Manhattan Neighborhood Network Policies

Welcome to MNN

Welcome to Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN)! All of us at MNN appreciate your involvement with the country’s largest community media center and look forward to welcoming you to our facilities, our channels, our classes and our events.

MNN is a media learning, production and distribution hub that promotes creative expression, independent voices and community engagement. Our vision is to empower local voices and diverse views.

MNN is responsible for administering public access cable TV services in Manhattan, promoting localism, diversity and independent non-commercial media.

MNN is an independent, non-profit organization that is privately funded and privately operated. MNN is not a cable company, a subsidiary of any cable company, or a New York City or New York State agency.

What We Do

For nearly 30 years, MNN has been providing media education classes, media production facilities, and free access to community cable TV channels to individuals and community-based organizations.

MNN also runs a wide range of education services and media initiatives aimed at meeting the diverse communication needs and interests of independent media makers around the world. MNN administers and manages four themed public access channels as well as an HD public access channel. 

MNN is also home to the NYC Center for Media Education, the largest media education organization in New York City.

MNN is proud to be one of the largest cablecasters of original content in the United States.

These channels are:

MNN 1 Community (TWC 34 & 1995, RCN 82, FiOS 33): Stay up-to-dateon local elections, New York politics and community issues with MNN’s Community channel.

MNN 2 Lifestyle (TWC 56 & 1996, RCN 83, FiOS 34): Exercise your mind, body and palate with entertainment and lifestyle programming for New Yorkers with diverseinterests.

MNN 3 Spirit (TWC 1997, RCN 84, FiOS 35): MNN’s Spirit channel broadcasts varied religious and philosophical programs, lectures and discussions for all faiths andworldviews.

MNN 4 Culture (TWC 67 & 1998, RCN 85, FiOS 36): Multi-lingual programming that covers the arts, politics and global news for all of Manhattan’s diverse communities.

MNN 5 HD (TWC 1993, FiOS 37): MNN’s HD channel brings you the best MNN shows in High Definition. MNNHD is the only HD channel available for community use!

MNN also produces the cable and digital channel NYXT.nyc (pronounced "next dot n.y.c.). Presented in partnership with more than 60 Manhattan community-based organizations, NYXT.nyc shines a spotlight on groups that are working to connect "people and build neighborhoods. NYXT.nyc is available on TWC 1992, FiOS 38, and online at nyxt.nyc.

MNN may also curate additional cablecast channels aimed at providing newly presented and produced non-commercial, independent programming.

MNN's Values & Principles

MNN is a place of education, learning and creativity. We are non-commercial and committed to serving local residents, independent media makers and community-based organizations. We believe in inclusivity, diversity and mutual respect and aim to empower people and communities through media access.

 

In seeking to facilitate a diversity of viewpoints, we ask our broader community and participants to be mindful of our values and to treat each other respectfully as we all work together to build community through engaged and impactful media.

Some Helpful Terms in Understanding MNN

Community Producer: An individual who is using MNN facilities and/or equipment in order to create programming to air on MNN’s designated public access channels and/or is uploading a show for cablecasting.

Sponsor: An individual who submits the MNN Program Agreement for MNN’s designated public access channels and who is legally responsible for the program and its content. Every program that airs on MNN must have a sponsor. Sponsors can also be Community Producers.

A Sponsor cannot have more than one program on MNN. Community Producers and Sponsors and their guests must abide by MNN’s Code of Conduct and Community Standards.

Please note: Sponsors and Community Producers may not represent themselves as MNN employees or representatives.

Programming Policies for MNN’s Public Access Channels

Programming Agreement

All producers submitting content for broadcast agree to the following:

  1. Channel User (“User”) assumes all responsibility as producer, originator, author, or distributor of any of the User’s programming carried on the designated Public Access Channels of Manhattan Community Access Corporation, d.b.a. Manhattan Neighborhood Network (“MNN”), or any system on which the programming is carried by MNN (collectively, the “Public Access Channels”). User agrees, as condition of the cablecast, to abide by MNN Programming Policies and to indemnify and hold harmless MNN or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (“Indemnified Persons”) from all loss, liability and damage, including attorney costs, arising out of or caused by the cablecast or streaming of User’s program, including, but not limited to, libel, slander, indecency, obscenity, invasion of privacy or public rights, unauthorized use of copyright material or non-compliance with, or in violation of, any applicable local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
  2. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, User further agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the Indemnified Persons from any claims, liability, loss or damage of any nature whatsoever, including reasonable attorney costs, arising out of or in connection with any material carried on, transmitted or disseminated by the User on the Public Access Channels in violation of or infringement upon the rights, trade names, or the right of privacy of any other owner, licensor, copyright holder, writer, composer, person, corporation, partnership or legal entity.
  3. User agrees to defend all actions to which any indemnity stated herein applies and to conduct defense thereof at its own expense and by its own counsel. MNN shall have the right to participate in such defense with counsel selected by it at the User’s expense and User agrees that it will cause its counsel to cooperate with MNN and its counsel.
  4. User individually and, if applicable, on behalf of all members of the organization of which the User is a member, hereby releases MNN from any action, claim, and demand whatsoever which the User or its organization ever had, has, and may have against MNN or the other Indemnified Persons, in connection with the programming or delivery of material carried on the Public Access Channels including, any mistakes, omissions, interruptions in the cablecast or streaming of User’s material, changes in scheduling User’s material or failure to cablecast and/or stream such material, or unauthorized use of the User’s programming by third parties.
  5. User warrants and represents that the program does not contain:
    • solicitation, advertising, bartering, or promotion of commercial products, services or transactions;
    • material that is, slanderous, libelous, an invasion of privacy or made unlawful;
    • material that is obscene;
    • material concerning lottery information, gift enterprise, or similar scheme;
    • unlawful use of material requiring union residual, or other payment including but not limited to the talent and crew; or
    • unlawful use of material that is copyrighted or subject to ownership or royalty rights, right of publicity, or other payment.
  6. Media submitted for cablecast and/or streaming on the Public Access Channels are the property of the producer of record. Producer of record is identified as the User on the Program Agreement. Media can be removed from MNN without permission of the User as may be required by applicable law (including, but not limited to, subpoenas in legal proceedings). By submitting media to MNN, the Producer of Record grants permission for MNN to distribute via cablecast, website, and social media.
  7. User releases MNN, its directors and officers, agents, employees, and representatives and their respective successors and assigns from all liability if the program or material submitted is damaged, lost, altered or stolen (including, without limitation, unauthorized access and use by third parties of the User’s programs available in electronic format on MNN’s website or third party websites for streaming) while in their custody except in the case of gross negligence on the part of MNN resulting in damage or loss of submitted media.
  8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances, including negligence, shall MNN be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential damages that may result from the use or inability to use the Public Access Channels, MNN facilities, and/or the MNN websites, including without limitation use of or reliance on information available on the Public Access Channels and/or MNN websites, interruptions, errors, defects, mistakes, omissions, deletions of files, delays in operation or transmission, non delivery of information, disclosure of communications, or any other failure of performance.
  9. MNN provides the Public Access Channels and MNN websites on an "as is" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation warranties of title, non infringement, or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. MNN does not warrant that any information is complete or accurate, that the Public Access Channels and/or all MNN digital profiles including but not limited to MNN's website, social media profiles, digital video channels, livestreams and associated chats will be uninterrupted or error free or that any information is free of rogue programming.

Responsibility for Program Content

Submission of programs for MNN’s five designated public access channels is free of charge, and free of content control by MNN subject to the policies herein. Responsibility for the content of programs rests with the Sponsor.

MNN does not prescreen programming.

By submitting any content to MNN for distribution on MNN, Sponsors agree to the program agreement terms outlined on this website, and indemnify MNN from all content issues arising from the airing of Sponsor’s program on MNN’s distribution networks, including but not limited to channels and online/digital streams.

Program Schedule

MNN will, to the best of its ability, provide channel time as requested on MNN 1-5, MNN’s designated public access channels, on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to MNN’s policies and guidelines and consistent with MNN’s theming of the public access channels and/or the technical characteristics of the channels.

Sponsors submitting programming for the HD channel must meet the technical requirements of the HD channel. See the HD Technical Requirement section here: https://www.mnn.org/upload.

In addition, a portion of the designated public access channels may provide local viewers with MNN-created programming mainly for local residents. MNN gives highest priority to program schedule requests from Manhattan residents and organizations.

MNN will also exercise scheduling discretion to ensure access for new channel users, single programs, series of limited duration and special events. While we are committed to airing programs and will do our best to accommodate schedule requests, MNN cannot guarantee any time slot requests.

Even though MNN will try to meet the above criteria for program scheduling, the program schedule for MNN’s five public access channels, including MNNHD, is ultimately determined at the discretion of MNN’s Programming Department.

 

Contact Information

Sponsors and/or Members do not need to be Manhattan residents.

MNN reserves the right to cancel a show if up-to-date contact information is not on file at MNN.

Minors Submitting Programs

Program sponsors must be at least 18 years of age. Minors submitting programs (as members) are required to have an of-age sponsor sign a Program Agreement and Show Registration form.

Program Content Restrictions

Programs may not contain:

  • Solicitation, advertising, bartering or promotion of commercial products, services or transactions;
  • Material that is slanderous, libelous, an invasion of privacy, incites violence towards an individual or group or is otherwise unlawful;
  • Material concerning lottery information, gift enterprise, or similar scheme;
  • Unlawful use of material requiring union residual, or other payment including but not limited to talent and crew;
  • Unlawful use of material that is copyrighted or subject to ownership or royalty rights, right of publicity, or other payment;
  • Material that MNN reasonably believes contains obscene content, including but not limited to sexual intercourse, sodomy, masturbation, sadism, masochism, excretion, or lewd exhibition of genitals.

Representation of Authorizations

Sponsors must represent that they have obtained all necessary permission for material and individuals appearing in their programs. Sponsors are required to provide satisfactory evidence of such permission upon request by MNN.

