Most Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding Regulation

1.      Where does the money come from? Are my tax dollars paying for this?

�         No tax dollars are used to support access TV.  Since the cable operator uses the cities’ rights-of-way for its cables, it pays a franchise fee to each city, (a portion of which supports SWOCC Studios), and an access grant to SWOCC. Another condition of the franchise agreement is that Bright House provides 6 channels for access use:  3 government channels, 1 public access channel and 2 educational channels.

2.      What does the Cable Commission do for me?

�         The Cable Commission was established to monitor franchise compliance with the cable company, resolve disputes between subscribers and the cable company, encourages the use and viewing of the community channels, and evaluates the cable system and makes recommendations to the Cities.

3.      Is SWOCC a part of Bright House?

�         No, SWOCC represents the cities of Novi, Farmington and Farmington Hills in their regulatory relationship with any cable operators

4.      Why isn’t my City allowing other cable companies to offer services here?

�         As Federal legislation prohibits a community from awarding an exclusive franchise. SWOCC has invited other providers to come into Farmington, Farmington Hills & Novi. Many subscribers cry out for cable competition.  Although Bright House has a non-exclusive contract in our cities, no other cable operators have come forward.  They contend it’s a high-cost venture for little return.

Regarding Public Access TV

5.      How much do the classes cost?

�         Basic Public Access classes are free of charge to those residents who qualify under the residency policy.

6.      Is there a charge to cablecast my show?

�         There are no charges to cablecast your show on public access channel, INFO TV-12.

7.      Can SWOCC staff watch my program and give me their opinions?

�         SWOCC does not pre-screen or pre-censor anything that goes on the public access channels.  SWOCC staff is happy to offer technical advice in pre-production and post-production meetings, but will not assist with the content of any program.

8.      What music can I use on my show?

�         SWOCC Studios purchased the copyright to a 200+CD Library for all access use.  If you seek out other music, it is your responsibility to obtain copyright permission or talent release.

9.      Why doesn’t the TV guide display my program and its title?

�         All programs that are on the TV guide channel are submitted weeks in advance. Because the INFO TV-12 schedule changes so frequently we cannot commit to a set schedule.  But a schedule is updated frequently on the SWOCC website: www.swoccstudios.com

10.  How often and how long can a program run?

�         INFO TV 12 programs are guaranteed to run at least once. If the producer would like to have it cablecast more, he has to make a request with the programming coordinator.  Replays are on an as-needed/as-available basis

11.  How long are the classes?

�         It depends on the class.  Each is conducted differently; some are one night others may require a few weeks.  There is a handout with details and requirements for each workshop on the SWOCC website www.swoccstudios.com.

12.  Does Staff ‘do’ my show?

�         No staff does not ‘crew’ or produce public access shows. Staff is there for technical support only.

13.  What is something goes wrong during my show?

�         Pre-production meetings are designed to work out everything in advance to help assure that nothing does go wrong.  That’s why, once something is decided in pre-production, it cannot be changed the day of the show.  But, let’s face it; there are times when technology falters.  That’s why staff is there.  SWOCC staff will do its best to troubleshoot problems.

14.  How long does my show have to be?

�         There are no parameters on how programming length.  Generally most programs are either 30 minutes or 60 minutes which enables new programs to start on the hour and half hour.

15.  What if I check out the remote equipment and something breaks?

�         When a certified access volunteer checks out equipment, he/she becomes responsible for any and all damages that might incur. The equipment is thoroughly inspected before and after checkout and any damage will be noted before lending out.

16.  Why can’t I use the van & all of SWOCC’s equipment?

�         Even though both Government and Public access is housed under the same roof, they’re not the same thing.  There are some pieces of equipment dedicated to public access, some to government access and others are shared.  Additionally, each city has specific equipment and resources which it funds specifically for government access. 

17.  I’m a professional, can I test out of classes.

�         Even though the concept of TV production is the same, not all equipment is. We have to make sure that everyone who would like to use our facility, whether professional or not, is properly trained on our equipment, including procedure, policy and responsibilities exclusive to SWOCC.