Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the information you might need is available in the Policies and Procedures Handbook. Below you will find answers to most other common questions.

What is public access?
Cable television programming created by and for members of the community. With very few restrictions, anyone can make any program about anything they want. And, it's completely FREE. [top]

What are the funding sources of the local access channel?
Cheshire TV is funded in part through franchise fees. Each cable subscriber pays a very small fee based on their monthly cable television services. While the national average is 5% of a subscriber's monthly cable bill, the current access fee in our area is only 2.00%. Cheshire TV may also obtain additional funding through corporate and private donations, grants, membership fees, service fees, and other fundraising activities. [top]

Who can view the programming on Cheshire TV?
Cheshire TV can be seen by anyone who subscribes to at least the BASIC tier of Time Warner Cable TV services in the Monadnock Region. It cannot be received via an off air antennae, or satellite. Some programs are available for purchase for a nominal fee.

To obtain cable service from Time Warner, please call 603-352-6421, or stop in their offices at 11 Eagle Court in Keene.[top]

How can I find out what's on your channel, and when?
You can see our published weekly program guide in the Keene Sunday Sentinel's TV Guide on page 11, or you can view/download the guide on our website, or you can come in and pick up a copy of the guide weekly. We can also email you a copy if you request it. [top]

I saw something on the channel that offended me. Who do I talk to?
Public Access programming is produced exclusively by independent producers in the community, people just like you. Each producer is responsible for the content of their own show. We require producers to provide a phone number so that viewers can contact them with feedback. Keep in mind, however, that the First Ammendment protects virtually anything a producer wishes to air. [top]

What happens to DVDs after the shows are aired?
We will hold the prorgam for up to 30 days to allow the producer to pick up the DVD, after that we need to dispose of the material to make room for new content. [top]

What equipment is available for use by the general public?
Six "pro-sumer" portable cameras are available for use. They are Canon GL-2's, and come packaged with most of the accessories you will need. Additional equipment may be available at the time you need it. Our studio is also available. Editing equipment is also available for use at the studio, and cannot be removed. [top]

I want to make use of the equipment/facilities, but I work during the normal business hours. Can I use the facilities during "off" hours?
The facilities can be used during "off" hours only through special arrangement with staff. [top]

What is a bicycle/import program?
Bicycle programs refer to any program produced by a person other than a member. They can be aired, but only if the person submitting the tape is a member who completes the proper paperwork. [top]

I have a program that I would like to show, but it's not on an approved format. Can I air it?
Any program that is not on an approved format can be dubbed outside of our facility, or in an editing suite by the user, or can be dubbed by the staff for a nominal fee.

I thought this was supposed to be free! Why are there fees?
Due to the non-profit nature and the limited funds of the channel, modest fees must be charged for certain services. Cross format dubbing, duplications, and other services are time consuming and so nominal fees are charged. Membership fees might be charged for to cover administrative costs, and certain workshop fees are used to defray the cost of instruction and materials. [top]

Is anyone allowed to pick and choose what gets shown?
Will my program be edited?
Cheshire TV does not have the right to decide what content is cablecast and what is not. As long as minimum technical standards are met, and no prohibited material as specified in the policies and procedures is included, your program will be aired. Mature content programs will only be shown between the hours of 10:00PM and 4:00AM. [top]

My child is in a play/concert. Can I tape it and put it on TV?
That depends on whether you, or the organization producing the play or concert has the legal right to do so. Contact us at 283-6621 for more information. [top]

Apart from School Board and Keene City Council, why aren't local government meetings shown live?
At this time, we do not have enough staff or the equipment required to air live events. It is in our plan. The fastest way for that to happen would be for volunteers to offer to cover those events. Contact us at 283-6621 for more information. [top]

I would like to make a show, but I don't know anything about doing it. Who can help me make my show?
Cheshire TV is a community based resource, not a service. However, classes and workshops are available for you to get enough training to make your own shows, and you can learn as little or as much as you want. Additionally, a volunteer base is being developed to help produce shows. The more you put into Cheshire TV, the more you will get out of it. [top]

I own a business, and want to make a show about my business. Can I do that?
Cheshire TV has very specific rules regarding commercial programming, which are spelled out in the policies and procedures. While we a are a business-friendly channel, there can be no blatant commercial activity. It is possible however, to promote your business interests within the rules. [top]

What happened to the community bulletin board?
We are pleased to announce that the Community Bulletin Board has been replaced with a new policy that allows all non-profits to submit video PSA's! In the past, the Bulletin Board was used to notify members of the public about local events. Non-profits could submit information that would be converted to an onscreen graphic. Now, we offer two options.
FREE workshops, as well as access to equipment and facilities and assistance so that NPO's can produce their own short video PSAs. These PSAs will air throughout the day as "commercials" between normal programs, and will be seen by many more people, and a are a much more effective way to communicate. PSA classes are offered by appointment, so if you would like to learn how to make your own video PSA's, please visit our training page to register. Or, you can submit a powerpoint slide of your PSA and we will run it as a 30 second spot throughout the day until the expiration date of the event. If you would like more information, please call us at 283-6621! [top]

I'd like to have a PSA, but I don't have the time or interest in taking the classes and making the video. What can I do?
We encourage everyone to produce their own material, but in some cases that isn't possible or realistic. You can look for volunteers to help you out, or you can discuss paid production services with a staff member. [top]

What's up with the cat???
That's Peg, our mascot. Her name is made up of the initials in Public Educational and Government access. PEG channels are frequently referred to as Community Access Television, or "CAT" channels. It seemed an obvious choice for a mascot, but we have nothing against dogs. I happen to own a very obnoxious beagle who is one of the world's most talented escape artists. If you see him wandering around Keene, let me know. [top]

I have a question that isn't answered either in the policies and procedures, or the FAQ. Who can help me?
You can email the staff for assistance, call us at 603-283-6621, or visit us in person at
our studio, 76 Winter St. in Keene, next to the Public Library. [top]