Q: Does KALB have studio facilities that are available to Albany residents?
A: Currently, KALB is in the process of creating a production studio, please email jeallen@albanyca.org for more information.
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Q: Who runs the station?
A: The day to day operations of KALB are in the capable hands of Jeremy Allen and the KALB Staff. See them here!They are advised by the Community Access Media Committee, made up of Albany citizens appointed by the city council. |
Q: How can I get training in television production techniques?
A: In the past, KALB has sponsored some video production training, and this may be available in the future. For now, low-cost training is available at Berkeley’s public access facilities. For information, contact Berkeley Community Media (510) 848-2288. Local community colleges also offer classes in video editing and production.
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Q: What technical requirements do I need to be aware of?
A: Audio and video levels need be at an acceptable level. Audio that is too loud will sound distorted, audio that’s too soft will not be heard. Video that is too bright could exceed the cable operator’s transmission requirements, but more importantly to you, it won’t look good. You need to make sure there are no breaks in the video (more specifically the video time code). If our system encounters a break, it will more than likely automatically cut to the community bulletin board. For more detailed information, and all forms, see Make TV Submissions on this website. |
Q: How long after I submit a program can I expect it to start being aired and how long does a program run?
A: New programs can be scheduled within two weeks of submission. Programs will normally be aired four times.
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Q: Can I use music or video from other sources in my show?
A: Again, as indicated on the “Submission Request Form,” you are responsible for acquiring the appropriate permissions to use anything from other sources in your show. This includes music, video, photographs, etc. For more detailed information, and all forms, see Make TV Submissions on this website. |
Q: Can I submit a show that I did not produce?
A: Yes, but you must have obtained permission from the producer, the talent, and any applicable copyright holders. You are legally responsible for the program. For more detailed information, and all forms, see Make TV Submissions on this website. |
Q: What recording formats can KALB accept?
A: The standard DVD format is preferred, but KALB can accept mini-DV, DVCAM, VHS, and SVHS formats. For more detailed information, and all forms, see Make TV Submissions on this website. |
Q: How can I submit my program to KALB?
A: Any Albany resident may submit a videotape to be played on KALB 33 Community Access Television. Albany residents may also sponsor tapes produced by people outside of Albany. It’s easy to submit your program: Two to three weeks before you would like your program to air, bring the following to the KALB 33 office at the Albany Community Center, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: 1. Your correctly labeled VHS/SVHS, Mini DV, DVCAM, or DVD 2. A completed Cablecast Request Form 3. Proof of residence (driver's license, utility bill, etc. For more detailed information, and all forms, see Make TV Submissions on this website. |
Q: Does KALB run commercials?
A: No, although individuals and organizations producing shows can seek underwriting and sponsorships. The producer can acknowledge this support using PBS-style credits at the end of the program.
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Q: Can I make money on KALB?
A: No. KALB’s programming is noncommercial. Programs that directly advertise products or services for sale are not permitted.
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Q: Can I have naked people in my show? Can I swear?
A: Public access programming is generally protected under the First Amendment. However, Albany’s public access submission requirements set certain standards regarding the content of shows aired on KALB. Programming that is libelous, slanderous, or obscene may not be shown. Commercial programming is prohibited.
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Q: What types of programs will KALB accept?
A: KALB is looking for the kinds of programs that you find interesting! Hopefully, these will also be interesting to many KALB viewers.
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Q: What kinds of programs does KALB air?
A: KALB currently cablecasts a variety of City of Albany meetings, including city council meetings, school board meetings, and meetings of the waterfront committee. KALB also broadcasts special events (such as National Night Out, Centennial events, and Albany High School Sports Hall of Fame), town hall meetings, candidate debates, etc.
KALB also airs programs submitted by residents, and several nationally distributed public programs (including Democracy Now and Free Speech TV).
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Q: How many people watch KALB?
A: We don't know for sure. Currently, there are about 3,000 cable subscribers in Albany. We have gotten feedback suggesting that a considerable number of folks watch community meetings live and during replays. We also stream KALB’s content on the Internet over Albany’s city web page. More than 1 billion people have access to the Internet, so some of these folks could potentially be watching your show.
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Q: How long has KALB been in operation?
A: That’s a long story . . . Although technically, Albany has had a cable television station since 1969, it languished until 2002, when a group of intrepid Albany residents decided to do something about the sorry state of affairs. Read the complete history of KALB. |
Q: Where do I find KALB?
A: You can find it on your TV, if you subscribe to Comcast cable, as well as on the Internet. The City of Albany cablecasts community access television programming on KALB, Cable Channel 33. Programming is streamed live online at KALB Live!
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Q: Why should I get involved with KALB’s public access television?
A: Public access television allows ordinary citizens to create programs and broadcast them to the community. It’s a great opportunity for individuals to take a stand on current issues, and for groups to let the community know what they are doing. It's a low-cost way to promote a special event and have fun doing it. People who normally do not have easy access to the mass media find a powerful resource for local expression through public access.
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Q: How is PEG funded?
A: The various cable communication acts permitted local governments to require cable operators to provide support for PEG access as part of the local franchise agreement. In 2006, California legislation (AB 2987) eliminated local franchises. Today, cable operators are franchised by the state. The new law authorized cities to adopt ordinances requiring the operator to provide support for PEG channel facilities in the amount of 1% of the operator’s gross revenues.
Albany adopted such an ordinance. Beginning in 2008, KALB will be receiving approximately $25,000 per year. In addition, Albany receives approximately $125,000 per year in franchise fees.
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Q: What is Public Access Television?
A: Public access programming is community programming on cable TV. It gives residents the opportunity to write, produce, direct, and perform in their own programs.
The 1984 Cable Franchise Policy and Communications Act required cable companies to provide channel space and support for Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) access television. This legislation was intended to provide communities with the opportunity to produce home-grown programming addressing local issues and concerns.
Educational and Governmental access television is produced by local government and educational institutions, respectively. Public access television is the most democratic of the three prongs. As the legislative record of 1984 act noted, “Public access channels are often the video equivalent of the speaker's soap box or the electronic parallel of the printed leaflet.”
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