Fairfax Public Access

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Fairfax Public Access (FPA) was established in October 1981 as a non-profit public-access cable-tv station based in Fairfax, Virginia, and now operates three channels.

In 1984, FPA operations came under the Cable Franchise Policy and Communications Act, which required US cable companies to fund local organizations which would provide training and access to media technology to the general public. Cable companies were also required to carry the programming created by those local organizations.

Fairfax Cable Access Corporation was formed in 1997 to maintain ownership for the public.

In 2004, FPA switched from analog to all-digital, and now operates Channel 10 for general purpose television shows in English, Channel 30 for general purpose television shows in languages other than English, and Channel 37 for cable-cast radio. In addition, FPA provides Internet-streaming for its radio broadcasting.

Public Access Organization
Name Fairfax Public Access
Acronym FPA
All Digital Yes
Carriers Cox Cable
Verizon Fios
Channels Channel 10
Channel 30
Channel 37
WEBR Fairfax Radio
WRLD International Radio
Charter Type Public
Founded October, 1981
High-Definition No
Location 2929 Eskridge Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Owner Fairfax Cable Access Corporation
Website www.fcac.org


Contents

[edit] Equipment and facilities

  • Two television studios, each with three studio cameras and a control room, with a 3rd studio being prepared.
  • Two radio production suites.

[edit] Awards

  • 2006 Telly Award for John Buckreis' program "Gardening News and Views"
  • 2006 Telly Award for the program "1600", produced by Jerry Ferguson and Steve Ruddell, and co-hosted by Bob Giarrusso.

[edit] Training

Following its chartered mandate, FPA offers inexpensive, intensive, hands-on training on both studio and field cameras, tape-to-tape editing, non-linear editing, writing for television, makeup for television, newscasting, acting, audio engineering, and all control-room equipment.

[edit] Policies

Producer-Ownership: One of FPA's most popular policies establishes producer-ownership of television shows produced there, even when their productions use FPA equipment and facilities. For shows supported by free FPA equipment and facility, FPA requires exclusive distribution rights for the first year. Nevertheless, FPA has frequently issued waivers to allow producers to distribute shows to other non-profit public-access stations during the first year. After the first year, the producer may sell or distribute their production in any way they wish.

Certification: FPA-provided training or a competency test must be passed before anyone may use FPA equipment.

[edit] Radio Shows

Name of Show Date First Cablecast Number of
Episodes Produced
Web Site
2 Guys & A Mic www.2guysradio.com
Two regular guys look at everyday life, news, Hollywood and sports.
4 Real Radio
Music: Yesterday and today's leading Rhythm and Blues (R&B) artists
The Afternoon Groove www.afternoongrooveradio.com
Modern soul music from known and unknown artists from around the world.
The Mimi Geerges Show www.mgshow.com
A talk show (not a shout-show) for inquisitive minded listeners. Syndicated on XM Satellite Radio and public radio stations.

[edit] Television Shows

Name of Show Producer(s) Series/Special Date First Cablecast Number of
Episodes Produced
Web Site
1600 Series
Award-winning talk-music tv show.
Accent Zohreh Rastegar Series www.zoetalk.com
A talk show featuring second-generation Iranians adapting to American culture.
Around Space David Cawood
Donnie Lowther
Series www.AroundSpace.com
A talk show focused on space issues, under the auspices of a local chapter of the National Space Society.
Backstage Pass Hugh Staples Series
A performing-arts TV show, featuring music, dance, theatre, poetry, comedy, and the visual arts from around the DC/Baltimore area.
Bannister Banter Craig Bannister Series 100+
A pun-filled comedy spoof of television talk shows, interviewing very off-beat celebrities.
Capital Pets Deanna Lewis Series www.capitalpets.com
Educating pet owners and the public about animal health, pet education, pet services, animal law, and animal rescue organizations in the Washington, D.C. area.
Catholic Life John Buckreis Series
How Catholocism is practiced by local groups & individuals.
Capital Cooking Lauren DeSantis Series www.capitalcookingshow.com
Attorney and chef Lauren DeSantis presents an evolving cooking style by incorporating dishes from the many cultures represented in Washington, D.C.
Fairfax Sports Report Brian Nern Series www.fairfaxsportsnetwork.com
Providing in-depth news coverage of many high school sports in Northern Virignia for over 15 years.
Telepathic TV R. Neville Johnston and Mary Phelan Series 500+ www.telepathictv.com
A live call-in show empowering the viewer with techniques from the metaphysical world.

[edit] See also

  • The Chronicle Article: Public Access Television Hidden Treasure in Fairfax County
  • FPA News 16 Member Chinese delegation tours FPA.

[edit] External links