Frequently Asked Questions: Programming

How can I get a copy of a program?

Can I give you a program to play?

How can I get a series program?

May I keep the copyright for my program?

Will other people be able to get a copy of my program?

How do I know when my program will be played?

How often will my program be played?

How do I submit something for the Community Calendar?

Does my program have to be a certain length?

How can I get a copy of a program?

CATS provides copies of each program in our collection on either VHS or DVD. The service is free, but we charge blank mini-DV tapes in an exchange. For further information on dubs, see Dub Requests.

There are several tapes in our collection that are copyrighted and cannot be dubbed. It is a good idea to call CATS first, before you purchase any tapes.

How can I see a CATS program?

There are several ways to see a tape in our collection. You may watch the program in our viewing room, you may request it, or you may get a dub of the program.

Can I give you a program to play?

Yes, you may donate a tape to CATS to play on Channel 7. If the program is one you produced, you simply bring the tape to CATS, fill out a blue form, then turn it in. If the tape is copyrighted, you must have copyright clearance from the copyright holder before CATS can show the program.

How can I get a series program?

Once you have a few (3-4) programs completed, you will be eligible to have a regular weekly timeslot. Before then, we will play your individual programs at various times of day, but we'll strive to show it when you want it played. Check out Series Programming.

May I keep the copyright for my program?

No. CATS retains the copyright for all programs that are played on Channel 3, 7 12 or 14, and for all programs produced with CATS equipment. However, you're welcome to use your program for any non-commercial endeavors (promotion, portfolio, etc.).

Will other people be able to get a copy of my program?

Yes. All programs in CATS' collection are available for duplication. If you have special concerns, please see a full time staff member.

How do I know when my program will be played?

The Channel 7 schedule is available here, on our website. You can also call the CATS Programming Manager at 349-3111 to find out the times your program will be played.

How often will my program be played?

Each program is played a minimum of three times, but can play much more than that depending on viewer requests.

How long do you keep my program?

Forever. Once you submit your program to CATS, we will keep it as part of a permanent collection of all of the programs ever produced through, or donated to, CATS. Some of our tapes date back to 1974, when CATS was established.

How do I submit something for the Community Calendar?

There are several ways you can submit information to the Community Calendar. You may bring your information to CATS, you may fax it, or you may e-mail it. See our pages about the Community Calendar for more information.

Can I check out a program?

No. Since our tapes are one-of-a-kind masters, the tapes never leave the CATS archive. If you are interested in watching our tapes at home you can either request a playback of that program or have a dub made of it.

Does my program have to be a certain length?

No. We will play programs of any length, but suggest they be a minimum of thirty seconds and no longer than 3 hours. If you would like to play something that is over three hours in length, please contact the Programming Manager.