by Bob Duthaler
This article is an updated version of one I did previously, with more information, details and solutions. Moving your station forward is always the goal as a station manager. Here are some ideas on how you can grow, strengthen and improve your station operations and overall appearance. They are in no particular order, so use these as a guide for your station. Do all or do some, but the key to change and growth is to do something.
Use What You Have and Use It to the Fullest… We are all guilty of this, I know that I am. What am I referring to? Just about any product or software you have in your place. You would be surprised how much they have to offer and how we don’t use them to their full potential. What are some examples of this? How can I find solutions? I will give you a couple examples, but take inventory of all your hardware and software, research all they have to offer, then train yourself to use all they have to offer. Read all product material that came with your purchase, find user guides enclosed or online, and search for useful videos on the web. For our purpose I am going to talk about broadcast systems and multi-camera productions. Each one of these are important to station productions, operations and overall appearance.
Broadcast Servers:
Do you know how to schedule series programs?
Do you know how to use squeeze backs?
Do you know how to add “now playing” and “up next” snipe graphics?
Do you run a station logo or bug?
Are you running text crawl messages and incorporating emergency notifications?
Do you know how to add closed captioning?
Multi-camera Productions:
Do you understand the concept of two-hand switching?
Do you know how to use M/E?
Are you doing live graphics?
Do you know how to create virtual sets and chromakey?
Do you know how to roll in video clips?
Do you know how to bring in sources over the network, web and other sources?
Learn all the above and more. How? Come to the JAG conference on Thursday, May 16 and attend the special user group session by Telvue and Newtek. Learn the ins and outs of your broadcast server, make creative bulletin boards and discover the extra features that make your station stand out during the Telvue users group. Get the most out of your live or live-to-tape productions by fully understanding all that your switcher can do. Learn how to create a picture-in-picture effect, virtual sets and how to bring in sources over your network or internet. Varto Technologies will review all this and a lot more during their Vizrt Tricaster users group. Learn to get the most out of all the equipment you already own or are looking to get. Register now for this year’s event at www.jagconference.com
Cable, live streaming on social media, and cord cutters, serve them all… The time has come to serve everyone in your community, whether they have cable or not. Gone are the days the cable was the only way to see your station. As the viewing habits of the residents in your community change, so your operations must change to reach them. But how do you reach them? What are the benefits of live streaming? Is there a way to reach the cord cutters? Apple TV, ROKU and Amazon Fire, are not just for Netflix. Learn how you can get your channel on these platforms and more. What about creating videos for all the new social media formats like Reels, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Special workshops geared for this topic, along with vendors with the knowledge and ability to show you an affordable way to get your station broadcasting in platforms you never thought were possible. Where? Come to the JAG conference on Thursday, May 16 at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ. Learn how create these special videos, get access to affordable streaming equipment, have your channel on OTT platforms and a lot more. Register now for this year’s event at www.jagconference.com
Know what the future of PEG could hold, and know what you are entitled to now… One of the biggest ways to be successful in our industry is to understand the laws the govern our industry and what you should be advocating for. Over the years JAG has fought hard to get your station access to training and equipment. JAG also made it possible for you to have a high-definition channel. But do you know how to go about getting these? Wouldn’t you like to learn what stations around New Jersey and the country are getting in their local franchise negotiations? Knowledge is power, which becomes an advantageous ally when dealing with cable companies during your franchise renewal. I am sure you don’t have time to sit and track all the state and federal legislation that pertains to PEG-TV, broadband and more on a regular basis. If you are looking for an easy explanation of all the above, in a clear, concise way for you to understand and bring back to your cable board or local government, then you need to attend the annual JAG Conference on Thursday, May 16. Learn about current legislation, FCC rules and proposed legislation in special topics during the legislative sessions scheduled during the JAG Conference in Edison, NJ. Register now for this year’s event at www.jagconference.com.
