Denver Open Media has selected six development partners - including channelAustin - to participate in the Open Media Project. "The partners will play an integral part in the successful deployment of the Open Media System. Selecting these six locations is a major milestone in the formation of a nation-wide user-driven network of public access television stations and community technology centers. We are all thrilled to have such an amazing group of stations dedicated to the success of the Open Media Project," said Tony Shawcross, Executive Director of Denver Open Media.

Beginning January 2009, Access Humboldt, Amherst Community Television, Boston Neighborhood Network, channelAustin, Portland Community Media and Urbana Public Television will receive consulting and training services for the implementation of the Open Media System. In addition to receiving implementation services, these initial sites will be directly involved in the ongoing development of the tool set.

channelAustin Reacts to TCA SB5 lawsuit hearing in Federal Court

Austin, TX – Today, US District Judge Lee Yeakel heard oral arguments for a summary judgment in a lawsuit brought by the Texas Cable Association against the Public Utility Commission of Texas (Texas Cable Association v. Smitherman, et al). TCA argued that the “Act Relating to Furthering Competition in the Communications Industry,” S.B. 5, 79th Leg., 2d Sess. (Texas 2005), violates federal and state constitutional and statutory law in that it discriminates against cable operators.

channelAustin supports arguments for the defendants – State of Texas, Grande Communications, AT&T, Verizon, and others – which stated that the TCA failed to demonstrate that maintaining municipal franchises is a substantial burden for incumbent cable providers like Time Warner Cable. channelAustin is pleased that the issue of Public Education and Government (PEG) operational funds was also raised in the arguments presented by defense attorneys. channelAustin understands that if the TCA prevails in their suit that Time Warner Cable will abrogate its franchise with the City of Austin immediately and no longer be required to provide earmarked funds for public access television operations. We are hopeful that Judge Yeakel will issue a ruling soon and that it will be in favor of the defendants and against the TCA and Time Warner Cable.

For additional background information see: http://www.channelaustin.org/content/texascableassociationlawsuithearing...

Public Access Community Television, Inc., dba channelAustin, manages the City of Austin’s public access television studios, resources, and channels.

CASE: Texas Cable Association v. Smitherman, et al.
WHAT: Oral Arguments on Summary Judgment
JUDGE: Judge Lee Yeakel
WHERE: US District Court, 200 West 8th St., Austin, TX 78701
WHEN: Friday, November 14, 2008, at 9:00 AM

Austin, TX – A Texas cable industry lawsuit now being litigated in US District Court could bring additional negative consequences to Texas public access television stations already hurting from a 2005 cable franchise law.

On November 14, 2008, US District Court Judge Lee Yeakel hears oral arguments for a summary judgment in a lawsuit brought by the Texas Cable Association against the Public Utility Commission of Texas (Texas Cable Association v. Smitherman, et al).

This case was on hold until the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in February 2008 that the cable association could move forward with its lawsuit.

channelAustin's Training Department has produced a series of short refresher videos for Producers who are already certified in Basic Cam, Advanced Cam, Mini Studio, and Final Cut Pro. There is also a tutorial on How To Upload Digital Files For Playback. These videos may be found on the Training page, where you can also find the current class schedule and class descriptions. Anyone may enroll in channelAustin Training, but it is more advantageous to do so as a producer. Attend the weekly channelAustin Intro held Mondays at 6:00 PM (except holidays) and take the first step to become a producer.

Austin, TX – A People-Powered Media (un)Workshop, hosted by the Greater Austin Community Media Action Group, will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Ruiz Branch of the Austin Public Library, located at 1600 Grove Blvd. The event is free and the community is invited to participate.

The (un)Workshop, scheduled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, is an "unconference" created to explore community media and how it can be a tool for information, organization, and action. In the morning, attendees will generate the agenda, the sessions and the discussion. This "unconference" format is borrowed from the BarCamp model popular within the tech community.

channelAustin has updated - and shortened - its Policies & Procedures. This document covers everything about channelAustin operations, with details on Training, Reservations, Equipment, and Programming. The revised Policies & Procedures is available as a PDF on the Documents page, where you will also find other useful information.

The Austin City Council last week (Sept. 25) authorized the negotiation of a contract for the installation of a new roof for the channelAustin facility. The roof leaks -- when it rains -- and there is some interior damage as a result.

This below comes from the background material for the council item.

"This request for action is for roofing and exterior waterproofing services at the Public Access Television facility. The current roof system is aged and has numerous leaks and rotted fascia. The contractor will remove the existing roof and rotted fascia and replace with new energy star roofing system, including 24 gauge standing-seam metal roofing panels, new fascia, vents, membrane and caps. The current EIFS System is in disrepair and requires major repairs. The below-grade waterproofing will also be replaced along with tuck and point of the exterior block walls."

We don't know exactly when new roof construction will start and how this will impact production in the building, but it will likely result in some limitation on operations.

On Monday, October 13th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM channelAustin will hold a FREE workshop to help producers promote their TV shows via 30 second video spots. If you are interested, please RSVP with Producer Services at 478-8600 x 10. You will need to bring sample footage of your show, on a DV tape or harddrive, to use for your 30 sec promo. We will have editors on hand to assist.

channelAustin schedules an Orientation & Intro each Monday night at 6:00 pm (except holidays) for people who want to learn about becoming a Producer. This coming Monday, Sept. 29, however, we will not be holding an Orientation session as we'll all be at Austin City Hall for Uniquely Austin. Join us again for Orientation & Intro starting Monday, Oct. 6.

Although Hurricane Ike’s path has shifted to the east, it’s still possible that storm conditions in Austin could cause power outages, and that we could lose power at channelAustin.
In that event, if power cannot be restored in a reasonable amount of time, then we will be closed for the rest of the day on Saturday, Sept. 13.

If we need to close early on Saturday, a notice will be posted on our web site at www.channelaustin.org