Handbook

I. Ithaca College Television (ICTV) Statement of Purpose

Established March 3rd, 1958, one of ICTV’s aims is to provide the 26,000 cable-subscribing households of Tompkins County, NY with noncommercial information and entertainment programming. This public includes residents of Ithaca, Trumansburg, Lansing, Danby, Newfield, Groton, Dryden, Caroline, Candor and Brooktondale, and the students of Cornell University and Ithaca College.

ICTV’s main aim is to provide an opportunity for all Ithaca College students, particularly those in the Park School of Communications, to participate in television production and channel operation, to produce programming that fosters ideas and creative expression, and to promote a safe, inclusive learning environment for all individuals. To develop a community of those that can develop and grow their skills in a professional environment.

ICTV is funded and supervised through the Park School of Communications. As a co- curricular activity, ICTV strives to develop creative and leadership skills in its participants and to provide materials for student portfolios. ICTV is a powerful means for Park School students to expand their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. ICTV aims for quality in both its product and the learning experience it offers. ICTV’s goal is to work cohesively with the Park School of Communication’s curriculum to grow each individual’s skill sets.

Organizational values include:

- Sharing of both knowledge and time

- Growth of the individual and the organization

- Service to the community, the organization, and each other

Respect, Persistence, Risk Taking, and Responsibility

II. General Governance

Section 1. Sources of Governance

ICTV is governed by:

- Its own policies, as explained in this handbook

- The policies of the Park School of Communications, and Ithaca College

New York State and federal laws pertaining to educational access cable

Section 2: Manager of TV and Radio Operations and Studio Manager

The Manager of TV and Radio Operations is the full-time general manager for ICTV and reports directly to the Dean of the Park School of Communications. The Manager of TV and Radio Operations and the Studio Manager act as resources of professional knowledge for all of those involved in ICTV and are responsible for the overall operation of ICTV.

III. The Executive Staff

Section 1: General Provisions

The Ithaca College Television Executive Staff is the main decision-making body for the station. The Executive Staff is composed of the main student leadership positions contained in this article, along with the Studio Manager and Manager of TV And Radio Operations. Each of these members will hold both voice and vote on the Executive Staff in all matters. All student leaders must be an undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing at Ithaca College. Executive Staff members may not serve as the producer of any current production not under the umbrella of Special Projects. Any exceptions shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Executive Staff.

Section 2: Selection of Executive Staff Members

The Station Manager is chosen by application to the Manager of TV and Radio Operations and the Studio Manager. After selection of the Station Manager, all other Executive Staff positions are selected by application to the Station Manager the semester prior to their term of service. To assist in the selection, the current Executive Staff members may provide feedback to help in the decision. In most cases, interviews may be conducted.

Section 3: Student Station Manager

The Student Station Manager is responsible for:

Acting as a liaison between the Manager of TV and Radio Operations, Studio Manager, and ICTV Student Producers, volunteers, and Executive Staff.
Develop a long-term vision for the station and work with ICTV members to realize those goals
Work towards designing and enforcing fair policies and guidelines in the administration of the station
Working with the Manager of TV and Radio Operations, Studio Manager, and Director of Technical Operations in exploring purchases and all budgetary measures for the station.
Chairing Executive Staff meetings and Producer meetings.
Working with the Executive Staff to address all concerns in the oversight of the station.
Coordinating all annual and semi-annual station functions (events and workshops).
Acting as a resource to all ICTV members to provide assistance, guidance, and support where needed and ensure cohesion amongst Executive Staff and Producers.
Directly overseeing ICTV Special Projects programming, including the appointment of Executive Producers and working with those producers to ensure a quality production.

Section 4: Director of Programming

The Director of Programming is responsible for:

Developing and distributing a weekly programming schedule for the ICTV Executive Staff.
Monitoring and ensuring that ICTV’s programming submissions comply with all station policies.
Working with show producers and the Digital Media Manager in setting deadlines for submissions.
Working with Director of Publicity and Director of Web Development to ensure ICTV broadcast promotions are coordinated.
Work with the Digital Media Manager and Master Control Supervisor to ensure that content is ready for broadcast each programming day.
Working with show producers and the Director of Technical Operations to coordinate the broadcasting and studio schedules.

Section 5: Director of Development

The Director of Development is responsible for:

Providing support to all shows given development status by the Executive Staff.
Working in conjunction with the show’s department head to initiate a plan to improve each show’s content and production.
Giving periodic updates on the status of shows in development to the Executive Staff.
Meet with new producers of prospective shows to refine their show pitches.

Section 6: Director of Technical Operations

The Director of Technical Operations is responsible for:

Overseeing all technical operations of the station.
Working with all Executive Staff members to maintain technical policies and workflows for Producers to follow and act as a resource for completion of all workflows.
Coordinating with the Director of Programming to organize studio space and equipment allocation regulations.
Overseeing the ICTV Checkout Center and training operators of the Center.
Acting as a resource to all ICTV producers and volunteers in providing technical guidance and training. This includes, but is not limited to, coordinating workshops.
Serving as a liaison between ICTV Leadership, Manager of Facilities and Portable Equipment, Park Engineers, Administration, and Master Control Technicians.
Identifying technology and equipment that can upgrade the station and overall quality of programming, including serving as requester of all budget allocations.

Section 7: Assistant Director of Technical Operations

The Assistant Director of Technical Operations works under the Director of Technical Operations and may be assigned areas of responsibility by the Director of Technical Operations at his or her discretion.

