledgeandskillsrequired to use ACTV facilities and equipment. The test may be eitherwritten,practicalorbothandwillbeadministeredbyanACTVstaffmember.AlldecisionsbyACTVstaffandmanagementwillbefinal.

2.3. ACTVcertificationcard.CertificationcardssignifythecompletionofACTVtraining or demonstration of skill and experience. CARDS ARE VALID FORONEYEARFROMDATEOFISSUE.Theyareautomaticallyrenewedannuallyif the individual participates in at least one ACTV‐related media projectduringtheyear(rolling12months).

2.4 Adherence to ACTV rules and procedures. Certified access users mustobeyallrulesandstandardoperatingproceduresofACTV.

2.4.1 Inaddition, thecertifiedaccessusermusttakeresponsibility forthesafety,proper use and care of the equipment or facility assigned to his/her care,custodyandcontrol.

2.4.2 Accept financial responsibility for any damage to equipment or facilitiesbeyondnormalwearandtear,oranylossortheftofequipmentassignedtohis/heruse,includinganyapplicableinsurancedeductible.

2.5 Equipment Deposit. Certified access users who will be taking anyequipmentoutoftheACTVfacilitywillberequiredtosubmitadepositthatiskeptbytheCityofAurora.A$100depositisrequiredforanindividualanda$500 deposit for an organization. The deposit will be returned once thecertifiedaccessuserterminateshis involvementwithACTVprovidingthereare no outstanding issues regarding broken equipment,monies owed, etc.,andawrittenrequestisprovidedtoACTVmanagement.

2.6 Requirements.Oncecertified,accessusersarerequiredtoparticipateinatleast one production per calendar year. Failure to do so will result inrevocation of the user’s access certificationprivileges. The access userwillthenberequiredtosuccessfullycompleteanewpublicaccesscertification‐training course or demonstrate proficiency through a written/practicalexamination.

2.7 Limitations.

2.7.1 ACTVequipmentandfacilitiesmayonlybeusedbyACTVaccessuserswithvalidcertificationandwhoarecurrentwith fulfillmentofanyandallotherobligationstoACTV.

2.7.2 NoprivateorcommercialuseofACTVproductionequipmentandfacilitiesispermitted.

2.7.3 No person or organization may conduct training using ACTV equipment,facilities or resources without prior approval in writing from ACTVmanagement.

2.7.4 No one except ACTV may use equipment, facilities or channel(s) forfundraisingpurposes.

2.7.5 Although ACTV will strive to maintain its equipment and facilities foroptimumusage,ACTV isnot responsible for anydelayorpostponementofproductions resulting from technical failure. In such instances, ACTV willattempttoprovidealternateequipmentassoonaspossible.

2.7.6 Certifiedaccessusersworkingonaprojectorseriesaspartofa teammayshareplanning,organizing,directingandothertasksinordertocompletetheproject in a timely manner. However, the team must designate one (1)certified access user for the duration of the project or series with finalresponsibility and accountability for the equipment and facilities use,programsubmission,andmediahandling.Thiscertifiedaccessusermustbeidentified to ACTV staff. No agreements arranged between the teammemberswillbepermittedtoimpair,supersedeortranscendtheconditionsof agreement regarding programming, certification or equipment andfacilitiesusebetweenthecertifiedaccessusersandACTV.

2.7.7 It is in the best interest of ACTV and all certified access users that ACTVequipment and facilities be denied to a user who fails to demonstrateproficiency.Insuchinstances,theusermay:

2.7.7.1 have a proficient/certified access user operate the equipment orfacilities.

2.7.7.2.transfertheprojecttoaproficient/certifiedaccessuser.

2.7.7.3successfully complete a new public access certification‐trainingcourseordemonstrateproficiencythroughawritten/practicalexamination

SectionThree

ACTVSTAFFRESPONSIBILITIES

ThepurposeofAuroraCommunityTelevision/PublicAccess,itsstaff,facilities,andequipmentistoprovideaforumforindividualsandnon‐profitorganizationstouseelectronicmedia to share information. ACTV staff shall facilitate the usage of itsequipmentbythepublicaccordingtotheseOperatingRulesandProcedures.UseofACTVequipmentmaybedeniedforactivitieswhoseprimarypurposeoruseisotherthan broadcasting on ACTV channel(s) or contrary to the purposes of public,educationalorgovernmentaccessintheAuroraarea.

3.1 StaffAssistance.TheprimarypurposeofACTVstaffistotrainindividualstouse ACTV facilities and equipment. Once trained, staff will assist certifiedaccessusersinplanningprojectsandassemblingvolunteers.ACTVstaffwillnotproduceprojectsforcommunitymembersorcertifiedaccessusers.

3.2 Training forOrganizationsand Individuals. ACTVwill provideperiodictraining through public access certification courses in an effort to increasetheoutreach toproducerswithin the community. Organizationsor groupswith eight (8) participants may request off‐schedule training. ACTVmanagementreservestherighttosuspendtrainingactivitiesatanytime.

3.3 User Suggestions and Comments. ACTV welcomes suggestions andcommentsfromusersonmattersofoperationsandservice.CertifiedaccessusersareinvitedtodiscussthesematterswiththeACTVstaff.

3.3.1 Asviewersof communityaccess television, certifiedaccessusersareencouraged to notify ACTV and their video service provider wheneverprogrammingdisruptions occur or other technical difficulties are observedontheACTVchannel(s).

