NC|Com by kiara jones

NC|Com NC3Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magazine for Communication Professionals January 2012

To PEG or not to PEG Is the grass really greener on the other side?

Shop Talk

Make the right decision when buying a video camera

Calling all fabulous comm. projects!

Submit your project for a 2012 NC3C Excellence in Communications Award

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming...the 2012 NC3C conference Experience Chapel Hill while learning and networking with your peers

Volume Three . Number Three

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NC|Com

NC3C’s Magazine for Communication Professionals

published by the Pitt County Office of Public Information for NC3C Volume Three . Number Three

nc3c executive officers president vice president secretary treasurer treasurer-elect past president

Mandy Pitts, City of Hickory Judy Rhew-Davidson, Buncombe County Kiara Jones, Pitt County LouAnne Kincaid, Caldwell County Joshua Harris, City of Morganton Steve Hawley, City of Greenville

contributors writers

Bob Sepe, Cary, NC Catherine Lazorko, Town of Chapel Hill, NC Dave Hardin, Catawba County Mandy Pitts, City of Hickory Janis Gallagher and Nancy Wilson, Pitt County, NC Kiara Jones, Pitt County, NC Michael Emory, Pitt County

images

www.jvc.com Catherine Lazorko, Chapel Hill Town of Chapel Hill’s Flickr page

NC Com magazine, established in 2011, is published quarterly in Pitt County, North Carolina, by the Pitt County Office of Public Information for the North Carolina City and County Communicators (NC3C). Subscriptions: visit www.nc3c.com or the site of any executive officer for your free subscription. Magazine is published online only. To request a high-quality printed version, call 252.902.2955 or e-mail pittinfo@pittcountync.gov. Allow 7-10 days for delivery. For costs, contact the Office of Public Information. Advertising: Rate card available upon request from Publisher. © 2012 Pitt County Office of Public Information for NC3C (All Rights Reserved.)

Is the grass really greener on the other side? Who came up with that phrase? If you know, e-mail pittinfo@pittcountync.gov.

NC|Com

NC3C’s Magazine for Communication Professionals Volume Three . Number Three

In This Issue cover stories 7

NC3C’s 5th Annual Conference

PEG Channels Feature

Get some needed info on the upcoming conference in Chapel Hill and find out who’s on the Planning Committee.

Whether you have a PEG channel or not, we explore what’s on the horizon, a county’s experience, and all the legalese.

2012 NC3C Awards

You’re good at what you do, so let everyone know about it!

Go online today and fill out the application - don’t delay!

fixtures 6 10 20

President’s Message Should I...? Shop Talk

Plasma, LED, LCD, and LED-LCD. HDTV, 3D, with THX ; Edge Lit LED TV. 1080i/1080p, HDMI... Huh?

North Carolina

City & County Communicators

www.nc3c.com Visit us. Then join us.

President’s Message

Dear NC3C Members,

NC3C President Mandy Pitts

Happy Birthday to us! As you have seen throughout the year, we are celebrating our fifth anniversary! I wanted to have a little fun and blend the wedding anniversary traditions for the fifth anniversary with our growing organization. I, as well as the entire Board of Directors, appreciate each and every one of you and your dedication to build NC3C. Ode to our 5th NC3C Anniversary Going by tradition, 5th wedding anniversary gifts usually include articles prepared from wood, like wooden photo frames or statues, which symbolize strength and endurance. - NC3C is like a durable wood and has become a strapping organization full of stalwart government communicators who have the endurance of ultramarathon runners. Modern gifts for 5th wedding anniversaries, on the other hand, focus on silverware. - Knife, fork, spoon - NC3C can adapt! No matter if it’s wood or silverware, we can figure out communication tools available that connect to people of all ages, backgrounds, attitudes, and more. By your 5th wedding anniversary, you must have realized, “There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” - NC3C is resilient and here to stay and hopefully outlive our professional years as government communicators. Friendships with colleagues were formed before NC3C was officially incorporated in 2007 and today, peer relationships continue to grow which help everyone become better government communicators and that makes NC3C a good organization. New members are welcomed and become part of the group after one conference – we are a family of communicators that sticks together. I look forward to seeing you at this year’s NC3C Conference in Chapel Hill, March 28 – 30. The Conference Committee is made up of energetic, innovative, and experienced communicators, so be ready for an awesome conference. “Excellence in Communications Awards” nominations are due on February 7, 2012, so be sure to nominate your programs and projects! If you have any questions or new ideas for NC3C, please email me at Mandy@nc3c.com or call me at (828) 261-2290. Cheers to our 5th Anniversary,

