Hardwick Community Television

Hardwick Community Television

HCTV Rules and Regulations for Volunteer Producers

    HARDWICK COMMUNITY TELEVISION

RULES AND REGULATIONS

            THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERN THE USE OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT BY ACCESS USERS.  ADDRESSED HEREIN ARE USE OF ALL PUBLIC ACCESS EQUIPMENT: CAMERAS AND EDITING TRAINING, TIME ASSIGNMENTS ON CAMERAS AND EDITING EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING AIR TIME.

ADOPTED BY THE HCTV BOARD ON April 26, 2018

I. INTRODUCTION

A. HCTV Mission Statement

HCTV seeks to foster free speech and public dialog by providing easy access to the electronic media to all citizens of the HCTV service area on a nondiscriminatory basis for nonprofit and noncommercial purposes.

B. Access Basics

Hardwick Community Television provides an opportunity for people living in Hardwick and Woodbury Vermont to create their own television programming in which they communicate their interests and concerns to their fellow townspeople using the cable TV system in these two towns.

Individuals that produce or provide shows determine the content of the material carried on the Public Access channel.  Other than the guidelines established in this document, HCTV remains “content neutral” in determining what is cablecast on the Public Access channel.

Hardwick Community Television is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that operates pursuant to private agreements with the cable operator and guidelines established by the Public Service Board.  As such, it is not a state actor.  Public access is made available by the Certificate of Public Good between the State of Vermont and the cable company.  Whether or not those provisions are in the Certificate is at the discretion of the government and its citizens.

C. Access User Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the content of their program and the actions of their crew.

• Comply with these Policies and Procedures.

• Treat the equipment and facilities with respect and care.

• Respect the rights of others to use the access resources.

• Make and cancel reservations in a timely manner.

• Treat access staff with courtesy.

II. ELIGIBILITY

A. Training Equipment and Facilities

Public access training, equipment and facilities will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis to anybody who is a resident or works/volunteers in the areas served by Hardwick Community Television.  Eligible people must provide a valid ID as well as a current residential/business address and phone number. The user must be at least 18 years of age.  Any user under that age shall, in addition to being certified, have a responsible adult sign for the equipment and supervise the minor when in possession of the access equipment.  Equipment and facilities require training from HCTV staff, usually through completion of a particular seminar or by demonstrating the appropriate knowledge to one of the staff.

B. Channel Time

Public access channel time shall be made available free of charge to any eligible person.  The procedures for submitting a program for playback on the public access channel and scheduling priorities are presented in Section V.

C. Nondiscrimination

No person will be denied training, equipment, facilities or channel time on the basis of race, sex, age, physical disability, religious or political belief or affiliation, sexual orientation or the nature of their programming interest.

D. Right to Refuse Service

The staff reserves the right to refuse services to any person whose actions hinder the activities of access users or staff members.  Persons hindering producers or staff will be asked to leave the access facility and will be subject to a three-month suspension of facilities use.  Suspension may be appealed in writing to HCTV Board of Directors.

Proof of eligibility and competence on equipment may be required at any time.  HCTV may refuse to air any program or provide any service if proof, satisfactory to HCTV, cannot be provided.

III. PROGRAM OWNERSHIP/DISTRIBUTION

A. Ownership/Copyright

Access producers retain ownership of the creative rights to the programs they produce, and may register and establish a copyright at their discretion.

B. Intention

Programs produced with HCTV equipment and facilities must be intended for cablecast on a HCTV channel.  Such programs may not be used for commercial purposes or the solicitation of funds.

C. First Use

Any program in which the access producer has made use of HCTV’s facility and/or equipment must be cablecast at least once on the access channel prior to cablecast on any other cable system, and prior to any other form of distribution.

D. In-House Distribution

By requesting access to equipment and facilities, access producers agree that HCTV may use portions of their programs for non-commercial, promotional purposes.

