FAQs
Cable access is far from common knowledge so you likely have a question or two. Please select a question from below and hopefully we have an answer for you.
- Who Are You?
- Who Runs the Show?
- Where does the funding come from?
- Who has access to your channels?
- What are you channels?
- Why are there more productions here than other cities?
- Can I get broadcasting experience here?
- How do I submit my own production?
Who are you?
Hastings Cable Access Corporation is a non-profit organization which operates separately from the city of Hastings and the cable provider which is currently Comcast. We are responsible for operating three local access channels in Hastings.
Who runs the show?
Like all non-profit organizations, we have a Board of Directors in place. This eight member volunteer board meets on a monthly basis with the station’s Executive Director to discuss HCTV’s operation.
Where does the funding come from?
Our funding is channeled through the city but not a dime comes from city taxes. We receive a small percentage of the cable provider’s total billing for the area as well as the small local programming fee charged to each subscriber. Since the city permits the cable provider to operate in Hastings, those funds are channeled through the city to us.
Who has access to your channels?
Cable subscribers who live within Hastings’ city limits and within Prescott’s city limits have access. Those with a dish service do not receive our channels. For more information on acquiring cable service, contact Comcast at 651 / 222-3333 or visit their website.
What are your channels?
CH 14 = Public Access This is our bread and butter. Our popular weekly newscast, many programs/interviews of local interest, and in-depth coverage of Hastings’ sports and events are all seen here. Those who submit their own productions can expect to see their work showcased here too.
CH 15 = Education Access If it’s ISD 200 you want, on 15 you will get. Many school related events including concerts, graduations, and Raider games with play-by-play can be found here. It is also the spot for classic replays of popular programs. Look a little further and you’ll find the monthly school board meetings here as well.
CH 16 = Government Access Take a front seat for Hastings City Council, Planning Commission, Dakota County Board, and Red Rock Corridor Meetings right here. All play daily on this channel loaded with local government.
Why do you have more productions than most other cable access stations I’ve seen in other cities?
One possible reason is that the cable access station is overseen by the city rather than a cable access board. In that situation, the funding from the cable provider may go towards city needs rather than cable access needs. Another possible reason is the deal the city made with the cable provider in the beginning. The percentage of total billing and the local programming fee is usually negotiated between the two parties when making a contract agreement. Some cities such as Hastings fared better than others. You can thank our city’s staff and council for that.
Can I get broadcasting experience through HCTV?
We have a big YES to that. Please Contact Us and let's see if we can work something out.
I have produced something and would like to air it on HCTV. How do I go about doing that?
Give us a call or come in to the studio. You just need proof that you’re a Hastings resident and you must sign a release basically saying that it’s clean and does not contain any advertisements. There is no minimum age requirement to submit a program but a parent or guardian will also need to sign the release for those under 18 years of age. Once those are complete, we will happily play your production for all of Hastings to see.