Table of Contents
	Access Policy
	Access Principles
Section 1.	Preamble
Section 2.	Use
Section 3.	Availability
Section 4.	Allocation of Public Access Channel Time
Section 5.	General Requirements for all Public Access Programs
Section 6.	Programming
Section 7.	Copyrights, etc./Releases
Section 8.	Indemnification
Section 9.	Commercials
Section 10.	Patron's Acknowledgement
Section 11.	General Requirements for Public Access Users
Section 12.	Public Access Training Workshops
Section 13.	Reserving Production Time
Section 14.	Reserving Portable Production Equipment
Section 15.	Reserving Editing Suite Time
Section 16.	Cancellation
Section 17.	Conduct at Cox Communications' Public Access Studios
Appendix 1	Producer Agreement
Appendix 2	Studio/Editing Request
Appendix 3	Equipment Request
Appendix 4	Talent Release
Appendix 5	Consent of Parent or Legal Guardian

ACCESS POLICY

At the cornerstone of Cox Communications' policy on community service programming is our commitment to provide resources and expertise to the community so that meaningful programming can be produced by local groups themselves. Cox knows that either too much control or too little commitment of resources and expertise diminishes the impact of this important community service. In this regard, Cox Communications believes that greater use of the access facilities by individuals and groups will promote greater acceptance of cable service by the entire community. For the purposes of these Rules, the names Cox or Cox Communications means and includes CoxCom, Inc., d/b/a Cox Communications New England.

ACCESS PRINCIPLES

As an aid in developing these Public Access User Rules and Guidelines (hereinafter referred to as "Rules"), Cox Communications has established the following set of "access principles" to serve as a guide insofar as they will help to underline Cox's goals for and commitment to public access programming.

1. To provide for the flow of creative subject matter and information throughout the community and to be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.

2. To encourage use of the access channels by the greatest number of users so as to promote the widest possible diversity of information sources to the public.

3. To insure good technical quality in access programming.

4. To protect against violation of federal laws regarding copyright and performing rights.

5. To protect against violation of federal and state laws and regulations regarding procedures for cable system operations.

6. To protect against misuse and damage of production equipment and facilities.

7. To protect against injuries resulting from improper use of the equipment.

These Rules are intended for use by Public Access users of Cox Communications' facilities. Cox reserves the right to review the Rules at any time for any reason; however, no revision or amendment to these Rules shall be deemed effective without Cox first having obtained the written consent of the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers ("Division").

The headings and captions in these Rules are for the purpose of convenience of reference only, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope or intent of these Rules or in any way affect these Rules.

Section 1.

PREAMBLE

The public's right to cable television studio access is established pursuant to the Communications Policy Act of 1984, as amended, and the Rules Governing Community Antenna Television Systems promulgated by the Division. These Rules are intended to provide uniform and fair guidelines which both encourage the use of Public Access studios and provide for the smooth and effective operation of each studio located in Rhode Island.

2.1    Public Access production facilities, equipment, and training programs may be used by local, non-profit organizations, governments or schools and people who live, work, or attend public schools within the Cox Communications service areas for the purpose of making programs to be cablecast on the Public Access channel(s).

2.2    Public Access programming and copies thereof which are produced using said equipment cannot be distributed for profit while being cablecast on Public Access. Public Access producers and crew may not receive any personal profit or remuneration while using Public Access equipment or facilities; however, Public Access producers and/or their crew who are employed by local, qualified, non-profit organizations, governments or schools are not disqualified from using Public Access equipment or facilities within the scope of their employment as a result of their employment by such organizations.