IV. USE OF COMMUNITY ACCESS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

A. Certification

The following certifications are available to eligible persons. Certification expires after one year of non-use or user moves from area served by HCTV. The term Access User denotes anyone that has met the requirements set forth below in 1) and 2).

1) Camera Operator

Certification as an Camera Operator requires:

• Registration of name, valid ID on file, current residential/business address and phone number.

• Signed copy of these Rules and Regulations as proof that the Access User is aware of these rules and will abide by them.

• Completion of Camera Operators Workshop. Workshop requirement may be waived by HCTV staff.

• Minors must have parent/guardian’s written release before use of facilities.

2) Editor

Certification as a Editor requires:

• Registration of name, valid ID on file, current residential/business address and phone number.

• Signed copy of these Rules and Regulations as proof that the Access User is aware of these rules and will abide by them.
• Completion of Video Editing Workshop.  Workshop requirement may be waived by HCTV staff.

• Minors must have a parent/guardian co-sign stating that they take responsibility for minor’s use of facility and content of programs so long as they remain a minor.

B. Equipment and Facilities Available

Access users are authorized to use any public access equipment and facilities for which they are certified. The use of HCTV equipment and facilities MUST be for the purpose of producing programming on HCTV channels.  Access users may not use HCTV equipment and facilities for any other purpose, either personal or commercial, without the express consent of HCTV staff. The following types of production equipment and facilities are available:

1) Remote Equipment

Used for location shoots, i.e. camcorders, lighting kits, microphones, etc.

2) Studio

Used for in house production, for interviews, special effects, live programs, etc.  HCTV has no dedicated shooting studio, see IV, C, 3 for clarification.

3) Editing Suites

Used to edit videotapes into a finished program for cablecast.

C. Scheduling Equipment and Facilities

1) REMOTE EQUIPMENT:

  1. To use any equipment away from the Access Center, a person must be certified for CAMERA OPERATING.  The user must be at least 18 years of age.  Any user under that age shall, in addition to being certified, have a responsible adult sign for the equipment and supervise the minor when in possession of the access equipment.
  • Requests for the use of remote equipment must be submitted as early as possible to ensure availability by filling out the ‘HCTV Equipment Sign-Out Form’.  When two requests for the same time are received, priority will be given to the earliest application received.  When your request is approved, you will be advised as to the times you may pick up and return equipment.  Failure to pick up equipment punctually may result in the loss of equipment use for that day.  Consistent tardiness may result in suspension of access privileges.
  • Access Users must sign out and return equipment personally.  The producer taking the equipment must be the same person who returns it.  You may be asked to show a picture I. D. such as a driver’s license for verification.
  • Be prepared to spend up to one half-hour checking equipment in and out.  Users may be required to demonstrate proficiency in assembling the equipment before removing it from the premises.  On returning, the equipment shall be assembled and/or inspected to the satisfaction of the HCTV staff
  • All equipment is to be returned in the same condition in which it was taken.  Equipment should be properly packed. The user shall be held responsible for repair and replacement costs for damaged equipment.  Any damage must be reported immediately on return.  Damage that is not reported may result in suspension of access privileges.
  • Access producers must actually have used equipment within the past 90 days or they may be required to take a refresher course.  Additionally, HCTV staff reserves the right to have any access user repeat the training course at any time HCTV staff sees fit. Access producers will not be allowed to use equipment until such time as they can demonstrate proficiency with the equipment.
  • Access Users are limited to one (1) camera per shoot.  The equipment will normally be available for use any day of the week.  Any requests for additional equipment (i.e. two cameras, decks, etc.) will be considered on an individual basis and must be approved and scheduled at the convenience of HCTV staff.  Equipment may be unavailable or asked to be returned for use by station staff for Select Board meetings or other programming that HCTV is mandated to produce.
  • Reliable and secure vehicles must be used to transport equipment and for short-term storage; i.e. a car with a locking trunk, hatchback or hold space (such as a van) is acceptable.  The open back of a pickup truck is not.  DO NOT LEAVE EQUIPMENT UNATTENDED IN ANY VEHICLE!
  • When not being transported, the equipment must be stored in a locked place, such as a closet, away from plain view and casual inspection.
  1.  Equipment will not be used in a dangerous manner or situation (i.e. skydiving).  HCTV staff shall be advised of exact shooting locations, including the type or nature of the production, and reserves the right to “spot check” them.
  1.  The equipment shall be protected at all times from excessive heat, cold, dust, smoke, grease, or other damaging elements.   NEVER LET THE EQUIPMENT GET WET.  HCTV staff may cancel an outdoor shoot due to inclement weather on the scheduled day of use.
  1. All persons who work with access equipment shall be certified to CAMERA OPERATOR at minimum.  This includes anyone who actually handles equipment in any way. 
  1. Equipment is available to access users for the express purpose of creating public access programming.  At no time will access producers use the equipment for any other purpose.  Excessive scheduling of the equipment that does not result in consistent access programming will result in revocation of access privileges.
  1. Each project must be finished and submitted for cablecasting before another project is started.


