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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUntitled Central St. Croix Valley Joint Cable Communications Commission Operating & Capital Expenditure Budget Fiscal Year 2009 (February 1, 2009 —January 31, 2010) Revenue Franchise Fees 245,000 PEG Fees 115,500 Interest Earnings 2,000 Expense Reimbursements 1,000 2008 Lower Valley Funding 16,800 Total Revenue $ 380,300 Expenses Salary (includes employer's FICA & PERA) Admin. Secretary (30 hr. week) 36,200 Professional Services Legal Fees 3,500 Accounting 800 Other Expenses Office Supplies 1,000 Telephone 1,250 Postage 250 Maintenance/Repairs 200 Conf/Mtgs/Dues 1,000 Print/Publish 75 Insurance/Bond 4,200 Medical Insurance 7,200 Dental Insurance 600 Office Rent 19,175 Gas & Electric 2,300 Security System Monitoring 150 Photocopier Expenses 350 Access Center Support 296,920 (PEG Fees 115,500; Franchise Fees 149,720; Interest Earnings 900; Lower Valley Funds 16,800; Tape Dub Reimbursements 14,000) Cable Commission FY 2009 Budget— Page 2 Miscellaneous Expenses 2,000 Telephone System Maintenance 150 Valley Ridge Mall Christmas Event 200 Capital Expenses Office Furniture/Equipment 200 Reserve Funds Accounts Audit Fund 1,200 Legal Contingency -0- Leasehold/Facility/Relocation -0- HVAC Maintenance/Repair -0- Security Fund -0- Commission Contingency Fund 1,380 Total Expenses $ 380,300 Salary figure includes a 3% cost of living increase as of February 1st, 2009 and a step increase as of August 1st, 2009. Valley Access Channels Operating & Capital Expenditure Budget Fiscal Year 2009 (February 1, 2009 —January 31, 2010) Revenue Commission Subsidies: PEG Fees 115,500.00 Franchise Fees 149,720.00 Interest Earnings 900.00 2007 Lower Valley Funds 16,800.00 Tape Dub Reimbursements 14,000.00 296,920.00 834 School Dist. Reimbursement 3,500.00 Miscellaneous Reimbursements 100.00 Total Revenue $300,520.00 Expenses *Salaries (includes employer's FICA & PERA where applicable) Access Manager—40 hours 57,100 Lead Facilities Coordinator—40 hours 46,150 Facilities Coordinator—40 hours 41,100 Facilities Coordinator—40 hours 39,260 Access Associate— up to 40 hrs/month 8,470 Access Associate— up to 20 hrs/month 4,000 Freelance/Temp Employees 12,000 Total Salary Expense $208,080 Professional Services Accounting 800 Other Expenses Office Supplies 1,200 Media Supplies* 500 Telephone 1,250 Rent & CAM 38,345 Gas & Electric 4,500 Insurance/Bond 3,800 Medical Insurance 22,320 Dental Insurance 2,100 Postage/Mtg/Conf/Dues 1,200 Maintenance/Repairs 5,000 Mileage—58.5c/mile 900 Valley Access Channels — FY 2009 Budget— Page 2 Publicity 1,500 Grants — 10 @$300 3,000 Misc/Facility/Office Furniture 5,000 Telephone System Maintenance 375 Security Monitoring 300 Copy Machine Expense 350 Total Expenses $300,520.00 Salary figures are budgeted for a 3% COLA increase as of February 1, 2009 and a step increase as of August 1, 2009. A 3% COLA increase was also budgeted for the 2 part time positions. Our newest facilities coordinator is budgeted to receive 'A of his step increase on February 1st and the other % on August 1st in order to get him a raise prior to being here for 2-1/2 years and also to get him on the same schedule for step increases as the other employees working 30+ hours per week. The Media Fund is funded almost entirely from tape dub reimbursements. a !)1; FE13 — 9 sio ! JAN 14 2000 ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY CABLE COMMUNICATION COMMISSION JOINT AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT It is agreed between the parties to this agreement that it be amended as follows: 1. That Article VI, Section 2 entitled Alternate Representative be hereby restated to hereafter read as follows: SECTION 2 Alternate Representative. Each regular member municipality shall appoint a person who lives or works within that municipality. Alternate representatives shall be considered as primary representatives in the event that a primary representative is unable to attend a meeting as defined in Article VIII." In all other ways, the joint and cooperative agreement shall remain in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned municipality has caused this Agreement to be signed its behalf this day of ,2000. CITY OF STILLWATER yor Attest: Morli eldon, City Clerk CITY • OAK PARK EIG David Schaaf, .yor Attest: ----, L \r\i\v — City Clerk CITY OF BAYPORT /// / // _,/ Allen Schultz, Mayor el Attest: _..4 ■# Ale 'en, eth . Hartun. appr Cit, A. inistrator isi•on. a , .,. . , _ . , . ... . . ..,, ,t L.:, , ,_- c es - •, ' , =.' - :::._.1.,-',:,.,,,,,,,,- -- ' :' , , urc . . so . , , , . . , . ..,,,,, :•.,. .:,,,,...,, , ,. t 5. .., ..,.: ,, . ....,. , .,. . .. ..... . , . . ..,„. ... , .... ..9 .. , , ., . .., , . . _, , . . . _ , . , ,,,,„ ,i-- 1 'gill . ,. „ . , ,, ,.. ... , . .,.... , . . „_ , . .. ., ... : . ,,... '.2 f k a. Central St. Cr t Joint e :1.:7;;.:m T Cy � Comm, . coo► b s r + rs 1 ub rs., : . x Y 1 survey l ' ' y t � �.r IPresent+e to: Ms. Cathy Cinnamon Central St. Croix Joint Cabl t Communications s Commission , v•Nolan a One: Frequencies I Ana r � 1 D ion Resources, Ltd. January, 199 i" ,. 