Section 8: Digital Media Manager

The Digital Media Manager is responsible for:

Managing ICTV’s digital archives in a uniform organizational system.
Ensuring show producers abide by show contracts and episode submission guidelines.
Prepare individual submission guides for each ICTV show, which includes; working with the Director of Programming to set content standards, and working with the Director of Technical Operations to set technical standards.
Ensure all content is up to the technical standards set by the Master Control Supervisor and Director of Technical Operations.
Work with producers and the Executive Staff in setting and enforcing all station deadlines.
Manage the ICTV Archiving team and assigning work schedules and responsibilities.
Informing the Director of Programming of archived content available for reairing.

Section 9: Director of Web Development

The Director of Web Development is responsible for:

Designing, developing, and maintaining the ICTV station website (ictv.org).
Setting guidelines for web submissions, and ensuring that episodes cleared for online usage are uploaded in a timely manner.
Overseeing the submission of graphics and other content required to be uploaded to the website.
Maintaining all show and Executive Staff email accounts.

Section 10: Master Control Supervisor

The Master Control Supervisor is responsible for:

Overseeing and running day-to-day master control operations for ICTV.
Recruiting and training master control operators at the beginning of each semester.
Scheduling master control operation for all shifts of ICTV air time, and distributing the ICTV schedule rundown with the Director of Programming to master control operators.

Section 11: Director of Publicity and On-Air Promotions

The Director of Publicity and On-Air Promotions is responsible for:

Creating and overseeing the creation of all promotional material for ICTV and its programs.
Working with the Executive Staff to create deadlines for show promotions.
Coordinating all public service announcements and show promotions to be aired on ICTV.
Managing and organizing all aspects of the ICTV Recruitment Night with the Station Manager.
Overseeing the station’s social media accounts and special ICTV events, such as writing and distributing the Monitor for ICTV’s Recruitment Night and designing all posters for any ICTV shows or events throughout the semester.
Designing and maintaining LCD Screens for Park Lobby and Campus Center and the main bulletin board space outside the ICTV Newsroom (Park 124).
Ordering and distributing ICTV’s merchandise (e.g. buttons, stickers, shirts, etc.)
Appointing members of the ICTV Publicity Team.

Section 12: Entertainment Director

The Entertainment Director is responsible for:

Helping producers in their department train their cast/crew members at the beginning of each semester.
Coordinating meetings and critiques with all Entertainment producers to ensure quality and ethical productions.
Selecting Producers for shows that have requested the Entertainment Director to select.
Managing the allocation of all ICTV Checkout Center equipment for Entertainment Shows.
Ensuring cohesive and professional broadcasts for all Entertainment programming on ICTV.
Serving as the Executive Producer of all Entertainment programming.

Section 13: News Director

The News Director is responsible for:

Helping producers in their department train their cast/crew members at the beginning of each semester.
Coordinating meetings and critiques with all News producers to ensure quality and ethical productions.
Managing the allocation of all ICTV Checkout Center equipment for News Shows.
Ensuring cohesive and professional broadcasts for all News programming on ICTV.
Serving as the Executive Producer of all News programming.
Appointing assistant producers, reporters, anchors and producers for Newswatch.

Section 14: Sports Director

The Sports Director is responsible for:

Helping producers in their department train their cast/crew members at the beginning of each semester.
Acting as a liaison between ICTV and all Athletic Department personnel to coordinate ICTV’s press access.
Managing the allocation of press passes available to the station.
Coordinating meetings and critiques with all Sports producers to ensure all shows follow the ICTV workflow and rules and maintain good relations with Athletic Department personnel.
Selecting Producers for shows that have requested the Sports Director to select.
Managing the allocation of all ICTV Checkout Center equipment for Sports Shows.
Serving as the Executive Producer of all Sports programming.
Ensuring cohesive and professional broadcasts for all Sports programming on ICTV.
Overseeing the ICTV Sports Vault media server.
Coordinating with other media outlets to share sports footage.

Section 15: Scripted Director

The Scripted Director is responsible for:

Helping producers in their department train their cast/crew members at the beginning of each semester.
Coordinating meetings and critiques with all Scripted producers to ensure quality and ethical productions.
Selecting Producers for shows that have requested the Scripted Director to select.
Managing the allocation of all ICTV Checkout Center equipment for Scripted Shows.
Serving as the Executive Producer of all Scripted programming.
Ensuring cohesive and professional broadcasts for all Scripted programming on ICTV.

Section 16: Assistants to Executive Staff Members

Any member of the Executive Staff may appoint an assistant to help them carry out their aforementioned job responsibilities. Such an assistant will not receive any compensation for their position, and serve at the pleasure of that Executive Staff member.

Section 17: Temporary Incapacity of Executive Staff Members

In the event that an Executive Staff member is temporarily unable to fulfill their responsibilities due to absence, illness, or any other reason, they may designate their assistant to serve as an acting Executive Staff member. Such a designation should be immediately communicated to the Executive Staff. In the event there is no assistant for that Executive Staff member, the Executive Staff will appoint an interim member to serve for the duration of the incapacity. In the event that it is the Station Manager, the Manager of TV and Radio Operations, Studio Manager and Station Manager will select a temporary replacement.

Section 18: Replacement of Executive Staff Members

In the event of the resignation of an Executive Staff member, their assistant will serve as an acting Executive Staff member until the Manager of TV and Radio Operations, Studio Manager, and Station Manager select a replacement. In the event there is no assistant for that Executive Staff member, the Executive Staff will appoint an interim member to serve until a replacement is chosen. In the event the Station Manager resigns, the Manager of TV and Radio Operations and Studio Manager will select a replacement.