Adult, Violent, Medically Graphic Programming

MNN wants to assist viewers in making informed decisions about content on MNN’s channels while providing an opportunity for all forms of expression without censorship and in accord with existing laws.

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 11:00 pm.

Programs containing and/or entitled with excessive vulgar language, nudity, extreme physical violence, extreme degradation, graphic depiction of invasive medical procedures or indecent material must include a message advising viewer discretion and will be scheduled between the hours of 11:00 pm and 5:00 am.

Sponsors are responsible for including an advisory for viewers at the beginning of each episode if their program contains material requiring an advisory message.

It is the responsibility of the Sponsor to inform MNN’s Programming Department of the adult nature of the program so that it can be scheduled appropriately.

It is a violation of MNN policy to submit obscene or unlawful programming.

Charging for Time on the Access Channels

Time on the public access channels is available free of charge. Sponsors are prohibited from receiving compensation from individuals in exchange for appearing on a public access channel. Channel time may not be bartered or sold.

Program Credits for Contribution of Goods and Services

Sponsors may acknowledge individuals, businesses or other organizations that have contributed goods, services or funding used in the program production.

Acknowledgement can only happen at the beginning and end of the program.

Total credits for all contributions are limited to 60 seconds per episode.

Credits may be aural, visual or both.

Credits may not contain any advertising information or calls to action.

Websites and phone numbers are permitted as program credits. Calls to action (“buy,” “try,” “call,” “visit”) are not permitted, nor is any promotional information.

All Sponsors who use MNN’s facilities and/or equipment for programs that air on MNN’s channels must include the following credit at the end of their program: “Produced through the facilities of Manhattan Neighborhood Network.”

Solicitation of Funds

Solicitation of funds during public access programs is limited to nonprofit organizations providing an IRS letter of determination indicating 501(c)(3) status. The IRS letter of determination must be on file with MNN prior to any solicitation of funds. Manhattan and non-Manhattan-based non-profits may request permission from the MNN Program Department to solicit funds. MNN will review such requests on a case-by-case basis.

Single Programs

A Single program or "Special" is defined as a program that is scheduled for a single time slot rather than on a recurring basis. Sponsors may request time for Single programs at any time. All Single program requests must be accompanied by a completed episode.

Generally, Single programs will be scheduled within one week of submission. MNN will email confirmation of show schedule to Sponsors when their Single is scheduled.

MNN can schedule a 28-minute Special for up to three airings.

Programs that are 58 minutes long can be scheduled for two airings. The Program Department will only accept one Single program submission per month, per Sponsor. 

Series Programs

A Series program is defined as a number of episodes, under one single title and scheduled at regular times (weekly, biweekly, or monthly). An "original episode" is defined as a show that, in whole or in substantial part, has not previously appeared on MNN, at any time, regardless of the channel.

There is a minimum number of show episodes that must be submitted by a sponsor in any three month period in order to maintain the time slot that the show is regularly scheduled for. 

• A Weekly series requires eight original show episodes to be submitted

• A Biweekly series requires five original show episodes to be submitted

• A Monthly series requires two original show episodes to be submitted

Sponsors are required to submit an episode of their show for each week their program is scheduled. Sponsors are required to identify which of their episodes are "original" upon submission. False identification of an episode as "original" will result in the cancellation of the series time slot. Sponsors are allowed one active series per quarter. Two or more series regularly featuring the same host, guest or footage will be treated as the same series regardless of the sponsor; one of the active series will be cancelled.

Short Form Programs

A Short Form program is a program whose duration is between three and seven minutes. Short Form programs will be treated as a type of “Special” by the MNN Programming Department and not as a Series. Short Form programs will air in their entirety in Short Form time slot blocks and at other times to be determined by the MNN Programming Department. 

MNN’s Programming Department will inform you of when your Short will air one week before it airs on MNN.

New Series

MNN will schedule New Series submissions according to the guidance listed in the "Program Schedule" section of these policies. 

All New Series requests must be accompanied by a completed Pilot episode. This Pilot episode will be the first show scheduled in the scheduled time slot.

Sponsors may submit New Series requests at any time. Generally, New Series' will be scheduled within two weeks of submission. MNN's Programming Department will email confirmation of show schedule to the Sponsor when scheduled.

Continuing Series'

Continuing series' are subject to scheduling changes, reduction in series frequency or length, or cancellation depending upon the number of requests received from new series sponsors. If a scheduling change is necessary to accommodate a new series request MNN will make the scheduling change according to the guidance listed in the "Program Schedule" section of these policies.

Sponsors may request a change in their existing time slot. Time slot changes may be granted, depending on availability and will be determined by MNN's Programming Department.

Resubmission of Programs from Program Violators

Sponsors resubmitting programs after the conclusion of a suspension or cancellation period will be scheduled at the discretion of the Programming Department. No requests for specific timeslots will be considered until a Sponsor who has formerly been suspended or canceled submits two quarters of programming that does not violate MNN policies.