't.,:t, , . ,i,,,,,,,, ..,' ' ., „.':..;'-;-::--.:',-',..'-:-. a '� t I I I I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I ICentral Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission Study I Methodology: • Survey of 400 randomly selected subscribers of King Videocable. • Average interview time of twenty-one minutes for subscribers. • Telephone interviews completed between September 18 and 26, 1997. i • Results projectable to the universe of cable television subscribers within± 5.0 percent in 95 out of 100 cases. ISubscriber Demographics: I Household characteristics: • Twenty-two percent of the households contained senior citizens. • Forty-seven percent contained adults between the ages of 45 and 64 years old. I • Sixty-three percent contained adults between the ages of 18 and 44 years old. , • Twenty-three percent reported children between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. • Twenty-four percent indicated children under the age of 12 years old. The median adult age of subscribers was found to be 46.8 years old. • Twenty percent posted ages less than 35 years old. • Twenty-one percent posted ages over 64 years old. IEighty-nine percent owned their present residences. Women were two percent higher in the sample than men. IForty percent reported working in Stillwater, Bayport, or Oak Park Heights. • Twenty-seven percent worked in Stillwater. 1 • • Seven percent worked in Bayport. Six percent held jobs in Oak Park Heights. I City representation in the sample: • Seventy-one percent resided in the City of Stillwater. • Twelve percent lived in the City of Bayport. 1 I I 1 Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission 1997 Residential Study • Eighteen percent lived in Oak Parks Heights. : Perspectives on the Cable Company: P P Y IEighty percent rated their cable television service as"excellent"or"good." • Twenty percent were more critical. IThe Cable Company was rated very strongly on five service areas: • Eighty-eight percent rated billing as"excellent"or"good." • Eighty-seven percent similarly evaluated picture and sound quality. • Eighty-seven percent felt positive about installation of service. • Eighty-two percent rated the number of channels available as"excellent"or"good." I • Eighty-one percent were positive about customer service. Moderate strong ratings were granted on three dimensions: • Seventy-five percent rated program choices as"excellent" or"good." • Sixty-seven percent similarly rated the restoring of service after an outage. • Sixty-four percent rated service repairs positively. IOnly one dimension was weak: • Forty-two percent graded rates as"excellent" or"good,"while fifty-one percent saw it as I "only fair" or"poor." • Lower ratings were based upon the high cost of service for seemingly slow service and Ilittle choice. Fifty-five percent rated their cable television service charges in comparison with other services as I "very high" or"somewhat high." • Forty percent saw it as"average." • Only two percent felt the charges were"somewhat low." IFifty percent had visited the King Videocable Office. • Sixteen percent use the office on a regular basis for dropping off or exchanging I • equipment and making payments. Sixty-four percent thought it was "very important"or"somewhat important"to have the local cable office. IEighty-nine percent have experienced technical problems or outages"not too often"or"not at all often." I • Eleven percent thought it occurred"very often"or"often." IPage 2 I I ICentral Saint Croix Valle y Cable Commission . 1997 Residential Study 1 I Local Programming: IViewership of public access channels varied markedly. • Sixty percent had watched Channel 10 Public Access during the past six months. • Fifty-six percent had tuned in on Channel 12 Government Access. • Forty-one percent had viewed Channel 3, Education Access. • Fourteen percent had viewed Channel 22 Senior/Religious Access. IFifty-eight percent were at least"somewhat interested"in local community news programs. • Thirty-five percent reported occasionally watching this type of programming. 1 Forty-seven percent were either"very interested" or somewhat interested" in city festivals and celebrations. • Thirty-two percent watched this type of programming"frequently" or"occasionally." 