GUIDE TO SETTING UP YOUR NEW LOW POWER TV STATION

In this Guide, we assume that you have installed and tested your equipment and you are ready to broadcast!

 

1    Negotiate a written contract with the owner of the transmitter & studio sites (if not previously done).  It should include the following:  (It is recommended that a legal advisor be consulted)

  • Supply of services (electricity, security, tower space) – what amounts, at what rates.  Consult widely to ensure that the pricing is reasonable.
  • Quick access to the site in case of emergency /breakdown
  • Protection of the electricity supply against surges and lightning
  • Ability to terminate the contract, if required
  • Duration of contract, rent escalation clauses, renewal options

2    Set up a small task team to manage operations.  This could include:

  • The project manager
  • A site custodian, who lives near the site and has keys to access
  • A technician
  • A production manager (for new video material)

3   Your licence certificate

  • Send a photocopy to your Hope Channel office for their records.
  • Note the conditions and the expiry date.  Diarize the date to apply for a renewal.
  • Frame a copy and display it in a prominent place.
  • Keep it in a secure place

4   Advertise your new channel

  • Arrange for a launch date after testing completed
  • Ensure wide publicity for your new channel.  Use posters, handbills, newspaper and radio advertising, etc.  Invite the Press.
  • Advertise at regular intervals to increase awareness.

5   Work out an operational plan which should include:

  • Setting up phone numbers for viewers to call
  • Program schedule, especially if you plan to insert local material
  • Plans to produce new programs
  • Insurance and maintenance of equipment
  • Filing system for important documents
  • Written contracts with each worker, whether volunteer or not
  • Staff Duty roster (including holidays), if needed
  • Keeping proper financial & other required records


6   Start building your audience  

  • Have trained people who can go to homes, helping them to scan for the new channel.  In most cases, viewers will NOT automatically see your channel, unless their TV has been tuned to your frequency.
  • Make it easy for viewers to contact you – advertise phone numbers and email address!
  • Keep a record of those watching and visit them regularly with surveys, gifts, etc.   Make friends!

7   Use viewer surveys effectively
If user surveys are carefully planned, regularly taken up and the results faithfully recorded,  the information may be very useful over a period of time to inform you about a wide variety of matters, including trends in the following;

  • Popular programs
  • Viewing times
  • Ability of programs to match viewer needs (e.g. language levels)
  • Viewer lifestyle changes caused by watching
  • Need areas not covered by programs
  • Reception quality