3.1    The Public Access channels of Cox Communications shall be made available to any member of the public who qualifies under Section 2 on a non-discriminatory basis at no charge. To the extent feasible, scheduling priorities will be given to locally produced programs within the state in a content-neutral manner, in accordance with applicable laws. However, Cox Communications reserves the right to refuse to cablecast any program on a case-by-case basis if such program:

(i)    fails to comply with the minimum technical quality standards set forth in Section 3.2, or Federal Communications Commission guidelines including Volume 47, Part 76 of the Code of Federal Regulations (47 C.F.R. 76) and as referenced in Section 6.1;

(ii)    contains material that constitutes copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark infringement in violation of Section 6.2, or the producer of such program has failed to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 7.1, if applicable;

(iii)    contains material requiring a talent release and the producer of such program has failed to comply with the requirements set forth in Section 7.2;

(iv)    contains material that constitutes a solicitation of funds, lottery, gift enterprise or use of any telephone or electronic mail address to solicit funds in violation of Section 6.3;

(v)    constitutes a commercial or contains commercial or other material in violation of Sections 6.4, 9.1 or 10.2;

(vi)    contains obscene material in violation of Section 6.5;

(vii)    contains material constituting an invasion of privacy, defamation, or libel or slander in violation of Section 6.6; or

(viii)    is used for illegal purposes or constitutes a violation of law prohibited by Section 6.7.

In the event that Cox refuses to cablecast any program under this section, Cox shall give the affected public access producer whose program has been refused for cablecasting the opportunity to cure the identified problem(s) with the program. In the event that the producer does not cure or refuses to cure the identified problem(s), and Cox refuses to cablecast such programming, Cox shall promptly (within five (5) days) notify the Administrator of the Division of such refusal and thereafter submit a written request for a prompt informal determination, pursuant to Section 6 of the Division's Rules of Practice and Procedure, as to whether its decision to refuse to cablecast the program was appropriate. Cox shall mail a copy of the request to the affected producer by regular mail, postage prepaid. If the Administrator determines that the program should be cablecast, Cox may continue to refrain from cablecasting the program pending a formal hearing and order, and thereafter so long as a stay is in effect. In no event shall Cox refuse to cablecast any public access program for a period of time of more than thirty (30) days from the date that the program has first been refused for cablecasting on any Public Access Channel without a stay or order authorizing Cox to refuse to cablecast the program having been entered.

3.2    Minimum technical quality standards shall mean the following according to FCC and industry standards:

1.    The video signal will not exceed 100 IRE but will have at least 7.4 IRE;

2.    The video signal should have 40 units of sync and 9 cycles of burst; and,

3.    Peak audio level should fall within -3 and 0 dB and shall have reasonable clarity.

3.3    Cox Communications reserves the right to refuse Public Access privileges (including access to any and all Public Access facilities, equipment, and/or training) to any person(s)who:

1.    Has demonstrated a lack of ability to safely and proficiently operate and care for television production equipment or is abusive to Cox personnel;

2.    Has not successfully completed the required training or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency, or has not provided to your Public Access Coordinator a completed, signed Producer Agreement (Appendix 1) and other applicable documentation referred to in these Rules, such as a Studio/Editing Suite Request (Appendix 2) as required by Section 13.1, an Equipment Request (Appendix 3) as required by Section 14.2, an official license or waiver as required by Section 7.1, a Talent Release (Appendix 4) as required by Section 7.2, or a Parental/Legal Guardian Consent (Appendix 5) as required by Section 7.3;

3.    Does not comply with these Rules;

4.    Does not adequately crew their productions. Studio productions require three (3) crew members, unless prior approval is given by the Public Access Coordinator. The full crew must be present at the beginning of and throughout the duration of the production; or,

5.    Engages in misconduct as defined in Section 17.14.

3.4    If Cox determines that a problem or concern exists under Section 3.3 of these Rules, it will first attempt to resolve the matter with the Public Access participant. If the matter is not resolved through this process, Cox may deny such individual Public Access privileges, and will provide that individual with a written statement of the reason(s) for such denial. When an individual is denied Public Access privileges pursuant to Section 3.3, the individual may: (1) bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate Service Area Citizens Advisory Committee, and (2) then, file a complaint with the Division.