NC3C’s 5th Annual Conference Experience Chapel Hill March 28-30

The 2012 NC3C Conference Planning Committee looks forward to bringing you an exciting and learning experience for 2012. Below is information regarding the logistics of the conference and Chapel Hill that you will find interesting. NC3C will travel to Chapel Hill for the 5th annual conference in spring 2012. Save the date for March 28-30, 2012, for an interesting, unforgettable, value-packed conference at the elegant Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. You’ll be sorry if you miss this! Make your reservations early by calling 866.974.3101 (ask for the NC3C Block Rate). Rates will be $86 per night (not including tax), which is a great deal for this 5-star historic gem in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill, at the doorstep of the beautiful campus of the University of North Carolina. Taking advantage of resources nearby at UNC-Chapel Hill, conference planners expect to involve in the conference faculty and professionals from the School of Government, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the School of Information and Library Science. When members aren’t attending seminars, they will be out and about enjoying the charms of our country’s quintessential college town. And it all starts at the Carolina Inn, where we will gather on Wednesday afternoon (March 28). Since 1924, the Carolina Inn has served as a comfortable and cheerful hotel for visitors to the campus of UNC, and a home for returning alumni. Built by prominent alumnus John Sprunt Hill and designed by award-winning architect Arthur C. Nash (who also designed a number of other University landmarks), its mix of early American and English Regency styles creates a unique atmosphere of easy elegance and historic ambiance. Few visitors to the Carolina Inn may be familiar with much of this unique establishment's history. For example, singer, actor, and writer Andy Griffith gave his first public performance, entitled "What it Was Was Football" in one of the ballrooms of the Inn. Shortly after, Griffith's career took off and soon brought him to the Broadway stage and television fame in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock." Here are more fun facts about Chapel Hill - for an unusual website that will make you a true insider, check out http://gradschool.unc.edu/programs/weiss/interesting_place/index.html. We look forward to a seeing everyone in Chapel Hill! NC3C 2012 Conference Planning Committee: Judy Rhew Davidson, NC3C Vice President, Buncombe County; Catherine Lazorko, Conference Planning Chair, Town of Chapel Hill; Sabrina Oliver, Member, Town of Chapel Hill; Annette Privette, Member, Town of Matthews; Beverly Thompson, Member, Durham County; Brian Bowman, Member, City of Wilson; Deanna Boone, Member, Town of Cary; Stephanie Knotts, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools; Joni Powell, Member, Town of Holly Springs; Renee Boyette, Member, Triangle J Council of Government 7

Ah, the PEG channel. Some municipalities and counties have them, some don’t. Some may have them and not want them, while others may long to add -TV to the end of their jurisdiction’s name. Public, Education, and Government, or PEG, channels have been around for quite some time and can add a lot to a local government’s advertising power.

Need to get the word out about an event or service? You can rest assured it will get covered! Having the ability to make the channel your own and make it part of your city or countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand can be attractive to some, but may prove more trouble than itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth to others. No matter what side of the fence youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on, you may be wonderingis the grass really greener on the other side? Read on and decide for yourself. (Stories on pages 11,12, and 15.)

Should I...

Participate in the NC3C Awards...

