Q:Is there a cost?
A: To produce programs for CMN, you'll need to become a member and complete our production certification classes. The class series costs $75 for Resident/Non-Profit members, and $125 for Non-Resident members*. The class fee includes membership for a year. After that, membership is $25 annually for Resident/Non-Profit members and $50 annually for Non-Resident members. Of course, to watch our channel, you need to subscribe to WOW! Internet, Phone & Cable or Comcast Cable of Oakland County. |
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Q: What kind of programs does CMN play on its channel?
A: The kind of programs that YOU find interesting! We do not try to influence or request any particular type, style or theme of programming from producers. It's totally up to you. There are SOME restrictions, but, essentially, Public Access TV is open to ALL kinds of content. |
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Q: Do I need previous experience in television production to play a show on the air?
A: No. Most producers are trained right here at CMN in our ten-week production course. In fact, even if you have prior experience, you'll probably need to take the classes because there is a lot of different kinds of equipment involved in television production. |
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Q: Can I air a show that I did not produce?
A: No. CMN requires the producer to hand deliver programs submitted for playback. Every producer will be required to complete a "Playback Request Form" which states that you have obtained permission from talent and any applicable copyright holders. This document states that you are legally responsible for the program. |
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Q: What recording formats do you use?
A: CMN supports miniDV, DVCAM, DVD and SVHS formats for acquisition and editing. Only Panasonic DV tapes are permitted in the field cameras and edit decks. Programs submitted for playback are required to be on DVD and may be created on a CMN edit station, on our dubbing tower, or elsewhere. Blank DVD and tape media can be provided by CMN for a fee. |
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Q: How many shows can one producer air?
A: We limit producers to no more than 2.5 hours of programming per week. Obviously, the number of available time slots for programs are limited, and since each producer deserves an opportunity to air at least one show, it may take longer to gain a time slot for multiple programs than for just one. It depends on the supply of "open" time versus the supply of programs. |
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Q: How long does a show air for?
A: To a certain extent, it depends on the producer's request. Some prefer only one play, others want their show to run longer. CMN Policies & Procedures states that any program may be removed from playback after one airing. In order to keep the channel fresh and to give everyone a chance at various time-slots, CMN likes to rotate programming (inserting new shows) as often as the supply of new shows allow. |
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Q: How many people watch CMN?
A: CMN runs on two cable franchises (WOW! Internet • Phone • Cable and Comcast) that are connected to roughly 140,000 homes in Oakland County (included cities are Auburn Hills, Berkley, Clawson, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Oakland Township, Pleasant Ridge, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, and Troy). |
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Q: Can you make money on Public Access TV?
A: No. Public Access TV is non-commercial, and programs that directly advertise products for sale are not permitted. |
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Q: Can I rent equipment from CMN for commercial jobs?
A: No. CMN's equipment can only be used to produce Public Access programming. Violators of this rule may have their CMN membership suspended or revoked. |
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Q: I don't get it. What's in this for CMN?
A: We do this to help build community and to give people a voice that can be heard. We enjoy helping people through artistic or technical challenges, and find satisfaction in seeing them reach their goals. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, funded through cable company revenues directed to us by the communities we serve. The user fees and dues account for a very small percentage of our annual budget. CMN is grateful to receive financial or material donations, which may be tax-deductible. |
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| • A resident member is described as someone that lives in a community that contributes a portion of their franchise fees to CMN. Currently those cities are: Auburn Hills, Berkley, Ferndale, Oakland Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak and Troy. |
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