6.5B. SR 02-22-1999
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Item# 6.5.b.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Sandra Peine, City Clerk
DATE:
February 22, 1999
SUBJECT: Cable TV Government Access Channel
Guidelines
Prior to the City of Elk River providing narrow casting, it is
recommended that the city adopt guidelines as to what can or
cannot be programmed over the government access channel. The
proposed guidelines have been drafted by Bill Bruce. Bill Bruce is
the cable consultant for the Sherburne Wright Cable Commission.
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ACTION REQUESTED
It is recommended that the council adopt the attached Mission
Statement, Purpose, Objectives and Guidelines for the Government
Access Cable TV Channel for the City of Elk River.
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13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 . TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420. Fax: (612) 441-7425
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ELK RIVER GOVERNMENT ACCESS CABLE TV CHANNEL
Mission Statement
The mission of the Elk River Government Access Cable TV Channel is to
provide a communications link for Elk River citizens that will enable them
to better understand the operation and function of government and to
become more active participating in community life through the use of
cable television.
Purpose
The Elk River Cable Channel is dedicated to developing awareness and
understanding of community events, governmental programs and issues
and information about health, recreation, the environment, security i.e.
police, fire, etc. and community issues through the use of cable television.
Objectives
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1.
To serve as an instrument for the City Council to provide greater
access and involvement in the operations of the City.
2. To provide an informational and public relations outlet through use
of cable television communications.
3. To develop and work towards an understanding of the benefits of
cable television.
4. To provide Elk River residents the opportunity to understand their
community more fully and to participate more successfully in the
process of community life.
5. To develop an awareness of the government channel through
continued public relation efforts through the local press, city
newsletter, metro press and cable television.
6. To encourage individual resident and institutions to make use of
cable television by volunteering and producing programming for the
municipal channel.
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GUIDELINES
FOR
ELK RIVER GOVERNMENT ACCESS CABLE TV CHANNEL
Any program produced by the city of Elk River's governmental
organizations may be cablecast on the government access channel.
Programs produced by others about the City, of Elk River's governmental
organizations and/or its supported activities may be cablecast on this
channel, subject to the approval of the Elk River City Council. Programs
produced by other governmental agencies or other community
organizations may be cable cast on this channel, provided they have
interest and value for the citizens of Elk River. Such programs shall also
be subject to the approval of the Elk River City Council.
.
Programs that contain, in whole or in part, any of the following
subject matter will not be cablecast on the government access
channel.
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A. Commercial Message or Material
Anything promoting a product or a service, with the primary objective of
producing a monetary profit for a specific commercial organization or
individual, may not air on the government access channel. This is not to
preclude the incidental mention of a business or product, as part of a
program where the primary purpose is to disseminate information of
public benefit. Businesses, individuals and organizations may be
acknowledged for assistance in the production of a program or the
provision of other means of support.
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B. Political Campaigning
The government access channel will not be used for political campaigning
by individuals or organizations seeking public office or legislation. Neither
can this channel be used for solicitation of funds for political purposes.
This is not to preclude the cablecasting of political debates or candidates'
meetings, provided that fairness and equal time rules are followed. Also
reports by current elected officials or community organizations regarding
the status of issues and other governmental business, providing again,
that fairness and equal time rules are followed where applicable.
.
C. Religious Material
Programming generally considered religious in nature will not be allowed.
Program material that would advocate a particular religious belief will also
not be allowed to air on the government access channel. Religious
organizations or ideals may be mentioned as incidental information as part
of a program. This rule certainly should not preclude the appearance of a
clergy or individual representing a particular religion as part of a program
providing general information.
D. Obscenity and Defamation
Every effort will be made to assure that all programs cablecast on the
government access channel adheres to the rules of the Minnesota Cable
Communications Act and community standards relative to obscenity and
defamation.
E. Schedule and Program Priorities
The Elk River City Council and staff shall determine priorities for the
production and cablecasting of programs in accordance with these
.
.
guidelines and available resources. Responsibility for planning,
budgeting and operation shall be as designated by the City Council.
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