SectionFour

ACCESSUSERRESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 Equipment and Facilities. Certified access users assume fullresponsibilityfortheuseofACTVfacilitiesandequipment.Theywillbe liable for damage, misuse or theft occurring while theequipment/facilities are in their possession or control. All certifiedaccessuserprivilegeswillberevokedandrestitutionwillbemade.

4.2 Reporting of Issues. All certified access users are responsible forreportinganymalfunctionordamagetoequipment.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedtoremote,studio,editing,anddubbing.

4.3. Program Content. Certified access users/community producersassume full responsibility for program content and have the soleresponsibility for obtaining all necessary rights to programproduction materials. This includes all necessary literary, artistic,intellectual, performing and music rights as well as necessaryclearance from the owners of licenses of such material. Certifiedaccess users/community producers must be able to document, inwriting, thatbroadcastingofparticularmaterialdoesnotviolate therightsofathirdparty.

4.4 Indemnification. Certifiedaccessusers/communityproducersshallindemnify and hold harmless the City of Aurora, ACTV and its staff,andthevideoserviceprovideruponwhosesystemtheprogrammingis carried, fromandagainst anydamages, liability, includingbutnotlimitedtoattorney’sfees,forthefollowing:abreachofanyprovisioncontainedherein:libel,slander,invasionofprivacyorinfringementofcopyright; failure to comply with any applicable law, regulation orotherrequirementof local,stateorfederalauthorities;unauthorizeduseofatrademark,tradenameorservicemark;breachofcontractualorotherobligationowingbytheproducertothirdparties;andotherinjuryordamageinlaworequityarisingorallegedtohavearisenastheresultofthebroadcastofsuchprogramming.

4.5 Identification. Certifiedaccessusersof theACTVvideoproductionequipmentmusttakeallreasonablemeasuresto identifythemselvesto persons being videotaped carry a valid ACTV Certified PublicAccess User card, and to have release forms signed. The certifiedaccess usermustNOT identify himself or herself as an employee ofACTV,theCityofAurora,orvideoserviceprovider,atanytime.

4.6 Release Forms, Approvals, Clearances, Licenses, etc. A certifiedaccessusermustobtain,inwriting,andkeeprecordsofallnecessaryapprovals, clearances, licenses, etc., for the use of any programmaterial to be broadcast. This includes, but is not limited to,approvalsbybroadcaststations,networks,sponsors,music licensingorganizations,copyrightowners,performers’representatives,andallpersons featured in the program material and any other approvalsthatmaybenecessarytotransmittheprogramviaAuroraCommunityTelevision.

4.7 Logo TheCityofAuroralogoandtheACTVlogoarethepropertyofthe City of Aurora andmay not be used in anymanner. Use of theACTV, or City of Aurora name requires priorwritten approval fromACTVmanagement.

4.8 UseofFacilities.

4.8.1 Equipment and facility use policies are determined by ACTVmanagement.

4.8.2 UseofACTVvideoproductionequipmentmustresultinprogrammingforACTVchannel(s)broadcast.

4.8.3. Smoking,eatingordrinkingarenotallowedinACTVstudio,controloreditingsuites.

4.8.4 ACTVstaffhastheright torefuseordiscontinueuseof facilitiesandequipment to any personwho appears to be under the influence ofalcoholordrugs,notinfullcontrolofhisorherbehaviororengagesin inappropriate conduct. Certified access users are responsible forensuring that all crew, talent, and guests obey all ACTV rules andregulations.Certifiedaccessuserwillbeheldresponsibleforanyruleviolation(s) by crew, talent, and guests. An adult must supervisechildrenatalltimes.

4.8.5. Certifiedaccessusersmustbeon‐siteatalltimesduringproduction,whether studio, editing, oron‐location. If the accessuser isnoton‐siteor leavesduringtheproduction,ACTVstaffreservestherighttostop theproduction. Thecertifiedaccessuser’sprivilegesmay thenbesuspended.

4.8.6 Certifiedaccessusersandguestsmustvacatefacilityontime.

4.8.7 Certified access users and guestsmay not sell goods or services onACTV premises, or distribute materials without ACTV managementapproval. Solicitation for contributions or petitioning is notpermitted.

4.8.8 ACTVisnotresponsibleforpersonalpropertyleftonthepremises.

4.8.9 If the ACTV facilities are determined by staff to be technicallyinoperable for program production, or when the weather issufficientlysevereenoughtoclosethefacility,ACTVstaffshallnotifyusers on the premises and shall attempt to notify any other usersaffected.Userswho lose their timewillbeoffered thenextavailabletime.

4.8.10 ACTVisnotresponsibleforerasure,damagedtoorlossofvideotape.

4.8.11 Certified access users must not attempt to adjust or repair anyequipment, and are instructed to inform ACTV staff if a piece ofequipment is found to be in need of repair. Failure to do so couldresultinsuspensionofprivileges.

SectionFive OPERATIONS

5.1 HoursofOperation.TheACTVfacilityisopentothepublicunderthefollowingschedule:

Monday–Thursday 9am–9pm

Friday 9am‐5pm

Saturday 10am‐4pm

Sunday Closed

ACTVisclosedonthefollowingholidays:

NewYear’sDay MemorialDay

IndependenceDay LaborDay

DayafterThanksgiving ChristmasDay

Veteran’sDay ThanksgivingDay

5.1 HoursofOperation.(Continued)

TheACTVfacilitymaybeclosedondayssurroundingtheaboveholidays. Ifsuch an event occurs,ACTVwillmake every attempt to give at least thirty(30)daysnoticepriortotheclosing.