Yes, you should! You’ve worked hard all year long to produce content for your PEG channel, get that newsletter out to your citizens, and bring your web site up to 21st century standards. Well, why let all of your hard work go unnoticed - or unawarded? Since the second year of NC3C’s inception, we’ve held the Excellence in Communications Awards as a way for members to not only showcase their work, but to prepare them for the national 3CMA Savvy Awards. We’ve had some great winners throughout the years, some of which have gone on to win Savvy Awards. There are several categories to participate in. If you’re not a videographer, then submit that annual report you pored over until 8:00p each day for a whole week. Not involved in report making? Then submit that special event that was attended by your entire community or that stellar direct mail flyer you designed. Whatever you’re involved in at work, you’re probably good at it, so why not let your peers know about it? You not only share your great ideas with the rest of us, but winning an award helps solidify your relevance and credibility at home. So, go on over to www.nc3c. com, click on 2012 NC3C Awards, and fill out the application. They’re due February 7.

Kiara Jones|Pitt County She’s participating !

NC3C 2011-2012 Goals Update In April 2011, the NC3C Board of Directors began with three goals that are listed below with the updates. We continue to move forward and it takes all of us to “move the needle” toward success! Thanks for your continued support and let’s push it even more. 1. For the NC3C membership to use the communications tools in place to help members network and seek advice from peers throughout the year. • NC3C Facebook page began this year and about 2/3 of the membership have joined the group. If you have not joined yet, join today. • Created NC|Com, a quarterly magazine for government communicators. • Photo gallery was created for the NC3C website. If you have not submitted your photo and information, do it today. Send it to Gary Herman, Newton PIO, at gherman@newtonnc.gov. 2. Increase participation in the “Excellence in Communications” awards program. • The awards have been mentioned throughout 2011 to remind members to nominate projects for the 2012 award program. • Award nominations forms accepted until February 7 everyone should submit the best of the best programs and projects from 2011. 3. Increase NC3C retention and membership. • The 2010-2011 year there was 65 NC3C members. • As of January 2012, there are still 65 NC3C members. • Take a look at the member list and invite a peer to join and/or come to the upcoming conference to learn more about our invigorating group. Keep up the good work! - Mandy Pitts, NC3C President

The North Carolina 2012 PEG Channel Landscape What’s on the horizon for Public, Education, and Government channels this year?

The Video Service Competition Act (2007) (VSCA) dramatically changed the community television1 landscape in North Carolina. The VSCA removed local government authority to negotiate the number of PEG channels and the conditions2 under which a cable service provider was obligated to provide. Upon expiration, local franchises are replaced by state franchises. The VSCA sets the conditions by which a cable service provider is to allocate PEG channels to a local government. The VSCA applies to any video (aka cable) service provider, whether they are a traditional cable television operator or a telephone3 company. When local governments with PEG channels secured pursuant to a local franchise transition to a state franchise, they must secure any existing PEG channels by following the procedure in §66 357(a)(c). Local governments that have experienced this transition, but have not presented a formal request the cable operator for PEG channels, are encouraged to do so at the first opportunity. Without the protection of the VSCA, pre-VSCA PEG channels may be terminated by the cable television provider. VSCA §66 357(a)(c) stipulates that a local government must present a written request to a cable service provider to secure PEG channels. The request must include a statement describing the plan to operate and program each channel requested. Generally, the cable service provider must provide the requested PEG channel within 120 days after the cable service provider receives the written request.4 A city with a population of at least 50,000 is allowed a minimum of 3 PEG channels while a city with a population of less than 50,000 is allowed a minimum of two initial PEG channels. Counties are allowed 2 PEG channels. There is no requirement that the PEG channels be shared by communities. This means that a city/town is not required to share a government channel with the county or nearby community.5 To receive an additional channel, the PEG operator must have scheduled programming for at least eight hours a day for 120 days and the content of each existing PEG channel[s] must not repeat more than 15% of the programming content on any other PEG channels and no more than 15% of the programming can be text programming. 6 Transmission of a PEG channel from the PEG channel’s origination point to the cable service provider’s headend or Network Operation Center (NOC) for distribution is the RESPONSIBILITY (emphasis added) of the cable service provider and not the local government.7 This means that the cable service provider must furnish the equipment and connection to transport the PEG signal to its facility for the purpose of retransmission at its own expense. The VSCA stipulates that all programming on a PEG channel must be noncommercial.8 PBS-style underwriting 11