Article IV: Producers

Section 1: General Provisions on Producers

Producers who head the productions of each ICTV show report directly to the leaders of their respective departments: News Director (News Shows), Sports Director (Sports Shows), Entertainment Director (Entertainment Shows), and Scripted Director (Scripted Shows). All producers of ICTV Podcasts report directly to their respective department leader. Department heads serve as executive producers of all shows in their department. No one else is permitted to hold this title with the exception of those granted by the Station Manager for Special Projects.

Section 2: Producer Responsibilities

Producers of all ICTV Shows are responsible for the development and growth of their production and their crew. Each producer is responsible for the equipment and studio space during their respective times and following the rules and regulations set forth by the current ICTV Executive Staff. Producer’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Following all guidelines of the Episode Submission Process.
Educating Students
Education and development of all ICTV processes and equipment for the crew and members of the respective show interested in learning.
Producing a show approved upon by the ICTV Executive Staff.
Following all rules about copyright.
Submission of all promotional materials to the respective Executive Staff member; Director of On-Air Promotions and Director of Publicity.
Reporting and working closely with the respective department head.

Section 3: Producer Restrictions

Any producer wishing to hold another position on the show that they produce must first gain approval from the Executive Staff. As an example, permission must be gained to produce and direct the same show. Producers may fill in a position in the event a crew member does not show up to that segment/show. If this becomes a recurring issue, please approach the department head to get that position filled. If a producer wishes to apply to simultaneously produce two shows, they must obtain permission from the Executive Staff prior to the deadline for show proposals. Such permission will be granted or denied on a case by case basis.

Producers may not host the show they oversee. Producers are allowed to participate in their show as talent, as long as it is stated within the episode (via graphical element or dialogue) that they are a producer.

A producer cannot fill in for talent without first obtaining Executive Staff approval. Each episode will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Section 4: Producer Clause

Disciplinary procedures for producers are as follows and follow a 3-strike system.

1. 1. The first strike results in a formal written/emailed warning. This warning can be given by the Station Manager, and/or the Manager of TV and Radio Operations.
  2. The second strike results in a formal meeting. This meeting is to occur with the Station Manager, Manager of TV and Radio operations, the department head of which the producer produces in, and the ICTV Studio Manager.
  3. The third strike will result in the suspension of the producer from the station in its entirety. The duration of the suspension is subject to change on a case-by-case basis. A formal appeal can be submitted to the Dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications.

A strike can include the violation of the following:

Any violation of the ICTV Handbook
Any violation of the Ithaca College student handbook
Any violation of Title IX
Any action that is deemed discriminatory, or anti-inclusive
Any breach of a signed producer contract
A direct disobeyment of ICTV deadlines and/or submission dates that are set by the ICTV Executive staff.
Any other measure, action, or behavior deemed inappropriate and/or harmful by the ICTV Executive staff, Manager of TV and Radio Operations, or ICTV Studio Manager.

Article V: Participation

Section 1: Volunteer Requirements

Participation is open to all Ithaca College students.

ICTV volunteers must be enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students of Ithaca College. Ithaca College staff and faculty, community experts, performers and members of Cornell’s meteorology program may also be invited to participate. Other Cornell University involvement must be approved on a case by case basis by the ICTV Executive Staff.
A volunteer must be in good judicial and academic standing.
Executive Staff and producers must have the background to fulfill their responsibilities, including at least one semester of active ICTV participation.
Producers and staff are approved for participations based solely on their ability to contribute to the organization and their willingness to learn.

Section 2: Payment

Throughout its history, participating students in ICTV have received neither academic credit nor pay. The following positions in ICTV are the only members allowed to receive financial compensation for their respective position:

The ICTV Executive Staff, for a stipend set by the General Manager.
Master Control Operators, an hourly wage as it is a skilled position.
ICTV Checkout Center Operators, an hourly wage as it is an extension of the PPECS workflow.

Section 3: Selection of Volunteers

Volunteers apply directly to the producer(s) of specific shows. Every semester, ICTV hosts a Recruitment Night during which producers set up tables for prospective volunteers to learn more about the shows and apply. Producers are allowed to determining specific crew positions, such as, directors, assistant producers, reporters, talent, etc. prior to the start of the production season, but new volunteers are welcome at any time for all available positions. Those interested in getting involved with ICTV mid-semester should contact the Station Manager.

Section 4: Volunteer Behavior and Discipline

Producers reserve the right to determine who will and will not work on their production. Failure to show up or adequately fulfill one’s duties gives the producers the right to seek replacements of volunteers. Discussion of the opportunity to improve behavior should precede any such action with the volunteer(s) in question. Any and all concerns are handled by the Station Manager. All volunteers are subject to the policies in this handbook and those set by The Executive Staff, as well as policies of the school.

Disciplinary procedures for ICTV members are as follows and follow a 3-strike system.

1: The first strike results in a formal written/emailed warning. This warning can be given by the Station Manager, ICTV Executive Staff Member, ICTV Studio Manager, and/or the Manager of TV and Radio Operations. Notice of a strike’s distribution should be brought to the station manager’s attention before it is delivered to a volunteer.

2: The second strike results in a formal meeting. This meeting is to occur with the Station Manager, Manager of TV and Radio operations, the department head of which the member produces in, and the ICTV Studio Manager.

3: The third strike will result in the suspension of the member from the station in its entirety. The duration of the suspension is subject to change on a case-by-case basis. A formal appeal can be submitted to the Dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications.

