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WHAT IS COMET???
One of the greatest
challenges facing government access programmers today is “access” -- access
to ideas, access to programming, access to sponsorships, and access to one
another. Imagine the creation of a community in which access isn’t a
barrier, but rather a foundation.
As cable television technology evolves and
becomes more sophisticated, viewers will have more channels and options from
which to choose. In order to maintain their audiences, government access
channels will need to provide a expanding variety of quality programming.
Comet makes this possible.
Community Media Television, otherwise known as
“Comet,” is a service for government access programmers created by
government access programmers. Comet is a non-profit volunteer-based
start-up operation provided through SCAN NATOA – the States of California
and Nevada (SCAN) Chapter of the National Association of Telecommunications
Officers and Advisors (NATOA).
The concept behind Comet is the
creation of a government access “network,” made up of individual government
access channels. This network will have an audience viewership large enough
to attract meaningful programming and resources that otherwise might not be
available to channels on an individual basis. As a joint entity, Comet
will be able to leverage its newfound power and influence with sponsors,
programmers, etc. Additionally, Comet serves as a central hub where
programming and resources can be shared and accessed.
The services to be provided by Comet
include:
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Programming – Series and individual shows
will be available at a low cost for channels to dub and return to Comet.
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Marketing Resources – Different marketing
campaigns that are geared specifically to government access channels will
be made available. Such campaigns will include logos, animation, promos,
idea samplers, etc.
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Web Site – The Comet Network web site
will provide articles of interest, reference materials, job listings and
other resources to government access programmers.
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List Serve – the Comet List Serve is
a forum exclusively set-up to meet the needs of government access
programmers. Through the forum access channels will be able to share
ideas, get feedback and compare experiences with their colleagues.
When compared to other commercial cable
channels, government access channels have modest resources and must use
creative tactics to keep their channels filled with programming of interest
to the community. Comet strives to assist government access channels
in fulfilling their needs and stretching their resources to serve the
community.
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