Preemption of Programming

An episode of a program may be preempted if MNN receives requests from Sponsors seeking airtime for timely programming that MNN deems beneficial to MNN viewers. MNN will contact the Sponsor to advise of the program preemption and do our best to provide an alternate timeslot based on availability.

Transferring Time Slots and Program Substitution

Sponsors may not transfer time slots to another Sponsor, nor may they air another Sponsor’s programming during the time slot that MNN has allocated to them for the cablecasting of their program. Time slots are allocated at the sole discretion of MNN’s Programming Department.

 

Sponsors may not transfer time slots to another Sponsor, nor may they air another Sponsor’s programming during the time slot that MNN has allocated to them for the cablecasting of their program. MNN's channel time slots are allocated at the sole discretion of MNN’s Programming Department.

Live Shows

MNN Community Members may request a live airing of a program. These requests will be assessed on a case by case basis. 

Media Submission

MNN’s Media Submission Guidelines and Technical Standards

All MNN program submissions must be submitted using digital files via upload to MNN.

All program submissions must meet MNN’s technical requirements. Here is an updated
list of technical requirements
.

Requirements for all submission types:

  • A half-hour show will air for a total of 28 minutes and an hour-long show will air for a total of 58 minutes. A Short Form program must be between three and seven minutes in length.
  • MNN will not air submissions that have noticeable video dropout, no video, no audio, extremely low audio, programs with audio sync issues, are more than 10 minutes short of their assigned duration or do not meet the file size or video resolution requirements.
  • MNN is also not responsible if the program does not air as scheduled for any reason.

Reservation, Facility Usage and Facilitation at MNN (Includes COVID-19 Policy)

COVID-19 Policy

Manhattan Neighborhood Network values our role as a media learning, production, and distribution hub that promotes creative expression, independent voices and community engagement. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our staff, community producers, partners, guests, and others. 

For questions, please email production@mnn.org

 

Edit, Studio and Camera Reservations at MNN on 38th St. and the El Barrio Firehouse

Community Producers can now make facility and equipment reservations and request or volunteer for crew positions on Access Center, our online Producer Portal.

Visit https://cm.mnn.org/ to log in using your Producer ID. If you have any questions on how to use Access Center, please email production@mnn.org

Edit and Studio Reservations at MNN on 38th and the El Barrio Firehouse

Reservations

Those interested in becoming an MNN Community Member must first attend an MNN New Member Orientation. There will be an opportunity for orientation attendees to register for a Community Membership following the orientation.  A new member will then be sent a Welcome Email with their membership login credentials (Member ID) within three business days of signing up.  Upon receipt of a Member ID  a member may request a Project ID from MNN’s Programming Department which provides the member with the ability to reserve MNN facilities and equipment.  Email program@mnn.org for any questions.

MNN Members can have up to two reservations on file for each of the following:

  • Edit Stations

  • Studios

Making Reservations

Reservation times at MNN’s El Barrio Community Media Center are as follows:

  • Tues-Fri 1:00 PM-3:30 PM
  • Tues-Fri 4:30 PM-7:00 PM 
  • Sat 11:00 AM.-1:30 PM 
  • Sat 2:30 PM-5:00 PM

Reservation times at MNN on 38 are as follows:

  • Mon-Fri 2:30 PM.-5:30 PM
  • Mon-Fri 6:30 PM.-9:30 PM

Reservations can be made:

  • Online at cm.mnn.org (for questions, email production@mnn.org)
  • For MNN on 38th reservations via phone, please call(212) 757-2670 x314, Monday through Friday, 2:30PM-9:00PM. For Firehouse reservations via phone, please call (212) 757- 2670 x200, Tues-Fri,12:30pm-7:30pm and Sat, 10:30am to 5:00pm
  • In person during MNN’s regular hours of operation

MNN reserves the right to cancel reservations if necessary. In the rare event that a cancellation is necessary, MNN will make every effort possible to reschedule or relocate the reservation.

 

Live Studio Reservations

MNN may make studio reservations for live shows upon request.

Community Member Reservations

Community Members with a Project ID are permitted to make facility and equipment reservations at MNN. In addition to a Community Member, each project is permitted to have one designated Associate. To make a studio or editing reservation for a project, a user must be an established Community Member. 

For commercial rentals, please inquire here.

Same Day Reservations

Same day reservations can be made for editing facilities on a resource available basis. MNN studios can not be reserved on a walk-in, same-day basis. MNN Community Members should never rely on equipment or facilities being available on the day in which the resource is needed and should plan their resource usage accordingly.

Cancelling Reservations

Studios: Cancellations must be made two full business days in advance.

Editing: Cancellations must be made one full business day in advance.

Cancellations may be made over the phone or in person during regular business hours. It is a member's responsibility to maintain a record of the cancellation, including how the reservation was cancelled and what MNN staff member (if applicable) handled the cancellation.

Repeated failure to cancel reservations in advance or to fulfill reservations may result in a loss of access to MNN’s facilities, equipment and resources.