2) EDITING FACILITIES:

  1. Editing facilities are available by scheduling as far in advance as possible with HCTV Staff to ensure availability.  No more than 4 hours per day will be assigned to any one user or group.  Generally, facilities are available during normal Access Center hours.  Members wishing to secure editing time must email or call the access center AND receive confirmation that an HCTV staff member has placed their request on the Center’s calendar.
  • No one is permitted to use the Access Center unless the HCTV staff or other qualified personnel are present.
  • All persons will abide by the posted rules or the editing facility, including no smoking.  Food or drink is NOT permitted near the computers.  Failure to abide by these rules or not leaving the area in the condition in which it was found may result in the loss of editing privileges.
  • All public access users will confine themselves to the designated area of the Access Center.  ALL OTHER AREAS OF THE MEMORIAL BUILDING ARE OFF LIMITS.
  • All tapes will be stored at the Access Center during the post production phase.  Any footage shot must be edited within one year, after which it becomes the property of the Access Center.  The tape may then be edited for use by the access channel or be recycled by the provisions of section V, F.
  • The editing facilities are available to access user solely for the purpose of creating public access programs.  Use of the equipment for any other purpose is strictly forbidden.
  • All persons involved in the editing process will abide by all other rules for use of the Access Center.
  • While using the HCTV Access Center, parking during normal work hours will be at the rear of the parking lot at the Masonic Temple across the street.  During off hours, users of the Access Center may park in front of the Memorial Building. 

3) PRODUCTION FACILITIES (STUDIO):

  1. HCTV has no dedicated studio space, the shooting area referred to as the “Studio” consists of the Memorial Building’s Meeting Room and the Access Center’s video and audio production equipment.  The Studio will be only scheduled when both the equipment and Meeting Room are available.  To sign up for the Studio, submit the HCTV Equipment Sign-Out Form at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired production date.  The scheduling of the Studio must then be cleared with the Town Manager’s Office as they schedule the use of the Meeting Room.  The Studio will be successfully booked when the equipment and Meeting Room are available at the same time.
  • No one is permitted to use the production facilities unless HCTV staff, or a member of the Board of Directors, or another representative, designated by one of the above, are present.
  • The access producer is required to make all arrangements for crew, talent, sets, props, etc. REMEMBER, EACH PERSON WHO WILL ACTUALLY HANDLE ACCESS EQUIPMENT MUST BE A CERTIFIED CAMERA OPERATOR.
  • During studio production all involved persons, including those waiting, must confine themselves to designated areas of the Access Center.  ALL OTHER AREAS OF THE MEMORIAL BUILDING ARE OFF LIMITS!!
  • Those persons using the Access Center should come prepared for their production.  HCTV computers, office equipment, telephones and the like are not for public use.  Any request for any of these office facilities must be made through the HCTV staff.
  • During studio production, the HCTV staff, member of the Board of Directors or other designated personnel has final authority.  All production crewmembers will abide by HCTV staff’s decisions regardless of the positions they hold on a crew.
  • All persons involved in the use of the studio production facilities shall abide by all other posted rules regarding the use of the access facilities and the building housing and access facilities.

