Frequently Asked Questions

What is PACTV?

We are your local Access Television Center serving the communities of Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth Massachusetts.

We provide programming on 4 channels:

Public Access                                     Comcast Channel 13 / Verizon Channel 43

Duxbury Government                        Comcast Channel 15 / Verizon Channel 39

Kingston Education/Government      Comcast Channel 14 / Verizon Channel 41

Plymouth Government                       Comcast Channel 15 / Verizon Channel 47

PACTV's public access channel is a First Amendment Forum.  The programming on the Public Access Channel is seen by viewers in Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth. Public Access television programming on PACTV is available to every citizen in our community to express their opinions, talk to their fellow townspeople about what is happening in the community, introduce others to their beliefs and hobbies, and help local organizations and groups get information out to the public about their services.

PACTV Government access channels are a great place to watch your local government meetings.  Additionally PACTV produces ten government access shows.  See our program schedule by clicking on "What's on PACTV" on the left.

PACTV also teaches video production classes so that you can make your own television program. Our technical and administrative staff are here to help you get your show out to the community.

What Services does PACTV offer?

Membership:

You can join as a member for as little as $15.00 for seniors/youth or $30.00 for adults. Non-profit organizations can join for $75.00 and businesses for $100.00. Memberships are valid for one year and include access to PACTV classes (class fees may apply), facility and equipment usage, membership to events and a PACTV e-newsletter.

Volunteer:

PACTV members are welcome to volunteer to assist/crew for the many productions PACTV is involved with each year. This includes; the Annual Rotary Auction, the PACCIES, Plymouth's 4th of July Parade and America's Hometown Thanksgivng Celebration. There are also many government events and meetings throughout the year that volunteers are asked to cover.

PSA Days:

Each quarter, PACTV offers local non-profits the opportunity to produce video Public Service Announcements free of charge that will be cablecast on PACTV's channels. This community service project is open to all area non-profit, community and civic organizations. (For more information, email Donna Rodriguez).

Community Bulletin Board:

PACTV manages four Community Bulletin Boards that run notices 24 hours a day, in between programming on all four of PACTV's channels.

Public Access - Community Bulletin Board: Area organizations may use the Public Access bulletin board free of charge to list public service messages and announce events. To list your event, just download one of our Bulletin Board announcement forms, and fill out the information and fax or mail it back to us. We request a lead time of at least 5-7 business days to get your announcement on the channel.  To find out more please contact Melissa Matinzi at (508) 830-6999 or email her at melissa@pactv.org.  The Public Access Channel bulletin board can be seen in Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth on Comcast Channel 13 and Verizon Channel 43.

Government Access Bulletin Boards: For the Government bulletin boards in Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth, please contact David Antoine at (508) 830-6999 or email him at dave@pactv.org. 

Visitors to PACTV's website, can see the four bulletin boards by clicking on "What's on PACTV"(green remote control on the left of the website) and then chosing the channel you wish to see the Bulletin board for.  Choose from Public Access Channel, Duxbury Government Channel, Kingston Education/Government Channel, or Plymouth Government Channel.

The Gallery at PACTV:

The Gallery at PACTV is open to area artists. Each month, the Gallery features an individual artist and produces a profile of that artist for the "Gallery Spotlight" progream which is cable cast on PACTV's Public Access Channel (Comcast 13 / Verizon 43). (For information about the gallery, email Donna Rodriguez).

How do I get involved?

Becoming a member of PACTV is easy. Our annual membership is just $30. It covers access to training classes (small class fees may apply depending on the class you wish to take), equipment use, studio use and staff backup. Just fill out a membership form, and drop it off at our office, or mail it in with your check and we’ll sign you up for the next available Orientation. Family memberships are available for $60 per year, and include up to four family members. If you are a business or non-profit organization, you can apply for an organizational membership. Business memberships are $100 per year and include three memberships. Non-profit memberships are $75 per year and also includes three memberships. For more information about membership, please contact Carol McGilvray at carolm@pactv.org.

How can I get my show on TV?

Once you finish your show, PACTV schedules it into a time slot and cablecasts it on the public access channel (Comcast 13 / Verizon 43)l. We have several open slots available during the daytime and evenings to run special programs and live events. To accommodate new local programs, our schedule is posted in our website by clicking the link to the left "What's on PACTV". If you have a program that has been produced somewhere else, you can bring it to us and request that it be cablecast. Programming that is not local, requires a resident of Duxbury, Kingston or Plymouth to "sponsor" the program.  Sponsors take responsibility for the content of the program. For more information about getting your show on PACTV, please contact Melissa Matinzi via email at melissa@pactv.org or by calling (508) 830-6999.

Is it hard to produce a TV show?

TV production is not as complicated as you might think. The skills needed to produce simple, but effective programs are well within the grasp of most people in the community. PACTV has members of all ages, from every educational or career background doing hands-on TV production. The best way to find out whether television production is for you is to try it! For a tour of our facility and to get answers to your questions, call PACTV at (508) 830-6999.

How can my child get involved?

During the summer, we offer a Video Explorer’s program for children. During the session, each participant will learn the basic aspects of studio and field production, including camera work, lighting, set design, directing and editing. This is a great way to get children introduced to video production and Public Access. The program in 2011 will not be held due to low enrollment.  If you are interested in the program for 2012, please contact Nancy Richard at nrichard@pactv.org or call (508) 830-6999.

How can I watch Government meetings "on demand"?

In 2011, PACTV was excited to provide the communities we serve with government programming "on demand." Government meetings that are covered by PACTV are shown 48 hours after the meeting has been cablecast live.  To watch a meeting or government access show, click on the link "What's on PACTV" on the left. Then click on the channel you want to watch and click on "Schedule and On Demand Video Guide".  Just search for the meeting or show you want to watch and click "View" to watch it on your computer.

How Can They Show That on PACTV?

PACTV is a public access TV station, meaning it is programmed by the residents of Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth who choose to place programming on one of our four channels. Most of the programming you see on PACTV is actually produced by members of our community -- either private individuals, community-based organizations, or the town government. Read entire message from the Executive Director.

Mass Access Frequently Asked Questions About Local Access TV

Crew Call List at PACTV

Are you a PACTV member that wants to use your video production skills but aren't sure where to start?

Add your name to PACTV's Crew Call list today by clicking the link below.  You will be sent emails from time to time when other members are looking for crew or when PACTV is covering events such as parades, the Rotary Auction or government meetings.  PACTV could also use Camera Operators and a Technical Director on Friday afternoons.  PACTV produces Government Access Programs on Fridays in Studio A.

PACTV volunteers and members donate thousands of hours each year to creating dynamic television on PACTV's channels. If you want to add your name to the PACTV Crew Call List, click the link below or if you are a PACTV member and need crew for your show, call PACTV's Membership Coordinator at 508-830-6999 or email Carol McGilvray for more information. 

Join the PACTV Crew Call List

Having a Problem Seeing or Hearing PACTV's Channels?

Programming you see on PACTV's four channels runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you are having a problem seeing or hearing any of PACTV's channels, we want to know about it.  Please report any issues via telephone to 508-830-6999.  If we aren't here, please leave us a message.  You may also email us at PACTV by sending an email to info@pactv.org.  Thank you so much!