Want to Create
Your Own Show?
You may not realize that there are absolutely no limitations on which Trinity
students can create a public access show.
Not a communication major? Doesn't matter.
No experience working on a TV show? Doesn't matter.
If you have the desire to create your own show and the motivation to stick with it, we'll put you on the air. All you need to do is come by the station and fill out a few forms and you're good to go. Even if you're long on ideas and short on experience, we can train you on all the equipment you'll need to use. Then we'll give you a time in our schedule and in our studios, and the rest is up to you.
If you're curious about the forms you have to fill out, here's a brief rundown:
- Program Proposal Form - This tells us what your program is. It includes everything from the title, length, and subject matter, to what time you want it to air. In connection to this form, you will need to present your idea at one of the weekly manager meetings to finalize plans to produce your new show.
- Public Access Program Agreement – This is a form that insures that a show protects students’ basic rights. You are totally responsible for the content of your program. It is the Executive Producer’s responsibility to insure that their program violates no university rules, regulations, or policies. For example, slander and liable laws need to be considered when you talk about someone on your program. Also, you cannot violate copyright laws or have commercial material in your program without authorization or prior approval from the owner. Any questions about this policy can be directed to the Managers of the station at anytime.
- Studio Reservation - Once you have submitted the forms and attended a manager meeting, you must reserve the studio or your show will not have a studio to air from. The form gets master recording DVDs assigned to your program, reserves the studio, and allows you to have up to five production people check out cameras to shoot video for your show. Equipment checkout is open 3-5 in room RCC 414.
- Program Disclaimer - Although not a paper form, you are required to place an oral or graphic disclaimer announcement at the beginning and end of your programming stating that you are responsible for the content of your program. This is detailed in the Requirements for Airing Programs form. Again, if there are any questions about this they can be directly addressed to the management team.
So then what?
Turn in your information forms to the Programming Manager’s box. The TigerTV management/advisor group meets weekly to review new program proposals. After your program is reviewed and an airtime is selected, you start producing your show the following week. Also, if you cannot air during any given week or if you plan to discontinue your show, you are required to give a 48-hour notice to the Programming Manager or Station Manager.
If your program is live, you can choose to use either studio B or Studio C (public access studio). In studio C you need at least two people - one person in front of the camera and one person operating the TigerTV equipment rack. For studio B however, you will need at least four people (two for the booth, one camera person, and one on-air talent). Training on all equipment for all studios is available from the TigerTV management team, Dr. Williams, or James Bynum. If your program is produced and delivered on videotape then it will be aired through the automation system and must be given to the Programming Manager or Station Manager to ensure that it will be shown.
If you have any questions, drop us an email at TigerTV@Trinity.edu