4) Canceling a Reservation

Access users who have reserved equipment or facilities they cannot use, are asked to notify staff as soon as possible so that those resources may be reassigned to other access users.  Notification of any cancellation is required prior to the reservation time.  A producer who makes more than three cancellations within a month period without providing at least three days advance notice is subject to three month suspension of privileges.

5) Equipment Check-In

The access user is required to return all equipment at the check-in time specified on the ‘HCTV Equipment Sign-Out Form’.  The access user is required to report any equipment malfunction to staff. A member of the HCTV staff must sign the ‘HCTV Equipment Sign-Out Form’ to complete the equipment check-in 8) Equipment Malfunctions/Unavailability If equipment malfunctions and becomes unavailable, access users with active reservations for that equipment will be notified as soon as possible.

D. DVD Copies

If a producer wants a DVD copy of their program, they will be provided one DVD copy of their program from HCTV.  Each      additional DVD will be available for purchase from HCTV for $15 each.

V. SUBMITTING YOUR PROGRAM FOR PLAYBACK

Public Access producers must submit completed access programs for playback at least 24 hours in advance.  Only a resident or someone that works or volunteers in the areas served by Hardwick Community Television may submit programs for playback.  Any program submitted for scheduling must be accompanied by signed Broadcast Time Request Form.  Minors must have an adult cosigner. The party signing the form assumes liability for program content.  The producer takes full responsibility for the content of the program and agrees to permit HCTV to provide his/her name and contact information as included on the Broadcast Time Request Form to viewers who wish to respond directly to views expressed in the program.  HCTV requires producers to provide contact information in one of the following three methods to members of the public who request it: telephone #, mailing address, or email address.

A. Restricted Content

Programs submitted for playback are subject to the following restrictions:

IMPORTANT—PLEASE NOTE: HCTV does not pre-screen programs.  It is the responsibility of the producer to notify HCTV in the event that a program submitted for playback contains content that may be restricted by the sections listed below.

1. Commercial Content

Due to the fact that access to HCTV facilities and channels are free for Access Users and is supported by Comcast and other funds, commercial content is not allowed.  Commercial content is defined as material directly promoting the sale of products or services that are offered by any participating member of the given program.  Non-profit corporations are exempt from this policy.  This policy does not prevent producers from recouping production costs through underwriting partnerships (see Section G, Underwriting Partnerships).

Soliciting Funds: As a rule, HCTV does not permit its access channels to be used for the solicitation of funds.  However, permission may be granted to certified access users on a case-by-case basis.  Any certified access user may submit a request in writing to the board of directors, asking for permission to use HCTV channel time for fund-soliciting purposes. The full board will consider the request at its next general meeting.

2. Adult Content

Adult content is defined as content of a sexually explicit.  Adult content may include but is not limited to: representations or descriptions of sexual acts, actual or simulated; masturbation; excretory functions; and lewd exhibition of the genitals.  Shows determined to have adult content will be scheduled for playback between midnight and 5:00am. Any program that contains adult content must include a viewer advisory immediately prior to the beginning of the program and immediately after the end of the program stating:

“The (following/preceding) program contains material which some viewers may find objectionable or inappropriate for viewing, particularly by children. Adult content is defined as content of a sexually explicit or graphically violent nature. The content is the responsibility of the access producer and not HCTV”

HCTV will not knowingly cablecast “indecent” speech (as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 2801) unless safe harbor time restrictions, parental advisories, and/or other methods adequate to protect such programming from being viewed by minors are applied.

