Community Video Report (Summer 1974)

ae a ho 14: news/reviews New access reports “Cable Television: End of A Dream,” Network Project notebook #8. The Columbus Video Access Center: A Research Evaluation of Audience and Public Attitudes, by RollandC. Johnson and Donald E. Agostino, et al. (Bloomington: Institute for Communication Research, Department of Radio-Television. March, 1974. Under contract from Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Foundation). Alternative Television: Status, Trends and Issues, by Neil W. Goldstein (St. Louis: Program in Technology and Human Affairs, Washington University. Rep. # (R)T-74/1 & THA 74/4. May, 1974) Opening the Closed Circuit by Fcrbes, Tooley, and Cameron (Toronto: Interchurch Broadcasting, 315 Queen St. E. 1974) The Public Access Experience: Profiles of Six Centers, Alternate Media Center, 144 Bleeker St., NY 10012. Second ed. As public access in the U.S. and Canada begins to develop some sort of trac record, people are finally developing some opinions, analysis and data on the subject. The vast majority of it is available through somewhat esoteric sources. Herein is a look at some of what has passed over our desks in the three months since the last issue. Network Project’s Notebook (#8, Summer 1974) is called “Cable Television: End of A Dream” and sums up the deflation of (perhaps) missplaced idealism many folks entertained for a few years about the SST of communications. The issue reprints the transcript of a radio documentary on cable television produced a part of a series called Matrix. The cast features the all-time list of cable heavies, including well-known cable execs, access producers, RAND analysts, critics, federal and city regulators, and others. The second half of the report documents what the Project calls “the failure of public access,’’ based primarily on the New York City experience, and somewhat outdated references to the OTP report on cable. I found the first part of the notebook interesting, and as a radio show, probably no doubt entertaining. While suitably irate about the treatment of public access by both the government and the large cable companies, the analysis of public access is simply uninformed and outdated. The authors obviously had limited information from which to conclude that access is dead. This is hardly to say that it is flourishing and may not die a more prolonged death, as another study points out; but access isn’t dead yet. The primary problem is building audiences for the new programming source over cable, providing of course, that funding can be located to create the opportunity for programming. In an exhaustive study of the Columbus, Ind. Video Access Center, a team of Indiana University researchers concluded that VAC’s audience is ‘‘small, undifferentiated. There is no evidence of a particular group of VAC viewers. . .(nor) of a particular aspect of VAC programming...which is responding to a clear audience need.... There is no evidence that the audience will grow as present programming develops in quality.” They conclude further that the concept of first-come, first-served access will never build an audience, and recommend that VAC build community support by producing programming (like local news, which doesn’t now exist) that has an appeal. The report, which was prepared by IU’s In ‘stitute for Communication Research and reads like a thesis, is, nonetheless, an excellent analysis of the problems of access centers in the U.S. (It surveyed 10 cable access projects) and a very detailed look at the viewing habits of cable subscribers in Columbus, along the lines of the Nielsen ratings. Another report, “Alternative Televison: Status, Trends, and Issues,” was written as a master’s thesis at Washington University, St. Louis, by Neil Goldstein, who has been active in video and cable projects in the city, as well as in cooperation with other video groups. His scope is much broader than just public access to cable television, although it includes that, too. His avowed goal is to “bridge the gap between the more formal communications establishment and the eclectic alternative television movement.’ He tries to define alternative television as a movement and philosophy, as well as to present the methods and problems, (including a look at a handful of prototype projects). He also examines the movements’ relationship to both cable and broadcast TV, and makes a series of recommendations, primarily aimed at getting a financial footing for the new kind of programming. Goldstein’s assessment, based on a broader range of material than the other authors, is hardly euphoric about access programming. The difference is perhaps one of tone, bred by participation in a struggling new medium. By the way, Goldstein’s bibliography is super. Opening the Closed Circuit puts it this way: ‘The citizens communication enterprise is a reality in Canada and is growing. However, it is fragile and the factors mitigating against it are powerful. Its demise is not unlikely.” That is one of several conclusions made by an ecumenical church study team that visited 12 localities of all sorts in Canada and AMC publishes workbook The Access Workbook by the