4.1    Program time slots are assigned by the Public Access Coordinator, on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. Program playback on certain holidays, especially Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, cannot normally be accommodated because it is subject to the availability and scheduling of Cox Communications' staff. However, Cox will make reasonable efforts to accommodate program playback on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Washington's Birthday, Columbus Day, Victory Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Veteran's Day.

4.2    Cablecasting frequency will be three (3) cablecastings or more per week for weekly shows, and four (4) cablecastings or more within a one-month period for specials or one-time productions, depending on the availability of cablecast time. Meanwhile, cablecasting programs one or more times in a certain time slot does not guarantee continued availability of that time slot.

4.3    Cox Communications reserves the right to assign the times and shall be responsible for resolving conflicts concerning access program scheduling and shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate the needs of Public Access producers. Any programming containing adult-oriented or indecent material will be cablecasted between 12:00am and 6:00am.

Section 5.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PUBLIC ACCESS PROGRAMS

5.1    All producers and/or persons desiring to use any Public Access equipment and/or facilities must have: (1) successfully completed all the necessary training provided by Cox Communications or (2) have received a Certification of Proficiency from Cox Communications. Training is available at no cost.

5.2    It is preferred that producers submit a completed program. The term "completed program" means that the program is timed properly to fit the preferred 30:00 or 60:00 minute program block, all breaks are filled and any additional footage has been rolled in, such that the program could be aired immediately.

5.3    Regular producers are encouraged to fill their allotted time. Producers whose shows do not adhere to these lengths should notify the Public Access Coordinator in advance. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate non-conforming programs, consistent with other programming obligations.

5.4    Accurate timing of each program is extremely important.

5.5    All programs must begin with fifteen seconds (:15) of black before the program opening titles and music. Any disclaimers should be counted in as part of the program.

5.6    Acceptable formats include 1/2" VHS, 1/2" SVHS, and where available, 3/4" tapes. Programs produced in VHS format must be recorded at Standard Play (SP) speed.

5.7    All tapes should be properly labeled with the following information:

Studio:
Producer's name, address, and telephone number
Program title (if regularly scheduled program there should be sub-title and/or #)
Cablecast dates
Exact length of program (HH.MM.SS)

Playback operators will not be responsible for any tapes that are mislabeled.

5.8    Public Access producers retain ownership rights to their individual programs.

5.9    All programs submitted for cablecast on Public Access channels shall provide video and audio quality consistent with the standards set forth in Section 3.2 of these Rules. All programming submitted may be reviewed by your Public Access Coordinator to ensure that the program does not contain material prohibited by Section 6 and that the producer has complied with the requirements set forth in Section 7, 9 and 10.

5.10    A new, "blacked," or otherwise completely erased tape must be used at all times. Taping over previously recorded programs will not be accepted.

5.11    Producers are encouraged to apply a rating to their programming setting forth the recommended viewing audience in compliance with guidelines established by the National Cable Television Association. Information concerning the guidelines and the appropriate icon to be inserted on the programming is available from Cox Communications.

5.12    Cox Communications reserves the right to run a statement of disclaimer before, during and/or after any Public Access program to alert viewers that, the views expressed in the program are not necessarily those of Cox Communications and that Cox Communications has no control over or responsibility for the content of such programming.

5.13    Any new producer submitting a program for the first time must submit his or her program and an executed Producer Agreement seven (7) business days prior to the program's earliest anticipated carriage date. A "new producer" is one who has not previously produced or cablecasted a program on any Public Access channels utilizing Cox Communications' facilities.

5.14    Cox reserves the right to require that, at least seven (7) business days prior to the cablecast of any live program, the producer of such live program submit a detailed program outline to Cox Communications, including persons to be interviewed and/or material to be presented. Any proposed material changes to live programming may not be made without at least two days (48 hours) notice, unless approved by the Public Access Coordinator.