5.2 Facilities Scheduling. Certified access users may schedule ACTVfacilities for program production. Requests for use of facilities andequipment must include the subject and other information that may berequested by ACTV staff. To encourage use by as many individuals andorganizationsaspossible,limitswillbeestablishedonthetimesthefacilitiesandequipmentcanbereservedforuse.Suchlimitsmaychangefromtimetotime, and will be posted in the ACTV facility when changes occur. Allreservationswillbehonoredinsequenceofreceipt.

5.2.1 LimitsforFacilityandRemoteEquipmentUsage

Facility/Equipment WeeklyLimitMonthlyLimit

StudioProductions 4hoursperweek 8hourspermonth

RemoteEquipment weekends‐2permonth 6permonth

weekdays‐4permonth

Editing 12hoursperweek 48hourspermonth

DubbingStation 12hoursperweek 24hourspermonth

5.2.2 In order to assist certified access users in the completion of theirprograms,ACTV reserves the right to allowcertified accessusers toexceed the use limits only if it does not interfere with any othercertified access user’s ability to have access to the facility andequipment.

5.3 StudioFacilities.

5.3.1 Reservations. Advance reservations are necessary. Reservations aremadeonafirst‐come,first‐servedbasis.Theymaybemadeuptoonecalendarmonth inadvance.The televisionstudiomustbescheduledatleastoneweekinadvanceofuseandeditingequipmentatleasttwodaysinadvance.

5.3.2 ArrivalTimes.Certifiedaccessusersshouldarriveintimetomanageany pre‐production issues, organize crew, test equipment andcoordinatefinaldetails.

5.3.3 Certifiedaccessusersmustremoveprops,flats,setpieces,equipmentanddebrisfromthestudioandcontrolroomareasafteruse.Failuretodosomayresultinrevocationofaccessprivileges.

5.3.4 Certified access users are responsible for securing their ownproductioncrew.

5.4. PortableEquipment

5.4.1 Reservationsaretakenonafirst‐come,first‐servedbasis.

5.4.2. Equipmentreservationsarefortwenty‐four(24)hours.e.g.ifremoteequipmentispickedupat4pmonTuesdayitisduebacktoACTVby4pmonWednesday.Similarly,ifremoteequipmentischeckedoutonSaturdayat11am,itisduebacktoACTVonMondayat11am.

5.4.3 Equipmentreservationsontheweekendsarescheduledaccordingtothefollowing:

5.4.3.1FridaytoSaturdaywithreturnby11:00amonSaturday

5.4.3.2Saturdaywithpick‐upbetweennoonand3:30pmandreturnonMondayby5pm

5.4.4 ACTVWILLNOTberesponsible for theavailabilityofequipmentorfacilities ifcertifiedaccessuserdoesnotarrivewithinthescheduledtimes.

5.4.5 Persons with equipment reservations should arrive on time andexpectaminimumof fifteen(15)minutes tocomplete thecheckoutprocedure.Certifiedaccessuserwillberesponsibleforrequestingallnecessaryequipmentandisrequiredtodouble‐checktheirequipmentbefore leaving the ACTV facility. ACTV is not responsible forequipmentrequestedandnotincludedoncethecertifiedaccessuserleavesthefacility.

5.4.6 Equipment must be checked out, signed for, and returned by thecertifiedaccessusermakingthereservation.

5.4.7 CertifiedaccessusersarenotallowedtotakeACTVequipmentmorethantwenty‐five(25)milesoutsideoftheCityofAurorawithoutpriorpermission,inwriting,fromACTVmanagement.

5.5 EditingEquipment

5.5.1 Schedulingprocedure.Certifiedaccessusersmayreserveeditingtimeuptoone(1)calendarmonthinadvance.Onlytwo(2)requestsmaybesubmittedperweek.NOEXCEPTIONS.

5.5.2 Editing facilities are to be used only for programming on the ACTVchannel (s). Unauthorized use may result in revocation of accessprivileges.

5.5.3 Allmaterialsmustbecleanedupandproperlystoredpriortoleavingtheeditingsuite.

5.6 DubbingStation

ThestationisavailableforDVDduplicationofmastertapesproducedwithACTV equipment and facilities accepted andmaintained in ourprogramminglibrary.

5.6.1 Tapesmustpassthetechnicalcheckbeforetheycanbedubbed.

5.6.2 CertifiedaccessusersmustfurnishtheirownDVD/VHSmedia.ACTVdoesnotsellmediaforthispurpose.

5.6.3 Certifiedaccessusersmustoperatetheequipmentandmonitortheirrecordings. ACTV is not responsible for dubbing interruptions,damagetomedia,orpoorqualityrecordings.

5.6.4 Reservationsmustbemadeinpersonorviafaxduringregularhoursofoperationnolessthanone(1)daypriortotherequestedtime.

5.6.5 DubbinghoursarethesameasACTVbusinesshours.

5.6.6 Dubbingwillnotbepermittedbeyondscheduledclosing timeof thefacility.

5.6.7 Amaximumoffour(4)hoursofdubbingtimeperpersonpersessionmaybereservedbyacertifiedaccessuser.ACTVmayrevisedubbingtimeasnecessary to reflect the total lengthof theprogram(s)beingdubbedandtooptimizeaccesstothedubbingstation.

5.7 Penalties

5.7.1 EquipmentandFacilities

5.7.1.1Certified access users who cancel a reservation within 24hoursbeforethescheduleddatewithoutareasonthatissatisfactoryto ACTV management will be issued a written warning. A secondoccurrencewithinsix (6)monthswill result in forfeitureofcertifiedaccessuserprivilegesforsix(6)months,effectivefromthedayoftheviolation.CertifiedaccessuserswhofailtonotifyACTVinadvanceofacancellation will forfeit access user privileges for two (2) monthseffectivefromthedayaftertheviolation.