The viewer advisory must be read aloud and/or displayed on screen for 20 seconds.  Responsibility for including the viewer advisory rests with the program’s producer. Obscene content is not allowed on HCTV.  Determination as to whether a program is obscene will be made by the Executive Director (or their designate) and will be pulled from playback. The access producer may appeal to the HCTV Board of Directors

3. Hate Speech

Programs that contain “hate speech” will be scheduled for playback between 11:00pm and 5:00am.  Hate speech is defined as content that incites hatred and violence against a particular class of people because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, service in the armed forces, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Any program that contains hate speech must include a viewer advisory immediately prior to the beginning of the program stating:

“The following program contains material which some viewers may find objectionable or inappropriate for viewing, particularly by children.”

The viewer advisory must be read aloud and/or displayed on screen for 20 seconds.  Responsibility for including the viewer advisory rests with the program’s producer.

4. Illegal Content

HCTV will not knowingly cablecast illegal content.  Illegal content is any content that is not protected by the Constitution of the United States. Unprotected content may include slander, sedition, copyright infringement and obscenity, as defined by applicable laws.

HCTV reserves the right to refuse to cablecast any program that it reasonably determines may contain obscene or otherwise unprotected content. HCTV and cable operators (including but not limited to Comcast) are prohibited by statute from cablecasting obscene or otherwise unprotected programming.  Consequently, HCTV may consult with the cable operators as needed when it believes a program may contain obscenity or otherwise unprotected content.

HCTV expects producers to be aware of applicable laws and also be aware that producers are legally responsible for the content of their own programming. HCTV strongly suggests that producers who think their programming might contain illegal content consult with legal counsel before submitting their programs for playback.

5. Copyright Infringment

Access Users, not HCTV, are responsible for securing copyright clearances and talent releases. Access Users may be asked to submit written proof of these permissions.  Tapes using copyrighted music, video or other copyrighted material that has not been cleared will be summarily rejected until clearance is obtained or that portion of the tape replaced.

6. Release Forms

B. Technical Requirements

Access Users are also responsible for obtaining written release forms from any person appearing in an access program. ADD Crowd Release  The HCTV “Release Form” is available at the access center.

Programs submitted to HCTV for playback must meet HCTV’s minimum technical requirements.  If you are unsure whether your program meets our technical requirements, you may ask HCTV staff for assistance. HCTV’s minimum technical requirements are as follows:

1. Format

Programming submitted to HCTV for playback must be in one of the following video formats: VHS, S-VHS, Mini DV tapes, or on DVD (desktop playable, not a data disk) and accompanied by a completed Broadcast Time Request Form. Paper DVD labels can be problematic and may not play properly; HCTV can make no assurance that any particular program will be broadcast due to technical issues.

2. Labeling

All programming submitted to HCTV for playback must be clearly labeled with the following information: Title of the program, Title/number of the episode (if applicable), Name and contact phone number of the producer (and local sponsor, if applicable), Total running time (accurate to the nearest second).

3. Technical Requirements

Video signal Programs submitted on videotape must include 30 seconds of clean, blank video prior to and following the program and must be free of control track breaks and glitches. A title slate and “academy leader” countdown/2-pop are suggested, but not required. Minimum technical standards include a strong video signal, accurate color and no glitches or dropouts.

HCTV reserves the right to refuse broadcast of any programming that does not meet these minimum technical standards (until the program has been amended to meet them). Ask HCTV staff to help you if you are not sure how to comply with any of these specifications.

C. HCTV Credit

All programming produced using HCTV facilities and submitted for playback must include the following on-air credit:

“This program was produced with facilities provided by Hardwick Community Television in Hardwick, Vermont.”

This title must be displayed following each program for at least 10 seconds.  It is the responsibility of the producers to ensure the title is included at the end of each of their programs.