Participation in Student Media activities is a privilege, not a right. The Manager of TV and Radio Operations alone has the right to remove students from part or all of their ICTV duties. Department Heads and the Station Manager have the right to suspend students for up to 1 week or ask them to leave the set. Extended suspension will be reviewed by the General Manager and Studio Manager. Reasons for such an action may include, but are not limited to:

Failure to fulfill the duties of a given position.
Violation of
Unauthorized possession or improper handling of college equipment.
Behavior on ICTV business in the Park School or in the field that is disruptive, unbecoming and/or causes the viewer, ICTV, or Ithaca College embarrassment.
Misuse of funds.
Violations of ICTV policy.
Any violation of the ICTV Handbook
Any violation of the Ithaca College student handbook
Any violation of Title IX
Any action that is deemed discriminatory, or anti-inclusive
A direct disobeyment of ICTV deadlines and/or submission dates that are set by the ICTV Executive staff.
Any other measure, action, or behavior deemed inappropriate and/or harmful by the ICTV Executive staff, Manager of TV and Radio Operations, or ICTV Studio Manager.

Section 5: Harassment Policy

ICTV has a zero-tolerance policy regarding all types of harassment and discrimination. If you experience or witness any type of harassment please inform your producer, a member of the Executive Staff or any Ithaca College faculty member. If you are a producer or Executive Staff member, please report the event to the Station Manager who will bring the incident to the attention of the Studio Manager and General Manager. The situation will be handled from there through the appropriate channels. ICTV follows the same policies of the college.

ICTV strives to establish and maintain professional standards appropriate to a college student organization in program production and content, and suitable to an educational access channel general audience. Producers are expected to ensure that the program content remains within the generally accepted bounds of good taste and fair play. If students are uncertain how to deal with program content or treatment, discussion with the Station Manager and Director of Programming is highly suggested.

Most programming on ICTV is student initiated and produced. ICTV program offerings include sports, news, public affairs, comedies, children shows, variety shows, quiz shows, game shows, performances and dramas. Some programs may be initiated by the Roy H. Park School of Communications or Ithaca College, such as special events or issues coverage.

The Station Manager, Director of Programming, Digital Media Manager, Web Director, and Master Control Supervisor decide programming technical guidelines and submission methods.

Article VI: Programming/Promotions

Section 1: Programming Subject to Review

All content set to air, with the exception of live shows, will be previewed by either the Station Manager, Director of Programming, Digital Media Manager, or the Manager of TV and Radio Operations. Any of these four people reserve the right to bar programs from airing. Such decisions may be made for reasons including, but not limited to:

The inclusion of content with obscene or indecent material – that which is patently offensive when applying contemporary community standards for family viewing. While ICTV’s broadcasts from the 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM hour do fall under the “safe harbor” rule, all ICTV content must be appropriate for public broadcast at any time of day.
The inclusion of content with obscene or indecent speech. “Bleeping” out is not acceptable.
Objectionable language in shows that have post-production is not allowed.
The inclusion of defamatory content – a malicious falsehood intended to ridicule or degrade persons.
The violation of any New York State and federal laws pertaining to educational access cable.
The clear violation of policies in the acquisition of content.
Content that fails to meet the standard of quality programming that ICTV hopes to foster.
Failure to meet deadlines as written on show’s signed production contract.
Failure to return ICTV Checkout Center equipment in a timely manner.
The clear violation of Copyright regulations.

Producers are expected to use common sense and good judgment in deciding what is appropriate or inappropriate for airing on their productions. Producers of live shows are expected to bring violations committed on their live productions to the attention of the Director of Programming and/or Station Manager to ensure that such content does not re-air on ICTV.

ICTV represents both Ithaca College and the Park School of Communications to the community both on channel 16 and through ICTV.org. While ICTV encourages the freedom of expression, producers must be aware of this relationship when considering the quality and content of their programming.

Section 2: Questions Regarding Programming

Producers are expected to bring questions regarding show content to the Director of Programming and/or Station Manager as far in advance of the show’s airing as possible. This will allow for discussion and review. Appropriate precautionary measures may be taken if deemed necessary.

Section 3: Provisions Specific to News Programming

News and public affairs on ICTV are free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and the News Director will develop editorial policies and news coverage that are consistent with station goals and policies. Please refer to ICTV’s Code of Ethics for more information.

Section 4: Permission to Film On-Location

Prior permission to videotape in certain locations may be necessary. These include, but are not limited to, speakers at sponsored events, cases where an individual’s privacy may be violated, on private property, some parts of Ithaca College campus property, and some municipal properties including the commons. It is the responsibility of the producers to ensure they have the rights to record at certain locations.

ICTV volunteers are to never assume that he or she has the permission to shoot at their pleasure on or off campus.

Section 5: Copyrights

ICTV retains copyright on all programming produced for ICTV shows and thus the final piece of video on every production should state: “Copyright ICTV (year of production) All Rights Reserved.” Thus, all elements created by volunteers for ICTV programming falls under ICTV Copyright. Volunteers are free to copy ICTV programming for their personal and professional use. Full episodes will be featured exclusively on the ICTV website. Promos made for ICTV shows and individual show segments may be uploaded to other sites. Any content uploaded to external websites must credit ICTV and have a clear link back to the ICTV.org domain. Once a production is made for ICTV with the copyright, it becomes the property of Ithaca College Television.

Producers and volunteers found in violation of these copyrights will be asked to correct the misuse of copyrighted content and/or may lose their privileges to participate in ICTV.

ICTV has its own YouTube Channel that is meant to be used for promotional purposes. Any items that are uploaded there must mention ICTV.org and provide the link in the description.

ICTV has the permission to broadcast footage obtained through CNN Newsource.

ICTV does not allow the broadcast or streaming of materials not copyrighted by ICTV except in the cases listed above unless the producer receives permission from the owner of the copyrighted material or the material qualifies as fair use (for ICTV, fair use only applies to news reporting).