Alternate Media center, 144 Bleeker ST., New York City 10012. The Access Workbook is described as both a “‘how-to-do-it’” and a reference guide to community cable access. It compiles tons information heretofore not compiled under any one cover. The book is divided into two volumes, both of which are loose leaf so that information may be added or updated, as well as taken out and xeroxed for community use. The first volume is entitled ‘““Resources and Information’ and provides a complete overview as to what public access is all about. Information is supplied on building community support, FCC regulations, equipment purchasing, organizing a project and other topics. The volume features a good chapter on the basics of how a cable TV system works. The information details experience is written by folks who have spent a lot of time doing what they are writing about. The second volume “The Craft of Half Inch Video” is an equipment and training manual, with emphasis on how to run training workshops. ; The training chapters are based on tried and proven methods used at some of the Alternate Media Centers projects around the country. In terms of the scoop on hardware, the chapters were kind of erratic with some subjects such as sound being covered in detail, and others such as editing being a little sparse. Though these sections might not provide much new information for those already into video, I doubt if there are many people around who would not pick up a few new tips. The volumes are extremely valuable for any group beginning access to cable or starting up a video project. For those who have been around, it is valuable, as a good orientation resource for interns and trainees to browse through. Purchasers are invited to copy sections to use for no resale purposes, thus if you are giving workshops, this information could be copied and used as a text. Unfortunately, the volumes sell for the hefty price of $35, which is a might high, even though they throw in two other books, Telemedicine and The Public Access Experience. However, at this time it would probably take thirty five dollars worth of separate books to give you the same amount of information. Used to its fullest extent, most readers will find it worth the investment. . . —Ray Popkin | interviewed some 3,000 people about their involvement in cable. This study is readable _and filled with anecdotes, case-studies, and detailed looks at how the community channel operates in these cities and towns. With the exception of the final, somewhat generalized chapter on “‘the future,” I found this the most digestible and intelligently organized study of access I’ve yet seen. Lord save us from the research methodologies, with all due respect. For the point this book makes applies to these studies, too—people must get involved with cable in order for it to work. People must be able to read the studies about it as well. If this Canadian ‘“‘study’ is readable, Alternate Media Center's Public Access Experience: Profiles of Six Centers is downright moving. Page after page of personal testimonials to the process of getting involved in access workshops in 6 cities, mixed with @ tape descriptions, action photos, press clippings, thank-you notes, do more than any other print presentation I’ve seen to transmit the kind of enthusiasm and commitment that video/access generates among participants at the community level. The booklet chronicles the beginnings of six centers established with the cooperation of AMC: Reading, Pa., Bakersfield, Cal., Orlando, Fla., DeKalb-Sycamore, Ill., and two centers in New York City: Village Neighborhood TV and Video Access Center. While the data is valuable, it is dry. While lists of tapes are interesting, one cannot really know for sure what video looks like from a description. But the stories by people involved in video at these centers are genuinely inspiring. The book builds a case for access based on humanity, not cost benefits and statistics, As Paul Braun of Reading, Pa. says, ‘“My relatively dull town is full of people, places and events that should be remembered, thus taped. Probably all towns and areas are like that.’ What better description can you find of why cable access holds out a vision for people? —Nick DeMartino Chicago women. plan video fest Women Doing Video will be a special program feature of Films by Women/Chicago "74, a two week festival Sept. 3-17 sponsored by the Film Center of the Art Institute with the Chicago Tribune. The Women Doing Video portion will be Sept. 7 and 14 at the School of the Art Institute. Videopolis, a Chicago based video group is organizing this video presentation. If you are interested in having a tape shown get in touch with: Judy Hoffman, Videopolis, 2550 N. Halsted, Chicago, Illinois 60614. Tel. 312/871-1390. THE MONSTER* is Eating Your Child’s Mind TX . BUY, LITTLE CHILDREN!!! * THE MONSTER? is unbridled TV commercialism aimed at our children, fostering unending wants. WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE MONSTER! AREN’T YOU? A new group has appeared in the children’s television battle: Truth in Advertising, Inc., which placed what has to be the funkiest advertisement you ever saw in