5.7.1.2Certified access userswho are late to a sessionmust contactACTVnolaterthanonehalfhourintothescheduledsessiontoretainuse of the time or the session will be made available to the firsteligibleuserwhorequeststhetime.Excessivetardinesswillresultinawritten warning, and could result in suspension of access userprivileges.

5.7.1.3Certifiedaccessusers,whofailtovacatethestudio,editing,orotherfacilitiesattheendoftheirreservedtime,oratthecloseoftheACTV facility, will receive a written warning. A second violationwithin six (6) months will result in a six (6) month suspension ofaccessuserprivilegeseffectivethedayaftertheviolation.

5.7.1.4 Certified access users who fail to return equipment by thescheduled return time will have their access user privilegessuspendedforsix(6)months.

5.7.2 Loss,TheftoforDamagetoEquipment/Facilities

5.7.2.1IfanyACTVproductionequipmentisdamagedbeyondnormalwear and tear, lost, stolen or inoperable, or if any ACTV facilityequipment isdamagedbeyondnormalwearandtear,asdeterminedby the ACTV staff, a written assessment of the cost of repair orreplacement including labor and administrative expenses will beforwardedtothecertifiedaccessuserofrecordandheldaccountableforthedamagesforpromptpaymenttotheCityofAurora.

5.7.2.2ACTVmay reserve the right to suspend certified access userprivilegesuntilpaymentismade.Intheeventthecertifiedaccessuserfailstomeetthetermsofrepayment,thecasemaybesubmittedtotheCityofAuroraLegalDepartmentforresolution.

5.7.3 Suspension

5.7.3.1 Violation of theses policies and procedures will subjectcertifiedaccessuserstoallapplicablelocal,stateandfederallawsandmay result in penalties, including the suspension or revocation ofaccessprivileges.

5.7.3.2Suspension means that, effective from the date of thenotification, the certified access usermay not schedule, checkout oroperate ACTV production equipment or facilities, or handle ACTVvideotapes/media,etc.,orenrollinACTVtrainingclasses.

5.7.3.3Suspended certified access users may be allowed on thepremises to submit programs for broadcast, but are banned fromgoing beyond the lobby area ofACTV facility during the duration ofthesuspension.

5.7.3.4Allactiveprojectswillremainactiveforamaximumofone(1)year from the initial equipment use, excluding the period ofsuspension. Any and all active projects undertaken by a suspendedaccess user may be transferred to a certified access user, providedthey are in good standing and must be approved by ACTVmanagement.

5.7.3.5The following violations of ACTV Operating Rules andProcedures will result in immediate suspension of certified accessuserprivilegesincludinguseofACTVequipment,facilities,andmediause privileges. Repeat or severe offenses may result in permanentrevocationofprivileges.

5.7.3.5.1 Making false or misleading statements on anyACTV document, or tampering with an ACTVcertificationcard.

5.7.3.5.2 UseofACTVequipmentorfacilitiesorprogramsproduced at ACTV for commercial or profit‐makingpurposes.

5.7.3.5.3 Use of equipment or facilities for any purposenot related to the production of programs forbroadcastonACTVchannel(s), unless approvedinadvancebyACTVmanagement.

5.7.3.5.4 Removal of ACTV property from the ACTVfacility without proper approved checkoutpaperwork and supervision by an ACTV staffmember.

5.7.3.5.5 Reserving for, checking‐out for, or permittinguseofequipmentbynon‐certifiedorsuspendedaccessusers.

5.7.3.5.6 Repeated orwillful disregard for ACTV policiesandprocedures.

5.7.3.5.7 Falserepresentationbyanycertifiedaccessuserin public or private as an employee or agent ofACTV.

5.7.3.5.8 Withholding informationonneglect or abuseofACTVequipmentorfacilities.

5.7.3.5.9 Physical or verbal abuse or harassment of anyCityofAuroraemployee,certifiedaccessuser,orvisitor.

5.7.3.5.10 ExchangeofACTVbroadcast timeformoney,oranyotheritem(s)ofvalue.

5.7.3.5.11 Failure to fulfill financial obligation to ACTV ortheCityofAurora.

5.7.3.5.12 Smokingonthepremises.

5.7.3.5.13 UseofalcoholorillegalsubstancesontheACTVpremises, or while utilizing any ACTVequipment.

5.7.3.5.14 TheftorvandalismofthepropertyofACTV,CityofAurora,itsemployees,certifiedaccessusersorvisitors.

5.7.3.5.15 Bringing on the premises any live ammunition,incendiary devices/displays, firearms or othertypesofweapons.

5.8 EligibilityforProgramPlayback

5.8.1 General Requirements. Broadcast time is available provided thesubmitted program is produced by an ACTV certified access user,government or educational access user or sponsored by an arearesident with prior ACTV management approval. Priority will begiventolocallyproducedprograms.Forthepurposeofthesesections,‘locally produced programs’ are defined as programs produced bycertified ACTV access users in which a majority of the program isvideotapedor broadcast by certifiedACTV access users usingACTVservices,facilities,andequipment.