VHS Tapes, File Based Broadcast Servers, Closed Captioning and AI… We have watched our industry change over the years, but what is in store next? Are you contemplating the addition of closed captioning to your station? What is the best approach? Should you have an on-site unit or a cloud-based subscription? What about remote video transmission, is there an affordable solution out there? Can you harness the power of the internet and cellular data to transmit live video? How about AI technology? More and more we are hearing about the use of AI and what it may mean to our industry. There is so much new technology out there and more is on the way after the NAB Tradeshow. How can you keep up with it all? Get caught up with some of the latest and greatest right here in New Jersey at JAG’s annual conference. Mark your calendar now and click the registration link: www.jagconference.com and set yourself up to be in the know. Join us on Thursday, May 16for a one-day event that will surely enhance your knowledge and ability to successfully operate your station.
Respond faster and make informed tactical decisions! By working together, local government access TV and the OEM can enhance the community’s overall awareness, preparedness, and responsiveness during emergencies. To that extent, the Jersey Access Group (JAG) will be hosting an informational panel session on OEM, fire and police working collaboratively with local government access channels to disseminate information to the public in real time. This session will also include a discussion and demonstration of using drones, video and bonded cellular technology to get mission critical, real-time video to both mobile command units and OEM command centers. “It is very important to emergency management that we collaborate with local tv stations to ensure important and timely information is provided to our citizens before, during and after a disaster.” Dennis VanNatta, MAS ,CEM, OEM coordinator Township of Scotch Plains, New Jersey. JAG is offering this session FREE to all OEM, Police and Fire Officials on Thursday, May 16 at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ. This session is sponsored by the Jersey Access Group, Varto Technologies and LiveU. A special registration for all police, fire and OEM officials will give them access before and after the session to have a chance to visit the JAG conference floor which will have some of the latest technology in drones, video equipment and bonded cellular technology. To register for this free session please go the JAG Conference website: www.jagconference.com . For more information, please feel free to reach out to me, Bob Duthaler (JAG President) at bduthaler@jagonline.org for a special information sheet on this session. Space is limited. Act fast. Register now!!! So much is going on throughout the day at the JAG Conference. But, there is still time for networking with others in our industry and vendors from around the country. This event is designed specifically for those in the PEG community. It is our chance to get together, discuss topics that pertain to our industry, learn the latest and interact with each other. There is no doubt this is the one event each year you do not want to miss. Register now for JAG’s Conference 2024 on Thursday, May 16 in Edison, NJ. Don’t wait!!! www.jagconference.com. I look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s event!
Posted: March 19, 2024 by Doug Seidel
How to Work With Your TV Committee
by Geoffrey Belinfante, External Relations Committee, Chair
This month, on Thursday March 21, JAG is scheduled to have a Managers Roundtable on how to work with cable TV committees/commissions. Here in West Milford we don’t have a TV committee per se, all of the folks who are involved in the running of WM77 are considered commissioners and serve on what we call the TV commission. While most of us run the day-to-day operation of the station, the most important commissioners are the two liaisons from the council that represent our interests. And represent us –with enthusiasm and insights about what the mayor and council are thinking.
Ada Erik and Marilyn Lichtenberg have been staunch supports of the station since its inception more than 10 years ago. Ada, whom many of you know, was instrumental in getting the station launched and she is the first to tell anyone who will listen that she and her fledgling committee couldn’t have done it without JAG. Likewise, the members of the committee couldn’t have done it without the full support of our council liaisons.
During the early days, we got guidance from JAG about everything from policies and procedures to technical advice on equipment purchases, but once the station was up and running, it was our council liaisons who provided those of us on the operational side with the support to keep us going.