D. Scheduling Broadcast Airtime

HCTV staff is solely responsible for scheduling public access channel, and does so in a fair and equitable manner.  Channel time will be divided equally amongst all requests for playback, subject to the priorities listed below.  Each program scheduled for playback will have a designated (by the producer) primary timeslot.  All subsequent playbacks shall be designated as secondary timeslots.  All live programs must use their live timeslots as their primary timeslots.  HCTV staff will make a reasonable effort to notify the producer of any scheduling changes that affect the producer’s primary playback.  Secondary timeslots are subject to change without notification.  The access producer may request specific cablecast dates and times and a reasonable effort will be made to accommodate the request but it is not guaranteed.  HCTV staff may change the schedule as they see fit.

When scheduling programs, HCTV staff will make every effort to use the following priority list as a guide.  The list is from highest to lowest priority.  All other factors being equal, HCTV staff will give preference to seniority (defined by the length of time a program has been in a given time slot) when a scheduling conflict arises.  The particulars of how timeslots are distributed may change as demand for timeslots increases or decreases.

1) Live Programs – Due to scheduling demands of live programs, they will have the highest scheduling priority.  A live timeslot will automatically serve as the producer’s primary timeslot.

2) HCTV Presentations – Shows that are produced by local citizens for which the HCTV public access channel is the primary venue.

3) Sponsored Programs – Shows that are produced outside of the HCTV Service area or for which the HCTV public access channel is not the primary venue.

4) Repeated Programs – Shows that repeat episodes in a cyclical manner after the original cablecast.

E. Live Programs (Studio or Remote Sites)

Producers should be aware that this list is only a guide, and that situations may occur when HCTV staff must make a judgment call regarding scheduling. Any producer who feels that he/she has been treated unfairly may bring their grievance to the HCTV Board of Directors.

  1. A producer may request a time slot for a live program no less than two weeks and no more than three months in advance of the date of the live broadcast.  Live shows will be approved only if it is absolutely necessary for the program to be live (i.e. interactivity with community like taking phone calls, etc.).  All live program timeslots will be considered that producer’s primary timeslot when addressing scheduling issues.  A live show can not have adult content.

F. Videotape Retention/Pickup

Videotapes that belong to HCTV will be recycled six months after their first scheduled cablecast.  Videotapes that belong to access producers will be retained at HCTV’s tape storage area for a period of six months following their first scheduled cablecast.  Producers are responsible for making arrangements for the return of tapes. Tapes left in the access facility for more than one year following their first cablecast become the property of HCTV.

G. Underwriting Partnerships

An access producer may give credit to an individual, company, or organization that underwrites any of their production costs and/or materials.  Credit may be given through the use of a title at the beginning and/or end of the program that identifies the contributor.  Each display shall be no longer than 15 seconds, and may include the contributor’s name, address and telephone number.  A corporate logo or image of the business may be used.  The contributions may also be acknowledged verbally, provided such acknowledgement occurs during the opening or closing of the show and that it runs no longer than 15 seconds.

H. Repeating Old Programming

A producer who wishes to repeat programming that has previously aired on HCTV Channel 16 may do so within the following guidelines.

Active producers who maintain a timeslot for a currently running program may submit old episodes of that program to run in the program’s existing time slot. The old episodes will be treated the same as new episodes for the purposes of maintaining an active status and time slot, however, producers should be aware that repeated episodes have a lower scheduling priority than new programming (see Section V, D, “Scheduling”).

Producers who no longer maintain a timeslot or active status may re-submit episodes of an old HCTV production for playback.  Old episodes that are submitted in this way will be given a new time slot and are subject to all the same scheduling and playback policies specified in this document.

VI. RULE VIOLATIONS/SANCTIONS/LOSS OF PRIVILEGES

To ensure that the public access equipment and facilities remain available and in good working order, the following rules have been established.  Any access user or staff member may report rule violations to HCTV staff.  Upon verifying that a rule violation has occurred, HCTV staff will issue a written statement to the producer describing the rule violation and sanctions. Sanctions will become effective immediately upon receipt of that statement.