Studio Usage

Setup, supervision of studio crew and guests and cleanup of any MNN studio is the responsibility of the Community Member of record and must take place during the studio reservation time. Please plan accordingly and leave the studio in clean and orderly condition at the end of your reservation. Before leaving the studio, producers must check with the assigned facilitator so that she/he can verify that the studio has been left in satisfactory condition.

Please be aware that members, guests and crew are entering and using MNN’s facilities and studios “as is” and that all do so at their own risk.

Studio Crew Requirements

Users of MNN’s studios are responsible for obtaining all crew necessary to produce their media content in any MNN facility. If you are unsure of what your studio crew needs might be for your production please reach out to production@mnn.org for guidance.

MNN Production & Facilitation staff will provide community members with training during a studio reservation so that community members can successfully operate MNN's studios and control rooms. The MNN Production Facilitator assigned to each studio reservation may be assigned a crew position during a studio reservation. MNN staff will not be held responsible for production issues that may arise when crewing on a community produced studio production.  

 

 

 

Studio Equipment, Guests and Crew

Studio Lighting

Community Members are not permitted to modify or touch lighting equipment.

Studio Recording & Media

MNN does not supply any media to record on for studio production, XDCam or otherwise.

Studio Furniture and Props

MNN provides a limited amount of props and set pieces on a first-come, first-served basis. Props cannot be reserved in advance and must be returned to their designated location upon completion of use. Community Members can bring their own props at the beginning of their reservation, but they cannot be stored at the facility and must be taken out of the facility upon completion of the studio reservation. MNN does not accept shipments of props, furniture, instruments or any other set pieces.
 

Studio Equipment, Guests and Crew

Community Members are responsible for all MNN studio equipment and for the conduct of their guests and crew during their studio reservation. Guests and crew members must follow applicable MNN policies and guidelines, including MNN’s Code of Conduct and Community Standards. All crew and guests are using MNN studios at their own risk. Please alert all studio guests and crew to be mindful and cautious while using MNN’s equipment and facilities.

Editing Equipment Usage

Community members must supply their own portable hard drive for editing and saving media. Community Members may not save anything onto MNN’s local drives. Member media saved onto MNN’s hard drives will be deleted and not preserved for use by the Community Member.

Members are permitted to download media at MNN’s editing and work stations but cannot install software or other applications onto MNN editing and work stations.
 

Playing media through the editing workstation’s speakers is prohibited. Members must supply their own headphones when using MNN editing and work 

External Storage Devices

MNN does not sell or lend hard drives, disks, SD cards or any recording media to members. If an external storage device is necessary for a studio, field or editing reservation, it is the Community Member's responsibility to obtain the necessary device.

Facilitation

All studio reservations are assigned one MNN Staff Facilitator, who serves as the point person for the production and is the only person permitted to adjust lighting. Facilitators are not required to shoot, edit, direct or act as a crew member on a community production. The MNN Staff Facilitator will provide community members with training during a studio reservation so that community members can successfully operate MNN's studios and control rooms. Upon the request of a member, an MNN Facilitator will act as studio crew. 

Please note: MNN staff will not be held responsible for production issues that may arise when crewing on a community produced studio production.

Non-Profit Use of Facilities

A registered non-profit organization that has IRS 501(c)(3) status can sponsor members for the purpose of becoming a Community Member and using MNN facilities and equipment. These members may then reserve MNN facilities and equipment for the sole purpose of creating programming that advances the mission of the non-profit organization.

Internships

MNN does not facilitate or recognize independent Community Member, or Sponsor run, internship programs as official MNN internship programs.

MNN’s Media Education Policies

MNN’s Media Education

The NYC Center for Media Education (CME) is MNN’s official learning hub. CME is proud to be the largest community media educator in the City of New York.

We blend a community focus with professional development and training to give independent creatives the confidence and tools to become successful.

The best way to learn about getting involved is to attend one of our monthly Info Sessions at either MNN’s West 38th Street or the East 104th Street location. You can register for an upcoming info session at cme.mnn.org.  

Class Enrollment

  • Students may register for workshops online.
  • If you need assistance with registration, please email us for support.
  • Students must be 18+ to register for workshops. Please contact us directly to inquire about private youth group training.
  • Only the enrolled participant is permitted to attend class. Bringing unapproved guests to class may result in not being admitted to class.

Student Cancellation of Enrollment

  • CME does not offer refunds for class enrollment.
  • Students may transfer their registration to another class of equal or lesser value no less than 48 hours before the class is scheduled to begin.
  • There are no transfer options for no-shows.

Cancellation of Classes/Workshops

If a class or workshop fails to meet the minimum enrollment requirement, it is subject to cancellation. CME will make every effort to notify enrolled participants of the cancellation – usually within 48 hours – of the start of the class. In instances when CME must cancel a class, students will be offered the opportunity to enroll in another cycle of the same class or offered a refund.

 

Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather. CME will make every effort to notify students of weather-related closures, which will also be posted online. CME recommends that students monitor our facility website and social media pages during inclement weather.