1 I Thirty-six percent were at least"somewhat interested"in programs produced by local residents. II • Twenty-four percent had at least"occasionally"watched this type of programming. Thirty-two percent were either"very interested"or"somewhat interested"in local talent Iprograms. • Twenty percent had watched this type of show either"frequently" or"occasionally." IForty-four percent expressed interest in talk shows involving the community. • Thirty-two percent had watched this type of show periodically. ISixty-six percent were at least somewhat interested"in community information. p ty • Fifty-two percent had watched community information productions at least I "occasionally." Forty-three percent were either"very interested"or"somewhat interested" in programs about I local business. • Twenty-six percent watched either"frequently"or"occasionally." Sixty-five percent were at least"somewhat interested"in telecasts of City Council Meetings. • Fifty-five percent watched these telecasts either"frequently"or"occasionally." I Forty-nine percent expressed interest in School Board Meeting telecasts. • Thirty-six percent watched cablecasts at least"occasionally." 1 Page 3 I I Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission 1997 Residential Study Forty-six percent were either"very interested" or"somewhat interested"in telecasts of County Board Meetings. • Thirty-three percent watched County Board Meeting telecasts periodically. Forty-six percent were at least"somewhat interested" in telecasts of candidates' forums at election time. • Thirty-two percent reported watching candidates' forums at least"occasionally." Forty-one percent expressed interest in Truth-in Taxation Hearing cablecasts. • Fourteen percent reported watching Hearings either"frequently"or"occasionally." Thirty-one percent were at least"somewhat interested"in telecasts of elementary school events. • Twenty-one percent reported watching these cablecasts periodically. Thirty-two percent were either"very interested"or"somewhat interested"in cablecasts of secondary school events. • Twenty-five percent watched cablecasts at least"occasionally." Thirty-five percent expressed interest in school orchestra, band, or choir production telecasts. • Twenty-five percent watched musical cablecasts either"frequently"or"occasionally." Forty-five percent were at least"somewhat interested" in high school athletic event telecasts. • Sports events were watched at least"occasionally"by thirty-six percent. Thirty-eight percent were either"very interested" or"somewhat interested" in instructional program telecasts. • Twenty-three percent watched instructional program telecasts either"frequently"or "occasionally." Twenty-three percent expressed interest in church service cablecasts. • Twenty-two percent watch services either"frequently"or"occasionally." Twenty-one percent were "very interested"or"somewhat interested" in church event telecasts. • Eighteen percent watched church event telecasts at least"occasionally." Twelve percent were at least"somewhat interested" in senior citizen programming. • Nine percent watched senior citizen programs periodically. Seventy percent were"very interested" or"somewhat interested" in watching informational or education programming about their city and its activities. Page 4 f I Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission 1997 Residential Study 1 • Thirty percent were"uninterested." I Sixty-nine percent regarded local programming as"very important"or"somewhat important." • Thirty percent rated its importance lower. Community Access Facility: tJ' ty ISixty-four percent reported awareness of the community access facility and the services offered there. • IOnly seven percent indicated household members who had been involved in public access training classes or public access program productions. I • Forty-eight percent rated the quality of the public access facility as"excellent"or"good," while twenty-seven percent were more critical. • Fifty-nine percent rated the quality of equipment for public access positively, while I • fourteen percent rated it negatively. Thirty-eight percent rated the quality of training classes as"excellent"or"good,"while thirteen percent felt it was"only fair"or"poor." • Fifty-nine percent rated the helpfulness of staff at the public access facility positively, while ten percent rated it lower. 