- Are you Comcast?
- Why can’t I get BITV
channel 12 with a satellite dish?
- Who makes the television programs?
- What does it cost to air a
program?
- How do I get started making TV programs?
- Where else can I see BITV programs?
- What is BITV?
- What does PEG mean?
- Why are there members?
- What benefits do members get?
- Are there age restrictions to join BITV?
- Why should I get involved with BITV?
- Do you provide community service opportunities?
- What kind of programming does BITV provide?
- I’m in a wheelchair. Is there access at your facility
and can I make TV programs too?
- Will BITV cover community events?
- How is BITV funded?
- What is a station sponsor?
- What are the requirements to submit a program to BITV?
- What kind of facilities does BITV have?
- Does BITV have equipment for me to use?
- Can I get copies of the programs I see on BITV Channel 12?
- How can I help?
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1. Are you Comcast?
No. Bainbridge Island Television is a nonprofit organization that
broadcasts non - commercial, local television created or sponsored
by this community. All Comcast inquires should be directed to Comcast
customer service department at 877-824-2288.
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2. Why can’t I get BITV channel 12 with a satellite
dish?
The cable provider has sole rights to that channel. As mandated
by the FCC, cable providers like Comcast have an exclusive contract
with the local municipality for the right of way to lay their cable.
In exchange for this, the cable provider must provide a public access
channel if the municipality asks for one.
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3. Who makes the television programs?
Members primarily make or sponsor programs. BITV staff also produces
programs.
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4. What does it cost to air a program?
There is no fee to air programs. It is a benefit of membership.
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5. How do I get started making TV programs?
Become a member, attend orientation, take classes or underwrite
a program.
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6. Where else can I see BITV programs?
Programs from the BITV television facility are aired on Comcast
cable channel 12. The channel reaches more than 4,100 households.
There are also opportunities to view BITV programs through Silver
Screen Video, Bainbridge Public Library and Bainbridge Island School
District classrooms. BITV programs are also streamed “live”
from www.bitv.org.
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7. What is BITV?
Bainbridge Island Television is a 501 C.3 non-profit organization
governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides non-commercial
local television, by local people, just like you. BITV is designated
by the City of Bainbridge Island to provide P.E.G. (Public, Education
and Government) television to subscribers of the Comcast cable system.
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8. What does PEG mean?
P=Public, E=Education, G=Government
BITV is Public, Educational, and Government access to television.
Community Access Television is all about providing the means for
our community to speak for itself. It allows us to express who we
are and it can help determine who we will become.
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9. Why are there members?
BITV relies on members for television programs, personnel and financial
support.
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10. What benefits do members get?
• Show your program on television for FREE
• Learn how to produce your own show
• Use BITV’s very cool gear
• Work with staff and other volunteers to produce BITV shows
• Be an important supporter of your community's voice!
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11. Are there age restrictions to join BITV?
No, BITV welcomes youth, adult, and seniors.
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12. Why should I get involved with BITV?
BITV is a resource for the community. Involvement means becoming
a bigger part of your community in a very direct way. It is a place
where your involvement does make a difference. It is an organization
that builds community through communication and participation.
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13. Do you provide community service opportunities?
We welcome your community service at BITV. Whether part of a school
program or adult service program, there are many opportunities to
assist BITV. Give us a call.
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14. What kind of programming does BITV provide?
BITV provides local and imported independent programming by members
such as sports, kids, arts and culture, public affairs, government,
religion, and education.
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15. I’m in a wheelchair. Is there access at your
facility and can I make TV programs too?
Yes, the BITV facility has ramp access and ample room to maneuver.
We have flexible editing stations that a wheelchair can roll up
to. Our classes are accessible to all members.
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16. Will BITV cover community events?
BITV is not a news agency. We provide the tools so you can create
the stories you want to watch. Occasionally we do cover island events.
We rely on underwriters and sponsors to create stories about community
events. If you want an event to be covered – give us a call.
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17. How is BITV funded?
BITV relies on community support for funding. Support can be in
the form of a direct contribution, a capital grant or through membership
fees, program underwriters and sponsors, and classes, equipment
rentals and production services. BITV is also a One
Call for All Agency and a recipient of a capital grant from
Bainbridge Island Community Foundation (B.I.C.F.)
The City of Bainbridge Island has a franchise agreement with Comcast
Cable. Through this agreement, the City receives funds from Comcast
based on the number of subscribers. The City has designated BITV
as the local public access cable provider. The City provides passes
through the Comcast funds to BITV through an operating agreement
in exchange for production, broadcast and community services.
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18. What is a station sponsor?
Sponsorship allows BITV to offer the many services and programs
for the community. Your sponsorship keeps our doors open and the
channel on the air. In return, we provide television exposure for
your business or organization to more than 4,000 households. As
a sponsor your name will be synonymous as a community supporter.
Sponsorship letter and rates.
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19. What are the requirements to submit a program to BITV?
1. Membership
2. Sign a program contract
3. Meet minimum technical requirements
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20. What kind of facilities does BITV have?
BITV is located at 7686 High School Rd, next to Strawberry Hill
Park. Through a charitable agreement with Comcast, BITV enjoys a
modern facility for operations. The facility consists of a studio,
classroom, broadcast control center, conference room and administration
offices. However, BITV has outgrown this facility and is planning
to expand its operation to better serve the community.
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21. Does BITV have equipment for me to use?
BITV has high quality consumer and professional cameras and Macintosh
computers for editing programs. The gear is used for both training
and productions and available to all equipment certified members.
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22. Can I get copies of the programs I see on BITV Channel
12?
Selected copies of BITV produced programs are available for sale.
Copies of COBI City Council Meetings, special workshops, and BITV
produced programs are available to view for free at Silver Screen
Video. Member produced programs are owned by the members. If you
are interested in one of these programs you will need to contact
the producer directly for copies. Call us for more information.
BITV has a high speed DVD printer and duplicator. BITV offers DVD
copy services.
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23. How can I help?
Become a member, sponsor and volunteer.
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