Class Attendance

Attendance to all class sessions is strongly encouraged to get the most out of the class.

There are no make-up opportunities for missed sessions.

Computer and Mobile Device Usage

CME equipment must be used for classroom purposes only and not for personal use.

Please refrain from using mobile devices during class. If you need to check your phone or email frequently due to extenuating circumstances, please inform the instructor at the start of class.

Class Conduct

Please respect all fellow students, instructors, and administrators. All students must follow our Code of Conduct and Community Standards.

Please consume all food and drink in the designated food and beverage areas and not in our studios or classrooms.

 

In-Class Media and Activities

Media provided by CME in class is the property of CME and must not be copied or taken for personal use. All CME provided media is for educational use only. 

Media produced in class by students may be used outside of class for personal use provided that all students, instructors, and staff who participated in the production provide written permission for its personal use. 

Class activities and classroom projects may be used by MNN and/or CME for promotional purposes

Student Supplied Equipment

Students must supply their own headphones, harddrives, recording media (i.e. SD Cards) and additional equipment as identified during select workshops. Please reference the workshop details page and syllabus to determine if materials are required

Request for Accomodations

Students requiring special accommodations for classes must submit their request prior to registering for classes. We will do our best to support all accessibility requests. Please contact us to submit requests. 

Privacy

MNN’s Privacy Policy

This policy discloses the privacy practices for Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN).
This privacy policy applies solely to information collected by MNN on our website and on intake forms distributed when submitting programming, when enrolled in classes and/or when attending workshops and events. This will notify you of the following:

  • What personally identifiable information is collected from you, how it is used and with whom it may be shared.
  • What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data.
  • The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.
  • How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.

If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to update, delete, or change any personal information we hold, or you have a concern about the way in which we have handled any privacy matter, please contact us here: https://www.mnn.org/about/contact

Information Collection, Use and Sharing

MNN is the sole owner of the information collected on our website and on intake forms. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.

We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request or as required by law.

Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about MNN news; upcoming events including classes, workshops, information sessions and other events; programming highlights; upcoming deadlines; or changes to this privacy policy or other MNN policies.

We may retain your information for as long as is needed to provide you services or as long as your account is active. We may also retain and use your information in order to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, prevent abuse, and enforce our agreements.

Your Access to and Control Over Information

You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time.

You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:

  • See what data you have provided to MNN, if any
  • Change/correct your data
  • Express any concern you have about our use of your data

Please note: If we are unable to verify your residency information, you will not be permitted to enroll in classes, submit programming or reserve facilities or equipment, unless otherwise noted.

We will provide an individual access to any personal information we hold about them within 30 days of any request for that information. Individuals may request this information from us by contacting us using the contact information provided above. Unless it’s prohibited by law or as otherwise stated in this privacy policy, we’ll remove personal information about an individual from our servers at their request. There is no charge for an individual to access or update his or her personal information.

Security

We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.

Wherever we ask for sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way and via third parties. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon at the bottom of your web browser, or looking for "https" at the beginning of the address of the web page. MNN does not retain or keep any credit card or financial documents in any form, e.g., paper or electronic.

While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, education enrollment or facility reservations) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment and we do not keep or maintain electronic or physical copies of residency and/or identification documents that are supplied to us.

Unfortunately, no security system is impenetrable and no data transmission over the Internet can be 100% secure. Consequently, MNN cannot warrant or guarantee the security of MNN, nor can MNN warrant or guarantee that any information you provide to MNN will not be intercepted while being transmitted over the Internet. MNN is not liable for the illegal acts of third parties, such as criminal hackers.

No Collection of Children’s Personal Information

We do not knowingly collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. We reserve the right to delete any information we believe to be in violation of this privacy policy.

Browsing Privacy/Cookies/Third-Party Tracking

Online Tracking / Do Not Track

We do not track our visitors across third party websites to provide targeted advertising and therefore we do not respond to Do Not Track (DNT) signals. However, some third party sites do keep track of your browsing activities when they serve you content, which enables them to tailor what they present to you. If you are visiting such sites, your internet browser may allow you to set the DNT signal on your browser so that third parties (particularly advertisers) know you do not want to be tracked.

Cookie Policy

MNN uses cookies to deliver content specific to your interests and to improve the convenience and efficiency of your experience when using our products and services. A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s hard drive tied to statistical information about the user. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information in MNN products and email messages. You can always choose to not accept cookies, but you may not be able to use some of the MNN products and services.

We use a tool called “Google Analytics” to collect information about use of this site. Google Analytics collects information such as how often users visit this site, what pages they visit when they do so, and what other sites they used prior to coming to this site. We use the information we get from Google Analytics only to improve this site. Google Analytics collects only the IP address assigned to you on the date you visit this site, rather than your name or other identifying information. We do not combine the information collected through the use of Google Analytics with personally identifiable information. Although Google Analytics plants a permanent cookie on your web browser to identify you as a unique user the next time you visit this site, the cookie cannot be used by anyone but Google. Google’s ability to use and share information collected by Google Analytics about your visits to this site is restricted by the Google Analytics Terms of Use and the Google Privacy Policy. You can prevent Google Analytics from recognizing you on return visits to this site by disabling cookies on your browser.

