FOREWORD

Newton Communications Access Center, Inc. (NCAC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), membership-based corporation established in 1990 to manage facilities for community access programming on the Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Access channels of the Newton, Massachusetts, cable television system.

The Newton Cable Television Renewal License details how NCAC is responsible for the management and operation of these channels and designates NCAC to receive an annual grant from MediaOne of Massachusetts to foster the development of PEG Access programming in Newton.

With studios and offices located at 90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands, MA, NCAC provides access to video equipment, training, and channel time to individuals and organizations in Newton on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis.

On March 1, 1991 a Renewal License between MediaOne and the City of Newton, through the Office of the Mayor, came into effect. This Renewal License provides for the funding of a non-profit organization "to provide services to Public, Educational and Governmental Access users." Newton Communications Access Center, Inc., NCAC, a membership-based, non-profit corporation, has been designated as the provider of those services. NCAC is a public forum for electronic free expression, providing its services on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis. Those services include training in television production and related technologies, providing the equipment necessary for producing cable television programming, and administering the programming of two subscriber channels on the cable system.

The following Operational Rules and Procedures were generated to provide guidelines for NCAC members to participate in NCAC activities and services. While the document may seem rather cumbersome, the spirit behind it is two-fold: First, NCAC's mission is to train Newton residents in the uses of electronic media. Such uses have corresponding responsibilities, especially within a very active facility like NewTV where basic guidelines will ensure efficient and fair operations. NCAC views these Rules and Procedures as working guidelines which will be periodically reviewed and adjusted. The input of the members in evaluating these guidelines is especially important and appreciated. Members are encouraged to address their comments and criticism to the Executive Director of NCAC who has the administrative responsibility for operating the facility, and meeting Members' needs.