As you might expect, not everyone on the council was a fan of the station. Some members didn’t want the meetings filmed at all and others were concerned that there was yet another item to finance with a budget that was already tight. However. the station persevered despite the naysayers and doubters. In the early days, our program schedule was filled with council meetings, a community bulletin board and not much more. Then, gradually we added programing, in part thanks to the JAG server, but inevitably, at the urging of our council liaisons, there was the desire to produce more local programming and of course that meant the need for new equipment. I suppose that’s the normal progression for stations like ours, but our detractors on the council had their reservations. When faced with the need for more funding, Ada very wisely told the commissioners to give the township more local programming to make the channel more valuable to residents. This turned out to be sound advice.
First, we kept it simple, adding single camera shoots of school board meetings, lecturers at the library and town events like coverage of our Autumn Lights Festival and Memorial Day Ceremonies. Finally, we added more ambitious coverage of some of our high school sports, our summer concerts and a series of musical performances from a restaurant in town known as the Vreeland Store. We even won our first JAG Award for a local show we produced on a Civil War reenactment at the historic Long Pond Iron Works in town. Just as Ada predicted, we gave the council and the residents programming that they didn’t know they wanted, but once they had it, WM77 was able to raise its profile among its most important constituents—the township council.
The end result was, over time, funding for two new cameras, a wireless microphone package, a LiveU solo, a Black Magic switcher with monitor and an audio board. While we still don’t have a studio, there is even hope that the township will find us a permanent home in the very near future.
So, based on our experience up here in the highlands, the cable commission and its council liaisons, Ada and Marilyn, have been a driving force for our growth. I would urge all members who have to work with a TV Commission to treat them as partners. Win their respect with your dedication and the creative programs you produce. Give the council and your residence something they didn’t know they needed. Allow them to see themselves, their children and their elected officials at work and at play. Give them something they can’t see anywhere else on the dial—themselves.
Posted: March 19, 2024 by Doug Seidel
JAG’s Annual Conference Taking Shape – 2024
by Geoffrey Belinfante, Conference Committee, Vice Chair
Just like a fine red wine that gets better as it breaths, JAG’s conference gets better and better as the plans mature. Okay, okay, perhaps the analogy is a bit over the top, but indulge me. Your conference committee has been working diligently to assemble a series of workshops that will make this year’s conference special—no matter what your interests. The wine has been breathing since the last article. Sessions are in three categories. Here’s a preview:
Legislative
If you are interested in legislation and the comings and goings in Washington, DC, there are several panels that are right for you. We have assembled a knowledgeable panel to keep you up to date on the latest trends in cable franchise agreements from around the country. If you’re facing an upcoming negotiation or if you just want to keep up on the latest trends, you won’t want to miss this panel. It discusses the kinds of things you can negotiate in your next franchise agreement.
Closed captioning is a hot topic. You might have to close caption all your municipal programs in the very near future. So, you won’t want to miss our panel on when and how to comply with the American’s with Disabilities Act. There’s a new initiative, not from the FCC, but from the Justice Department, that may compel you to act faster than you think.
Finally, our luncheon program focuses on broadband and what it means for the future of the cable industry in general and the future of PEG distribution. This discussion focuses on the state of broadband deployment in New Jersey, and why you, as a JAG member/station operator should care about it. Learn about funds that might available from the grants that your municipality receives to cover the cost of over-the-top delivery of your station.
Programming and Management
If your interests go more towards programming and station management, we have workshops for you. The committee has assembled a group of station people to discuss new ways to reach your citizens. If you have overall responsibility of communicating, motivating and inspiring your residents, you won’t want to miss this one.
The key to much of the programming that we produce is getting great information from interview subjects. Once again, we will present a panel of professionals offering tips on interviewing techniques to help you hone your interviewing skills.
Related to interviewing technique is the art of storytelling. How do you identify, research, shoot and edit a compelling story that is informative and entertaining. There are two Understanding the Elements of Storytelling sessions presented by seasoned professionals that can help you improve programming quality on your station.
Finally, many of our members have the responsibility of generating new and interesting programs that will keep viewers entertained and informed about their communities, but finding new ideas can be challenging. A panel of some of JAG’s more prolific program producers share their insight into where to find new stories in your community that you may have overlooked.