 

Google Analytics

Our website uses Google Analytics, a web analysis service of Google, Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA, www.google.com (“Google Analytics” or “Google”). 

Google Analytics employs cookies that are stored to your computer in order to facilitate an analysis of your use of the site. The information generated by these cookies, such as time, place and frequency of your visits to our site, including your IP address, is transmitted to Google’s location in the US and stored there.

Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law or where such third parties process this data on Google’s behalf. Google states that it will never associate your IP address with other data held by Google. You can prevent cookies from being installed by adjusting the settings on your browser software accordingly as noted elsewhere in this Privacy Policy. You should be aware, however, that by doing so you may not be able to make full use of all the functions of our website.

Google Analytics also offers a deactivation add-on for most current browsers that provides you with more control over what data Google can collect on websites you access. The add-on tells the JavaScript (ga.js) used by Google Analytics not to transmit any information about website visits to Google Analytics. However, the browser deactivation add-on offered by Google Analytics does not prevent information from being transmitted to us or to other web analysis services we may engage.

Google Analytics also uses electronic images known as web beacons (sometimes called single pixel gifs) and are used along with cookies to compile aggregated statistics to analyze how our site is used.

You can find additional information on how to install the browser add-on referenced above at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en

 

Meta/Facebook conversion pixels

We use the “Custom Audience pixel” of Facebook Inc., 1601 S. California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA (“Facebook”) on our website. With its help, we can keep track of what users do after they see or click on a Facebook advertisement. This enables us to monitor the effectiveness of Facebook ads for purposes of statistics and market research. Data collected in this way is anonymous to us, which means we cannot see the personal data of individual users. However, this data is saved and processed by Facebook. Facebook can connect this data with your Facebook account and use it for its own advertising purposes, in accordance with Facebook’s Data Policy which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/. You can allow Facebook and its partners to place ads on and outside of Facebook. A cookie can also be saved on your device for these purposes. 

Please click here if you would like to withdraw your consent https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=ads#_=_

 

Social Media

The MNN website, and various services that integrate with MNN services, including interactions, postings, and program content, may include social media features, like a Facebook button for allowing users to like videos. These features may collect information about your IP address and which page you’re visiting on our site, and they may set a cookie to make sure the feature functions properly. Social media features and widgets are either hosted by a third party or hosted directly on our site. We also maintain presences on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Any information, communications, or materials you submit to us via a social media platform is done at your own risk without any expectation of privacy. We cannot control the actions of other users of these platforms or the actions of the platforms themselves. Your interactions with those features and platforms are governed by the privacy policies of the companies that provide them.

 

Facility usage, class enrollment, and channel air time

Our facilities and classes are open to all unless otherwise noted. Users may submit programming regardless of their residency but are required to provide contact information for our records and to ensure that we can communicate important information, including programming and scheduling updates.

We regularly request information and proof of residency, and may do so at various points during the year to maintain updated records and usage statistics.

General Media Recording Release

By entering a class, event or program of MNN, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with MNN and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news, and advertising.

By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video, or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media.

You understand that all photography, filming, and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.

Public Information

MNN is required by law to maintain a record of the use of public access channels. Records include the names and addresses of all persons using or requesting time on the channels.

Users submitting programs to air on MNN have the option of supplying public facing information about their shows for promotional purposes, including a website, social media profiles, an email address and/or a phone number. This information may be made available on MNN’s website and other digital profiles and may be supplied to individuals who inquire about a program, pending the producer’s approval.

Links

MNN often provides links to other sites on our website. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.

Surveys & Contests

From time to time our site requests information via surveys or contests. Participation in these surveys or contests is completely voluntary and you may choose whether or not to participate and therefore disclose this information. Information requested may include contact information (such as name and shipping address), and demographic information (such as zip code, age level). Contact information will be used to notify the winners and award prizes. Survey information will be used for purposes of monitoring or improving the use and satisfaction of our organization.

Disclosure of Data

MNN will only disclose your personal data or the contents of your private communications if required to do so by law, or as otherwise stated in this privacy policy, or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

  1. conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on MNN;  
  2. protect and defend the rights or property of MNN and others, including among other things to enforce our policies;
  3. act under exigent circumstances to protect the personal safety of its members or the public;
  4. to correct technical problems and malfunctions in how we provide our service to you and to technically process your information;
  5. to take precautions against liability;
  6. to respond to claims that information you have submitted to MNN has violated the rights or interests of a third party; or
  7. as permitted by law or to provide information to law enforcement agencies.

We Operate in the United States of America

Our servers and offices are located in the United States, so your information may be transferred to, stored, or processed in the United States. By using the MNN website, you understand and consent to the collection, storage, processing, and transfer of your information to our facilities in the United States and those third parties with whom we share it as described in this policy.