PEG Channel Landscape continued

endorsements are generally considered acceptable. Prior to the passage of the VSCA, local franchises required cable operators to provide funds to equip and operate PEG channels. This idea was embedded in the VSCA by an amendment to the state revenue code to permit Supplemental PEG Support Funds to be paid to certified PEG channel operators. A certified channel is one that satisfies the 120 day 8 hour per day continuous programming requirement.9 On September 30, 2011, one hundred twenty three (123) certified PEG channels were paid $8,130 by the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) for direct PEG channel operating support.10 PEG supplemental support payments are paid to the certifying local government, yet the law stipulates that these funds must be used to provide direct PEG activities (facilities, equipment and personnel).11 As such, they cannot be used for any non-PEG general fund purpose. Prudent financial accounting practices suggest that a certifying local government deposit the supplemental PEG funds into a special revenue account where they can be tracked, audited and unspent funds carried forward into subsequent fiscal years. Certifying local governments unable to document the expenditure of these funds are at risk of having to repay misspent monies to NCDOR. The history of supplemental PEG fund payments to any certifying local government can be found at: http://www.dornc.com/publications/reimbursement.html#video (Video Program Distribution). Public, Education and Government (PEG) access channels E.g., an initial channel followed by others after certain programming thresholds were met. 3 AT&T’s Uverse TV or CenturyLink’s Prism TV 4 VSCA § 66 357(b) 5 VSCA § 66 357(c) 6 VSCA § 66 357(d) 7 VSCA § 66 357(f ) 8 Ibid. 9 VSCA § 66 357(c) 10 § 105 164.44I(b) 11 § 105 164.44I (b), “The money distributed to a county or city under this subsection must be used for the operation and support of PEG channels.” 1 2

Robert F. Sepe, Ph.D.|President, Action Audits, LLC You can reach Bob at rfsepe@gmail.com or 919.417.5019.

The Story of the Little PEG Channel That Isn’t This county’s story demonstrates the importance of administrative support and money when it comes to operating a PEG

While many counties in North Carolina have operated successful PEG channels for twenty or more years, others have faced the challenge of staff recognizing the value of a “Government Channel,” but not having the budget to start one. Catawba County is in the latter category, but our story demonstrates how the latest tech-

nologies and long-term determination have allowed us to move slowly into the “television game.” Catawba County is like many of the more populous counties in North Carolina, in that the county and several larger cities have Public Information offices. The County started a Public Information Office in 1993 while the Cities of Hickory and Newton had City Clerk/PIOs for years prior to that. As I attended state and national conferences, the value of having a PEG channel became very clear to me as I saw the excellent TV programming produced in places like Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Charlotte/Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Wake Counties, as well as the City of Greenville, City of Jacksonville and many others. Shortly after I began working with Catawba County, the city and some of the other agency PIOs around our county began meeting quarterly. We all agreed that the idea of having a TV presence would be great, but we also quickly learned that our management and respective boards considered the average cost of doing quality TV production, which was presented to us then as $1,000 a minute, far too expensive. An opportunity appeared to come along in 1998 when our local cable provider, following a provision in a franchise agreement negotiated with Catawba County in 1996, said it would provide a Government Channel. The group of local PIOs worked to research costs for purchasing the basic equipment needed and determined each local government would have a $24,000 share to fund a basic equipment rack with video playback connected to the Government Channel, and keyboards for each PIO to input written text to the channel from his or her office. This opportunity was discussed in a meeting of the County’s management team and the city and town managers of eight municipalities. Unfortunately for the hopes of the local PIOs, two of the small towns felt they could not justify the $24,000 expense. The larger cities and the County chose not to go forward with only a few partners and, therefore, a much higher expense per partner. At the same meeting it was decided that a $75,000 annual payment from the cable operator for operation of a Government Channel, built into the franchise agreement, would be used on an “in- kind” basis, and the cable operator would continue to own and operate the Government Channel. The idea was that some of the cities and towns might produce their own videos that would be immediately scheduled to run on the channel by the cable provider. Staff at the cable provider would enter on the channel text “PSAs” provided by the county and municipalities.

Public -

Public Access Channels are just that - public. PEGs that fall under this designation take programs from local “producers,” who can either create the programming themselves, or sponsor other programs, such as national programs they have rights to.

