Briefly, there are many legal issues to consider when producing programming for a government channel -- and they vary by state and by local government. International issues also vary from national issues.
For all of these areas, you must know the "ins and outs" of talent releases, material releases, music rights agreements, contracts for freelance producers and with other agencies. Be extremely cognizant of copyrights and other rights, then protect yourself and the channel with the appropriate and required documentation.
Although copyrighted to protect this guide from publication by other parties, feel free to edit and use information in this guide with authorizing authorities and staff associated with the startup and operation of your government access channel.