Objectives   |   Types of Programs   |   Access Policy   |   Promotions   |   Political Programming  
                       
                                                  Editing Policy   |   Use of Equipment   |   Retention/Ownership of Tapes   |   Adoption Date



       POLICY STATEMENT

       The Miami Township Government Access Channel (MTGAC), is a Public, Educational, Governmental (P.E.G.) Access
       Channel as provided for under the Cable Communications Act if 1984, Section 531, and the Miami Township cable
       franchise agreement with Time Warner Cable.  The MTGAC is operated and administered by the Miami Township Board
       of Trustees, herein referred to as the "Board".  Programming policies are subject to the approval and review of the Board.

       Miami Township will maintain the MTGAC, Channel 8 on the Time Warner Cable System, for Township, Education, and
       other government sanctioned events.  MTGAC is considered a Government Access Channel and it will be limited to
       specific events, meetings, or activities that are sanctioned by Miami Township, local school district's serving Miami
       Township, or other designated governmental bodies.  It is not intended as a political forum nor as a mechanism for
       building support for a particular policy, program, or issue not supported by the majority of the Board.

       The programming policy for the MTGAC shall be to provide Township residents with direct, non-editorial information
       concerning government services, programs, and activities.  Programming will also include educational material  
       sponsored by Miami Township or local school district's serving Miami Township.
       OBJECTIVES 

       (1)  To expand community awareness of local government and its decision-making processes
       
       (2)  To provide comprehensive information about programs and services offered to Township residents by Township
             government departments.

       (3)  To provide information pertinent to Miami Township residents from other local, educational, state and federal 
             governmental entities.

       (4)  To provide educational and public informational materials to Township residents through cable cast presentations.

       (5)  To improve emergency communications in the event of disaster or widespread service disruption.



         
         





       TYPES OF PROGRAMS

       Taped-Delayed Broadcast - Taped meetings, shows and other special events will be scheduled into open times between
       live broadcasts.  Miami Township reserves the right to determine if the event will be aired live or taped for replay at a later 
       date and time.  Taped-broadcast times will be determined by the Township Administrator or duly authorized staff 
       member. 

       Staff Originated Programming - Programs produced by Township departments, issues related to Township government or 
       about groups/committees/boards, etc., that are affiliated with Township government.

       Bulletin-Board Information - Character generated messages related to Township government activities, programs, services 
       and events sponsored by Miami Township, local school district's serving Miami Township, or other designated 
       governmental bodies.  This service will operate 24 hours a day when other programming is not scheduled.





       ACCESS POLICY

       All programming over the MTGAC must be government or education related.  Programs may include meetings, activities, 
       programs, services and events of Township departments and services, local school district's serving Miami TOwnship, or 
       other government entities.  Final approval of all requests will be made by the Township Administrator, who administers 
       the program for Miami Township.

       The MTGAC is not to be utilized for announcements from the general public.  Access to the channel shall be limited to 
       Miami Township, local school district's serving Miami Township, or other designated governmental bodies functions and 
       operations.  Utilization of the channel for personal gain will not be permitted.



      
      





       PROMOTIONS

       Promotional announcements for Township-sponsored events, programs and activities will be permitted over the MTGAC.  
       Promotional announcements for events, charities, or outside organizations in which the Township has no official interest 
       of sponsorship shall not be permitted.





       POLITICAL PROGRAMMING

       No political programming will be permitted on the MTGAC with the exception of providing factual information on any ballot 
       issue directly affecting Miami Township voters.
       EDITING POLICY

       Any videotape submitted to Miami Township may be modified or edited as appropriate.  Messages programmed into the 
       bulletin board portion of Channel 8 may be submitted by appropriate Government departments or agencies.  Editing by 
       the Township Administrator or duly authorized staff member to provide clarity and maximum utilization of pages available 
       may be required.  Miami Township shall not be held responsible for the accuracy of any information over the channel that 
       was submitted by outside sources.



      

        





       USE OF TOWNSHIP EQUIPMENT

       Township-owned video and audio equipment shall be restricted to authorized Township activities, and its use shall be 
       restricted to employees of Miami Township, or trained personnel under direction of the Township Administrator.  Loaning 
       of equipment for personal or outside use shall not be permitted.





       RETENTION OF OWNERSHIP OF TAPES

       All videotapes shall become the property of Miami Township.  It shall be a general policy to not retain all videotapes fo 
       staff produced programs, meetings, and events.  At any time, tapes may be reused and the original material erased, at 
       the discretion of the Township Administrator.  Videotapes may be copied to a digital media, but shall not be considered 
       an official public record and there shall be no liability for inadvertent erasure or omissions.  Copies requested by the 
       public will cost $10.00 per event that is contained on one (1) videotape.





         ***   Adopted by the Miami Township Board of Trustees on April 16, 2002.   ***