WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE OF THE:
LEASED ACCESS PROGRAMMERS ASSOCIATION ("LAPA")
"Join us as we strive to insure equitable treatment"
SOME OF THE ISSUES FACED
Congress passed a simple law mandating that cable operators provide cable carriage to 'non-affiliated', basically independent programmers, but serious review of FCC rulings shows the powerful agency takes a strong position supporting cable operators in making it difficult to exercise the rights created by law.
On Insurance-The FCC sides with cable operators in demanding the very expensive "media perils" (broadcasters) insurance which can run $3,000 + per year. The basis is that while cable operators are "held harmless' from lawsuits based on content, due to the law banning them having any editorial control over such content, the FCC still sides with the cable companies
On Technical Support-The FCC on the surface appears to uphold the intent of Congress by having a policy on 'same type' access, but in reality they have on numerous occasions ruled in such a manner as to actually make it economically unfeasible for anyone to do 'live' or remote programming and this makes the use of Leased Access basically captive to the cable operator for airing via tape decks controlled by the operator and with charges for the service.
One of the earlier promoters of leased access programming was Matt York, the publisher of Videomaker Magazine. They have published several articles on leased access and for a while published a newsletter ("VIPNA") with information and issues about leased access. He has also helped publish a book/manual on leased access and helped produce some videos on leased access. We hope to be able to revive some of his work and provide a resource for leased access programmers and those interested in leased access. We will have links to other leased access information sites
MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO:
Leased Access Program Producers, Leased Channel operators and Video Production Companies will be eligible for active membership. Cable Systems, Government Agencies, Law Firms, Insurance Companies, Program Syndicators and others interested in leased access may join as an associate (non-voting) member.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:
Information on membership and its benefits will be forthcoming as we officially establish the Leased Access Programmers Association. We would like to hear from all that have an interest in leased access TV and what you would like to see from such an organization and this website. For further information please contact Acting President Charlie Stogner stogtv@hotmail.com or acting Vice-President Duane Polich duane@combonate.com.
WHAT IS LEASED ACCESS TV?
Leased access TV channels are provided by cable companies in communities throughout the United States, for use by individuals and companies to air video programming of a local or general nature for a fee. Paid commercial advertising can be aired within the programming. This is what sets it apart from public access channels. The Cable Act of 1984 and subsequent rulings by the FCC provide guidance to the cable companies on the number of channels that it is required to make available for leased access and the rates that can be charged.
WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE AIRED ON LEASED ACCESS?
Many types of programs can be aired on leased access TV including business showcase, real estate programs, news, political programs, tourist information, restaurant reviews, foreign language programming, community information, music, local things to see and do, high school sports, photo advertising, etc. Programming of an obscene nature can be restricted or prohibited by the Cable Company. Commercial advertising can be placed within or around the programming. A single program can be shown on leased access or a number of shows comprising several hours of the day can be aired. Some operators have leased an entire channel to provide a 24 hour TV channel and program it as they chose, using a mix of locally produced programs, syndicated/barter programs and programming from a network such as America One.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS WEBSITE?
The goal of this website is to promote the membership interests of LAPA and be a forum for leased access programmers to gather and exchange information about leased access TV and to share their ideas and experiences.
FOUNDING MEMBERS:
The founding members of the Leased Access Programmers Association include:
Charlie Stogner, StogMedia, Jackson, Mississippi -Acting President.
Charlie has over 40 years of media experience, including owning a number of newspapers. Charlie has had extensive political consulting experience, including some personal lobbying. With the support of other LAPers (leased access programmers) he hopes to persuade members of Congress to review FCC actions on leased access and perhaps get them to pressure the agency to adhere to the very obvious intent of the law.
Duane Polich, Info-Ad Systems, Inc. and Combonate Media Group, Inc., Bellevue, Washington.
Acting Vice President Duane has 15 years of media experience including starting and owning several radio stations and as a consultant for new FM broadcast applications and allocations before the FCC. Duane is in the process of obtaining his first LPTV station in Pullman, WA and plans to operate other LPTV stations and several leased access channels.
Chris Folsom, TV Camden, Kingsland & St. Mary’s, GA
Chris serves as the acting Secretary-Treasurer and has operated Camden TV a local leased access channel in St. Mary’s and Kingsland, GA for several years now.
Links to Other Websites of Interest to Leased Access
Video Equipment
Television Networks