FPAC Studio Hours Change

Please note that the FPAC studio will be open later on weekdays and closed on Sundays, effective immediately. New hours are as follows:

Monday, 11-9

Tuesday, 11-9

Wednesday, 11-9

Thursday, 11 – 9

Friday, 10 – 6

Saturday, closed

Sunday, closed

 

Saturday hours will be added in 2010.

Web Video Is Here!

You asked for it and FPAC delivered! Web video is now available on the FPAC website. Enjoy your favorite FPAC shows wherever the Internet is available. Simply click the large purple Program Schedule and Web Video button in the right column of the FPAC website to display the current programming schedule. To watch a show on your computer, click the (View) link that follows the program name.

You can also search for shows by clicking SEARCH at the top of the schedule page. This feature serves two purposes: you can discover when FPAC will cablecast selected shows, and you can also check the box marked “Only Video-On-Demand” and the list will include only shows that are available for viewing on the Web. For Web video availability, locally-produced programs will take priority over those produced by others.

We hope that you enjoy this value-added service, and welcome your comments about FPAC Web Video.

For more FPAC news, see the Fall 2009 Newsletter.

2009 Annual Meeting Report

The FPAC Annual Meeting took place on September 21, in the Costin Room of the Framingham Public Library. President Joel Winett opened the meeting with thanks to departing board members Frank Walls, Mort Shuman, Ron Rego, and special recognition of member Bill Rabkin for his extraordinary volunteer contributions.

Next, the President gave a report to members of the year’s highlights:

· The FPAC Board of Directors made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen in January, updating the Selectmen on FPAC’s activities and requesting distribution of Verizon and RCN cable funds. The Board of Selectmen voted for even distribution of cable money after INET and legal fees, but had not yet implemented it by the September meeting.

· During the first half of 2009, the Board, assisted by ESC consultants, participated in a strategic planning process, completed in July.  The process included multiple surveys of viewers, members, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and other Access stations. Among the highest priorities for the coming year are updating policies and procedures, and implementing internet video.

· FPAC will remain housed in Fuller Middle School until at least June 30, 2011, and possibly until June, 2012, while investigating the possibilities for a new facility in the future.

· Minor By-Law changes were made to remove ambiguities. The Member Policies and Procedures are under complete review and revision. Some membership policy changes have been approved, and membership prices are increasing modestly.

· FPAC became a sponsor of the Framingham Concerts on the Green and, as in previous years, taped the concerts for cablecast.

Treasurer Mike Cunningham reported that cable revenue is down slightly, and the annual restricted equipment funds are coming to an end.  A reserve fund was created. Substantial expenditures during the past year included leasehold improvements, new equipment, and professional services. Cable revenues from RCN and Verizon had not yet been received.

Executive Director Steve Innis reported that membership has increased from the previous year, and noted numerous facility improvements, including signs, kitchenette, separate control room, labeled parking spaces,  and an enclosure to secure the production truck. FPAC also received the Framingham Rotary’s Organization of the Year Award.

Board elections were then held. Elsa Hornfischer was elected to fill the open one-year position created by a resignation. Dave Hutchinson was re-elected to another three-year term and members Bill Rabkin and James Komola were also elected to three-year terms.

These FPAC Directors Are Ready For Action

2009-10 FPAC Board of Directors

Introducing the New Board

Standing: Jim Komola, Bill Rabkin (Vice-President), Francesca Cerutti-Harris, Gwendolyn Holbrow (President), Joel Winett

Seated: Norma Shulman, Dave Hutchinson, Mike Cunningham (Treasurer), Elsa Hornfischer (Clerk)

This energetic and enthusiastic Board has big plans for the coming year. In addition to expanding FPAC programming onto the Internet, our goals are to bring added depth to the video production training program, improve our service to members and the community, and sharpen our communication, management and governance skills.

After three intense years of laying the groundwork, Framingham Public Access Corporation is ready to step forward from start-up mode into operational excellence.

Board Election Results

FPAC welcomes the following new and returning members to the Board of Directors:

Elsa Hornfischer

Dave Hutchinson

Jim Komola

Bill Rabkin

They join continuing Board members Norma Shulman, Francesca Cerutti-Harris, Gwendolyn Holbrow, Joel Winett and Michael Cunningham.

Thank you to departing Board members Ron Rego, Mort Shuman and Frank Walls, for your service, and thanks also to the local businesses that contributed refreshments for the annual meeting: Mad Willie’s, Dunkin Donuts, and Bronzetti’s Pizzeria.

FPAC Going Global with Web Video

It has been a busy time lately for FPAC TV programming. We have many new specials, PSAs (public service announcements), and a lot of exciting new series shows. We’re stronger and better than ever before, and as always offering the most unique, fresh, and sometimes controversial programming you’re likely to see in Framingham.

In related news, FPAC is in the process of purchasing and installing a Web Video server from Tightrope Media. You may ask, “What does this mean for Framingham television?”

Until now, FPAC’s fine programming was available only to the residents of Framingham. At FPAC, we felt that we were depriving the rest of the planet’s 5 billion inhabitants of the educational, funny, and unique programming that we show here, unavailable anywhere else. With the addition of this server, FPAC shows will be available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

The Cablecast SX VOD server makes our content available for viewing on demand over the Internet, to anyone, at any time. When a digital file arrives at FPAC, we will automatically transcode it for viewing and podcasting and then make the file available though the FPAC website.

FPAC will become global in reach, offering viewers up to 30,000 hours of programming at the click of a mouse. Viewers can receive automatic notifications of new content via RSS feeds, and can download programming to and iPod, iPhone, or similar mobile device for viewing on the go.

So get ready, Framingham, for some international exposure!

–Greg Martin, FPAC Production Technician

For more FPAC news, see the Summer 2009 FPAC Newsletter

Annual Members Meeting 9/21/09

The FPAC annual meeting will be held on Monday, September 21, 2009 in the Costin Room of the Framingham Public Library.

Pizza and dessert will be available at 6:30 and the meeting will begin at 7:00. In addition to hearing reports from the President, Treasurer and Director, the members will vote to elect members of the Board of Directors, three for a three-year term and one for a one-year term.

In order to vote you must join FPAC by August 7th, which is 45 days before the annual meeting. If your membership expires before September 21st and you have not renewed your membership, please send in your check.