5.8.2 Programming Liability. All certified access users presenting avideotape or other media for broadcast on a public access channelmanaged by ACTV shall agree in writing as a condition of thebroadcast to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Aurora, ACTVanditsemployees,andthevideosystemprovideruponwhosesystemthe program is carried, from and against any damages, liabilities,includingbutnotlimitedtoattorney’sfees,forthefollowing:abreachof any other provisions contained herein: libel, slander, invasion ofprivacy or infringement of copyright; failure to comply with anapplicable law, regulation or other requirement of local, state orfederal authorities; unauthorized use of trademark, trade name orservicemark;breachofcontractualorotherobligationowingbytheusertothirdparties;andanyotherinjuryordamageinlaworequityarisingorallegedtohavearisenastheresultofthebroadcastofsuchprogram.

5.8.3 ProgrammingContentRestrictions. Toassurecompliancewiththeagreement between the City of Aurora and its video serviceprovider(s)withapplicableordinances,regulations,lawsandstatutes,presentation of the following material on a public access channelmanagedbyACTV,or theproductionof the followingmaterialusingthefacilitiesofACTVisprohibited:

5.8.3.1Materialthatisobsceneasdefinedbyfederallaw.Federallawstatesthatmaterialisobsceneif:

5.8.3.1.1 the average person, applying contemporarystandards, would find that thework taken as awhole,appealstotheprurientinterest:

5.8.3.1.2 the work depicts or describes, in a patentlyoffensive way, sexual conduct specificallydefinedbytheIllinoisstatelaw;and

5.8.3.1.3 thework,takenasawhole,lacksseriousliterary,artistic,political,orscientificvalue.

5.8.3.2Materialdesigned topromote the saleof commercialproductor service, including prices, or promote, endorse a trade orbusiness.

5.8.3.3Commercial programming which in whole or part depicts,demonstrates or discusses products, services or businesseswiththeintentorsubstantialeffectofbenefitingorenhancingaprofit‐makingenterprise.

5.8.3.4Program material may not identify, promote or makereferencetoanyproduct,service,trademarkorbrandnameinany manner that would jeopardize the non‐commercialmandate of public access. This includes, but is not limited to,the names of businesses as well as addresses, telephonenumbers,e‐mailorInternetwebaddresses.

5.8.3.5Program material may not contain any material that isintendedtodefraudtheviewerordesignedtoobtainmoneybyfalseorfraudulentpretenses,representationsorpromises.

5.8.3.6Programmaterial may not solicit funds or other property ofvaluefromviewers.

5.8.3.7Program material may not promote or conduct any lottery,raffle,contestorgameinvolvingprizesawardedinwholeorinpartbylotorchance.

5.8.3.8Programmaterialmaynotcontainadvertisingwhichendorsesoropposescandidates forpublicofficeandwhich is intendedto be presented as a paid political advertisement on othermedia.Ifaprogramthatendorsesoropposesonecandidateorpoliticalpartyisproducedatapublicaccessfacility,ACTVwillbroadcasttheprogramONCE,ifchanneltimeisavailable.ACTVreservestherighttoscheduletheprogramatsuchatimethatit will not interfere with ACTV’s regular broadcast programschedule.

5.8.3.9Programmaterialwhich constitutes libel, slander, invasionofprivacyorinfringementofpublicityrights,unfaircompetition,violationoftrademarkorcopyright,orwhichmightviolateanylocal,stateorfederallawisstrictlyprohibited.

5.8.3.10 Program material that has a reasonable probability ofcreatinganimmediatedangerofdamagetopropertyorinjurytopersonsisstrictlyprohibited.

5.9 Copyright Clearances. All certified access users presenting avideotape/media forbroadcastonachannelmanagedbyACTVshallagreeinwriting,asaconditionofbroadcast,thattheyhavepreviouslymadeallarrangementstoobtainallrightstomaterialtobebroadcastandclearancesfromprogramproducers,broadcaststations,networksponsors,music licensingorganizations’representativesandwithoutlimitation from the foregoing, any and all other persons as may benecessarytotransmit itortheirprogrammaterial. Certifiedaccessusers shall maintain for inspection by ACTV, upon reasonablenotice, copies of all clearances and releases required by thissectionoftheOperatingRulesandProcedures.

5.10 Underwriting. After receiving approval in advance from ACTV,certified access users are permitted to give audible and/or visualsponsorship credit to a person or organization that has suppliedmaterials and other forms of support, in whole or in part, in theproduction, distribution or promotion of a program broadcast on apublic access channelmanagedbyACTV, so longas the sponsorshipcreditdoesnotviolateFCCrulesorregulations,thetermsoftheACTVOperating Rules and Procedures and the following additionalguidelines:

5.10.1 Advertising, as defined above under ‘Program Content,’ is notpermitted.

5.10.2 Anymentionofpricesisnotpermitted.

5.10.3 The identification of phone numbers, e‐mail and Internet webaddressesofcommercialunderwritersisnotpermitted.Accessusers,however, may list a non‐commercial information number with thewording“Formoreinformationcall…”

5.10.4 Acredittoanindividualsponsorshallnotexceedten(10)secondsinlength and total underwriting credits may not exceed sixty (60)secondsinlengthduringanysinglebreakforcredits.

5.10.5 Visually,thecreditshouldbeonestaticshotofthesponsor’snameorlogo.

5.10.6 The audio shall be a single voiceover announcement identifying thesponsor.Nobackgroundmusicorjinglesareallowed.

5.10.7 Sponsors may be given a credit at the opening of every sponsoredprogramandmustbegivenacreditattheendofaprogram.

5.10.8 Iftheprogramislongerthanone(1)hour,underwritermayreceiveacreditat theopenof theprogram,ateachsixty (60)minute interval(oratanaturalbreakasclosetothehouraspossible)andatthecloseoftheprogram.