Programs produced for use on the Public Access channel may address myriad topics, many of which may not be addressed by the more traditional network broadcasters, following are some guidelines:

6.1    Cox Communications operates within the guidelines for programming established by the Federal Communications Commission. See e.g., 47 C.F.R. 76. Programming submitted for cablecasting must meet the same requirements.

6.2    Material constituting copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark infringement is prohibited. Any material requiring a record of payment or official waiver pursuant to Section 7.1 must have one. Any material requiring a talent release pursuant to Section 7.2 must have one.

6.3    Any solicitation of funds, lottery, or gift enterprise, is prohibited except where all applicable laws have been complied with and Cox Communications has given prior approval in writing. Material which is intended to defraud the viewer or designed to obtain money by false or fraudulent means is prohibited. Use of any telephone number or electronic mail address to solicit funds is not permitted.

6.4    Commercial material as defined in Section 9.1 is prohibited.

6.5    Cox Communications will comply with all federal laws regarding the content of Public Access programming. Cox Communications will not exercise any editorial control over educational, or governmental use of channel capacity pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §531, except that Cox may refuse to transmit any Public Access program or portion of a program which is obscene or otherwise unprotected by the Constitution of the United States of America.

Pursuant to federal law, 47 U.S.C. §559, programming which is "obscene" will not be cablecast on any access channel at any time. Programming is "obscene" if: the average person, applying contemporary community standards would find that the work, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest; the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by state law; and the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value. Prior to the cablecast of any Public Access program, the program's producer must certify that the content of the intended program is not "obscene".

6.6    Any material constituting an invasion of privacy, defamation, or libel or slander of any person, entity or organization, is prohibited.

6.7    Public Access programming may not be used for any criminal activity or other illegal purpose, nor may it be used in any manner which violates any local, state or federal law.

7.1     Public Access producers are responsible for payment of any cablecast fees in connection with use of any material constituting copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark, subject to the "fair use" exception as recognized in statutes and applicable case law. Payment amounts and information about use are available from the holder of the copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark. Cox Communications has no information concerning copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark possibilities or payment schedules and assumes no responsibility for any production containing any of the aforementioned items. An official license or waiver (with record of payment, if necessary) from the holder of a copyright, trademark, tradename or service mark must be on file with the Public Access office before the program(s) will be scheduled for cablecasting, subject to the "fair use" exception set forth above.

7.2    Public Access producers are responsible for obtaining talent releases for all program participants involved in any aspect of Public Access programming. Releases must be on file in the Cox Communications' Public Access office before the program(s) will be scheduled for cablecasting.

7.3    If any individual seventeen (17) years of age or less ("minor") participates in any material aspect of the production of a Public Access program, the Public Access producer is responsible for providing to Cox a Parental/Legal Guardian Consent signed by a parent or legal guardian pursuant to which the parent or legal guardian consents to such minor's participation in such production, and accepts financial responsibility for the actions of the minor during the production of the Public Access program. The Parental/Legal Guardian Consent must be on file in Cox's Public Access office in advance of any minor's material participation in the production of any Public Access program.

8.1    Public Access users agree to accept full responsibility for program content submitted for cablecasting on the Public Access channel(s) of Cox Communications. All Public Access users shall indemnify and hold harmless Cox Communications, and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees and agents, from all liability, including damages, costs and attorney's fees, incurred by Cox Communications in any case of any copyright, trademark, tradename, or service mark infringement and any other claims arising from cablecasting of the user's programming. Public Access users, however, will not be required to indemnify Cox for any attorneys' fees and/or costs in the event it is determined that Cox is not subject to liability.

9.1    There can be no commercial endorsement or commercial sponsorship of any business, enterprise, product, service, event or individual created with Public Access equipment, created in a Public Access facility, or created for cablecasting on the Public Access channel.

This includes advertising by or on behalf of any candidate for public office, any audio or visual reference to any business, enterprise, product, service, event or individual for which any consideration was received by anyone in exchange for the display, announcement and/or reference to such business, enterprise, product, service, event or individual.