Technology
If you have interest in new developments in technology then there are panels for you too. Perhaps you have heard about or attended a closed caption panel and now you have to figure out what you’re going to do when your town is required to comply. Here is a panel which will explain the options available to you, the pricing, and the technology that you can choose.
Are you tired of shlepping heavy lighting equipment around for location shoots, then don’t miss our panel on the latest trends in location lighting. Your back, legs, knees and shoulders will thank you.
Finally, there is an important panel that discusses technology from LiveU that allows all PEG channels to easily interface with your Office of Emergency Management (OEM) when there is important information that must get to your residents immediately. In fact, you should consider inviting the people who run the OEM in your town. This free session is for all OEM, police and fire officials.
So, if you take all this interesting programming, the opportunity to speak with some of our valuable organizational partners, the chance to attend user groups, then add plenty of time to network with your colleague, you’ve got another exciting conference to look forward to.
Add the JAG Banquet and JAG Awards as your evening activity and there is a full day of information, networking, and entertainment. Mark your calendars now: May 16 at the Crowne Plaza in Edition.
All of us on the committee hope you can attend.
Registration is now open at Shop – JAG Conference
For more information, check out the conference tab on our website, jagonline.org/conference or log on to www.jagconference.com. Be sure to check back often to follow additions to the schedule. New events and sessions are being added all the time.
Call for Vendors
Booth size and event sponsors: Link to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/889386h
Exhibitors include:
TelVue Corporation DeSisti
Varto Technologies LiveU
Cologna Productions JVC
NJ Film Commission Eiki
My Case Builder Swit
Thanks to our sponsors:
Diamond-TelVue
Titanium-Planet Networks
Platinum-Varto Technologies
Sapphire-LiveU
Gold-Cologna Productions
DeSisti Lighting
Posted: March 19, 2024 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update March 2024: News from Trenton & Washington, DC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Last October the White House urged congressional appropriators to dedicate $6 billion to extend the ACP, or Affordable Connectivity Program through the end of 2024. The ACP allows about 23 million low-income households to receive discounts on their internet bills of up to $30 a month. Lawmakers and Federal Communications Commission officials have held numerous rallies calling for this program to receive a new round of appropriations from Congress. If it does not receive this money, the existing funds would expire in the end of April as reported by FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, this past January. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (N.J.), the ranking Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said recently at an event to gather support for this program, “it’s going to be very detrimental to all these people that need internet access if the funding expires”.
A bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers unveiled a bill last month to re-up its funding (ACP Extension Act: HR-6929/S-3565). Now, key negotiators are pushing to tuck the measure into upcoming spending bills on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers are racing to avert a possible shutdown.
From the New Jersey League of Municipalities:
The Assembly State and Local Government Committee is scheduled to consider A-4045, and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee are considering an identical bill S2930, that change various rules to OPRA. These reforms to the Open Public Records Act address many of the issues municipalities have been experiencing since the inception of OPRA, including:
The League is strongly in favor of these proposed changes and encourage you to reach out to your legislator to express municipal support for these bills. We will update this story as it progresses.
Please do not forget that the Protecting Community Television Act (HR 907/S 340) is still circulating in Congress.
From the ACM (Alliance for Community Media):
The FCC’s 2019 Franchise Fee Order redefined the federal Cable Act’s 5% franchise fee cap to include the value of most non-monetary franchise obligations as franchise fees. This change allows cable companies to reduce what they pay for the use of public property and rights-of-way. The Protecting Community Television Act (HR 907/S 340) would correct this error by simply clarifying that franchise fees are only monetary.
The Cable Act of 1984, protects the rights of a local community to charge cable companies a five (5%) percent franchise fee and to meet community needs and interests, such as providing public, educational and governmental channel capacity.
