Bedford Community Television employees talk programming, production

Friday, January 27, 2012

Bill Jennings and Coleen Richardson of BCTV.

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If community television is allowed to have superheroes, Bill Jennings and Coleen Richardson are Batman and Robin. As station manager and assistant station manager of BCTV, this dynamic duo plans and produces content for three different local channels: Channel 16, general public programming; Channel 22, government programming; and Channel 23, school-related programming.

Jennings and Richardson recently took some time away from filming high school sporting events and editing school board meeting footage to answer our questions about the station, including how a program makes it onto BCTV.

Here’s part of the conversation.

Question: How does a program become a reality on BCTV?

Bill Jennings: It’s real simple: Call us. We can be reached at 472-8288, or e-mail us at bctv@bedfordtv.com. Programming can become a reality in several ways: Either a Bedford resident or Bedford nonprofit organization can produce a program with our assistance or produce something independently that they’d like us to run on BCTV. Our station policies also allow any resident to endorse a program from another community or source. Neither Coleen nor I make the decision on what’s broadcast; we’re a community television station, and all residents have the right to have their program ideas aired on TV. People who are interested in BCTV should visit our Web site at www.bedfordtv.com.

Q: What equipment does BCTV provide for community members to produce their own programs?

Coleen Richardson: Everything. We have field cameras, audio and editing equipment, and access to in-studio equipment that will turn their program ideas into a reality. As far as what community members need to provide? Enthusiasm and commitment.

Q: How far in advance are programs recorded?

CR: It varies between channels. Government programming goes out live and then, within 24 hours, is available through the station’s online video-on-demand services. The same is true for school board meetings. Programs on the public and education channel works differently; it depends on the topic and the amount of time the producer takes to edit the program.

Q: How many times is a program usually rebroadcast?

CR: Typically, a program is aired twice a day and will run for a week. Programs that are entertaining and educational or informative, and aren’t time-sensitive, can be rebroadcast sometimes months and years later.

Q: What made you decide to rebroadcast programs online and offer live streaming?

BJ: Content distribution has drastically changed over the years. Television at one time was the only way to send out video content. Viewers are now getting their programming in new ways and getting it when it’s convenient for them. We produce content here at BCTV, and now with video streaming and video on demand, we have two additional ways we can distribute that content. Many residents and nonresidents are using those services. What was exciting for us last June was to hear from residents whose relatives were able to watch the Bedford High School graduation from all over the world. Personally for me, the one special moment was when a mother of a soldier serving in the Army told me her son was watching the BHS football games streaming live and it brought a piece of home to him. I felt great about that.

Q: Are you able to broadcast everything you want to in terms of school sporting events and town government meetings, or do you sometimes have to pick and choose based on resources, timing, etc.?

BJ: We expanded our infrastructure so we wouldn’t have to make choices. We now can cover all events without choosing. The challenge is the human resources; we only have two full-time employees. We also have part-time employees who are dedicated to covering town government and school board meetings. We depend on volunteers to help us fill in the gaps.

Q: Do you broadcast school closings or delays on any of your channels?

CR: Yes, all school closings or delays are broadcast on all three channels. The school superintendent has access to our system remotely and will post the notices prior to the opening of school.

Q: Can you tell us about the training classes BCTV offers?

CR: Any Bedford resident 15 years or older or a member of a nonprofit organization in Bedford can attend training classes on the use of video and audio equipment. We also offer training on interviewing techniques and how to use our editing software. ... The other service that we offer is posting public service announcements for local nonprofit organizations; it is as simple as visiting our Web site ... where you can fill out our online template. For more information about BCTV’s facility and equipment, visit www.bedfordtv.com and click on Policies and Procedures to find a detailed guideline.