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This onsite class introduces the content standards behind Austin’s public-access channels and is a required step for joining the Producer Program.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
A finished video is only part of the journey to public-access television. At Austin Public’s Media Policy for the Producer Program, participants learn about the rules that govern what they can submit for cable playback and online streaming.
The 3.5-hour class starts with a brief history of public-access TV, then examines seven areas of Austin Public’s content policy. They include defamation and privacy, copyright, commercialism, fundraising requests, Texas obscenity law, unlawful material, and material that could cause immediate danger or damage.
The distinction between making work and distributing it is central to the session. Austin Public operates cable channels 10, 11 and 16 and streams them online; its rules address submissions to those outlets. The subjects may also be useful to creators considering festivals, podcasts or social media, though other platforms do not necessarily use the same policies.
Further reading: Media Policy for the Producer Program | Austin Film Society ↗ · About Austin Public | Austin Film Society ↗
Media Policy is the one required class for becoming an Austin Public Producer, but joining also involves reviewing orientation materials and completing an intake form with identification and proof of residence. The orientation page says participants must pass a 10-question test and submit a signed warranties agreement.
Producer Program membership is for people age 15 and older who live in Travis, Williamson, Caldwell, Hays or Bastrop counties. People outside that area can still take a class, even though they cannot join the program.
For a filmmaker deciding what to do next, distribution and equipment access are separate choices. Producers who only submit content do not need a resource subscription, although dedicated weekly cable slots carry series fees. Continued access to production resources has subscription terms, and most gear and studios require additional resource-certification classes. The class fee includes a first month of resource access, subject to the certifications completed.
Further reading: Media Policy for the Producer Program | Austin Film Society ↗ · Producer Program Orientation | Austin Film Society ↗
Time is reserved at the end for questions about the Producer Program or an update on a participant’s program status.
The November 4 event listing gives a $12 price for AFS members and general admission; the Producer Program orientation page lists $15. Both describe the fee as including the first month of resource access. Confirm the amount with Austin Public before registering.
Media Policy for the Producer Program | Austin Film Society ↗ · Producer Program Orientation | Austin Film Society ↗
There is no class age limit, though the organizer recommends it for ages 15 and up. A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver for a minor and email it or bring it on or before the class date. The discussion of Texas obscenity law contains graphic language.
Media Policy for the Producer Program | Austin Film Society ↗
The class meets at Austin Public, 1143 Northwestern Ave, Austin, TX 78702—not AFS Cinema or Austin Studios. Use the map links to calculate directions from your starting point.
Media Policy for the Producer Program | Austin Film Society ↗ · Locations | Austin Film Society ↗
Yes. People outside the five-county service area can take classes, but Producer Program membership is limited to residents of Travis, Williamson, Caldwell, Hays and Bastrop counties.
No. Resource access depends on Producer Program enrollment and subscription terms, and most gear and studios require additional certification classes.
The November 4 listing gives $12, while the orientation page gives $15. Contact Austin Public at [email protected] or (512) 322-0145, ext. 3235, to confirm before registering.
Media Policy for the Producer Program | Austin Film Society ↗ · Producer Program Orientation | Austin Film Society ↗
Yes. Classes have no age limit, although this one is best suited to ages 15 and up and includes graphic language. A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver and email it or bring it on or before class.
Media Policy for the Producer Program | Austin Film Society ↗
1143 Northwestern Ave, Austin, TX 78702
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-28 against the linked sources.