Structure and Programming
PEG channels may be run by public grassroots groups, individuals, private non-profits, or government organizations. Policies and regulations are subject to their own ordinances and community standards.
Services available at Public-access television organizations are often low cost or free of charge, with an inclusive, content neutral, first-come, first-served, free speech ideology. Monies from Cable television franchise fees are paid to government for use of right-of-way use of Public property, hopefully allowing other general fund monies to be used to operate the facilities, employ staff, develop curriculum, operate training workshops, schedule, maintain equipment, manage the cablecast of shows and publish promotion materials to build station viewership. Funding and operating budgets vary significantly with the municipality's finances. Frequently it is left to the cable franchise to determine how they operate Public-access television. The FCC does not mandate a cable franchise to provide any of the above services mentioned.
Users of Public-access television stations may participate at most levels of this structure to make content of their choosing. Generally, anyone may have their programming aired on a Public-access television channel. Users are not restricted to cable subscribers, though residency requirements may apply, depending on local franchise agreements or facility policy. Many Public-access television channels try to favor locally produced programs while others also carry regionally or nationally distributed programming. Such programming—regional, national or even international—is usually aired on a channel curated by the PEG operator, which also carries programs produced by professional producers. A show that originates outside the municipality is often referred to as "bicycled", "dub and submit", or "satellite" programming.
In the event that a Public-access television channel becomes filled with programming, a franchise may state that more television channels may be added to satisfy the demand.
Read more about this topic: Public-access Television
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