1 Forty percent favored the Cable Commission operating the Community Access Facility. • Seventeen percent opposed the switch in control. • Forty-three percent were unsure. I Technology Audit: I Fifty-three percent have a personal computer at home. • Sixty-five percent utilized it for internet access. • Sixty-four percent used their computer for access to other on-line services, such as e-mail. • Forty-eight percent employed it as a link to other computers with their modem. • Fifty-two percent used the computer for business purposes. • Seventy-four percent utilized it for educational applications. I Forty-eight percent reported access to a computer at their workplace. • Forty-nine percent used that computer for internet access. • Sixty-two percent utilized it for access to other on-line services. I • Eighty-one percent used the computer for internal operations. I Page S I 1 ICentral Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission 1997 Residential Study • Fifty-four percent employed it for connections with other locations around the state, nation, or world. II • Twelve percent employed the computer for videoconferencing. Interest in subscribing to a number of advanced cable services showed a wide degree of variation: • Thirty percent were interested in Internet access,particularly for use at home. • Eighteen percent were interested in data transmission, both at home and at work. • Twenty-two percent would subscribe to computer to computer networking,both at home 1 and at work. • Fourteen percent would use video conferencing services, both at home and at work. • Twenty-six percent were interested in repeats on programs on demand service, especially for use at home. • Thirty-two percent reported interest in movies on demand,particularly for use at home. I • Twenty-three percent were interested in interactive video games,particularly for use at home. • Twenty-two percent would subscribe to local telephone service,both at home and at I work. I I I I 1 I I IPage 6 I I I Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission 1 1111 1997 Residential Study I Subscriber Conclusions: 1. King Videocable was generally well-regarded as a service provide. On most quali WI ty service dimensions, it exceeded Metropolitan Area norms. I 2. Char g es were viewed as being somewhat high,and thi s feeling exceed the general suburban evaluations of current rate structures. 3. Channel 10 Public Access and Channel 12 Government Access posted solid viewership levels. 4. Several types of programming evidenced a large gaps between potential audience and 1 actual audience: "Truth-in-Taxation Hearings,""local community news programs,"and "programs about local businesses." 5. Current public access training facilities and classes were rated below the Metropolitan Area suburban norm. I 6. A majority of residents have a personal computer at home, and forty-eight percent have access to one at their place of work. Internet access, e-mail, and educational application were major home uses. Similarly, internal operations, e-mail, and connections with other Icomputers were major workplace uses. 7. The highest levels of interest in new advanced cable services surrounded"movies on Idemand,""internet access,"and"repeats on programs on demand." 1 I I I IPage 7 2 '11 1 1 1 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY II Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission Study 1 Methodology: I • Survey of 250 randomly selected subscribers of King Videocable. • Average interview time of seven minutes for non-subscribers. • Telephone interviews completed between September 18 and 26, 1997. • Results projectable to the universe of cable television subscribers within± 6.3 percent in 1 95 out of 100 cases. INon-Subscriber Demographics: Seven percent owned a satellite dish. INinety-four percent reported the availability of cable service in their neighborhood • Thirty percent of those in uncablized neighborhoods expressed interest in subscribing. IForty-four percent had subscribed to the local cable television system in the past. Thirty-nine percent stopped because of"cost." ITwenty-eight percent"did not watch enough television." Eleven percent pointed to "poor selection." Eight percent"moved." Six percent had"problems with the Cable Company." Six percent"purchased a satellite dish." I "Lower cost"might induce thirty-four percent to re-subscribe. Fifty-six percent had not subscribed to the local cable television system in the past. I "Lack of interest" was reported by forty-six percent. "Cost" was cited by twenty-one percent. Thirteen percent felt they "would watch too much." I "Lack of time"was key for ten percent. Four percent"did not want their children to watch." I Page 8 I 1 Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission 1997 Residential Study ITen percent were currently considering subscribing or re-subscribing to cable television. IHousehold characteristics: • Twenty-three percent of the households contained senior citizens. • Thirty-seven percent contained adults between the ages of 45 and 64 years old. I • Sixty-one percent contained adults between the ages of 18 and 44 years old. • Fifteen percent reported children between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. • Twenty-eight percent indicated children under the age of 12 years old. The median adult age of subscribers was found to be 43.0 years old. • Twenty-eight percent posted ages less than 35 years old. • Twenty-five percent posted ages over 64 years old. 1 Seventy-four percent owned their present residences. Women were fourteen percent higher in the sample than men. IThirty-six percent reported working in Stillwater, Bayport, or Oak Park Heights. • Twenty-eight percent worked in Stillwater. I • Four percent worked in Bayport. • Four percent held jobs in Oak Park Heights. 