WCTV Journal

Monday, October 08, 2007

Auction Reminder!

Just a reminder to all of WCTV’s third annual “Community Benefits” live television auction on Friday, November 2nd beginning at 6 p.m. on WCTV.

Again we are partnering with the IU East SIFE group (Students in Free Enterprise), and would also like to thank Warm Glow Candle Outlet of Centerville and G101.3/WKBV, who have joined us as hourly sponsors.

We are still accepting auction items for this exciting event, but I would like to thank those fine area merchants who have already donated:

Abbott’s Candy and Gifts

Academy of Massage Therapy

Bumblebee Printing

Chase Bank

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center

DDIC

Maria Mitrione’s Italian Market

O’Charley’s

Olde Richmond Inn

Patio at the Country Rib Eye

Richmond Art Museum

Richmond Gymnastics Training Center

Richmond Hardware

Richmond Health Connection

Wayne County Vision and Young Adult Professionals (YAP)

West End Bank

WUR Solid Waste Management District of Wayne and Union Counties

Watch the Channel 21 message boards between now and November 2 to see more information on these and more items. And I hope you all watch and bid on November 2.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

August 2007 Board of Directors Minutes

Call to Order – 11:01 a.m. by President Mark Linderman.

Present: Willard Brown, Dave Burns, Daryl Greene, Ed Hoffman, Mark Linderman, Barb Mayberry, Sharon Palmer, Larry Price, Stephanie Strait
Staff: John Dalton, John Schuerman, Nick Poling

Approval of Minutes
Dave Burns moved, with Willard Brown giving the second, that the Board unanimously accepts the minutes of July 2007. Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Barb Mayberry presented the financial report. She noted that we are on target for this point in the fiscal year, having spent roughly one-half of our budget and received roughly one-half of our income. Dave Burns moved, with Daryl Greene giving the second, and the Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Director’s Report
The Channel 21 Program Lottery and Annual Picnic were held Friday, August 3, with about 30 people in attendance. Tier One is almost full; there is still some space in Tier Two.
The following day (Saturday) WCTV offered production workshops free of charge. Six people took the class.
John, Mark Linderman, and City Clerk Karen Chasteen spoke to the Wayne County Commissioners regarding the live feed situation. John will continue to work with them to help them get more satisfactory results.
WCTV was contacted by the Hometown Sport Network, which is looking for affiliates to broadcast regional college sports. He will report back at the next meeting.
New intern Michael Gibbs from I.U. East will start next week.
John met with representatives from SIFE to discuss the auction. SIFE would like to partner with us more fully than last year. After discussion with the Executive Committee, it was decided that WCTV is interested in that arrangement if we can spell out what SIFE will be responsible for, and if they will step up and take on more specific tasks this year.
John noted the death of Mel Martin, producer of Glory Bound. WCTV has sent condolences.

Old Business
There was no old business brought to the table.

New Business
Dave Burns discussed issues with the TBCs in the headend. John reported that they are not currently being used and a suitable replacement was being sought.

Dave also urged citizen action to protect PEG access during the upcoming national franchise agreement discussions.

Dave brought up the University Channel, and voiced concerns about programming that is available through it. John said that WCTV is under no obligation to broadcast programs from UC, and that he picks programs for WCTV that he feels are of value to the community and reflect community standards. John will prepare a list of programs from UC that WCTV has broadcast, and the Board will discuss at a future meeting.

Good of the Order
John Dalton recognized and thanked those who had put in extra help during a busy few weeks at WCTV, including Ed Hoffman and Nick Poling.

Adjournment
12:10 p.m.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Community Benefits Live Television Auction!

WCTV is once again partnering with Indiana University East SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) to sponsor the Community Benefits Live Television Auction.

The event will be held Friday, November 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on WCTV Channel 21.

WCTV is a not-for profit organization, dedicated to providing technology training and channel access for programs produced by, or of interest to, residents of Wayne County.
SIFE develops community outreach projects that focus on the topics of Market Economics, Entrepreneurship, Personal Financial Success Skills, and Business Ethics. Proceeds from the auction will support both sponsoring organizations.

The auction is a fun event that will provide great PR for those businesses who wish to donate items for the auction. Businesses and individuals who wish to donate items will receive on-air credit before and during the auction.

To learn more about what items might be donated, how to donate items, and when and where to deliver them or how to schedule a pick up, please contact WCTV at 765-973-8488.

WCTV is presently offering more than 16 hours of programming a day across three channels, averaging more than 75 programs a week, and has close to 45 Wayne County producers providing content. We are supplementing this content with diverse, important programming of interest to Wayne County residents. WCTV has been doing so for close to twenty years. We invite you to be a part of WCTV and this event.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

July 2007 Board of Directors Minutes

Call to Order - 11:10 a.m. by Vice President Willard Brown.