Education -

Education designations can air programs from the local public school system, university, or community college.

Government -

PEGs with government designations will air programs concerning local government functions, services, and events. Programming is more than likely produced by that local government.

None of us knew it at the time, but it would be twelve years before the Government Channel moved much beyond constant repetition of text PSAs over 20-22 hours of the day, interspersed with relatively few videos. In the intervening years, the cable service provider expanded the “Government Channel” to include text and video from five counties (Gaston north to Watauga). At one point, a clearly religious program was placed on the channel after lawyers for the cable provider determined it was their one and only PEG channel and it could not turn away any requests from the community. While that issue was resolved by moving the religious pro13

Little PEG Channel That Isn’t continued

gram to another channel, the original idea of a local Government Channel was compromised. The group of local PIOs refused to let the idea of offering more extensive video or TV programming die and, through much of the early 2000s, made several attempts to put together a consortium of governments and agencies to fully operate the existing Government Channel. We identified as many as thirteen agencies interested in contributing to the building of a studio for video production. Costs again became the obstacle. The group was consistently told to expect a $200,000-$300,000 annual budget to build a studio and hire staff to produce video. (While I have since learned these figures may have been high, the lowest possible costs still proved to be too much). The most promising idea arose from the possibility of building a new studio in a new building at the local community college, which had some staff with strong video experience, but a series of meetings with county and city managers again resulted in feedback that the costs were too high. The events of 2007-2008 would provide a fatal blow to the idea. In 2007, the State took for itself franchising power over cable television and removed much of the leverage local governments had beyond the requirement that the cable provider provide a government channel. Then the severe economic downturn of late 2008 removed all possibility of local governments considering even a $20,000-$30,000 annual cost, or more, for TV production. The issue would likely have remained unchanged had I not had a chance meeting in early 2010 with a new Creative Services Supervisor for the cable provider. He had moved to the local office of this provider a few months earlier and was very concerned about the poor quality of the Government Channel, which was still using a 30-year-old character generator and had no more than 2 hours of video programming per day, much of which had been shown for years. This gentleman agreed to explore production of a 30-minute, monthly “magazine” video. Mandy Pitts from Hickory, Gary Herman from Newton and I met with him and, since he had equipment in place, quickly agreed to produce it for “around $350” per show. Knowing the ways of government accounting, I asked him to set a cost he would not exceed and he agreed to $500 per show. We were now able to bring a cost that was agreeable to our management and elected boards. The show, which we named “Catawba Communities,” began airing with a rough pilot in September 2011. Ten partners immediately agreed to split the costs and the show was given a “green light” for production. It has consistently improved after five shows and we have since added three more partners. The County, six cities and partners (the community college, two public school systems, local convention and visitor’s bureau, local economic development agency and the local chapter of Keep America Beautiful) are paying only $500 for an entire year! While we have not reached our ultimate goal of operating a television channel on a “24/7” basis, we are now able to make our Government Channel a more productive effort and have, in “Catawba Communities” what we feel is a strong vehicle to push the most important news we have, and many regular services, out to our community. We learned along the way that perseverance, flexibility, and maintaining a good relationship with a cable provider are vital. The most recent edition of Catawba Communities may be seen, via You Tube, at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jrkmNnFDrQ.

Dave Hardin|Catawba County Dave won NC3C’s Chris Coulson Award last year. 14

North Carolina PEG Law Want to start a PEG? Here’s some help so you can do it legally. Have one? Understand the law behind it