Contrary to industry practices that date back to the 1980s, the FCC’s actions could result in reducing cable operators’ monetary compensation to towns and municipalities that wish to communicate with residents through community television. The FCC Order could force communities to choose between franchise fees or communicating with residents through community media that provide Americans with local civic, public safety and public health content.
The Protecting Community Television Act (HR 907/S 340) clarifies that only monetary payments, not non-monetary franchise obligations, qualify as Cable Act franchise fees and are subject to a fee cap. Without it, a cable operator could create fees to drain away municipal revenues and pressure municipalities to give up or de-staff channels.
JAG constantly advocates, analyzes and addresses emerging issues in areas such as: Local Government Communications and Internet Policy.
Posted: March 19, 2024 by Doug Seidel
JAG’s new video partner: Granicus
by Andrew Collinsworth, Account Executive, Granicus
Have you heard of Granicus? They’ve been serving government since being founded in 1999. Granicus helps organizations run more efficiently, effectively, and transparently. Their video streaming solutions make meetings accessible to the public, wherever they are and on their own devices.
Granicus’ mobile-friendly, multi-channel video streaming solution lets viewers search for and skip ahead to any agenda item they want to view, without sitting through or fast forward through an entire meeting. Voice search, multi-lingual captioning and automated minutes are just some of the time savers that benefit both staff and the public. With industry-leading video quality, security and reliability not previously seen in the government meeting market, Granicus created a true industry revolution and continues to lead the way.
In 2022, Granicus acquired Swagit to continue the transformation of streaming video for government. Swagit’s EASE solution helps relieve the workload of overburdened government meeting managers and IT staff by allowing agencies to offload hosting to Swagit servers. EASE also includes agenda indexing—shifting that duty from government staff to the Swagit team, which saves staff resources and improves turnaround time from meeting to public posting of the polished video.
Swagit’s AVIOR solution scales the EASE concept to an international level, outsourcing meeting streaming and recording for reliable, hands-off production.
In addition to video hosting and indexing, the Swagit team uses multiple cameras and manages all production work including panning, camera switching, zooming and on-screen graphics. It’s all done remotely from their offices in Dallas, Texas. With AVIOR, government agencies recover valuable staff time, improve viewer experience, and can redirect taxpayer dollars toward core priorities, avoiding repetitive meeting work or troubleshooting technology during critical public meetings.
The AVIOR solution has been successfully deployed in cities both large and small, including Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. In the decade since its installation, Swagit AVIOR has been serving the remote Arctic city reliably and securely. Hundreds of jurisdictions across the U.S. and Canada rely entirely on the Swagit production team for video management, production and polishing. They don’t worry about staff coverage, technical problems, or low-quality video.
The addition of Swagit maintains Granicus’ dedication to using video solutions to enhance government participation. Swagit’s functions complement Granicus’ industry-best closed captioning, transcription, spoken word search tools, as well as simultaneous multi-channel streaming capabilities, including social media platforms and cable access channels. These features, along with mobile device responsiveness, allow government agencies to reach viewers anywhere.
In the years since its founding, Granicus grew beyond video streaming and recording. The Granicus video solutions are part of a larger suite of products and services bringing digital solutions to governments managing meeting agenda creation, public record requests, board and committee staffing and servicing, website design and hosting, and public engagement. JAG’s partnership with Granicus evidences our ongoing commitment to transparency and quality in the services we provide. Tune in on Wednesday, March 27, and get to know our new video partner and the solutions we’re exploring.
Posted: February 14, 2024 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Brookdale Television – JAG’s Own Wonder Woman
by Geoffrey Belinfante, External Relations Committee, Chair
Note: This is usually a spotlight written by one of our JAG Members, however this article was written by Geoff Belinfante with input from Lauren Concar Sheehy. Lauren is busy doing what Wonder Women do, but her story should be of interest to JAG members.