Section 6: Commercial Content

By New York State regulation, ICTV may not include commercial or promotional content on the educational access channel. Producers, reporters, and interviewers should exercise care not to promote or endorse a business, such as giving a business’s hours, prices, and a call to action. A story about a type of business should include a sampling of at least three establishments to avoid the appearance of an infomercial. Fundraising on cable access channels is prohibited by New York State regulation.

Section 7: Public Service Announcements

PSAs on ICTV should represent reasonable standards of integrity, public acceptance and appropriateness. The project should be non-commercial, non-denominational, politically nonpartisan and not designed to influence legislation. The project will not be rejected because it is in the interest of one group if the message has wide appeal, significance and local applicability.

Section 8: ICTV Brand and Print Promotions

ICTV holds an identity like any other network on television. Because of this, there are guidelines that students must follow when developing their future productions or content for the broadcast. These guidelines consist of not defaming the college, bearing in mind that the station’s target audience is members of the community as opposed to just students, and no encouragement of drug-use. The phrase “Ithaca College” and the acronym “I.C.” may not be used as part of a show’s title. Online shows allow students to push the boundaries of imagination, allow for shorter episode formats, target the program to a narrower audience, and should not portray the college in a poor manner.

All content and graphical elements produced for ICTV are encouraged to have a dedication of ICTV’s Identity. All graphical elements created within and/or related to ICTV are subject to guidelines laid out in the ICTV Brand Book. Protection of the ICTV Brand is overseen by the Director of On-Air Promotions and Publicity.

Program promotion flyers should be approved by the Director of On-Air Promotions and must contain the ICTV logo. Posted flyers must include the show’s ictv.org e-mail address or ictv@ithaca.edu.

The Director of Publicity and On-Air Promotions will develop and maintain a promotions guide to govern ICTV’s social media and public affairs, subject to the approval of the Executive Staff.

Article VII: Show Selection Process

Section 1: Pre-Proposal Meetings

When developing a show to be proposed for the next semester, a meeting with both the Director of Development and Director of Programming is highly encouraged before submitting the final proposal. This allows for the opportunity to find out if the program truly meets ICTV’s identity. All producers are encouraged to send show proposals to their respective department leaders for review, prior to the final proposal submission.

Section 2: Show Proposals

Program proposals are made to the Station Manager. Proposal guidelines and a sample proposal for both Scripted and Studio programming are on the website under Resources. The entire Executive Staff review the applications and may be accepted as is, accepted with modifications or stipulations, asked to spend a semester in development, or rejected with the option to repitch the following semester on the basis of:

The experience and qualifications of the prospective producer(s).
Feasibility, including technical considerations.
Uniqueness of the idea.
Availability of facility time and student volunteers.
Potential for volunteer learning experience.
Consistency with ICTV’s brand.
Quality of idea and pitch.
Realistic as to time and resources.

The Executive Staff reserves the right to determine the change in producers for proposed productions. All aspects of show proposed for ICTV decision can be changed based on the best judgement of ICTV Leadership. Once approved, and contracts are signed, the production and all content becomes property of Ithaca College Television and its governance.

All Proposals MUST have a cover page with current version of the station’s logo. A show without a cover page will not be accepted until revised (Cover page available at ictv.org/resources).

Proposals are required to follow the template provided by the Executive Staff.

Section 3: Pitches

After submitting the new proposal, a show may be required to pitch the idea to the Executive Staff. Shows required to pitch should include a short presentation on the show’s content and production.

The Executive Staff reserves the right to ask for a pitch for the following reasons:

Questions or concerns from the proposal, past seasons, or producers that require clarification.
Explanation of core concept or major requirements missing from proposal or concept.
Major show concept changes are proposed by future producers.
Change in ICTV policy that directly relates to proposed show.
The proposed production is in its first two years (four seasons) of production.
Show has all new producers.
To answer any other questions from members of the Executive Staff.

All shows are subject to possible further review by the Executive Staff. This is to help evaluate shows and make sure both the content and proposed producers are capable and deserving of producing a proposed show. Proposed producers can also request further meetings or evaluations, but the ICTV Executive Staff retains the right to limit or deny requests, ensuring all of the proposed shows have an equal acceptance opportunity.

Producers should not make any commitments such as purchases, production locations, or scheduled production dates prior to the acceptance of a proposal. In some cases, the Station Manager or the Manager of TV and Radio Operations may allocate resources to prospective producers in order to produce sample content to submit with their proposal.

Section 4: Development

Shows in development have limitations – this is not meant to hinder creativity or production, but rather to help guide the show to achieve the confidence and skill of being able to seamlessly produce a show every week. Listed below are the policies in place:

- Follow all rules and regulations in the ICTV handbook.

- A completed episode must be approved by the Executive Staff (Station Manager, Digital Media Manager, Department Head, Director of Development, and or Director of Programming) before being put to air.

Each episode must follow these standards:
- - Minimal technical errors
- - No defamatory, obscene, or stereotypical content
- - Aesthetically pleasing graphics
- - Energy from talent
- - If an episode gets rejected, the producers are allowed to revise and resubmit the episode.
- - Development shows can produce content to be posted on social media, but only after receiving approval from the Executive Staff.
    - Allowed content: Behind the scenes and promotional content – content that will not be aired on ICTV
- - Increased flexibility of scheduling and deadlines to allow for quality of content and strength of concept to prevail.
- The main point of contact for producers of shows in development is the Director of Development (development@ictv.org)

Section 5: Production

Follow rules and regulations in the ICTV handbook (for further details, please refer to the ICTV handbook and direct your questions to the Digital Media Manager).
- - Maintain consistent communication with your department head.
- - Maintain ethical and moral standards.
- All content will be reviewed – with expectations of live shows
  - - No obscene or indecent speech – bleeping is not acceptable for shows that undergo post-production.
  - - No defamatory content – a malicious falsehood intended to ridicule or degrade persons.
  - - Any content posted on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and or YouTube) will be reviewed by a member of the Executive Staff.
  - All penalties are outlined in both the Handbook and the show’s contract.