When legal issues crop up concerning PEG channels, there are a few NC statutes you need to be familiar with before talking with your attorney: NCGS §66-357, §105-164.44I and §105-164.44J. NCGS §66-357 - Availability and use of PEG channels. This Statute sets the minimum number of initial PEG channels for cities and counties activated as of July 1, 2006, and includes terms of franchise agreements that existed before that date, as well as providing programming requirements to allow up to 7 PEG channels for a city or county. Note that the cable service provider is only responsible for transmission of the PEG channel, and the city/county is responsible for the operation and program content, which must be noncommercial. A cable service provider who does not provide the PEG channel capacity may be compelled to comply. §105-164.44I - Distribution of part of sales tax on video programming service and telecommunications service to counties and cities. The Secretary of Revenue is responsible for distributing taxes imposed on telecommunications service and video programming service in the following manner: effective July 1, 2011, the percentage of net proceeds of taxes collected on video programming increased to 23.6% per quarter (up from 20.65%), and to 37.1% (up from 32.46%) of the net proceeds of taxes collected on direct-to-home satellite service. §105-164.44J - Supplemental PEG channel support. This Statute sets forth the requirements for receipt by a county/city of supplemental PEG channel support funds. By July 15 of each year a county/city must certify all of the qualifying PEG channels provided for its use during the preceding fiscal year. Supplemental PEG channel support funds received by a county/city must be allocated equally among the qualifying PEG channels and distributed within 30 days of receipt. Any errors of certification requires a county/city to submit a revised certification, and a return of all supplemental PEG channel support funds distributed as a result of the error. By knowing the law and developing a good working relationship with your attorney, you will be able to address and minimize issues related to PEG channels as they arise. Janis Gallagher, County Attorney and Nancy Wilson, Paralegal |Pitt County No pix, but their contributions are much appreciated!

* 15

If you read last quarter’s NC|Com, you know about the new Member Profiles page on NC3C’s web site. Gary Herman from the City of Newton has graciously taken on this project and needs your pix, jurisdiction and contact info. This is a place where fellow NC3Cers can find and contact you if needed. Send info to gherman@newtonnc.gov.

2012 NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards Go ahead - nominate your work and let your skills shine! We have some of the most talented government communications in the nation! Nominate your work because the Excellence in Communications Awards will help us prepare for the 3CMA Savvy Awards! There were many North Carolina counties and cities that took home awards this year. See below for a list of NC3C’s categories. Apply online at www.nnc3c.com. Nomination Deadline: February 7, 2012 TV and Videos Printed Publications Communication Technology Marketing Tools Special Events Citizen Participation Community Visioning Service Delivery Communication or Marketing Plans Most Creative Activity with Least Dollars Spent Chris Coulson Memorial Award The Chris Coulson Memorial Award may be presented to one NC3C individual who demonstrates a passion for making a difference in the profession and in the lives of citizens and whose character, career and service represent the highest standards and who excels in the practice of local government communications and/or has accomplished an outstanding one-time achievement. Nominations will be accepted via a written letter that details the person’s career and accomplishments. It is permissible to nominate yourself. Chris Coulson Award Recipients 2009 Alice Freeman – Wilson, NC 2010 Glenn Hargett – Jacksonville, NC 2011 Dave Hardin – Catawba County, NC Photo gallery

Chris Coulson (Henderson County, NC) with her two children at Disney World. Chris passed away with cancer in 2008, and was one of the founders of NC3C.

Alice Freeman, 2009 Chris Coulson Award winner

Dave Hardin, 2011 Chris Coulson Award winner

2011 Excellence in Communications Award winners

Goin’ to Carolina — 5th Year in Networking Join us for informative sessions, networking with other local government communicators, and the opportunity to help shape the direction of the rst decade of North Carolina’s rst public information ofcers’ organization, which includes communications directors, television professionals, webmasters, graphic designers and multimedia editors, as well as PIOs. Celebrate our 5th year!! We’ll meet at the Carolina Inn in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill with special-rate accommodations for NC3C members. All of the session topics will include emerging technologies and working smarter with less.

March 28–30, 2012 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Hotel Accommodations Carolina Inn, 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 $86 per night. To make reservations, use group booking code of 269851 and book online at http://bit.ly/zZUqcl Email Address: Contact: Phone Number: We welcome all of you to Chapel Hill! You will not want to miss the opportunity to learn from the superb sessions and speakers lined up, and the networking activities each night will be full of learning, fun and getting to know your peers across North Carolina. Any questions for your host committee, feel free to call Town of Chapel Hill Public Information Ofcer Catherine Lazorko at 919-265-7516 or clazorko@ townofchapelhill.org or Judy Rhew Davidson at 828250-4107 or Judy.Davidson@buncombecounty.org

reservations@carolinainn.com Kristen Prescott 800-962-8519

Conference Registration $150 member - $200 Non-member (Registration includes Wednesday snack; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Thursday, and Breakfast Friday.) Registration Deadline – March 2, 2012 Award Entry - $25 per Category per Entry Entry Deadline – February 7, 2012 Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Thursday, March 29, 2012 Friday, March 30, 2012