1 City representation in the sample: • Sixty-eight percent resided in the City of Stillwater. • Fourteen percent lived in the City of Bayport. I • Seventeen percent lived in Oak Parks Heights. ICommunity Access Facility and Local Programming: I Fifty-four percent reported awareness of the community access facility and the services offered there. I Forty-four percent were either"very interested" or"somewhat interested"in viewing local programming, such as City Council Meetings and local programming. • Fifty-six percent registered lower interest levels. I I IPage 9 I 1 Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission 1997 Residential Study Technology Interests: Interest in subscribing to a number of advanced cable services showed a wide degree of variation: • Thirty-two percent were interested in intemet access,particularly for use at home. • Twelve percent were interested in data transmission,both at home and at work. • Twenty-four percent would subscribe to computer to computer networking, both at home and at work. • Eleven percent would use video conferencing services, both at home and at work. • Thirty-six percent were interested in repeats on programs on demand service,especially for use at home. • Forty-seven percent reported interest in movies on demand,particularly for use at home. • Eighteen percent were interested in interactive video games,particularly for use at home. • Nineteen percent would subscribe to local telephone service, especially for use at home. 1 Non-Subscriber Conclusions: 8. Lack of interest and service costs were the two major reasons for not subscribing to King Videocable. Cost and lack of use were the two key reasons for previous subscribers to terminate their cable television service. 9. A lower cost structure could attract back about one-third of the former subscribers. 10. The highest levels of interest in new advanced cable services surrounded "movies on demand," "repeats on programs on demand,"and"internet access." 1 1 1 1 1 1 Page 10 s a can t .� a d ..x i y�Ai j d .T*Y Y t �� s$ z � ,. Z st h A '-'",'''',.1'''-''''''''''''R� 6, iJ - .r y ss <'x -', i � �� s, .y � � �s14�' > � 7 �„, Eby. � } -,./.. • e is - , ,,, ,0.' - . ,., Resources .,Ltd.- - ''' , „,„ 8. .. . , ,, , ,...,,- , , ,,,:, :,,,,',f,,,,,, - ... , ,..„ , -„, ,,,,,„; � F y y d A � eft f 4� x H F , r'" � _ x n x a S � d � G St' 4 YY'. b$ T ' REPORT OF FINDINGS Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Commission Study I Methodology: This study contains the results of two telephone surveys. The first study interviewed 400 randomly selected subscribers of King Videocable in the Central Saint Croix Valley. Survey 1 responses were gathered by professional interviewers across the region between September 18 and 26, 1997. The average interview took twenty-one minutes. In general, random samples such as this yield results projectable to the entire universe of cable television subscribers within± 5.0 percentage points in 95 out of 100 cases. The second study interviewed 250 randomly selected non-subscribers of King Videocable in the Central Saint Croix Valley. Survey responses were ' gathered simultaneously with the first study. The average interview took seven minutes. In general,random samples such as this yield results projectable to the entire universe of cable television subscribers within±6.3 percentage points in 95 out of 100 cases. Comparative Demographics: ' The table below illustrates differences in the demographic backgrounds between subscribers and non-subscribers: Demographic Characteristic Videocable Subscribers Non-Videocable Subscribers Senior citizen households 22% 23% Adults 45-64 years old IA 37%37% ' Adults 18-44 years old 63% 61% Children 12-18 years old `�'� �' <{ ,,:.• ' 15% :'',•. :':F rr�h..'i:n:. F !}' i%.e''E•%,J s.^:;ti.=•r°,•, ' Children under 12 years old 24% 28% Median age of respondent 46.8 years old 43.0 years old 'chi •.;r��•r•,y,,,•' Home ownership AremiNWRI 74% •...�,•. r rs.1z. ».r•.;.r':'s.•�,•'�:�,•'•�t:��,fit; Women 51% • ��,..•, .�' City of Stillwater residents 71% 68% City of Bayport residents 12% 14% City of Oak Park Heights residents 18% 17% Several significant differences were detected between the groups. First, households containing 1 1 middle-aged adults and/or older children were more apt to be cable television subscribers. Similarly, renters and/or women were more likely to be non-subscribers. 