Public, Education & Government Access Oversight Board

PEG Access TV Oversight Board meeting Jan. 10, 2019 Albany City Hall, Mayor’s Conference Room Called to order at 5:30 p.m. Present: Mary Rozak (chair), Don Hyman (vice chair), Melanie Metzger (treasurer), Ron Lesko (secretary), Jim Matteo, Ocasio Willson Also present: Kirk Daniels (studio coordinator), Sarah Valis (assistant corporation counsel) Review of December minutes  Matteo moved approval  Hyman second  Approved unanimously Public comment Dennis Karius – If we are going to team up with Schenectady, he would like to go in a good direction. Hoping that the board is able to maximize the benefits of such a relationship should it come to pass. Dr. Christopher A. Hill Jr. – Pastor of Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church. Celebrating Channel Albany because they are interested in a program called “On Point,” featuring Sunday school lessons. Very interested in strengthening public-access television to benefit African- American churches and the community at large. Muhammad Abdullah – “Islam in Focus” has been on Channel Albany for 2-3 years. He expressed that Schenectady does a good job with public-access TV and would be good exposure for programs like his. Jay Steinhart – Affirmative action advocate for transportation in the region. He described a situation in which a CDTA passenger had difficulty accessing a bus. … He wanted to make the board aware for the purpose of future transportation-related programming. Nancy Benedict – Sees both sides of the possible merger with Open Stage Media. No opinion at this time. Mark Gronich – Discussed the proposed Open Stage Media relationship. He noted that in the past Channel Albany was concerned about losing branding. Also, with the mayor being on the Proctor’s board he expressed concern about the possibility of a conflict of interest. He said there also was concern about the nature of the former SACC-Open Stage Media relationship. Keith Irish – Not in favor of the proposed Open Stage Media relationship. He also thanked the board for investing in new equipment recently. He asked why the PEG board meetings were not included on a list the city distributes of public meetings. He noted equipment problems in the studio in early January, and he worked with the studio coordinator to find a solution. Old business Chair’s Report  New studio equipment arrived in late December.  Communication underway regarding PEG finances. More information coming later in the meeting from the treasurer.  The studio will be closed Saturday, Jan. 26 due to the studio coordinator’s upcoming vacation. Additional days coming up in the winter and early spring (dates TBD).  Received the official proposal from Open Stage Media. OSM would be the provider of two or three full-time public-access stations. OSM would accept all Channel Albany existing and future content. We can continue to brand our content with Channel Albany. A committee will be formed to study any potential scheduling conflicts. Channel Albany would provide an annual $10,000 equipment fee. … She is proposing that the board make a recommendation to the mayor. o Getto asked if an RFP would be needed. Rozak indicated that Counsel informed the board that the board had attempted to get two quotes and only received one. o Rozak noted that the relationship would address equipment needs for Channel Albany, and also free up the studio coordinator to do more to market Channel Albany and expand the production of local content. o Metzger noted that Channel Albany would not lose its brand under the relationship. Also, that it would be a one-year agreement to provide an opportunity to evaluate before committing to a longer term. o Metzger moved approval to make a recommendation to the mayor to proceed with the agreement. Hyman second.  Seven in favor, Willson abstained (7-0-1).  Willson noted concerns about what aspects of Channel Albany’s current function or identity would be lost as part of a merger, and what he believes is a lack of information currently available in that regard. Studio Coordinator’s Report  Daniels noted that in addition to the new equipment recently received, Channel Albany also has received business cards for board members.  He noted an equipment problem in the studio that has delayed the editing of some programming.  He expressed a need for help in the studio, in the form of interns or volunteers.  He noted the importance of continuing to brand Channel Albany programming if we proceed with the OSM merger.   He expressed a need for additional new equipment, including a hyper deck. Rozak asked for a full list of any equipment needs and the studio coordinator indicated he would have that for the board next week. Treasurer’s Report  Metzger reviewed the current budget ending Jan. 7, 2019, totaling $257,589.15.  Legislative Award funds – Five or six community training sessions upcoming at the Washington Avenue library. Basic camera and computer use, as well as studio production. Current estimate is $500 per session. New business  None Next meeting  Wednesday, Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. Location TBD.  2019 meeting schedule – March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12 Motion to adjourn  Matteo moved approval  Hyman second  Approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.