Programming and Scheduling FAQ

DCTV cablecasts programming on the Comcast cable system channel 15 in Davis.

Who may submit programming for cablecast?

To submit programming for cablecast on DCTV you must be at least 18 years old and establish eligibility in one of the following ways:

Be a verifiable resident of Davis.

Work for a business or organization in Davis.

Be a student at a local educational institution.

Be an official member of the local chapter of an organization serving the Davis community.

Is there any way my program can be cablecast even if I don't fall into any of the categories above?

You'll need to find a "local sponsor." A local sponsor is a person who is eligible, as defined above, to submit programming for cablecast on DCTV.

I don't know anyone in Davis. Can you find a "local sponsor" for me?

You are welcome to mail your program to us. However, DCTV makes no guarantee on finding a local sponsor for you. The majority of our limited resources are used for facilitating locally produced programming. Our contract with the City of Davis requires at least 50 percent of our programming be locally produced.

But my programming is really important/great/wonderful and your local viewers will love it.

DCTV does not make determinations or offer opinions as to what may be "good" programming.

Well if DCTV doesn't care what my program is about, does that mean you'll air anything?

No. DCTV will not cablecast programming commercial in nature, containing any advertising, deemed obscene, deemed dangerous, or copied without permission. Programming which constitutes libel, slander, invasion of privacy, unfair competition, or which may violate any local, state, or federal law is also prohibited. These guidelines are detailed in our Rules and Policies.

What are your technical requirements?

No degraded multi-generational copies (dubs) of programming. No intermittent or missing control track. No video above 100 IRE or below 7.5 IRE. No severe audio problems consisting of, but not limited to, low audio levels, high audio levels, or audio "hums."

For VHS/SVHS a minimum of thirty seconds of video black at the beginning and end.

For DVD a minimum of thirty seconds of video black at the end. Program should be the first chapter. No chapter selection menu is suggested.

Do you have any program length requirements?

The minimum program length we are able to schedule and cablecast is 15 minutes. Exceptions may be made at DCTV's discretion. There is not a maximum program length. Preferred lengths are 28 mins., 58 mins,, 1 hr. 28 mins., etc.

Can you air my PSA?

No. Due to limited resources, DCTV does not air PSA's at this time. As an alternative you are welcome to submit a press release for our Community Bulletin Board.

What is the process for submitting a program for cablecast on DCTV?

You need to complete a "Cablecast Request Form" for each program you would like cablecast on DCTV. Information you will need is the exact length of the program, a title and a description. If you produced the program at DCTV you should already have a "Volunteer Statement of Compliance" on file. If the program was created outside of DCTV you will need to have a "Sponsor's Statement of Compliance" on file. The "Statement of Compliance" indemnifies DCTV of all responsibility for the content of your program.

With the forms in hand you are welcome to drop off your program at DCTV during our office hours. You are also welcome to make an appointment with the Programming Coordinator to select an agreeable "first show" date and subsequent replays.

What if my program is live or time dated or I want to know when it will air before I make it?

Generally DCTV likes to avoid scheduling programs which are not yet completed.

For live programs simply fill out the "Cablecast Request Form" and speak with the Programming Manager to determine a suitable time for cablecast and replays.

For programming requiring a quick turnaround please make an appointment with the Programming Coordinator for cablecast and logistical solutions.

How often can my program replay?

Original programs will be guaranteed one "premiere" showing. Requests to repeat the program are accepted but are granted at the discretion of DCTV.