5.10.9Interestedindividualsmustobtaininformationregardingsponsorshipprocedures, available from the ACTV staff, and a SponsorshipAgreement must be signed and submitted to ACTV managementbeforeanysponsorshipispermittedtooccur.

5.11 AcknowledgementandDisclaimers.

5.11.1 All recorded and/or live programming broadcast on a public accesschannelmanagedbyACTVmust clearly identify theproducerof theprogramattheopeningorclosingoftheprogram.

5.11.2 All programs produced utilizing the equipment and/or facilities ofACTV must include within the program credits the followingstatement:‘ThisprogramwasmadepossiblebytheuseoffacilitiesandservicesofACTV”orsimilarrecognition.

5.11.3 Appropriate acknowledgement should be given in the credits to themusicalcompositionsincludedintheprogram.

5.11.4 A disclaimer must be included at the opening of the program toindicate that theviewsexpresseddonotnecessarily reflect thoseofACTV,theCityofAurora,orthearea’svideoserviceprovider.Importprograms must have a disclaimer, whether it is from the importprogram producer’s home public access facility or a genericdisclaimer that states: “The following program was produced by acertified access producer. The views and opinions are not necessarilythoseof thispublicaccessstation,videoserviceprovider,municipality,ornon­profitorganization.”

5.11.5 When required byACTV, an announcementmust be included at thebeginning of the program to indicate that portions of the programmaybeinappropriateforchildrenordealwithissuesofaparticularlysensitivenature,etc.,andthatviewerdiscretionisadvised.

5.12 ProgramCopyrightandOwnership.

5.12.1 Thecommunityproducer/certifiedaccessuser shallownall contentcopyrights for each programmade by the certified access userwiththefacilitiesandservicesofACTV.ACTVshallretainownershipoftheprogram submitter’s master tape under the terms of the ACTVprogrammingcontractduringthedurationofthescheduledbroadcasttimeonACTVchannel(s).

5.12.2 AnyprogramproducedwithACTV tape/mediastockshall remain intheACTVfacilityunlesspriorapprovalhasbeengranted.

5.12.3 ACTV shall require that any certified access user desiring to keep acopy of a program ormaterial producedwith the facilities, servicesand videotape/media of ACTV shall pay ACTV for the replacementcost of videotape/media. Copymaynot be used for any commercialpurposes.

5.12.4 Ifthecertifiedaccessuserdesirestoairtheirprogramonotheraccesschannels, access user must file a completed ‘Program ExchangeRequest’ form with ACTV prior to removal or copying of anyprograms. The access user is responsible for the return of anyvideotapes/media removed from the ACTV facility within two (2)weeksafterthelastscheduledbroadcasting.Ifvideotapes/mediaarenot returned within the specified time period, access user will beresponsible for reimbursing ACTV the current market value ofvideotape/media.

5.12.5 ACTV will seek certified access user permission for the use of anypublicaccessprogramormaterial:

5.12.5.1 For extended repeat airings beyond initial broadcastandthoserequestedbytheproducer.

5.12.5.2 For making copies of the certified access user’sprogram.

5.12.5.3 For sharing or ‘bicycling’ with other public accessstations

5.12.5.4 For entry in local, regional or national awardcompetitions.

5.12.5.5 ACTV maintains the right to include excerpts of anycommunityuseorpublicaccessprogramormaterialforuse in, but not limited to, sampler tapes, trainingmaterialsandpromotionalmaterials.

5.13 DistributionRights.

5.13.1AllprogramsproducedwiththeACTVfacilitiesandequipmentofACTVmustbepresentedfirstonapublicaccesschannelmanagedbyACTVunless prior permission is obtained from ACTV management. Anyother uses of such programs must be specified in an approved‘ProgramExchangeRequest’form.

5.13.2 Recordings of programs made with the facilities and equipment ofACTVcannotbeusedforgeneralfundraisingorcommercialpurposes,withthefollowingexceptions:

5.13.2.1 A non‐profit organization, which produced a programwithACTVfacilitiesandequipment,mayincludeacopyof the program (or excerpts) as part of its applicationpackagetoobtainoutsidegrantsupport,iftheprogramis used only as an example of the organization’sactivities.

5.13.2.2 Certified access users may include excerpts of theirprogramsproducedwithACTVfacilitiesandequipmentwithin a resume reel to be used in an effort to gainemployment in the communications field. However,ACTV facilities may not be used to produce a resumereelforanon‐certifiedaccessuserunlessanhourlyrateof$100ispaidforfacilityuse.

SectionSix PROGRAMSCHEDULINGPROCEDURE

6.1 Priorities. ACTV maintains the following general priorities forschedulingprogrammingonpublicaccesschannels:

6.1.1 Locallyproducedprograms.

6.1.2 First‐runprograms

6.1.3 Programmingthemes

6.1.4 Productionquality.

6.1.5 Diversityofproductions.

6.2 Playback Time. ACTV requires that requests for channel space besubmitted to ACTV staff at least three (3) weeks in advance ofbroadcastdate.

6.2.1 Certified access usersmust fill out a ‘Programming Contract’ for anyprogramthatwillultimatelybebroadcast.Certifiedaccessuserswhohave a series must fill out a ‘Programming Contract’ that includesbroadcast dates for each episode. ACTV will not accept anyprogrammingchangesoverthetelephone.

6.3 EditorialAuthority.ACTVmanagement, and theCityofAurorawhowill implement the overall guidelineswill hold final decision‐makingandeditorialauthorityfortheschedulingofprogrammingontheACTVchannel(s).