Lauren Concar Sheehy has been a JAG member for many years. In fact, many moons ago, Lauren interned at Cablevision and has fond memories working with Dave Garb and the crew. These days, she is a video production specialist at Brookdale Television with responsibility for the TV facilities at Brookdale Community College, along with Jennifer Yannibelli and Sergey Kornienko. For well over two decades, the team has been producing, directing and editing television shows, providing real world experience to their students.
Brookdale Television (BTV) is a non-profit Educational Access Channel that can be viewed on Comcast Channel 21 and Verizon FIOS Channel 46 throughout central New Jersey, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. BTV’s mission is to present quality educational programs that inform and inspire viewers. While working at BTV is her full-time job, her passion for the last 22 years has been the Garden State Film Festival. In fact, she is so busy preparing for this year’s festival that she has asked me to draft this article about her and the festival.
In addition, Lauren is a filmmaker with a long, passionate history in the Television & Film industry. She has written, executive produced, directed & edited award-winning content for Bloomberg TV, SAG-AFTRA & other high-profile clients. Her latest feature, which she co-produced, Shelter in Solitude is out now on all platforms.
Sandwiched between her responsibilities at Brookdale, and her independent film making, this Wonder Woman and her team has worked tirelessly year after year to bring a first-class film festival to the Garden State, and this year will be no exception.
From March 21-24, GSFF transforms Asbury Park and Cranford into a cinematic paradise, showcasing over 200 films from 14 countries in eight venues The festival is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the art of storytelling, with a variety of films, both theatrical and documentary, engaging panels, live podcasts, and not-to-be-missed parties. JAG members who have an interest in the production of films of all kinds will welcome a chance to meet and network with celebrities and professionals from all over the world right in our backyard.
As usual, Lauren and her associates have assembled a diverse, informative and entertaining selection of feature films and documentaries. This year’s lineup boasts notable figures such as Matthew Modine, Carla Raij, Janice Kovach, Armand Assante, Lisa Eldelstein, Bridget Moynahan, Ed Begley Jr., and sports legends Louis Neglia and Joe Pyfer. The GSFF is a testament to New Jersey’s storied film history and as a hub for producers, directors, actors, investors, and industry talents.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be the screening of Don Q, a comedy crime thriller that features international star Armand Assante who will be on hand to discuss the film and answer questions from the audience. In addition, this year’s festival will feature screenings of a thriller called The Nanny; a comedy thriller called Don’t Tell Larry; and a documentary called Journey to the UFC about Joe Pyfer’s overcoming insurmountable odds to become a UFC fighter.
As with any good film festival there will be social events and lots of opportunities to network. This year’s festival kicks off with a Meet the Filmmakers cocktail party on Thursday March 21st at the Asbury Hotel, and no good film festival would be complete without a red-carpet celebration… and the Garden State Film Festival is no exception. On Friday March 22nd there will be a red-carpet premiere of the drama “The Martini Shot” starring Mathew Modine, John Cleese, Fiona Flascott, Derek Jacoby, and Stuart Townsend.
The festival culminates in an awards dinner on Sunday March 24th, with awards to the winning films, screenplay, and the best movie music. The festival also honors the Exceptional Woman of the Year which this year goes to New Jersey’s own Carla Raij, who worked with Steven Spielberg on the Fablemans and the Educator of the Year which goes to David Dilianni from Film Academy360. Who knows, perhaps there are some future JAG members in the Student Television network that he represents.
Naturally, the festival includes feature films and documentaries shot right here in New Jersey, using our mountains, lakes, beaches, cities, farms and historic sites as background. It’s always great to see locations you know on the big screen, or perhaps you or someone you know worked on these Jersey based productions. There may even be some films that would be appropriate for exposure on our municipal channels.
Tickets for the Garden State Film Festival are available on-line at gsff.org and are reasonably priced with a variety of options, so I would urge all JAG members to consider supporting Lauren’s efforts to bring a bit of glamour to the Garden State. Congratulations to JAG member, Lauren Concar, award winning filmmaker, community activist and a tireless champion for the arts in New Jersey and to all of her associates who help assemble this incredible weekend of entertainment. It’s always great to see a fellow JAG member work outside their traditional venue to create something of value to the entire State.