Present: Willard Brown, Ed Hoffman, Mark Linderman, Jerome Mahaffey, Eric Marsh, Sharon Palmer, Jeff Plasterer, Larry Price, Phil Quinn and Stephanie Strait.

Staff: John Dalton, John Schuerman, Nick Poling, and Diane Lucas.

Guest: John Zetzl.

Approval of Minutes
Ed Hoffman moved, with Phil Quinn giving the second, that the Board unanimously accepts the minutes of June 12, 2007 with the correction of “Larry Parker” to read “Larry Price.” Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report
In the absence of Barb Mayberry, John Dalton presented the financial report. John noted the Belden membership, and some production monies from the rental of the studio for the “1:47” documentary. Sharon Palmer moved, with Ed Hoffman giving the second, and the Treasurer’s Report was approved.
John Zetzl presented the audit report. This audit reflects two years of data. Mr. Zetzl commended John Dalton for successfully addressing the issues of last year’s audit. Mr. Zetzl suggested that WCTV might find an accounting procedures manual helpful. Mr. Zetzl notes overall good progress. The cash increase shown is mostly due to good operating income for the year. Phil Quinn moved, with Ed Hoffman giving the second, and the Auditor’s Report was accepted. Jeff Plasterer suggested that we request a proposal from Gillam & Zetzl for an accounting procedures manual.

Director’s Report
John Dalton informed the Board about last week’s visit from Insight. There was an opportunity to discuss our interests and concerns. Negotiations are now happening to determine which locations will be live. Jeff Plasterer indicated some concerns the County has, and Dalton stated that he is trying to work with all users of the live system to bring their concerns to the forefront.
The Marketing and Fundraising Committee met on Friday, July 6th. A third annual live TV auction is being planned for November. A day-long Darts Tournament was also discussed.
The Lottery is planned for Friday, August 3rd, followed by the annual summer picnic. The next day, Saturday, August 4th, WCTV will host a free day-long workshop on production basics.
John Dalton is participating in two outside committees, for the Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame event and the Presidential Debate event.
John has received a proposal from the Republican Party to do a public affairs program. Jeff Plasterer suggested also notifying the Democratic and Libertarian parties of the opportunity to do such a show.

New Business
Jerome Mahaffey wondered that since the IU East Basketball team is now in the NAIA, if they would be interested in having their games on WCTV. John Dalton has been talking to Mark Hester about plans to do some related programming, including a follow-up to a show already produced.

Good of the Order
John Dalton thanked John Zetzl for the audit report.

Adjournment - 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

The Luck of the Draw

WCTV board member Stephanie Strait took some photos at the Channel 21 lottery on Friday. Here I am asking member Carolyn Hoffman to draw a show name from our highly scientific cardboard box.

21 Lottery

Administrative Coordinator Diane Lucas logged data into a spreadsheet while John Schuerman and I triple-checked the lottery with old-fashioned pen and paper.

Lottery Central

We have almost a full schedule of locally-produced programs on Channel 21, with close to 45 local producers.

Monday, August 06, 2007

Summer Workshop!

The edit bays are filled to capacity as Nick Poling instructs participants in our free workshop in the art of nonlinear editing.

Keyboard Jockey

Nick Poling teaching iMovie at our free summer workshop. Thanks to all who attended and showed interest in learning more about television production.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

And the Living Is Easy

WCTV members, producers, and friends line up for the summer cookout Friday.

Grill Master

Sandy Baldwin had the hardest job, as it was 90-plus degrees out when she had to work over the flames. The dogs were good, though.

Takes the Cake

My lovely wife gets ready to help serve desert at the summer picnic.

Digging In

Producer James "Iceman" Patterson and Operations Director John Schuerman enjoy the cookout.

Summer Picnic

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the 3rd Annual Summer Picnic.

Monday, July 30, 2007

This Week at WCTV

I wanted to let our members and producers know about several events coming up this week at Whitewater Community Television.

This Friday, August 3rd, we will be having the Channel 21 Program Lottery here at WCTV at 5 p.m. Producers should have their letters by now. If you would like to be considered for a Channel 21 time slot and are not currently on our producer list, please contact me.

Immediately following the Lottery we will be hosting our third annual Summer Picnic, here at Hayes Hall on the IUE campus.

The following morning, Saturday August 4th, we will be offering free production workshops at the studio, beginning at 9 a.m. We will be teaching studio and field videography from 9 a.m. to noon, and then from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. we will break into groups, based on experience, for beginning and advanced linear and non-linear editing workshops. We will have snacks and drinks throughout the day.