6.4 PlaybackTimeSelection.SingleProgramOnly.Eachcertifiedaccessuser submitting a Programming Contractwill be offered two choicesfromavailable time slots. The certified accessusermay then requesttheavailabletime‐slotforthree(3)weeks.AnyadditionalairingsmustberequestedbysubmittinganotherProgrammingContract.

6.5 Pre­EmptedTimes. ACTV reserves the right topre‐empt scheduledprograms on access channels at its discretion. ACTVwill attempt tonotify the certified access user prior to such a pre‐emptionwith theexceptionoftechnicaldisruptions.

6.6 Program Submission. Tape recorded programs scheduled forbroadcast must be delivered to ACTV within forty‐eight (48) hoursprior to its scheduled broadcast time. Exceptions may be made forgood cause with prior notification. If a program is not delivered ontimeorhasbeendeliveredwithpostagedue,theprogramwillnotbebroadcast.

6.7 Technical Standards. Tape recorded programs submitted forbroadcast must comply with the technical standards listed in the‘Technical Standards’ section. Programs that do not meet technicalstandardswillnotbebroadcast.

6.8 ‘Regular’ Time Slots. ACTV requires that a certified access usercomplete three (3) programs before a ‘regular’ time slot be granted.This is toensure thecertifiedaccessuserscommitment to theseries.ACTVwill continue to schedule theprogram ina regular timeslotaslongasanewprogramiscompletedandsubmittedforbroadcasteveryfive (5) weeks. If the certified access user fails to complete a newprogrambytheendofthefiveweeks,thecertifiedaccessuserwilllosetheregularslotandotherprogrammingwillbescheduledinitsplace.

6.8.1 A local individual certified access user or organization may notschedulemorethantwo(2)programsduringanyprogrammingweek.

6.8.2 ACTV reserves the right to request and schedule programming inavailablecontinuousslotsinordertopromoteprogrammingdiversity.These programs are subject to the priority list in Section 6.1 in theeventthatthereisalackofavailabletimeslots.

6.8.3 In the event ACTV’s program schedule becomes filled, importprograms will be discontinued to make time available for ACTVcertifiedaccessusers.

6.8.4 Ifacertifiedaccessuserfailstoprovideorfailstoscheduleanytwo(2)installmentsofaseriestheserieswillbecancelled.

6.8.5 Aweeklyseriesmayonlyrerun, re‐submit,orre‐edit fourpreviouslyaired programs, within one (1) year. A bi‐weekly series may onlyrerun,resubmit,orre‐edittwo(2)previouslybroadcastprograms.

6.9 ImportProgrammingGuidelines.

Programming that is not produced with equipment or facilities ofACTV may be submitted for broadcast by a certified access user ororganization.

6.9.1 All outside programming (i.e. programming that did not originatethrough, or was solicited by, ACTV) must be submitted by an ACTVcertifiedaccessuserororganization.

6.9.2 AcompletedProgrammingContractmustbesubmittedbythecertifiedaccess user and approved by ACTV management before outsideprogrammingwillbebroadcast.

6.9.3 Programming must be of a non‐commercial nature and contain nosalesormarketingcontent.

6.9.4 Programs must meet broadcast and technical specifications asdescribedinSectionSeven(7).

SectionSeven TECHNICALSTANDARDS

7.1 Formats.ThefollowingtapeformatswillbeacceptedforplaybackonACTV’spublicaccesschannel(s):

7.1.1 DVCAM

7.1.2 miniDV

7.2 TapeSignal.Tape‐recordedprogramsmusthavetechnicalstandardshigh enough to deliver a clear and unbroken picture to televisionviewers. Audiomust be clearly understandable and at audible levelswithoutdistortion.ACTVreservestherighttorefusetoallowplaybackofprogramsthatdonotadheretothefollowing:

7.2.1 Thirty(30)secondsofcolorbarsand0dbtoneatthebeginningofthetape.

7.2.2 Color bars should be followed by a fifteen (15) second visual slateidentification.

7.2.3 Theslate is tobe followedbyat least ten(10)seconds,butnotmorethanthirty(30)secondsofblack.

7.2.4 ThePublicAccessDisclaimermustbeincludedatthebeginningoftheprogram and must be calculated into the total running time (trt).(See5.11.4forguidelines).

7.2.5 For certified access users submitting both thirty (30) and sixty (60)minuteprograms,itistheusersresponsibilitytofillouttheprogramswith either promos or Public Service Announcements to fill theprogramtimeto29:30or59:30respectively.

7.2.6 Atleastsixty(60)secondsofblackmustberecordedattheendoftheprogram.

7.2.7 Videolevelsthroughouttheentiretyoftheprogrammaterialmustnotexceed100IREoraverageactivevideofallsbelow50IRE.

7.2.8 Distortion or instability in play will forfeit the program from beingbroadcast.

7.2.9 Humorbuzzlevelof‐20dBormorewhenaudiopeaksareadjustedforplayback at 0dB for periods longer than one minute will forfeit theprogramfrombeingbroadcast.

7.2.10 Multiple generations or poor quality dubs resulting in visuallyunacceptabledistortion(i.e.,synclevelsorchromashiftsto40degreesinsegmentslongerthantwo(2)minutes)willforfeittheprogramfrombeingbroadcast.

7.2.11 Vertical roll and other sync instabilities for a period of more thanninety(90)secondswillforfeittheprogramfrombeingbroadcast.

7.2.12 Complete loss of control track or sync on more than three (3)occasionsorforasustainedperiodoften(10)secondswillforfeittheprogramfrombeingbroadcast.