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

North Carolina City & County Communicators 2011‐2012 Dues Invoice Please complete and mail with membership dues of $50 with check made payable to NC3C and mailed to:

NC City‐County Communicators c/o LouAnne Kincaid, Treasurer Caldwell County Government Offices PO Box 2200 Lenoir, NC 28645 ______________________________________ Name ______________________________________ Title ______________________________________ Jurisdiction ______________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City / State / Zip Code ______________________________________ Phone – Fax ______________________________________ E‐mail ______________________________________ Website Yes, please reach me about serving on a committee! Tax ID Number for NC3C – 26‐0265279

Shop Talk

Buying the best video camera

Contributed by Mike Emory, Pitt County I’ll never forget the first time I picked up a Sony Betacam. It was as if I could literally feel the television history this device was responsible for. However, as much as I would like to reminisce about “the good old days” of hauling around forty plus pounds of camera gear, the problem is, at the time of my use, the camera was over 15 years old and soon to be replaced by a newly released, all-digital Panasonic model, whose card-based memory laughed in the face of broken DV tape. It’s a crazy world out there nowadays, full of enough alpha-numerical model numbers to give an algebra teacher a migraine. Yet, we still have to produce content for our PEG channels, which means buying something to produce said content with. So what’s the best camera out there? First off, such a broad question really belongs in the garbage, which, incidentally, is where a lot of people who buy the most high-end cameras end up throwing their money. The thing to keep in mind is that a camera is a tool. That’s all. It can do no more and no less than the person operating it is capable of. Of course, I’m sure most sales reps would love for you to think otherwise, but just a quick search on YouTube is all you need to prove the point. Within the same search results, you can find a really good videographer whose iPhone videos look better than a college communications major’s who’s shooting on a $20,000 Sony XDCAM. The main difference is efficiency. Even still, a hammer in the hands of Bob Vila is still better than a highpower nail gun in the hands of . . . well, me. So the real question then becomes - what is the best camera for me?

“Well, that should just about cover it!”

It’s been said once (by me, just now) that money is a great substitute for knowledge. If you don’t want to learn how a camera works, but you have a truckload of cash, you can still make a deal! In reality, what’s best for us is often dictated by a finance director, which means asking the questions that let us know exactly what we need. Do you need High Definition, digital output, or just something to “turn on and hit the red button?” Thankfully, most any pro-sumer handheld camcorder can get the job done. Whether you choose a camera with CCD or CMOS imaging, it’s important to try to get one that has a 3 chip set, with the larger the sensors, the better. A good 3-CCD camera can start as low as around $2,000 for a Panasonic AG-DVX100B, with 3CMOS counterparts like the Sony HVR-FX7 about the same. Remember that shooting video is only half the job. Think of where you’ll spend most of your time, which is in editing. It’s important to look for something that will work well with your editing setup. While you JVC GY - HM150U may be able to get a camera that shoots to miniDV tape for a few hundred dollars less Courtesy: www.jvc.com than one that records to a media card, how much time will you waste ingesting that tape into your editor in real-time? Tapeless options like the Panasonic P2 or JVC GY series work great for tight turnaround times. Compatibility goes beyond your editor, too. Think of the accessories you will need - bags, lights, cables, microphones - how well does the camera interact with aftermarket products? For the most part, you’re going to see similar features from each manufacturer at every price level. Just remember that no one knows what you need better than you, which is why the best information is usually found in the “User Reviews” sections of most online retailers. Proving that even in the digital age in which we live, word-of-mouth is still the best form of advertising. So take a little time to do your homework and see what others are saying, because it’s always best to shoot it right the first time!

It’s here, it’s here! Our 5th year. Help us celebrate by becoming a member and coming to the conference in Chapel Hill this March. www.nc3c.com