Further, any use of commercials or any use of an on-camera product, service or event for a commercial purpose, or an individual commercial endorsement is strictly prohibited.

9.2    A supply of current public service announcements ("PSAs") from a variety of non-profit organizations will be available for your use at the Public Access studio and the Public Access editing suite. These may be freely used for breaks in your program.

Section 10.

PATRON'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT

10.1    Grants and/or other types of non-profit support: (1) may be utilized by producers or groups or entities producing Public Access programming for the purposes of underwriting the costs of necessities such as set pieces, props, title cards, and the like, or (2) may be made available to bona fide nonprofit organizations, governments or schools for the purpose of remunerating employees of such entities who are working on Public Access productions within the scope of their employment. However, such funds should not be used to supplement an employee's regular compensation (e.g., by way of a bonus or other additional compensation). The term "grants", as used in this section, refers to traditional, charitable grants for non-profit, non-commercial recipients.

10.2    All "Patron Acknowledgments" must follow the standard form contained in subparagraph (1) below and comply with the standards enumerated in subparagraph (2) below, if applicable:

(1) "This program was made possible by a contribution from [identify the name of the business, group, individual or foundation];" and,

(2) A company, group or personal logotype or video background may only be used if each one complies with the following style standards: (a) standard or existing logotypes may be used in an acknowledgment; however, logotypes that contain product images, slogans, or content beyond the name of the individual or company (or brand) may not be used if in the reasonable opinion of Cox Communications they are commercial or promotional in nature, (b) the setting or background over which a patron's name and logo appears must be monochromatic, (c) the acknowledgement is to be shown for no more than thirty seconds (:30) at the end of the program, and (d) the overall effect of each acknowledgment must be in keeping with the noncommercial nature of Public Access cable television.

Section 11.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC ACCESS USERS

11.1    Cox Communications shall obtain and maintain a complete record of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons, groups, organizations or entities requesting training or use of Public Access facilities or equipment and/or cablecast time. These records shall be made available on request to the public during regular business hours. Cox shall retain these records for a two (2) year period and shall update these records every two (2) years.

11.2    Cox may require any person, group, organization or entity utilizing Cox's Public Access studios or equipment to verify their name, address and telephone number by producing some form of appropriate identification.

11.3    Producers and production crews made up of all minors seventeen (17) years of age or less, must have a parent or guardian, or in the absence of same, at least one person of legal age (18) years or older actively involved in each production to act as an advisor and in order for the group of minors to use any/all Public Access facilities, equipment or training opportunities.

11.4    Should you have any problem relating to Public Access on-site staff or trainers, other Public Access producers, crew or users or specific administration of overall Public Access, please contact the Public Access Coordinator in writing by immediately filling out a grievance form so that the problem may be resolved quickly. (Forms are available in Public Access offices.)

11.5    Public Access users are responsible for having all elements of a complete program available before any taping begins at any of the Public Access studios. This includes video footage from Public Access or other allowable sources in the proper format, PSAs, guests, releases, props, completed production crews, sets, etc.

11.6    Public Access Coordinators will work with Public Access users to assist them in complying with the standard set forth in Section 11.5.

11.7    Cox Communications reserves the right to request a full program outline or transcript prior to use of any Public Access equipment to determine any producer's readiness, preparation and ability to complete a Public Access program.

12.1    Everyone desiring to use the Public Access facilities or equipment must participate in a Public Access workshop to become familiar with Public Access guidelines, procedures and rules, unless they have received a Certification of Proficiency.

12.2    Training is provided in the following three (3) areas:

Workshop Participants	Minimum Required Participants	Maximum Allowed Participants	Frequency
Studio Production	3	10	4 times per year with arrangements for special classes
Portable Equipment	3	10	4 times per year with arrangements for special classes
Editing Facilities	1	2	On an ongoing basis

12.3    Approximate length of workshops will be determined by the Public Access Coordinator when the Public Access Coordinator believes the person and/or group is adequately trained.