A. Rule Violations

1) Major Violations

  1. Failure to submit a program produced with public access equipment and/or facilities for initial cablecast on a HCTV channel;
  • Abuse or vandalism of equipment and facilities;
  • Return of equipment in damaged or unworkable condition, beyond normal wear and tear;
  • Failure to return equipment through intent, negligence, loss or theft;
  • Use of equipment and facilities for a purpose not related to production of a program for public access cablecast;
  • Removal of equipment from the access center without proper checkout procedures and/or without signing a Equipment Sign Out form;
  • Reserving or checking out equipment or facilities for use by a non-certified producer or a producer on suspension;
  • Repeated breach of any of these Rules and Regulations;
  • Attempted equipment maintenance or disassembly.

B. Sanctions

1) Major Violations: A major rule violation results in immediate suspension from use of equipment, facilities for a period of one year.  Where damage to or loss of equipment and/or facilities has occurred, suspension is in effect until full compensation is made. There are no written warnings prior to suspension in cases of Major Violations.

2) Minor Violations: A Minor Violation will result in the following actions:

-Written warning for the first Minor violation

-Suspension from equipment and facilities for the second Minor Violation within a 90 day period An initial suspension from equipment and facilities is for 90 days; subsequent suspensions are for one year each and require re-certification. Staff will file a written report on any suspension.

C. Equipment Damage and Loss

If equipment is damaged or lost while under contract to a public access user, the user will have equipment privileges suspended until full compensation is made or until an installment payment contract is signed with HCTV.  In the event that a producer fails to meet the terms of repayment, the producer shall be suspended from all equipment and facilities privileges and the case will be submitted to the Board of Directors for resolution.

VII. COMPLAINT AND RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

If any member of the communities served by HCTV (Hardwick or Woodbury) or any Access User or Producer has a grievance or complaint regarding HCTV the following procedures outline how the complaint will be handled.

  1. All complaints or grievances must be submitted in writing to the HCTV staff.
  • HCTV staff will respond within 30 days upon receipt of the written complaint.
  • Within two weeks of receiving the written response from HCTV, the community member may request a meeting with the HCTV staff.
  • If a meeting is requested, said meeting will be scheduled within two weeks of receiving the request.
  • If, even after the written response and meeting, the community member believes their issues has not been sufficiently addressed, they may bring their full complaint to the next HCTV Board of Directors meeting.
  • The HCTV Board will accept the complaint and hear the staff member’s report on the situation.  The Board will decide as to any further action.
  • If the community member still believes that their grievance has not been addressed, they may bring their grievance to the Vermont Public Service Board.

VIII. CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

A potential conflict of interest occurs when there is incompatibility between what is advantageous for an individual versus what is advantageous for the organization such that a reasonable person could question whether the employee’s (or member’s) professional actions are being unduly influenced by considerations of personal gain rather than what is in the best interest of the organization.

Some examples are, but not limited to:

1.  Activities that might conflict, or appear to conflict, with Hardwick Community Television’s interests, its mission, and its business plans.

2. The use of HCTV equipment or facilities for outside projects. 

3. The payment to a member of the board of directors for services provided to HCTV.

4. The employment of relatives in the same area of an organization may cause serious conflicts and problems with favoritism and employee morale.

Instances of conflict of interest must be brought to the board of directors for discussion and an action can be taken when voted on by a quorum of the board.

IX. AMENDMENT OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The Public Access Policies and Procedures may be amended at any meeting of the Directors of HCTV where a quorum is present.  Interim Policies and Procedures may be implemented at the discretion of HCTV staff subject to the approval of the full board at the next general board meeting.

X. ASSENT AND SIGNATURE

In signing this form, the assigned user agrees to abide by and be bound to these terms and policies:

Sign Name:______________________________

Hardwick Community Television    

Memorial Building Print Name:______________________________