MHTV - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Public Access television?

At the request of local authorities, Cable companies may be required, to provide channel capacity for residents who wish to create content on the local cable system. Most towns create a non-profit organization to manage the channel. Marblehead Community Access & Media, Inc. operates MHTV, Marblehead's Public Access television station. MHTV is funded primarily from PEG fees charged to subscribers of cable TV. (MHTV receives no funding from Broadband or phone services provided by cable companies.)

Can anyone produce a show or volunteer at MHTV?

There are a few requirements. In order to use MHTV equipment and facilities, you must become a member of MCAM. Membership in MCAM is open to Marblehead residents and designated representatives of Marblehead-based non-profits and businesses. Membership fees are minimal, and Seniors may join for free. Please click here for further information.

What can volunteers do at MHTV?

We welcome volunteers to help us in many capacities. Volunteers can contribute as much or as little time as they wish. We need volunteers for Studio productions, MHS sports coverage, 'Headliner News. Volunteers are needed to capture footage of events around town.

Since we are dealing with costly equipment, volunteers do have to become members of MCAM, go through training from our professional staff, and we ask that minors be accompanied by parents while using the equipment.

I have an idea for a show. How can I get it on MHTV?
One of the staff’s main responsibilities is to provide training to Marblehead residents who join MCAM and produce their own shows for MHTV. If you have an idea for a show – give us a call or make an appointment to meet with us. We’ll devise a strategy to take you from idea to finished production. We’ll customize our training to meet your needs. A good place to start is by downloading our "Program Proposal" form. We’ll help you make it happen.
I'd like MHTV to cover my event. Will you?

We'd love to be able to cover all of the exciting and important events that take place in
Marblehead year-round. However, since we have a very small, busy staff here at MHTV, it is impossible to be everywhere for everyone. Determinations on what events are covered are made by staff with an eye towards balancing budgetary, equipment and staffing limitations. We depend on volunteers to produce the majority of our programming.

Whenever possible, we will offer you the opportunity to promote your event on our weekly news program 'Headliner - The News of Marblehead as well as on the MHTV Community Bulletin Board.

The best way to have your event aired on MHTV is to take the following steps.

Join MCAM (We offer organizational memberships)

We will be happy to teach up to 5 people from your group how to operate our very user-friendly cameras and editing equipment.

Then, sign up to borrow our equipment. It’s best to schedule training way before your event is scheduled, so that your “video crew” will be all set.

Where is the MHTV Studio located?

MHTV is located in the Marblehead Veterans Middle School at 217 Pleasant St. We are not that easy to find, but, as you enter the school driveway from Vine St. just follow our signs, keep going around the building and you will see our parking spaces and the MHTV awning above our entrance. School security requires the outside doors to be locked, so, just ring the doorbell and we will come and get you. (If you get lost, please give us a call at 781-631-8213.)

What hours is the MHTV Studio open?

Our normal business hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5 pm, and we make best efforts to have at least one of our staff in the studio during that time. However, we sometimes schedule studio shows in the early evening or are out on shoots that take us away from the studio, so, if you wish to drop by, it is best to call first (781-631-8213)

If you have any other questions, please email info@marbleheadtv.org or give us a call.