Getting a MNN Show on the Air:
For MNN Grant Groups: The Basics You Need to Know
What kind of MNN Show should your organization apply for?
For Curatorial Media Grantees >>We suggest a “Series”(see below)
For Tactical Media Toolkit and Training Production,>>We suggest “Specials/Singles” (see below for more info)
Where can I find the forms and deadlines?
Timeslot request and program agreement forms at:
http://mnn.org/en/producers/downloads
Series Deadlines:
http://mnn.org/producers/deadlines
What is a “Series” vs. “Special/Single” and How do I submit my program for the channels?
Definition of a “Series”
A Series is defined as a number of episodes, under one single title, scheduled at regular times (ie: weekly, biweekly, or monthly). MNN divides the scheduling year into thirteen-week quarters. An “original episode” is defined as a program that, in whole or in substantial part, has not previously appeared on MNN, at any time, regardless of the channel:
When you apply for Series Timeslot you will have to choose a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly series.
• A weekly series requires 8 original episodes per quarter
• A bi-weekly series require 5 original episodes per quarter
• A monthly series requires 2 original episodes per quarter
Submitting a Series
--Accepted for two week period on a quarterly basis (see “Series Deadlines” on our website, it’s also included in this packet).
--Include a sample tape, series timeslot request form, and program agreement to Programming Department. Let the Community Media Dept know, by emailing your grant liaision which quarter you plan to submit for.
--Make sure to give the Community Media Dept. (1) copy of each program you produce for our archive (aside from the (1) copy you give to playback to air) ad indicated in your grant contract.
Definition of a Special/ Single:
A single program or “special” is defined as a program that is scheduled for a single time slot rather than on a recurring basis. All single program requests must be accompanied by the videotape to be cablecast. Generally single programs will be scheduled within two weeks after submission. MNN will schedule a 28- minute Special for 3 timeslots. Programs that are 58 minutes long will be scheduled 2 timeslots. Program providers are limited to scheduling one single program per month. There are NO DEADLINES for submitting specials/singles. You can sumbit 'specials' at anytime.
Submitting a Special/Single:
--Include your tape, Single Timeslot Request and Program Agreement to Chuck Sterns in the Programming Department on the 2nd Floor at MNN. You can also mail it to MNN (537 West 59th Street, NY, NY 10019) to Chuck Stern’s attention. He will let you know airdates via email.
--Make sure to give the Community Media Dept. (1) copy of each program you produce for our archive (aside from the (1) copy you give to playback to air) ad indicated in your grant contract.
Submitting a short segment for Community Visions (weekly CM show):
--Submit your tape to Jennifer (jennifer@mnn.org or (212) 757-2670 x332) in the Community Media Dept.
--Best to compile your work into a 28 or 58-minute program. We can make exceptions for shorter pieces.
Things to Watch Out for in Your Program
--Must be 28 or 58-minute program when applying for a “Series” or “Special/Single” in DVCAM or miniDV SP tape format (not LP!), must have up to standard audio and video, if not will be pulled (meaning it will not air).
- All program must have 1 minute of black before and after your program. In other words your content should be 28 minutes and 1 minute of the black before and after the program makes it a 30 minute program.
--No soliciting commercial activity. MNN is 100% non-commercial! But providing viewers with information about your non-profit organization is fine, as long as you are not soliciting
--Programs containing mature themes, mild profanity, or lifelike imagery of nudity for the purposes of artistic, literary, political, or scientific discourse will be scheduled after 9:00pm. Programs containing depictions or simulations of sexual intercourse will be scheduled after 11:00pm. Make sure to indicate this on your timeslot request form so Programming can schedule accordingly.
--Programs which do not meet MNN policies will be given violations. For MNN Programming policies:
http://mnn.org/en/producers/policies