Posted: February 14, 2024 by Doug Seidel
JAG Awards February 2024
by George Farfield, JAG Awards Committee Chair
THE JAG AWARDS IS CLOSING! THE JAG AWARDS IS CLOSING!!
Did your town have a concert? Did your station record it? How about a council meeting? Did your town have a community event? These are all great events you can enter in the JAG Awards.
Not sure what the categories are? Here they are…surely you have something to enter.
101. Documentary
201. Instructional/Training
301. News Magazine
401. Talk Show
501. PSA: Public Service Announcement
601. Promotion
701. Sports Programming / Single Camera
801. Sports Programming / Multi-Camera
901. Public Meeting / Single Camera
1000. Public Meeting / Multi-Camera
1100. Public Ceremony / Single Camera
1200. Public Ceremony / Multi-Camera
1300. Public Parade / Single Camera
1400. Public Parade / Multi-Camera
1500. Concert / Single Camera
1600. Concert /Multiple Camera
1700. Community Holiday Event
1800. Community Development Event
1900. Community Ground Breaking/Ribbon Cutting/Dedication
2000. Community Festival/Fair Event
2100. Community Award Presentation
Haven’t had time to get it together? Don’t worry, many of us have not had the time. Registration has been extended until February 16. At least get that done. Videos are not due until the end of February. We want to see your entry. Enter the JAG Awards NOW!
Posted: February 14, 2024 by Doug Seidel
JAG’s Annual Conference Taking Shape
by Geoffrey Belinfante, Conference Committee, Vice Chair
Even though our conference is still about 4 months away, your conference committee has already been busy planning another informative and entertaining event for all JAG members. This year’s conference is scheduled for May 16th and once again it will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, so mark your calendars now! The conference will be followed that evening by a gala celebration where we will present the JAG Awards for excellence in production for 2023.
As usual, this year’s conference will feature workshops and user group meetings that will bring you up to date on the latest from manufacturers and tips that help you create more interesting and better-looking programming. While this year’s panels are still in formation, there will be topics for programmers, production personnel and those with technical responsibilities for their facilities. Topics will include: Why PEG managers should care about Broadband deployment; Interviewing techniques from industry professionals; programming tips that might lead you to new sources of stories in your town; and new equipment that will make producing in the field easier. As usual there will be a legislative update from our Washington partners, and a report on trends from around the nation when negotiating enhancements to your next franchise agreement. Of course, there will be user groups for those who own equipment from particular manufacturers.
It is hoped that our keynote luncheon will feature speakers from the cable companies’ broadband suppliers and representatives from NATOA and/or the ACM to discuss broadband deployment and the future of cable companies, and why you as PEG operators should care.
As in the past, there will be an opportunity to meet with and see new offerings from manufacturers and our JAG Organizational members. This is a great time to familiarize yourself with new offerings that will improve your productions and make communicating with your citizens that much easier.
Since this is the age of Artificial Intelligence, we thought we would ask Microsoft’s Co- Pilot why it thinks you should attend. Here’s what it said:
Remember, participating in the annual conference and banquet contributes to the collective growth and vibrancy of the JAG community. So, go ahead and register now to make the most of this enriching experience! Visit the conference website at www.jagconference.com See You There on May 16, 2024!!
But you don’t need Artificial Intelligence to make up your mind about the JAG Conference–regular intelligence will do just fine. Registration is now open. For more information, check out the conference tab on our website, jagonline.org/conference or log on to www.jagconference.com . Be sure to check back often to follow additions to the schedule. New events and workshops are being added all the time.
Thanks to our sponsors, TelVue, Planet Networks, Cologna Productions and Varto Technologies for making this all possible.