We want to thank Belden for sponsoring this workshop.

These free workshops come in response to requests from producers interested in improving their skills, but are open to the community as a whole as part of our ongoing outreach intended to empower more grassroots video efforts in our community.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

WCTV Summer Events

I wanted to let you know about several events coming up at WCTV.

On Friday, August 3rd, we will be having the Channel 21 Program Lottery here at WCTV at 5 p.m. Letters to producers will be going out later this week. If you would like to be considered for a Channel 21 time slot and are not currently on our producer list, please contact me.

Immediately following the Lottery we will be hosting our third annual Summer Picnic, here at Hayes Hall on the IUE campus.

The following morning, Saturday August 4th, we will be offering free production workshops at the studio, beginning at 9 a.m. We will be teaching field and studio production as well as iMovie and Final Cut editing. These free workshops come in response to requests from producers interested in improving their skills, but are open to the community as a whole as part of our ongoing outreach intended to empower more grassroots video efforts in our community.

More details on these events will be forthcoming as they draw nearer.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

August 2007 Channel 21 Program Lottery Info

Here are the materials pertaining to the next lottery drawing for programming on WCTV Channel 21. This lottery will take place Friday, August 3 at 5 p.m. in the studio of WCTV.

Feel free to join us afterwards for our annual Summer Picnic, to be held outdoors here at Hayes Hall on the IUE campus.

The new schedule will begin the week of September 9, 2007.

Once again, thank you for your continued interest and support of WCTV.

CHANNEL 21 PROGRAM LOTTERY INFORMATION

Tier One Program Drawing

Reserved only for local producers whose programs take place physically, and are recorded within, Wayne County, Indiana.

Maximum program length is one hour. One program maximum per week in this tier.

Programming days include Saturday through Thursday.

Producer may supply one new program per week, and shall supply at least one fresh program at least every two weeks, to maintain tier one status. Producer shall deliver program to WCTV studios at least one business day before program plays on Channel 21. Sunday and Monday programs need to be in on Friday.

Tier One programs will be placed first. Tier One may be expanded at the expense of Tier Two as new local producers qualify for Tier One. Tier One programs always take precedent. As of this drawing, as we maintain one hour maximum per program, there are sufficient hours available to handle historic numbers of programs. However, Tier Two programs are subject to be moved or discontinued if demand for Tier One programming expands to the point that the only way to accommodate Tier One programmers is to shrink Tier Two time, accordingly. Any cancellation may be based on last in, first out. Cancelled programs may be entered in the next lottery.

All assigned hours in Tier One are subject to the luck of the draw. Since programs are either ½ hour or one hour in length, the presiding WCTV lottery official may assign the drawn program to the next practical and available time slot, later or earlier, as applicable.

This drawing will be effective starting September 9, 2007, and programs in Tier One will normally be scheduled for a total of three run times per week, as practical. Original cablecast and repeats are typically at eight-hour intervals.

Any program qualifying for Tier One which becomes a part of WCTV programming after the lottery may be placed in any time available until the next lottery drawing.

Tier One programmers -- please check the appropriate box on the return form if you would prefer that your program appears regularly on Sunday. The first random drawing will be for Sunday-preferred time slots in the eight hours between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. until all preferred Sunday hours availabilities are filled. Then, Monday through Thursday time slots will be randomly drawn and placed in late afternoon and evening hours, as available. In the event that any Sunday hours remain after the Sunday-preferred drawing, they will be drawn for last of all, if it is necessary to accommodate any remaining producers.

Tier Two Program Drawing

Reserved only for programs that take place physically, and are recorded, outside Wayne County, Indiana.

Maximum program length is one hour. Two programs maximum per week, as time may be available. Must have a different local sponsor for each program.

Programming days may include Saturday through Thursday.

All times, repeats, and placements in Tier Two are at the discretion of the Program Director. Original program cablecast and repeats typically are at eight hour intervals for a total of two to three run times per week, as practical.

Producer may supply one new program per week, per time slot, and shall supply at least one fresh program per time slot at least every two weeks to maintain Tier Two status.

Producer shall deliver program to WCTV studios at least one business day before program plays on Channel 21. Sunday and Monday programs need to be in on Friday.

Other Information

An Individual Program is defined as “A program submitted for one run which is not part of a series and does not contain series content.”

Only series programming that has been through the lottery process and not selected for a regular series timeslot will be accepted for weekly play during individual program timeslots. Series programming, or programming with similar content, that was not part of the lottery process can be submitted no more than twice a month.

WCTV allows two types of programming: series and non-series (individual). Series means all programs have the same title and similar content. An individual program is one which has an individual title and the content is not the same as another program.

