What is "IEMG's Public Access"?
It's the membership based Public Access Program run by the City of San Bernardino's, Inland Empire Media Group (IEMG).
What does it cost to get my Public Access program played at your station?
There is a membership fee in order to have access to equipment and air time.*
Where can my Public Access program be seen?
Our "Access San Bernardino" channel serves cable households in the greater San Bernardino area, located about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, via the San Bernardino-based cable systems of Time Warner Cable (on Channel 17 analog/digital), Charter Communications (Channel 32 analog/digital), Verizon (Channel 32) and AT&T on Channel 99 and streamed on-line at www.iemediagroup.tv.
Do I have to be a local resident to submit a program?
Although we prefer direct "walk-in" contact with local Public Access producers, we can accept outside submissions under our regular Public Access policies and procedures.
I'd rather ship programs to you. How is that handled?
Some providers ship us single-use media, while others provide return postage, prepaid shipping containers or call slips for returnable media. Time for handling mail-backs is limited, which, which may delay their return to you. You also can choose to retrieve them at regular intervals (30 days max.)
What media formats do you accept?
We currently accept these seven media formats: VHS, S-VHS, Video-8, Hi-8, ¾-inch U- Matic (regular or SP), DVD-R/-RW. (No other DVD / Mini-DV variants, Digital-8, Betacam, Betamax, or V-CDs.
Are there any special technical requirements to worry about?
Yes, and these are detailed in our "Technical Standards and Other Requirements for P.A. Program Submissions" document. Among our prerequisites: proper labeling on all media and packaging which matches Playback Request form(s), "normal" and consistent video/audio levels, 10 seconds of locked sync at "head and tail" of all programs, and smooth playback on our equipment.
Any length or content limitations?
Yes. These topics are covered in detail in the above document. Typical programs should fit within a 30 or 60 minute time block (nominally 28:30 or 58:30 minutes net program length). More importantly, programs must not: solicit funds or sell products (including copies of the program, itself), promote a lottery, libel or incite others, or contain material deemed to be indecent. The provider is solely responsible for its content, and provider information becomes a part of our public inspection file.
Can I include advertising or sponsorships in my program?
"Access San Bernardino" does not accept "infomercials" - and programs cannot include advertising "spots" of any kind. They can, however include limited sponsorship references at the beginning and end of programs. Please contact us for current Sponsorship Guidelines.
What happens when a program is delivered to you?
1) You submit your program to us, with the required "Playback Request & Tracker Form".
2) We input your program information into our inventory system and deliver your tape/disk and matching paperwork to the processing shelf in Master Control.
3) It's QCd - Quality-Control Checked - for content and technical standards.
4) Accepted programs are stored in our digital automation server for playback.
5) They're now ready for scheduling, usually within two weeks of initial delivery, depending on the current submission and processing loads.
How will anybody know when my program airs?
You can request advance notification, so you can publicize your program, and you can even put a free announcement on our "Community Bulletin Board."
I have more questions! How can I get them answered?
For further information regarding "Sponsorships" of Public Access programs, please contact the Inland Empire Media Group, in person or by mail at 201 North "E" Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401-1507; by phone: (909) 384-5005; fax (909) 384-5580 or email us at [email protected]