Every television channel has a specific "look." Networks that have established a look and "brand-name" identity: CNN, C-SPAN, Nickelodeon, ESPN and QVC. Just as each of these channels has a unique image, a government access channel should have a unique image. Several elements go into creating a "look." The following questions will help establish the look for the new government channel.
How will the channel fill in the breaks between programs?
Some government access channels use the electronic bulletin board as filler. Others have sophisticated playback systems that air dated promos and public service announcements between shows. Each method used creates a different look for the channel.
Will the channel have a corner logo?
A corner logo identifies the channel during programming. This requires a logo generator program -- or some creativity. In Santa Monica, California a manually operated playback system was the only equipment provided by the cable operator. To create the look of a more technically advanced channel, all programs were prepped with promos, channel identification and public service announcements at the beginning and end of each show. A corner logo was keyed onto the copy so it looked like there was a corner logo generator. The staff decided that putting up the logo for ten seconds every three minutes was adequate. The corner logo had the name of the channel, but not the channel number. It was thought that the channel number was obvious to the viewer, and the channel was trying to build name recognition. In addition, using a generator or manual system, you can even edit in "coming up next" promos to create a custom look.