3. Can anything be shown on AOC?

Public access television is an open, nondiscriminatory venue that is protected by the First Amendment's freedom of speech. Public access, like other free speech, is governed by the laws regarding slander, obscenity, and libel, and is not a haven for criminal activity. The public access producer assumes any and all liability. In addition, public access programming is noncommercial and cannot be used to sell a product or service, although commercial entities can be allowed to sponsor a program and receive acknowledgment of their sponsorship.

4. Who can put programs on the public access channel?

Lafayette Parish residents or non-profit organizations are welcome to provide programs for the access channel. The channel is available on a first-come, first-served, non-discriminatory basis.

5. What kind of programs can I make for public access?

There are a wide variety of programs that appear on AOC. They include arts, music, cultural events, public affairs, governmental issues and meetings, public service announcements for non-profit groups, children programs, religious and educational programs, documentaries, talk shows, etc. The list of possibilities is endless.

6. How does AOC decide what to put on Cox Channels 15 and 16 and LUS Channels 3 and 4?

AOC actually does NOT decide what to air on these channels. Volunteer producers decide what plays on AOC by producing a variety of programs and turning them in to AOC to be aired. AOC’s volunteer producers follow specific federal regulations to ensure that their programs are appropriate for television.

7. Does AOC screen the programs for content?

No, all programs that producers turn in are screened to ensure visual and audio quality, but they are not screened for content.

8. Why don't the shows on AOC look and sound more like commercial television?

One of the many purposes of public access television is to provide a media outlet that
is NOT commercially driven. All programs on AOC are required to be noncommercial in content.

9. Do you run advertisements?

No, we do not run advertisements, but we do accept underwriting and give acknowledgments according to the level of underwriting support.

10. How do I submit a program?

To submit a program, simply come by AOC, fill out a Producer Agreement and Cablecast Contract, then drop off the program.  You can find a list of acceptable media formats here.

11. What about a regular time slot?

In order to qualify for a series program, or regular time slot, a producer must produce three programs with similar content and layout. Twice a year, producers who qualify for a series participate in a lottery to determine time slots for their programs.

12. How often can I run my program?

Several factors are taken into consideration when scheduling programs on AOC. The date and time of submission, length of program, and whether or not the program is a series are all factors.  AOC does not guarantee any set quantity of run times, but strives to allow a minimum of four air times per program.

13. What if I don't know how to make a TV program?

No problem. The equipment available is designed to be as easy to operate. We also provide several workshops that can get you up to speed, and ongoing technical assistance to producers as they develop ideas into finished productions.

14. What if I don't have my own equipment?

AOC provides basic camera kits to all members upon request depending on availability. More advanced kits require a workshop.

15. Can I hire AOC to make my program?

No, you must make your own program, however, AOC staff is available to train you along the way.

16. What equipment is available?

AOC has portable production capabilities, a television studio, and editing systems. We have lighting equipment, sound equipment, and computer graphics capabilities. All of these are available at no charge to the access producer.

17. How do I get started?

The first step for most access producers is to complete one or more workshops in the
use of video production equipment. AOC offers training in several areas, and will be happy to help you make a training appointment.

18. Can I hire AOC staff to videotape my event?

No, the AOC staff works to support community volunteer producers to make their own programs. If you would like your event videotaped, it is recommended that you become a producer yourself or send someone from your organization to become a producer and get training to cover events.

19. What channels on my television are AOC Channels?

AOC can be found on Lafayette parish cable channels 15 and 16 and LUS 3 and 4.

20. How soon will my program air on AOC?

It generally takes up to five business days, after a program has been submitted, for it run on AOC.