7.2.13 Videonoiselevelthatobscuresvideoimageoravideosignal‐to‐noiselevelof28dBorlesswillforfeittheprogramfrombeingbroadcast.

SectionEight VIDEOTAPEPOLICIES

8.1 Recycling. ACTVprovidesvideotapes for the certified accessuser’suse. This videotape remains the property of ACTV. If the certifiedaccessuserdesirescopies, theymustpurchasetheirowntapestock.ACTVretainseditmastersforuptotwo(2)yearsifthematerialisnotdated (date specific coverage). If dated, ACTV will keep the editmaster for sixty (60) days from the last broadcast date. After theallowed time for storage, ACTV will assume no furtherresponsibility and reserves the right to recycle videotapes asneeded.ACTVreservestherighttoeraseanyunlabeledorsourcevideotapeswithoutnotice.

8.2 Copies. Certified access users are entitled to one complimentaryVHS/DVD copy of their final produced and broadcast program.RecordingmediawillbeprovidedbyACTV

8.2.1 Certified access users may request copies of their programs to becompletedbyACTVstaff fora feeof$10 foreachadditionalDVDorVHScopy(nottoexceedone(1)houroronehundred(100)copies).

8.2.2 Certified access users are responsible for supplying their ownvideotapestockandforschedulingtheirtimetodub.ACTVstaffwillnotperformthisfunctionforcertifiedaccessusers.

SectionNine PROGRAMMINGSTANDARDS

Public access programs are expected to be in compliance with theforegoingtechnicalandnon‐commercialusestandards.ACTVstaff isresponsible for determining that broadcast programs meet thesestandards. In the event that ACTV staff determines that a programmaybeinviolationofthesestandards,ACTVstaffmayexerciseanyorallofthefollowingoptions:

9.1 Discusstheprogramwiththecertifiedaccessusertodetermineiftheprogramcanbebroughtintovoluntarycompliancewiththetechnicaland/ornon‐commercialusestandards.

9.2 For non‐commercial standards compliance and potentiallyobjectionablecontentcompliance,theprogramwillbereferredtotheCity of Aurora’s Legal Department for evaluation. For technicalevaluation,theprogrammaybereferredtooneoftheCityofAurora’svideoserviceprovidersforevaluation.

9.3 Rejecttheprogrambasedonnon‐complianceoftechnicaland/ornon‐commercialusestandards.

SectionTen SPECIALPROGRAMMINGCONSIDERATIONS

10.1 First Amendment Concerns. Certified access users are urged tobecome familiar with the following types of speech unprotected bythe Constitution of the United States which traditionally have notreceivedfullFirstAmendmentprotection:Obscenity,‘fightingwords’,‘hatespeech’,defamationandwordswhichcreateaclearandpresentdangerofimminentlawlessaction.

10.2 Discretionary Programming. ACTV wishes to provide guardianswith ameans of controlling the viewing of potentially objectionableprogramming by children as well as provide individuals withnotification of potentially objectionable programming so that theymake informed television viewing choices. While providing suchnotification, ACTVdoes notwish to preclude the opportunity for allformsofexpressionon television/media inaccordancewith theFCCregulations and other relevant laws. For the purpose of theseguidelines, potentially objectionable material is defined as but notlimitedtoprogrammingcontainingthefollowing:

10.2.1 Repeatedvulgarlanguage.

10.2.2 Nudity.

10.2.3 Extremephysicalviolenceordegradation.

10.2.4 Graphic depiction of medical procedures that is not intended to beusedaseducationalmaterial.

10.3 Potentially Objectionable Programming. All potentiallyobjectionable programming will be preceded by the followingmessage: “The following program contains material which may beoffensive to some viewers or may be inappropriate for viewing bychildren.”Promotion forpotentiallyobjectionableprogramswillalsoincludetheabovemessage.

10.3.1 ACTV reserves the right to schedule a potentially objectionableprogramatatimewhenchildrenwillnoteasilyviewit.

10.3.2 If ACTV receives complaints regarding a program’s appropriatenessforchildren;ACTVreservestherighttorescheduletheprogramintoatimewhenchildrenwillnoteasilyviewit.

10.4 ProgrammingContract.AsignedACTVProgrammingContractmustaccompanyallprogramssubmittedtoACTV.

SectionEleven APPEALOFACTVDECISIONS

11.1 MannerandTiming. AppealsfromadecisionofACTVstaffmaybemade by filing an application in writing to ACTVmanagement. Theappeal must be made within thirty (30) days of the ACTV staffdecision.

11.2 Hearing. Within thirty (30) days from filing the appeal, a hearingshallbeheldbefore,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingrepresentativesof the City of Aurora; the ACTV Coordinator, the Director ofCommunity Services or an appointed representative, and arepresentative of the City of Aurora’s Legal Department. All partiesconcernedwillbeinformedthatahearingwillbeheld.Theapplicantmayappearatthehearingorberepresentedbyanagentorattorney.

11.3 HearingAgenda.Theagendafortheconductofthehearingshallbeasfollows:

11.3.1 Theapplicantmaypresenthis/herbasisfortheappealasstatedintheapplication for appeal and shall include a portion of the disputedprogramming.

11.3.2 TheCityofAuroramaypresentthebasisforthedecision.

11.4 Decision.Withinfive(5)daysofthedateofthehearing,theCityofAurorashallprovideitsdecisiontotheapplicantinwritingthroughcertifiedmail.TheCityofAuroramayreservetherighttoaffirmwhollyormodifyinpartanydecisionoftheACTVstaff.