Guiding principles
Television Sydney (tvs) is Sydney’s new free TV channel. It is a not-for-profit company with a Community Television license to broadcast on UHF Channel 31. Funding is being provided via a commercial loan.
In order to ensure its long term viability tvs will need to attract audiences that generate sufficient sponsorship revenue to service and eventually repay that loan.
The overall choice and scheduling of programs will necessarily respect that fundamental requirement.
A set of documents outlining in greater detail the station’s programming policies, editorial guidelines and contractual requirements will be provided in due course.
guidelines
What sort of programming is tvs looking for?
tvs aims to provide exciting and entertaining programs reflecting and supporting the interests, concerns and passions of the diverse audiences and communities of Sydney, including series and one-offs.
We have no hard and fast rules about the types of programs we will broadcast and welcome suggestions but producers are urged to consider whether:
- the subject matter adds to the diversity of free-to-air television
- the program is one that others will want to watch.
A key component of the tvs on-air schedule will be programs made locally about Sydney.
In order to maximise accessibility we require producers whose programs are partly or wholly in a language other than English to have English subtitles. A key component of the tvs on-air schedule will be programs made locally about Sydney. The use of content legally sourced from overseas is permissible, but programs must predominantly contain locally produced content.
How long should programs run?
Program length will be by negotiation with tvs. A half hour program should run no less than 22 minutes
and must not run more than 25 minutes. It should be made with at least
2 segments but no more than 4 segments.
A one hour program should run no less than 45 minutes and must not run
more than 50 minutes. It should be made with at least 3 segments but no
more than 6 segments.
Programs may be longer than one hour by mutual agreement with tvs station
management
Do I have to provide promos for my program?
Yes. Unless otherwise agreed with station management program providers will be required to provide one 15 second and one 30 second on-air promo for each program, to be produced in line with the tvs Promo Guidelines which will be posted on the tvs web site in due course.
What tape formats will tvs accept?
We anticipate that much of our programming will be produced using 3CCD cameras shot on miniDV or DVCAM then edited on a Non Linear Editing system and be delivered on a DV format.
Program material will also be accepted on standard definition 4:3 DigiBetacam / BetacamSP.
Additional formats may be accepted depending on demand from program providers and budgetary considerations. Our Tape format guidelines has further information.
What technical standard does tvs expect?
We expect programs to be of a broadcast industry standard and to be submitted in 4:3 PAL format.
If you are unsure what constitutes broadcast standard, please consult someone who does before going into production.
Watermarking
Program Providers are encouraged not to watermark their programs. TVS has its logo permanently on screen during all program segments in order to safeguard vision against illegal copying.
If Program Providers wish to watermark their programs these should be translucent (no more dominant than the TVS logo), NOT in colour and no larger than the TVS logo. For the sake of consistency, watermarks should preferably be placed in the top right hand corner of the screen
What other standards apply to tvs programs?
Program providers are required to understand and apply all relevant legally enforceable standards commonly applying to broadcast television including, but not necessarily limited to:
- The Broadcasting Services Act,
- The Community Television Codes of Practice, and
- Laws relating to defamation, contempt, privacy, consumer rights and copyright.
For further advice and information you should approach the following organisations:
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority
- The Community Television Association of Australia
- The Arts Law Centre of Australia
- The Australian Copyright Council
- The Communications Law Centre
- APRA/AMCOS - for music licensing issues
In addition to requiring program providers to meet applicable legal and regulatory standards, TVS expects producers to apply broad community standards when determining program content and when in doubt about the appropriateness of particular material to seek guidance from the channel's Program Manager before submitting programs for broadcast.