12.4    After you and your crew decide what type of program you plan to produce, the Cox Communications' Public Access staff will inform you which one or combination of workshops you will need to attend and complete before you can begin producing your program.

12.5    Scheduling a Public Access workshop may be done by simply contacting your Public Access Coordinator at Cox Communications who will schedule the workshops as needed.

12.6    Cox Communications shall maintain a list of names and telephone numbers of all persons who request to participate in training workshops. In the event any individual(s) requesting training cannot satisfy the "Minimum Required Participants" threshold, Cox Communications shall contact individual(s) from the list so that the threshold is satisfied. Once the threshold is satisfied, Cox Communications shall hold the relevant training workshop.

12.7    In lieu of training, Cox Communications may certify the proficiency of individuals in one or more of the designated workshop areas (See Section 5.1 of these Rules). In making such determination, Cox Communications shall consider the following:

1. the individual's demonstrated knowledge of these Rules; and

2. the individual's demonstrated proficiency in the operation and use of the facilities and equipment.

Section 13.

RESERVING PRODUCTION TIME

13.1    Arranging production time is done by calling the Public Access Coordinator at Cox Communications after you and your crew have successfully completed the necessary workshops, or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency.

Production time is allotted on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Call in early to reserve your preferred studio time.

Please be on time for your scheduled production appointment. If you will be late for any reason, you should contact Cox and give Cox an approximate time you will be at the site to use the equipment or facilities. If you arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes after your scheduled arrival time and do not provide Cox with advance notice of your delay, then your appointment may be canceled. Repeated problems with late or missed appointments may result in a series of disciplinary steps, including warnings, suspension and/or revocation of Public Access privileges. (See Section 3.3)

You will be required to complete fully a Studio/Editing Suite Request (Appendix 2) each time you use the Public Access production studio.

13.2    Studio production time is available only to those who are producing programs solely for use on the Public Access channel, without infringing on the right of the user to show the program in other non-commercial venues.

13.3    Public Access offers 1/2" VHS format at some facilities, 1/2" SVHS at some facilities and 3/4" at some facilities. Please check with your Public Access Coordinator in advance for the availability of formats.

14.1    Arranging portable equipment check-out is done by calling your Public Access Coordinator at Cox Communications after you have successfully completed a portable equipment workshop or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency.

Portable equipment check-outs are scheduled on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Call in early to reserve your preferred date for portable equipment check-out.

Please be on time for your appointment to check-out and return portable equipment. If you will be late for any reason, you should contact Cox and give Cox an approximate time you will be at the site to pick up or use the equipment. If you arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes after your scheduled arrival time and do not provide Cox with advance notice of your delay, then your appointment may be canceled. Users who repeatedly arrive late for appointments, who repeatedly do not show up for their appointments, or who repeatedly return equipment late may lose their Public Access privileges. (See Section 3.3).

14.2    You will be required to complete fully an Equipment Request (Appendix 3) each time you check-out Public Access portable equipment and to sign a Responsibility form. A deposit for the equipment of $50.00 or credit card imprint will be required at checkout and returned upon return of equipment in good working order.

14.3    Public Access portable production equipment is only to be used within the State of Rhode Island. At no time should this equipment be taken outside the State without prior written approval from Cox.

14.4    For your protection, it is the responsibility of the individual who checks out the Public Access portable production equipment to verify personally its operational condition at the time of check-out before leaving the Public Access office.

Remember: From the time you leave the Public Access office until the time you return the portable production equipment to the office, you are financially responsible for said equipment. Should the equipment be lost, damaged, or stolen while checked out to you, Cox Communications will seek restitution from you for repair and/or replacement of said equipment.

Public Access portable production equipment should not be left in a car or car trunk, outside or any place the equipment would be susceptible to theft or exposed to water, sand, dust or extreme heat or cold. Extreme temperatures will affect the operation of the equipment and cause permanent damage.

Section l5.