*** If your show is found in violation of the outlined policies, penalties will be imposed. Penalties are outlined below.

The Digital Media Manager, Web Director, and/or Station Manager will contact you to inform you of your violation, proper penalty, as well as the steps that must be taken to resolve the issue and restore normal privileges.

The ICTV Executive Staff reserves the right to impose penalties on a case-by-case basis.

Section 6: Social Media

- After Recruitment Night, one elected official per show will be selected by the show’s producers to curate original content.

- Elected officials will only have access to their show’s department pages.

- Elected officials will meet weekly with the Director of Publicity.

- Main ICTV Social Media channels will be given access to Executive Staff members.
  - If a post is deemed inappropriate or distasteful by the Executive Staff, they maintain the right to take down the post.

All posts must adhere to copyright, standards, and positively reflect ICTV as a whole.
- Please consult the the brand book before creating posts

Article VIII: Awards

Section 1: Award Submissions to Competitions

ICTV over the years has had great success in award recognition from both within the Ithaca College community and throughout the national field. Since all content is produced for ICTV, programming is owned by ICTV, the Station Manager and Director of Programming are responsible in overseeing all award submission. Producers may ask to submit their own work under review by the Executive Staff.

Any financial requirement for submission of content must be approved by the Manager of TV and Radio Operations. Do not expect compensation for any unapproved submission fees.

Both the Manager of TV and Radio Operations, the Station Manager, and the Director of Programming is approved as program coordinators to submit any and all content on behalf of producers for awards that ICTV content qualifies.

Section 2: Just Desserts Awards

Just Desserts is the annual award show for Ithaca College Television, WICB and VIC Radio. Members of all three organizations get together with the food menu being, Just Desserts.

Just Desserts awards are determined by the respective organization’s leadership and specific qualification rules are determined on a case-by-case basis by the designated member on the Executive Staff determined as the coordinator of all ballots.

Each station’s Executive Staffs reserve the right to change, add, remove, and adjust any and all aspects of ICTV Just Dessert Awards. If a category receives a majority nominee that does not classify for that category, it will be the judgment of the current Executive Staff on the removal or re-vote of that category. If ballot fraud is suspected, it is up to the Executive Staff to decide how to proceed.

Article IX: Promotions and Sponsorships

Section 1: Underwriting and Sponsorship

ICTV producers may request that businesses sponsor their production. Producers will fill out Sponsor Agreement forms located on the ICTV website under Resources and submit them to the Station Manager or Manager of TV and Radio Operations. Sponsors may provide extras such as set materials, costuming, food for crew, or other production supplies. Producers must be clear with vendors that their business is not buying time, but providing underwriting.

Acknowledgement of a show’s sponsor must be made within a show. A standard acknowledgment is, “Additional support for (Panorama) provided by (The Five and Dime),” with video of the business’ logo or a character-generated name.

Producers cannot include any calls to action in their gratis. This includes business hours, prices and deals.

Section 2: On-Air Promotions

ICTV is a non-commercial television station, and therefore all on-air promotions for ICTV include public service announcements, promotions for the channel, and promotions for ICTV programming may not include any calls to action in commercial promotion. As a professional station, all on-air promotions are expected to follow the professional standards that are appropriate for a college student organization and a professional television channel. Promotions content, therefore, follows the same standards as all other ICTV programming.

ICTV producers are responsible for creating video promos for their individual programs. Required video promotions include a Recruitment Night Video and two promotional videos (spaced out throughout the semester) to be aired on ICTV during commercial breaks. The scheduled submission of these two promotional videos will be clearly written in the show’s production contract by the Director of Publicity and On-Air Promotions and Digital Media Manager.

These promotions must be created in accordance with the guidelines that the Director of Publicity and On-Air Promotions sets. Detailed guidelines on how to create appropriate program promotions can be found in a separate “Promotions Guide” that can be found in the Producer Resources section of the ICTV website.

Article X: Budget

Section 1: Authorization of Expenditures

ICTV is assigned an annual operating budget for the fiscal year (June 1st – May 31st). The Manager of TV and Radio Operations, who is responsible for approving and monitoring expenditures, allocates the budget. ICTV will adhere to the purchasing policies of Ithaca College. Purchases made by ICTV qualify as tax-exempt. Capital requests must go through the same process as the entire Roy H. Park School of Communications is subject to, and are approved once per year.

The ICTV operating budget is designed for the basic operation of ICTV. However, producers may make requests for purchases related to their production. These requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Requests that demonstrate planning and thoughtful consideration of resources are more likely to receive approval.

Approval will be made on a per-item basis by the Manager of TV and Radio Operations and is required prior to the purchasing of said items. Volunteers cannot expect reimbursement for purchases made without prior authorization. All purchases approved to receive reimbursement must be tax exempt. Tax Exempt forms are located on the ICTV website under Resources.

Volunteers must save all receipts of approved purchases and submit them to the Manager of TV and Radio Operations.

Any questions should be directed to the Manager of TV and Radio Operations, or the TV and Radio Operations Administrative Assistant (Park 126).

If ICTV is unable to authorize the purchase of materials, the Station Manager, or Manager of TV and Radio Operations, in some cases, may request additional funds from the Dean’s Office of the Park School of Communications. Student volunteers are not allowed to request additional funds from the Dean’s Office unless approved by either the Station Manager or Manager of TV and Radio Operations.

The Manager of TV and Radio Operations and Studio Manager will work with the ICTV Executive Staff in making yearly capital budget requests so that the college budgeting process may be completed in a timely fashion.