several East Coast newspapers. Launching an attack against ‘‘the monster’’—children’s TV advertising—TIA joins two highly effective citizens lobbying efforts—Action for Children’s Television (ACT) and Council on Children, Media and Merchandising. Write Truth in Advertising, Inc., 133 S. Dorgenois, New Orleans, La. 70119. Wisconsin groups plan Midwest video confab | Fliers announcing preliminary plans for a Midwest Community Video Conference and Festival have been distributed to potential _ participants in an effort to solicit input in the — planning. The fliers, prepared by three sponsoring groups in Wisconsin, solicit participation in a number of issues by people who might attend the conference, including the date, workshop preferences, number of people to attend, and possible use of CATV system in conjunction with the conference. Sponsors include INPUT: Community Video Center, Milwaukee, and People’s Video and University of Wisconsin-Extension, both of Madison. Dates listed are August 23-25, Sept. 6-8, and Sept. 20-22. For a questionnaire and further information, write University of Wisconsin, Extension, Department of Communication, 610 Langdon Street, Room 220, Madison, WI 53706. More newsletters One hates to be excessive in praise, for fear of lessening the impact, but | would like to emphasize one newsletter which was listed in our earlier round-up (CVR #3). Synergy Access, which is bi-monthly, has provided me with what has to be described as incredible resources in a cross-section of future-oriented fields that defy pigeon holing. A true treasure trove for the generalist. (SA: 606 ° 5th Ave, E. Northport, N.Y. 11731). Instructional Technology Report, published bimonthly, is the official newsletter of the Information Center on Instructional Technology, part of the Academy for Educational Development. AED is supported by the Agency for International Development, and the copy of the newsletter reflects this international and Establishment orientation. The copy | saw reports on a series of Stanford Research Institute reports by Wilbur Schramm about using various media in developing countries. The March 1974 issue focused on “Videotaping: A Medium for Social Change,” and editors are soliciting further materials on this subject. Inquiries: 1414 22nd St., N.W., D.C. 20037. (No price listed). Media Report is a high-priced ($86/yr.) conservative weekly look at the media. Headed by right-leaning columnist Kevin Phillips and pollster Albert Sindlinger, MR is edited by former #2 man at the Office of Telecommunications Policy, Brian Lamb, Vol. 1, #8 featured analysis of Sen. Barry Goldwater's call to prosecute the Washington Post for news leaks and tabulation of atti-. tudes of CBS affiliate stations toward newsmen Roger Mudd and Dan Rather. MR concludes that Rather is gaining on Mudd to replace Cronkite when he retires. (4720 Montgomery Ave., Bethesda, Md. 20014). Regular Reports on CATV Apprentices in Alternate Media Center's 1974 program with 9 cable systems are available. Releases tell of their work: AMC, 144 Bleecker St., New York, NY 10012. Film/Video Extra is a periodic supplement to the Greater London Arts Assn’s regular publication. #2 appeared in June filled with video practitioners’ opinions about cable and video, case studies of some video projects, reprints from other sources, especially those describing the successful use of video in Canada, and lists of people operating video projects under British Film Inst. grants. (25/31 Tavistock Pl. WC1H 9SF London, » England). Education U.S.A., weekly newssheet of the National School Public Relations Assn., published report on Cable TV movement in its July 1, 1974, issue. (1801 N. Moore, Arlington, Va. 22209). Michigan Cablenews is a monthly newsletter produced by Mich. State University to cover statewide cable activities. ($4/yr: 322 Union Bldg, Mich. State Univ., E. Lansing, Mich. 48824). Mosaic is the National Science Foundation’s slick quarterly which covers in considerable depth a specific subject. Current issue (Spring, 1974), for instance, is about energy alternatives. $4.50/year (Supt. of Documents, U.S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402). Blue Sky, the Rocky Mountain video/cable newsletter, announces their next issue will focus on women’s and feminist subjects (P.O. Box 791, 80302). National Organization for Women’s Media Task Force offers a periodic newsletter to keep members and other interested people informed on NOW media activities, including FCC actions, national positions, information on women in media, new literature. Write: Kathy Bonk, 2153 California St., NW, D.C. 20008. ND Video featured at Spokane Expo Expo ’74—the World’s Fair being held in Spokane, Washington—will feature a series of communications exhibitions and processes planned by INDEX, a Washington Statebased video/information_ group, which also publishes Cosmic Mechanix (CVR_ #4). Included are the Cybernetic Trade Fair, Global Village Exhibition, Futures Symposium, and a Video Exchange. The group is soliciting lists of tapes in 9 categories for inclusion in the Video Exchange bank. Further info: INDEX, 4111 36th Street SW, Seattle, Wash. 98126. (206) 936-4913.