Individual programs can be submitted for playback once and must be accompanied by an application form. A series submitted for play during Individual program time slots must be separate and distinct from other series programming by the same producer. Any producer wishing to submit a series program, without participating in the series lottery, will be able to air two programs per month.

After its cablecast, any program that is judged to have technical problems may be pulled from programming rotation. Possible problems include very low or no audio levels, video images which have tracking problems or static, video images that are too dark or out of focus, and/or other technical problems. The Program Director may suspend the program and future episodes of the program from further cable casting until technical problems are resolved. Please spot check your program before you bring it in to avoid any problems, especially with the authoring of DVDs.

WCTV accepts VHS, S-VHS, DVD, and MiniDV.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

June 2007 Board of Directors Minutes

Call to Order - 11:05 a.m. by President Mark Linderman.

Present: Dave Burns, Ed Hoffman, Mark Linderman, Barb Mayberry, Sharon Palmer, Jeff Plasterer, Kim Poinsett, Larry Price and Stephanie Strait.
Staff: John Schuerman, Nick Poling, and Diane Lucas.

Approval of Minutes
Jeff Plasterer moved, with Barb Mayberry giving the second, that the Board unanimously accepts the minutes of May 8, 2007. Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Barb Mayberry presented the financial report. Barb pointed out that WCTV has received the $10,00.00 from IU East. Barb noted that the insurance payment which appears is a payment for the full year. Dave Burns moved, with Jeff Plasterer giving the second, and the Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Director’s Report
In John Dalton’s absence, John Schuerman presented the director’s report. John reported that the recent audit went very smoothly this year and that the auditing firm will give an official presentation at the July 10th meeting.
John Dalton recently made a presentation with the County Commissioners. WCTV was asked to add an additional meeting to the taping schedule.
Earlham College made an on-site visit. We are hoping that this might help with future potential interns for WCTV.
John Dalton presented a workshop for Morrison-Reeves Library that hopefully will lead to future workshops.
The next Telecommunications meeting is scheduled for June 21. Insight has been invited to attend. Insight’s attendance would offer an opportunity to see where we stand on getting the rest of our live feeds in place. At this time, we are live from the City/County complex and the Tiernan Center.

New Business
The 2007 Capital Equipment Request was presented to the board by John Schuerman. There were no questions regarding equipment, and the request was unanimously approved with Sharon Palmer moving, and Larry Price giving the second.

Good of the Order
Dave Burns noted that most of the earlier problems with producers have been cleared up, many with the help of Nick Poling.

Adjournment - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

May 2007 Board Minutes

Call to Order - 11:05 a.m. by President Mark Linderman.

Present: Willard Brown, Dave Burns, Daryl Greene, Ed Hoffman, Mark Linderman, Jerome Mahaffey, Eric Marsh, Barb Mayberry, Jeff Plasterer, Larry Price, Phil Quinn and Stephanie Strait. Staff: John Dalton, John Schuerman, Nick Poling, and Diane Lucas.

Approval of Minutes
Dave Burns moved, with Barb Mayberry giving the second, that the Board unanimously accepts the minutes of April 10, 2007. Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Barb Mayberry presented the financial report. Barb pointed out that WCTV has taken in $3075 in membership fees during the month of March. The report reflects the final expenditures from the capital equipment fund for 2006. Phil Quinn moved, with Jeff Plasterer giving the second, and the Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Director’s Report
John Dalton brought everyone up to date on the status of Insight. While real progress has been made, there are still some unresolved issues. A Telecommunications Council meeting is scheduled for this Thursday.
Dalton reported that Belden will be continuing with additional training videos, and a local law firm also plans to do a show, starting in September.
WCTV will have a booth at an Eastern Indiana/Western Ohio Human Resources conference next week at IUE to promote our corporate services.
WCTV anticipates its yearly audit on May 25, 2007.
Indiana University has re-classified the Professional positions. Both John Dalton and John Schuerman fall within the recommended salary range for their classification. Nick Poling’s current salary does not meet those recommendations; however, the budget did provide for the recommended salary range. Nick will begin to be slowly increased in salary to meet the requirements after his probationary period ends on September 1, 2007.

Old Business
The Membership Scholarship was included in a revision to the rules. Daryl Greene moved, with Stephanie Strait giving the second, and the revision passed.

New Business
John Dalton requested that the presentation for the capital equipment expenditures of 2007 be tabled until the next board meeting. A lower than expected bid gave us an opportunity to select additional equipment.

Good of the Order
Mark Linderman thanked John Dalton for all of his efforts with the Insight issues.

Adjournment - 11:50 a.m.