What is a government access channel?

A government access channel is one of three kinds of "Community Access Channels" first designated under the "Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984" to provide residents with local television programs and information over dedicated Public, Educational and Government (PEG) cable channels.

Authorized by the FCC and by local ordinances and franchise agreements, government access channel are vehicles used by cities and counties to communicate information generated by each respective legislative body.

How does a government access channel differ from a public or educational access channel?

Government access channels differ from public and educational access channels in some important ways. Unlike Public Access channels, government channels are granted editorial rights to choose the manner, format, and type of information to be disseminated to the public. Unlike Educational Access Channels, government channels selectively offer legislative information to the general community. Realizing how impractical it would be to format and distribute the entire information available, local governments highlight on the channel what they feel are the mort relevant points for residents. The basic idea is to attract viewers to learn more about what local governments have to offer and to encourage greater citizen participation.

Why have a government channel?

The principal reason to have a government channel is to provide local information from a local perspective. Traditionally, governments have been among the primary developers of local information, but have relied on commercial news sources to disseminate it to the public. This situation changed with the introduction of government access channels in the 1960's and 70's. Today these channels provide a convenient and inexpensive way for the local government to teach citizens about the day-to-day workings of local government.

Another reason is to provide services to city departments and agencies in the form of public service announcements, program series or the coverage of public meetings and other events. Furthermore, government access channels promote city services among constituents, and market the accomplishments of local government to potential businesses and residents.

How is the government access channel funded?

The cable franchise agreement requires the payment of a franchise fee which is used to support the channel. The local franchise authority collects 5% of gross revenues from the cable operator, which is used to support the on-going operations of the government channel and regulatory oversight.

Who can use the channel?

Use of the government access channel and studio by non-city departments or non-city agencies is prohibited.

Eligible users include City of St. Louis elected officials, City of St. Louis departments and agencies and City sponsored agencies. Eligible municipal access users may submit video service requests, pre-produced programming, public service announcements or requests for alpha-numeric text messages.

Where is the studio located?

STL TV is located in Forest Park at the intersection of Kingshighway and Oakland. Our address is 4971 Oakland, St. Louis, MO 63110. We're across the street from St. Louis University High School and about 100 feet from the St. Louis Science Center.

What are your cablecast hours?

STL TV is automated and offers programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is there a way I can get a videotape or DVD copy of a program I've seen on STL TV?

Yes. You may request a copy of any program produced by STL TV by calling us at 552-2900 or by clicking here. There is a $10.00 tape charge for each tape requested. All DVD or tape requests must be paid in advance. Tapes will be held at our offices for pick-up. You may pick up your tapes Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. If you wish to have the tape mailed to you, there will be a $4.00 fee to cover postage and handling.

Please make a copy of the videotape request form and mail it in with your payment payable to:
Communications Division, STL TV, 4971 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.

My local organization is planning an event will STL TV cover our event?

If your organization is planning a community event, please inform STL TV. We ask that you provide us with written information on letterhead which tells us about the upcoming event. Include the particulars of where and when and fax the information to (314) 552-2985. While we cannot guarantee that we will provide video coverage of your event, we may be able to help promote the event. Such a decision will be at the discretion of STL TV and you will be notified.

What is prohibited on STL TV?

Cablecasting of the following material on the Local government Access Channel shall be prohibited.
-Any advertising materials or other information which is designed to promote the sale of any commercial product or service; any advertising message that promotes publicly declared candidates for elective public office or persons advocating any causes or endorsements; lottery information or games of chance, copyrighted materials, or any material which constitutes libel, slander, pornography, violation of Trademark or which might violate any local, state or federal laws including FCC regulations or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution of the United States.

For a detailed list of prohibited materials write for a copy of our Program Policies and Procedures Manual.

If I win a prize on STL TV, how long before I am eligible to win again?

STL TV has implemented a policy regulating prize winner eligibility to be applied to all prize winners. Prize winners will only be eligible to win once every 90 days. All contest participants are asked to observe our 90 day eligiblity rule. Upon winning a prize on STL TV, you are not eligible to win again until the completion of 90 days. STL TV reserves the right to revoke prizes to participants who are found to be ineligible.

To obtain a prize, winners must present themselves in person. An official form of identication is required to claim prizes. All prizes will be held in the offices of the Communications Division 4971 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.

Do you offer internship opportunities for college students?

STL TV offers a student internship program year round. Students matriculating at area community colleges or universities and majoring in a communications field are encouraged to apply for our internship program. Our internship is a hands-on video production program which can last up to one year. For more information on the college internship go to www.stltv.net/internships.htm.


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