Section 2: Travel

ICTV may cover some or all travel expenses, provided the request for travel is approved in advance. Requests must be made to the Manager of TV and Radio Operations at least two weeks in advance to any travel. Do not expect reimbursement for any unapproved travel.

If ICTV is unable to authorize travel, the Station Manager, Studio Manager, or Manager of TV and Radio Operations, in some cases, may request additional funds from the Dean’s Office of the Park School of Communications. Student volunteers are not allowed to request additional funds from the Dean’s Office unless approved by either the Station Manager or Manager of TV and Radio Operations.

Article XI: Ithaca College Faculty and Technical Operations Staff

Section 1: Professors and Alumni

Ithaca College professors and alumni may voluntarily advise or conduct workshops with ICTV volunteers. Producers and other volunteers are encouraged to form an advisory relationship with faculty members in order to foster professional growth and learning.

Section 2: IC Technical Operations

The Technical Operations staff has oversight of some aspects of ICTV’s operation including:

Equipment ICTV gains access to out of the ICTV Checkout Center and PPECS.
Scheduling of equipment and facilities.
Technical assistance with studios and broadcast operations.
General equipment troubleshooting.
The Ithaca College Remote Truck.

It is important that ICTV volunteers, especially producers, forge good working relationships with the Technical Operations staff. Staff studio technicians are in charge of facilities during the times when ICTV is most active. They are charged with maintaining order and ensuring a safe working environment. A studio show’s producer, director and lighting director should meet with the studio technician at the start of the semester to go over procedures. Because ICTV projects are not graded, engineers and technicians may provide more technical assistance to ICTV productions than to academic projects. Coordination with training and advanced teachings from the Technical Operations Department will be overseen by the Director of Technical Operations.

All productions under the umbrella of ICTV requiring equipment or studio space must be reserved through ICTV facilities. Each ICTV production will receive a predetermined amount of Park Cards for Studio Reservation and Equipment Checkout from the ICTV Checkout Center. All requests outside the already set limitations of the ICTV guidelines involving equipment or studio space must be made through the Director of Technical Operations. At no point, unless approved from the Director of Technical Operations, can equipment from PPECS be used for ICTV Productions. Any productions found in violation of this may result in equipment/studio restrictions and/or show termination.

All ICTV staff are subject to the rules and procedures of the Technical Operations Department. Any and all specific cases under question of ICTV’s Technical Operation guidelines will be decided by the Director of Technical Operations and the Station Manager.

Article XII: Workshops

Each semester, the Director of Technical Operations, Associate Director of Technical Operations, and the rest of the ICTV Executive Staff put together various workshops for the offered software and facilities with which producers and crew members will be working for the semester. Producers of ICTV shows are expected to attend workshops and/or send crew members to gain a further understanding of their positions. All members are allowed to attend and will be informed of the workshops over the ICTV social media. In addition to Executive Staff workshops, all ICTV volunteers should attend a studio-training course, prior to the station’s first night of air (for both fall and spring semesters), conducted and organized by the Studio Manager and Executive Staff. The Station Manager will work with the Studio Manager to schedule additional mandatory studio-training sessions, if necessary.

Any interest in specific workshop training for ICTV that is not currently scheduled can send all inquiries to the Director of Technical Operations, Studio Manager, and/or the Station Manager.

Article XIII: ICTV Facilities

Section 1: General Provisions

ICTV has control of specific facilities within the Park School of Communications. ICTV’s resources are subject to rules in addition to those outlined by the Technical Operations Department.

The Newsroom, the Green Room, the Tape Library, the ICTV Checkout Center, and the Scene Shop are all rooms that ICTV uses constantly. While eating and drinking are allowed in these rooms, all ICTV volunteers are expected to clean up after themselves in order to maintain a clean working environment for others. Different workflows for productions may require different wiring setups for editors. Volunteers are asked, if they change the setups for editors, to return them to their normal wiring; this includes computer speakers.

Additional Park facility access requests for shows must be made to the Executive Staff and the Manager of TV and Radio Operations who will channel it to the Park Facilities & Equipment Manager. This is typically done the semester prior to the show’s production, but can be updated throughout the semester if needed. Special one-time requests may also be made.

Section 2: Newsroom (Park 124)

The Newsroom houses mailboxes for executive staff members and for each individual production. The primary function of this room is for the News Director to have an area for news reporters and editors to meet, prepare, and review newscasts.

Other shows may request times to use the Newsroom as a meeting room. Such requests must be made with the News Director.

The Newsroom may additionally serve as a broadcast room. A camera in the room provides the “Newsroom” feed to both broadcast studios. Volunteers are expected to remain quiet in the room while the feed is live.

Section 3: Green Room (Park 151)

The Green Room is a collaborative room used by all ICTV shows. It is equipped with four Mac Editors installed and two PCs connected to the ENPS server.

While this room is open to all producers to utilize, it is specifically allocated to studio shows working on pre-production on the night of their show. Producers looking to use the Green Room on such a night are expected to coordinate with the producers who currently have the room or the Station Manager.

The room may be reserved through a designated Executive Staff member, who will be appointed each semester by the Executive Staff.

Volunteers should shut down all decks, monitors, speakers, and lights when not in use. All computers should be left on. All users of ICTV facilities are expected to leave them in a presentable condition following use. In other words, please clean up after yourself.

Section 4: Tape Library (Park 152)

The Tape Library is located in the back of the Green Room and houses ICTV’s Archives and an ICTV Archiving equipment/computer. Only members of the Executive Staff and ICTV Archiving Volunteers have access to and are allowed to, use this room. The Station Manager and Digital Media Manager maintain this room. This space’s primary function is Executive Staff purposes and Archiving, besides tapes and files, this space is by no means a storage room for ICTV.