1 Non-subscribers were asked several additional questions. Seven percent reported owning a satellite dish. Ninety-four percent stated cable service was available in their neighborhood, while Ionly four percent thought they did not have service available and two percent were simply unsure. IForty-four percent of the current non-subscribers had subscribed to the cable television system serving this area. Termination of the service was based upon"its cost,"mentioned by thirty-nine I percent,and lack of usage, stated by twenty-eight percent. Eleven percent cited a"poor selection,"while eight percent had moved. Six percent now had"a satellite dish,"instead, and six percent also reported"serious problems with the cable company." Over forty-five year olds Iwere particularly critical of the available selection, and members of households containing children were most apt to report past problems with the cable company. "Lower subscription costs"were the major incentive for re-subscribing,posted by thirty-four percent. Lower rates I would be the greatest incentive for members of households containing children,residents of Oak Park Heights, and under forty-five year olds. I Fifty-six percent of the current non-subscribers had never subscribed to the area's cable television service. "Lack of interest"was reported by forty-six percent, but especially members of households without personal computers and over forty-five year olds. "Cost"was an obstacle I for twenty-one percent. "Fear of watching too much"motivated thirteen percent, but especially members of households containing children,residents of Oak Park Heights, and under forty-five year olds. "Lack of time"was cited by ten percent,particularly,residents of Bayport. And,four 1 percent"did not want their children to watch." IIAmong all non-subscribers,ten percent reported they were considering subscribing or re- subscribing to cable television. In particular,members of households containing children and under 45 year olds were most apt to be thinking about a subscription. 1 Perspectives on the Cable Company: ISubscribers were asked a number of questions about the Cable Company and the services it provided. Eighty percent rated their cable television service as either"excellent" or"good;" 1 twenty percent, though, rated it lower as "only fair"or"poor." Moving into greater detail,the Cable Company was rated very strongly on five service areas. I Eighty-eight percent rated billing as "excellent"or"good,"while ten percent were more critical. Those who had not visited the King Videocable office tended to rate the company lower on this dimension. Eighty-seven percent similarly evaluated picture and sound quality,with only 1 thirteen percent expressing less satisfaction. Visitors of the King Videocable office and Stillwater residents tended to be more positive, while non-visitors of the office and men were more likely to be unfavorable. Eighty-seven percent felt positive about installation of service, 1 1 I Iwhile seven percent were more negative. Over 45 year olds posted higher ratings, while households containing children and 18-44 year olds posted somewhat lower evaluations. Eighty- !i , two percent rated the number of channels available as "excellent"or"good;"fifteen percent saw the selection as "only fair"or"poor." Households owning a personal computer were most apt to report dissatisfaction. Finally, eighty-one percent were positive about customer service, while Ieleven percent rated it lower. Again,households owning a personal computer were more likely to be unhappy. IModerately strong ratings were granted on three dimensions. Seventy-five percent rated program choices as"excellent"or"good,"while twenty-two percent rated this service aspect as "only fair"or"poor." Higher ratings were posted by households without personal computers, IStillwater residents, and women, while lower ratings were encountered among households owning personal computers and Bayport residents. Sixty-seven percent similarly rated the restoring of service after an outage, while eleven percent were more negative. Sixty-four percent I rated service repairs positively, and seven percent were more critical. Visitors of the Videocable office were most apt to rate service repairs highly. IOnly one dimension was weak. Forty-two percent graded rates as"excellent" or"good,"while fifty-one percent saw them as"only fair"or"poor." There were no statistically significant I variations among subgroups. Lower ratings were based upon the high cost of service for seemingly slow service and little choice. 