Call for Vendors Booth size and event sponsors: Link to Register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/889386h
Posted: February 14, 2024 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update February 2024: News from Washington DC- The Congressional Budget Office
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
As we have talked about in the last few newsletters, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 (HR 3557), is still in play in Congress. If enacted, it would impose new restrictions on local authorities regarding their ability to regulate a variety of state and local land use and zoning issues that pertain to the deployment of the telecommunications infrastructure. This would include wireless and wireline deployment, and new limits on the requirements and renewals of cable franchise agreements.
In order to fully understand the ramifications if it were to pass, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Public and Private Mandates Unit asked for an Inquiry about it. Last month, the National League of Cities, the United States Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties, and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, met with the CBO about the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023. They were able to relate the concerns of local government regarding the cost impact and loss of revenue to local and state governments that would be caused by this bill.
From NATOA:
The CBO asked about the impact on cable franchise fees. Gerry Lederer, a partner at Best, Best & Krieger, LLP, was able to point them to the cable industry’s FCC filing back in 2018 that operators pay ~$3.4 billion, annually, in franchise fees.
Also discussed was the loss of wireless siting revenue and the burdens & expenses of increased permitting costs, inspections and requirements.
It remains to be seen how much CBO will rely on our ‘loss of (street rent) revenue,’ so we’re now pivoting to a focus on examples of increases costs/expense/burdens such as:
• Costs of a study to amend ordinances, code, permitting processes and/or fees.
• (In discussions, we mentioned a conservative estimate of $18-20K per unit of government. The # of local government units – counties, municipalities (cities and town), and special districts run from 28,000 – 32,000. (Last year, Treasury’s SLFRF funding reported 2,966 counties, 1,088 metropolitan cities (>50,000 pop.) and 22,356 non-entitlement units (<50,000 pop.).
• Back of the envelope, that’s an unfunded mandate of $504M – $640M.
• As Nancy Werner, partner at Bradley Werner, LLC, suggested, think in terms of Small Cell rules – studies, staff, consultants, staffing costs for wireless permitting reviews, inspections, etc., as well as any in-kind contributions that would be threatened.
For more information on this harmful bill, please watch JAG’s very informative video about HR3557 and hear what might happen if it is passed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzP_t_SPzGk . Please share this link with all those who have the influence and power to stop it.
While HR3557 is floating around Congress, we must not forget that the Protecting Community Television Act (HR 907/S 340) is also still very much alive and is circulating the halls as well.
From the ACM (Alliance for Community Media):
The FCC’s 2019 Franchise Fee Order redefined the federal Cable Act’s 5% franchise fee cap to include the value of most non-monetary franchise obligations as franchise fees. This change allows cable companies to reduce what they pay for the use of public property and rights-of-way. The Protecting Community Television Act (HR 907/S 340) would correct this error by simply clarifying that franchise fees are only monetary.
The Cable Act of 1984, protects the rights of a local community to charge cable companies a five (5%) percent franchise fee and to meet community needs and interests, such as providing public, educational and governmental channel capacity.
Contrary to industry practices that date to the 1980s, the FCC’s actions could result in reducing cable operators’ monetary compensation to towns and municipalities that wish to communicate with residents through community television. The FCC Order could force communities to choose between franchise fees or communicating with residents through community media that provide Americans with local civic, public safety and public health content.
The Protecting Community Television Act (HR 907/S 340) clarifies that only monetary payments, not non-monetary franchise obligations, qualify as Cable Act franchise fees and are subject to a fee cap. Without it, a cable operator could create fees to drain away municipal revenues and pressure municipalities to give up or de-staff channels.
For further information on these bills, please contact David Garb, Chair. of JAG’s Legislative Committee at davegarb@paps.net. JAG (Jersey Access Group) constantly advocates, analyzes and addresses emerging issues in areas such as: Local Government Communications and Internet Policy. JAG promotes, and preserves the right to, media production, distribution, civic engagement, and education in support of diverse community voices, through Public, Educational and Government access facilities and other forms of media