It is expected volunteers will not alter the organization of this room without permission from either the Station Manager or Digital Media Manager.

Students wishing to obtain digital copies of programming for their personal or professional use should make email requests to the Digital Media Manager.

Section 5: ICTV Checkout Center (Park 138B)

The ICTV Checkout Center is located in Park 138B (Control Room in Studio C). This space is intended for producers to make reservations, checkouts, and returns of equipment during building hours. Producers are held responsible for the condition and the timeliness of all equipment to not jeopardize other productions. All reservations, checkouts, and returns must be completed during Checkout Center hours of operations with a present operator. Reservations cannot be placed online or through email. Before any equipment is checked out/reserved, the Checkout Center operator will assign the ICTV Show as the Patron and the producer/reporter/photog/show volunteer as the Accompanying Patron. Upon checkout, the Accompanying Patron must initial and sign the ICTV Checkout Center form in order to depart with the equipment. Show Park Cards will be distributed to producers at the start of the semester, by the Director of Technical Operations.

If a producer or crew member breaks equipment, it must be immediately brought to the attention of the Station Manager and Director of Technical Operations. If the resource cannot be fixed in the repair shop, the responsible producer or crew member is expected to pay for the damages. Payment will be removed from the responsible party’s student account.

The Director of Technical Operations will work directly with show producers to ensure that all shows are technically prepared with appropriate production equipment from the ICTV Checkout Center. Operators and hours will be determined by the Director of Technical Operations. Operators will receive an hourly wage for their service during scheduled ICTV Checkout Center hours. Any student wishing to receive equipment outside of hours must get approval from their department head or designated operator. Operators will not receive compensation for overtime operations.

Section 6: Scene Shop (Park 153)

Both ICTV and classes within the Park School of Communications use the Scene Shop. However, with production occurring almost every day, ICTV is the Scene Shop’s primary user. All equipment placed in the Scene Shop, no matter what the production, is subject to use from other users of the Scene Shop. Producers may take precautionary measures to ensure the protection of items located in the Scene Shop, however, the Executive Staff is not responsible for damage made to equipment left in the public space of the Scene Shop.

Volunteers are expected to police themselves in putting back materials neatly and where they found them. Materials stored in the Scene Shop are for all to use. Understand that materials created for ICTV shows are sometimes used by classes and other projects. If ICTV materials are found damaged, please report the damage to a member of the Executive Staff or the Manager of TV and Radio Operations. The more quickly damage is reported, the faster it can be fixed/replaced.

Producers may request a locker at the back of the scene shop in which producers may lock materials. Such requests should be made to the Station Manager.

Section 7: Printing Facilities

Printing is available on all of the computers in the Newsroom and the two computers on the right side of the Green Room. These printers are to be used for ICTV productions only. All ICTV volunteers are not allowed to print class materials from these printers. If a volunteer is found to be utilizing these printers in an inappropriate fashion, said individual may lose printing privileges issued by the Station Manager.

If productions require many copies of the same sheets, they are asked to use the copier located in PPECS for 20 copies or fewer. Larger jobs should go to the Center for Print Production. Turnaround time is usually two days. See the Director of Publicity, Manager of TV and Radio Operations, or the Technical Operations Administrative Assistant before ordering copy jobs.

Section 8: ENPS Access

ENPS logins are required for all PCs located in the Newsroom, Green Room, teleprompter and producer stations within both broadcast studios. In order to get a login for these computers, volunteers must send their full name and Ithaca College User I.D. to the Station Manager. At the start of a semester, all show producers will gain access to ENPS with the title of “Producer.” To successfully login to any ENPS computer, volunteers must enter their Netpass Username and Password. For network security purposes, volunteers may not share their login information with others. When finished using an ENPS computer, it is suggested that volunteers log off of their account in order to maintain network security. Any issues with ENPS computers should be reported to the Station Manager and all operations beyond ENPS access will be maintained by the Director of Technical Operations or designated Executive Staff member.

Section 9: Card Swipe Access

Access to the Newsroom and Green Room is granted only to ICTV Producers, ICTV Archivists, and Executive Staff members. Access to the Tape Library is granted only to Executive Staff members. Other ICTV volunteers may request special access to these rooms from the Station Manager. Special access may or may not be granted.

Article XIV: Breach of ICTV Handbook

It is expected that all members, volunteers, paid operators, and ICTV Leadership abide by the rules and regulations set forth by this ICTV Handbook. Specific responsibilities of Producers are detailed in Show Contracts issued at the beginning of each semester. Specific consequences for breaches in contract, or rules are detailed below and are determined on a case-by-case basis by the ICTV Executive Staff.

Any member of ICTV found going against the rules set forth by the ICTV Handbook may result in consequences, possibly termination, dependent on the severity and judgment by the Executive Staff.

Article XV: Amendment Procedure

The ICTV Executive Staff have the right to amend the ICTV Handbook and guidelines in any and all subjects by majority vote. It is the sole responsibility of the Station Manager to oversee the revisions and correctness of the ICTV Handbook. Only a majority vote by all ICTV Executive Staff can change rules and regulations.

Any ICTV volunteer can suggest changes to rules and regulations to the specific Executive Staff member responsible for that department, and any Executive Staff member can suggest a vote on any changes to rules and regulations during Executive Staff meeting time.

Although the ICTV Handbook defines and structures all rules and regulations, any specifics not covered by this handbook are up to the discretion of the Executive Staff. A decision made by the Executive Staff is final.

Any questions, concerns, or comments should be brought up to the ICTV Executive Staff.