1 On a related issue, fifty-five percent rated their cable television service charges in comparison with other services as"very high"or"somewhat high." Forty percent saw it as "average,"while only two percent felt the charges were "somewhat low." There were no statistically significant Isubgroup variations. Eighty-nine percent have experienced technical problems or outages"not too often"or"not at all Ioften." A very small eleven percent, in comparison with other Metropolitan Area cable television systems, thought it occurred"very often"or"often." Men were most apt to report I higher incidence rates,while households containing children and women posted much lower rates of interruptions. I Fifty percent had visited the King Videocable Office. Sixteen percent use the office on a regular basis for dropping off or exchanging equipment and making payments. Visitors were most often members of households owning personal computers and residents of the City of Oak Park I Heights. Even so, sixty-four percent thought it was "very important"or"somewhat important"to have the local cable office, while thirty-one percent disagreed with this assessment. Higher importance was ascribed by members of households owning personal computers; lower importance,by respondents from households without personal computers. ' Local or Community Channel Viewership: Viewership of public access channels varied markedly. Sixty percent had watched Channel 10 1 1 111 li I Public Access during the past six months. Fifty-six percent had tuned in on Channel 12 Government Access. Forty-one percent had viewed Channel 3, Education Access; this channel I had lower appeal for households owning personal computers. Fourteen percent had viewed Channel 22 Senior/Religious Access. Higher viewership levels were reported by City of Stillwater residents, while lower levels were posted by City of Bayport residents and men. 1 Public Access Programming: Cable television subscribers were asked about both their interest and current viewing of seven types of public access programming on Channel 10. Fifty-eight percent were at least"somewhat interested"in local community news programs, but only thirty-five percent reported at least "occasionally"watching this type of programming. Forty-seven percent were either"very interested"or"somewhat interested"in city festivals and celebrations, but only thirty-two percent I watched this type of programming"frequently" or"occasionally." Thirty-six percent were at least"somewhat interested"in programs produced by local residents, while only twenty-four I percent had at least"occasionally" watched this type of programming. Thirty-two percent were either"very interested" or"somewhat interested"in local talent programs, but only twenty percent had watched this type of show either"frequently"or"occasionally." Forty-four percent I expressed interest in talk shows involving the community, while thirty-two percent had actually watched this type of show periodically. Sixty-six percent were at least"somewhat interested"in community information, while fifty-two percent had watched community information I productions at least"occasionally." And, forty-three percent were either"very interested"or "somewhat interested"in programs about local business,but only twenty-six percent watched this type of program either"frequently"or"occasionally." IIn general,visitors of the King Videocable Office expressed lower levels of interest in each type of public access program across-the-board. This may reflect the fact that visitors tend to have Ipremium channels, multiple televisions, and take pay-per-view opportunities. Women were more interested in talk shows than men. Interestingly, there were no statistically significant departures from the overall norms by residents of any of the three cities. I On average, a gap of fifteen percent existed between those expressing interest in each type of I programming and those actually watching each type. One type of program, though, registered a gap of twenty-three percent: local community news programs. IGovernment Access Programming: 1 Subscribers were next asked about their interest and viewership of five types of government access programs. Sixty-five percent were at least"somewhat interested" in telecasts of City Council Meetings,while fifty-five percent watched these telecasts either"frequently" or I "occasionally." Forty-nine percent expressed interest in School Board Meeting telecasts, but thirty-six percent watched cablecasts at least"occasionally." Forty-six percent were either"very interested" or"somewhat interested" in telecasts of County Board Meetings, and thirty-three I 1 I Ipercent watched County Board Meeting telecasts periodically. Forty-six percent were at least "somewhat interested" in telecasts of candidates' forums at election time,while thirty-two I percent reported watching candidates' forums at least"occasionally." And, forty-one percent expressed interest