1. How was PSA established?
Initial funding came from a charitable trust to provide cable access services for South King County. PSA signed service contracts in June of 2000 with the cities of Auburn, Burien, Kent, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila (member cities) to develop and manage this community access. PSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.back to top
2. How is PSA managed?
PSA is managed through a board of directors that sets policies for the organization. The policies are then implemented through procedures determined by the Executive Director. The Board consists of representatives from each member city, producer representatives and at-large representatives.back to top
3. Where does PSA cablecast to?
PSA cablecasts to the incorporated areas of Auburn, Burien, Kent, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila on Comcast Cable Channel 77.back to top
4. Why is PSA programming on Cable Channel 77?
Comcast designated the channels for "PEG" access in our six cities. "P" public access is channel 77, local "G" government access is channel 21, and "E" educational access K-12 is channel 28. As the provider of Community access programming in our six cities, PSA is responsible for programming the "P" channel 77 in our area.back to top
5. When can I see my favorite show on the channel?
Check out our Program Schedule to find showtimes. We cablecast on channel 77 continuously, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. First run programming is generally scheduled during primetime (6-11pm) and on weekends. Most shows repeat at least once. Community information runs between shows and can also be seen on our current slates page.back to top
6. How do I become involved in PSA?
Any member of the public can attend an orientation workshop. Orientation is a free informational workshop that covers the history of PSA and community access as well as how to become a program provider and utilize the access equipment and facility. This workshop is informational to viewers of the channel as well. Only verified residents of PSA member cities can submit programming to cablecast on the channel and use the equipment and facilities. Once residency has been verified, a membership fee is collected. Additional workshops are offered for equipment training. There are no age restrictions for PSA Membership, however, parents or legal guardians of members under the age of 18 must sign the parental consent portion of the PSA Statement of Compliance form to allow the use of PSA production facilities and equipment and to submit programming for the channel.back to top
7. What constitutes proof of residency?
A resident is an individual whose principal abode, within which the individual lives a majority of the time, is within the incorporated limits of a PSA member city. Proof of residency can be established by a valid Washington State Drivers License or valid Washington State ID, and a utility bill with the applicants full name and address.back to top
8. Can my organization join PSA?
Organizational memberships must be either: an educational institution, funding jurisdiction, or government agency with offices located in a PSA member city; or a non-profit organization recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization that is registered with the State of Washington and has a primary place of business located in a PSA member city. Place of business must be established by a verifiable physical address. Post office boxes will not be accepted as a proof of address. Those interested in becoming members will be requested to fill out an Organizational Membership Application.back to top
9. Why has PSA chosen a fee-based membership and what are the fees?
PSA chose a fee-based membership structure to increase user accountability, demonstrate commitment to the principals of cable access, and help defray operating costs. When a program is submitted for cablecast, certain administrative tasks occur and the nominal membership fee helps offset these costs. Current yearly fees are $40 for individual membership, $30 for seniors 65 or older & $90 for a family or group of 3 to 5 residing at the same address. Organizational memberships are $80 for the organization and the primary contact person plus $20 for each additional person. Class fees are $10 per class for studio, camcorder and editing.back to top
10. What if I cannot afford to pay the membership fees?
PSA will offer opportunities for fee reductions available to those residents of member cities based on financial need. Persons may request a fee reduction or waiver if they cannot pay the membership for reasons of financial hardship. A scholarship application form will be available online and at the access center.back to top
11. What workshops do I need to take to provide a program?
Residents of PSA member cities must take the free Orientation workshop and become a member to submit programs for cablecast. The orientation workshop explains guidelines for program submission as well as scheduling procedures. Additional training workshops in editing, portable equipment and the studio are available and are only necessary if the member chooses to reserve and utilize those items. Currently, the editing and portable equipment workshops may be waived if a member can prove proficiency. Due to the specific policies, procedures and equipment offered by PSA, other workshops cannot be waived.back to top
12. What can be cablecast on the channel?
Any non-commercial program with a majority of material produced by a PSA member city resident within PSA member city limits is considered local programming. Local programming and some import programming will be accepted on the channel.
The following are absolutely prohibited: lotteries, contests, illegal material as defined by local, state and federal laws for the production or presentation of obscene, erotic, slander or libel, invasion of privacy, licensed material, advertising or commercial endorsements, or unauthorized fund-raising. Programming deemed indecent by FCC guidelines will be shown in not suitable for children safe harbor hours.back to top
13. What is import programming?
Import programming is defined in our policy handbook as non-commercial programs produced by a person or organization not residing in a PSA member city. It is PSA's intention to provide channel capacity to local PSA member city residents with locally produced programming. PSA will allow import programming from organizational members only. For example, if a non-profit organization has a nationally produced informational program that informs the viewers about the organization, it will be allowed. Local programming will have priority. Import and repeat programs will be scheduled as time allows. As the channel develops and more local programming is created for the channel, the import programming policy will be revisited.back to top
14. Where can I learn more about the rules that govern community access?
Rules for programming the channel are strictly enforced and are governed by the Federal Communications Commission, www.fcc.gov. There are also various sites about community access on the internet. Another good resource for learning about access is The Alliance for Community Media website at www.ourchannels.org.back to top
15. How does PSA schedule programs?
Programs are accepted on a first-come, first-considered basis. PSA will make every effort to accommodate requests for time slots but will not guarantee requests can be honored. back to top
16. What formats does PSA accept?
PSA will accept MPEG-2, DVD, & Mini-DV formats.back to top
17. What if I do not like what I see on the channel?
PSA wants to make available to cable viewers programming that reflects the interests and serves the needs of every segment of PSA member cities. PSA is unequivocally committed to the expression of lawful free speech. PSA is not responsible for the content of programs produced for the channel. PSA understands viewers may not agree with all the programming seen on the channel. Viewers that have questions regarding content can contact PSA by calling 253.479.0200 or sending email to .back to top
18. What if I have additional questions?
Many of your questions can be answered at PSA's website: www.pugetsoundaccess.org and in the PSA policy & procedure handbook. The PSA staff is available to answer any other questions by calling 253.479.0200 or emailing .back to top
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