'Olelo Community Television
Program Scheduling Overview
Prepared August 5, 2004


Definitions

Block Scheduling (or Programming). The practice of grouping programs with related content together to create a “block.” For example, by grouping all sports programming together, a “sports block” is created. Promotion of blocks helps attract viewers to programs of interest, thereby increasing exposure for programs and producers.

Filler Air Dates. Air dates given to a program in addition to program’s scheduled Premiere and Repeat Air Dates. Filler Air Dates are not guaranteed and are assigned on a space available basis to help “fill out” each channel’s programming.

Presenter. An individual who submits a program that was not made using ‘Olelo’s facilities/equipment. The presenter claims responsibility for technical and content compliance. Often, presenters submit programs created off-island or out-of-state.

Premiere Air Date. The first time a new program is shown on the channels.

Producer. An individual who created the program and claims responsibility for technical and content compliance.

Repeat Air Date. Air dates scheduled for a program subsequent to the initial Premiere Air Date.


General Parameters

o    Content is the sole responsibility of the producer or the presenter. ‘Olelo does not pre­screen, edit or censor program content.

o    ‘Olelo provides early and on-going training and guidance to producers and presenters on content and technical guidelines. Producers and presenters are advised (in-person and in writing) that programs with commercial and/or illegal content are prohibited.

o    Every program longer than 1-minute is required to have an “end slate” that includes the name and contact information of the program producer or presenter.

o    Programs are kept in playback rotation for a period of six months, unless a producer or presenter specifies an earlier pull date. If the producer or presenter chooses to, they may re-submit their program after its initial first six months of rotation for additional air times.

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o    Because there are so many variables to scheduling a program, 'Olelo’s policies focus on the minimum that each program is aired as a means of defining equity (not the maximum).
o    The length of a program may affect when and how soon a program is scheduled and how many filler time slots are assigned. Half-hour and one-hour programs are much easier to schedule than programs longer than an hour.
o    Producers and programmers indicate on their Playback Request Form the general program subject (arts, sports, entertainment, health, etc.). In the event that a producer or presenter has misidentified the program content as a means of securing desirable air dates, staff may contact the client to discuss re-identifying the program subject.
o    Producers and presenters indicate whether or not their program contains time-sensitive content, whereby after a specified date the content is less important or is no longer relevant. This end date guides ‘Olelo staff in its scheduling decisions.

o    Producers are advised to submit programs four weeks in advance to ensure inclusion on the published TV listings. Producers may submit programs sooner, if they choose to or need to because the content is time-sensitive, and are advised that their program will not be included in the published guides.

o    Programs fall into three different categories: Series Programs, Non-Series Programs and Short Takes.

o    Series Programs, except Neighborhood Board programs, must adhere to specific program lengths of 28 minutes and 30 seconds and 58 minutes and 30 seconds. Non-Series Programs may be of any length beyond 15 minutes. Short Takes are 15 minutes in length and shorter.
o    Series
    -    To qualify for a Series timeslot, producers must submit to ‘Olelo a minimum of three completed programs to demonstrate their ability to consistently produce programs
    -    A Series receives the same weekly time slot for a year. (For example, Tuesday nights at 9:00 PM.)
    -    A weekly Series program receives a premiere timeslot (for each segment), and up to two filler time slots per week.

o    Non-Series

-    Non-Series programs receive a premiere air date and three scheduled repeat air dates.
-    A Non-Series may receive additional filler time slots (which are not scheduled) as channel space allows.


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o    Short Takes
-    Short Takes include short-format programs, public service announcements and promotional spots (15 minutes in length or less).
-    Short Takes are scheduled once and then used as filler as channel space allows.


Questions About Content

o    Positive Feedback
-    Olelo offers to provide the viewer/caller with the producer’s or presenter’s contact information.
-    Olelo staff advises the viewer/caller of future air dates, if applicable.

o    Negative Feedback
-    When viewers disagree with the content, ‘Olelo staff offers to provide the viewer/caller with the producer’s or presenter’s contact information to communicate directly.
-    Staff explains to the viewer ‘Olelo’s role facilitating the production and airing of a program, and that individual producer and presenter is responsible for program content.

o    Technical Issues
-    If a call is received regarding technical quality of a program, staff investigates the source of the problem. When the problem stems from ‘Olelo or Oceanic transmission, attempts are made to correct the problem. When the problem stems from the program tape, staff works with the producer to fix the problem.

o    Prohibited Content
-    Complaints about prohibited content, including slander and libel, copyright, or illegal content are investigated by staff to determine the validity of the complaint. If the complaint is valid, staff works with the producer and presenter to correct the program and/or to remove the program from future airing. In complex situations, the legal determination on program content is left to a court of law.
-    Complaints about commercialism, which are most often reported by ‘Olelo clients, are investigated by staff and content violations are handled between staff and the program producer or presenter. If the complaint is valid, staff works with the producer and presenter to correct the program and/or to remove it from future airing.
-    Consequences for content violations vary, and may include suspension from using ‘Olelo’s facilities.



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