RESERVING EDITING SUITE TIME

15.1    Arranging editing time is done by calling your Public Access Coordinator at Cox Communications after you have successfully completed the Editing Facilities Workshop or received the appropriate Certification of Proficiency.

Editing time is allotted weekly on a "first-come, first-served" basis; however, Public Access Coordinators should make reasonable efforts to schedule editing time on an as needed basis. Call in early to reserve your preferred editing time.

Please be on time for scheduled editing time. If you will be late for any reason, you should contact Cox, and give Cox an approximate time you will be at the site to use the equipment or facilities. If you arrive more than fifteen (15) minutes after your scheduled arrival time and do not provide Cox with advance notice of your delay, then your appointment may be canceled. Repeated problems with late or missed appointments may result in a series of disciplinary steps, including warnings, suspension and/or revocation of Public Access privileges. (See Section 3.3).

You will be required to complete fully a Studio/Editing Suite Request (Appendix 2) each time you use the Public Access editing equipment and facilities.

15.2    Editing time is available only to those who are editing programs for use on the Public Access channel.

Section 16.

CANCELLATION

Cancellation of any production, training session, editing session or portable checkout may be done by calling the Public Access office to cancel at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the scheduled appointment. Individuals who repeatedly violate this policy may have their Public Access privileges suspended.

Section 17.

CONDUCT AT COX COMMUNICATIONS' PUBLIC ACCESS STUDIOS

17.1    No smoking, eating or drinking (alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages) in the control room or editing suite. Limited smoking and consuming of non-alcoholic beverages may be done outdoors or inside if your facility has a specified area for Public Access users.

17.2    Any producer, participant or user who is suspected of or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or otherwise not in full control of their senses, or if exhibiting disruptive or abusive behavior, will be asked to leave the premises.

17.3    No flammable, caustic, toxic, or explosive substances or firearms are allowed in the Public Access facility.

17.4    Live animals and other potentially dangerous items may be used for demonstration purposes on camera, but must be approved at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance by the Public Access Coordinator.

17.5    Telephones at the Public Access studios and editing suites are business telephones. Public Access users may only use designated phones in the case of an emergency or for a brief call relating to a program to be produced at the time (e.g., your program's guest has not arrived). No personal calls may be made from telephones at either the Public Access studio or the editing suite.

17.6    No additional recording, dubbing, amplification, sound, lighting, musical or electronic equipment is to be patched into an existing Cox Communications Public Access studio or any of its editing suite equipment. In some limited instances, with prior approval from the Public Access Coordinator, some electronic patching may occur, but may only be done by a designated Public Access staff person.

17.7    Please do not attempt to adjust any equipment you have not been fully trained and authorized to use. If you encounter any technical problems, consult with the Public Access staff person assigned to your production.

17.8    Report any broken or missing equipment to a Public Access staff person immediately.

17.9    Please handle all equipment with care.

17.10    Only individuals trained by Cox Communications Public Access staff or who possess the appropriate Certification of Proficiency are permitted to operate any equipment on the premises.

17.11    Public Access producers are totally responsible for the conduct and actions of all individuals that they bring into a Public Access studio or editing suite and that are involved with the producers' respective production.

17.12    Each production crew led by their producer is responsible to help keep the studio(s) and editing suite clean. Use the trash receptacles provided and ashtrays where applicable. (Major cleaning such as vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and the lavatories will be done weekly by Cox Communications representatives.)

17.13    Each production crew led by their producer is responsible for returning the studio back to its original condition when their production is completed. This includes returning any furniture, lighting, sound equipment or props to their normal location.

17.14    In the event of any misconduct while using any of the Public Access facilities the Cox Communications staff person on site shall have the authority to terminate the production and ask all persons involved in the production to leave the facilities. "Misconduct" means the use or suspected use of any drugs or alcohol, unsafe or unauthorized use of any equipment, loud or boisterous activities, illegal activities, or other conduct that interferes with the efficient and professional completion of a Public Access production.