Code of Conduct and Community Standards

MNN’s Code of Conduct

MNN staff is responsible for the safe and proper utilization of the facilities and equipment. All visitors to MNN facilities are required to check in with a photo ID and are expected to be at our facilities for the purposes of using MNN’s facilities, checking out equipment, or attending an MNN class, studio shoot or event. All facility users and guests use MNN and services at your own risk. MNN is a media production facility and all users are expected to use caution. As such, directions and instructions from staff are to be followed at all times by all MNN facility users and guests. Failure to take direction from MNN staff or to check in when arriving may result in immediate expulsion and/or future restriction of access to any MNN facilities or services.

We ask that all MNN community members refrain from the following behavior while at our facilities:

  • Smoking.
  • Entering the facilities without a shirt or shoes.
  • Video, photo or audio recording of any employee, user or guest without their informed consent; any unauthorized video or audio recordings.
  • Bringing pets or other nonservice animals to the facility.
  • Bringing persons under the age of 18 years to the facility, unless supervised.
  • Possessing food or beverages in any restricted areas.
  • Loitering.
  • Making false or misleading statements on MNN documents or to MNN staff.
  • Possessing, using, or dispensing any illegal substance.
  • Unauthorized possession, consumption, or dispensing of alcohol.
  • Possession of any weapon, explosive, or other dangerous material.
  • Conduct, intentional or unintentional, that could or does result in physical injury to others and/or destruction of property.
  • Theft or attempted theft of personal belonging, supplies or equipment.
  • Entering or attempting to enter locked offices, areas, or records, and/or unauthorized use of any office, computers, or other equipment.
  • Physical violence, or the threat of physical violence.
  • Rude, discourteous or raucous behavior such as screaming or cursing that is directed at MNN community or staff members.
  • Activities or conduct which disrupt the activities or operations of MNN or the ability of others to conduct business.
  • Derogatory language about an individual or group, whether MNN community or staff members (as determined by MNN’s sole discretion).
  • Harassment, including sexual harassment, of any employee, user or guest.
  • Nudity (as determined by MNN’s sole discretion).
  • Activities that may result in unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
  • Personal attacks on community members, MNN staff members and/or MNN guests.
  • Any other inappropriate behavior as determined by MNN at its sole discretion.

MNN’s Community Standards

In recognition that much of MNN’s content is dispersed through digital platforms, including but not limited to such applications as YouTube, www.mnn.org, Vimeo, Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites, MNN’s Community Standards serve as a guideline for appropriate digital interactions.

We welcome discussion and interaction on our digital platforms and our Community Standards exist to ensure that the interaction remains respectful towards all MNN staff, producer, and community members. We ask all who want to join a discussion on an MNN digital platform to keep the following in mind:

  • We welcome discussion but personal attacks on producers, MNN staff, or community members will not be accepted and will be removed.
  • We will not tolerate racism, sexism, homophobia, or other hate speech as well as interactions that can be interpreted as such.
  • We will remove any content that in MNN’s sole determination may violate MNN policies or put MNN in legal jeopardy.
  • We do not sanction content that is commercially driven or that promotes products.

MNN’s digital community will thrive if everyone makes a commitment to be mindful of the content they contribute to it and the words they use to agree or disagree with other community members.

 

Disciplinary Action and Appeals at MNN

Failure to comply with MNN’s policies included in this document and on any MNN agreements may result in disciplinary action up to the suspension or withdrawal of all MNN services.

Individuals who wish to appeal disciplinary decisions resulting from violations of MNN’s policies may submit an appeal to the Director of the MNN facility where the issue arose within 30 days of the decision. For cases involving MNN’s West 38th St. facility, appeals should be directed in writing to the Managing Director of Access Services. For cases involving MNN El Barrio Firehouse, appeals should be directed in writing to the Director of the MNN El Barrio Firehouse. The relevant director will seek to respond to the appeal within 45 days. Any restrictions will remain in effect pending the outcome of an appeal. An individual who wishes to appeal the decision of a director may write to the Chief Executive Officer within 30 days of the director's decision. The CEO will aim to respond within 45 days. The CEO's decision is final.

Trademark Disclaimer

All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.

Notice of Copyright Infringement - Our policy is to comply with all intellectual property laws and to act expeditiously upon receiving any notice of claimed infringement.  If you believe that your work has been reproduced on this website in a manner that constitutes copyright infringement, please provide a notice of copyright infringement containing all of the following information:

  1. A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner for the purposes of the complaint.

  2. Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed.

  3. Identification of the material on our website that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject of infringing activity.

  4. The address, telephone number or e-mail address of the complaining party.

  5. A statement that the complaining party has a good-faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent or the law.

  6. A statement, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notice of copyright infringement is accurate, and that the complaining party is authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the right that is allegedly infringed.

Please direct all inquiries and notices to info@mnn.org with the subject of “copyright infringement inquiry” or “copyright infringement notice”.

This Week on MNN

September 12, 2024

This Week on MNN we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month

This Week on MNN

September 5, 2024

This Week on MNN we commemorate the anniversary of September 11