in Truth-in-Taxation Hearing cablecasts, but fourteen percent reported watching Hearings either"frequently"or"occasionally." I Interest in City Council Meetings was highest among non-visitors of the cable office, City of Oak Park Heights residents, and over forty-five year olds. Interest was more limited among visitors of Ithe King Videocable Office and City of Stillwater residents. Interest in School Board Meetings was higher among non-visitors of the cable office and households containing children; it was I lowest among visitors of the King Videocable Office. The pattern referred to earlier also dominated these results: office visitors expressed lower levels of interest in each type of program than non-visitors. IViewership of City Council Meetings was highest among non-visitors of the King Videocable Office, City of Oak Park Heights residents, and over forty-five year olds; it was lowest among I office visitors and under forty-five year olds. County Board Meeting viewers were most often over forty-five year olds; they were least apt to be members of households containing children and under forty-five year olds. Candidate forums were watched most often by over forty-five I years olds and least often by under forty-five year olds. Truth-in-taxation cablecast viewers were most frequently office non-visitors and over forty-five year olds; they were least often visitors of the King Videocable Office. IThe average gap between interest and viewership was thirteen percent. There were no outstanding deviations from this norm. I Educational Access Programming: IFive types of educational access programming were tested for both interest and viewership. Thirty-one percent were at least"somewhat interested"in telecasts of elementary school events, Iwhile twenty-one percent reported periodically watching these cablecasts. Thirty-two percent were either"very interested"or"somewhat interested" in cablecasts of secondary school events, but twenty-five percent watched cablecasts at least"occasionally." Thirty-five percent expressed I interest in school orchestra, band, or choir production telecasts, while twenty-five percent watched musical cablecasts either"frequently"or"occasionally." Forty-five percent were at I least"somewhat interested"in high school athletic event telecasts,but sports events were watched at least"occasionally" by thirty-six percent. And,thirty-eight percent were either"very interested"or"somewhat interested"in instructional program telecasts,with twenty-three percent Iwatching instructional program telecasts either"frequently"or"occasionally." Interest in elementary school events was highest among non-visitors of the King Videocable I Office,members of households owning a personal computer,households containing children, and under forty-five year olds; it was lowest among members of households without personal computers and over forty-five year olds. Interest in secondary school events, school choral I 1 1 presentations, high school athletics, and instructional programs soared among non-visitors of the office and households containing children; interest in most of these program types was lowest I among visitors of the King Videocable Office. Similarly, viewership of each type of program was highest among non-visitors of the office and households containing children. 1 The mean gap between interest levels and viewership levels was ten percent. There was a slight positive deviation from this norm in the gap for instructional programs,at fifteen percent. 1 Programming on the Senior and Religious Channel: ISubscribers were asked about their interest in and viewership of three types of senior and religious channel programs. Twenty-three percent expressed interest in church service I cablecasts,while twenty-two percent watch services either"frequently"or"occasionally." Twenty-one percent were"very interested"or"somewhat interested"in church event telecasts, but eighteen percent watched church event telecasts at least"occasionally." Twelve percent were I at least"somewhat interested"in senior citizen programming, while nine percent watched senior citizen programs periodically. I Church service telecasts were of most interest to residents of the City of Stillwater, while it was lowest among residents of the City of Bayport. Interest in senior citizen programming was highest among members of households without personal computers and over forty-five year olds; I it was lowest among under forty-five year olds. Viewership of senior citizen programming followed the interest pattern. 1 The average gap between interest levels and viewership levels was only two percent. Little deviation from this norm was noted. 1 City Informational or Educational Programming:.In f 1 Among subscribers, a large seventy percent were"very interested"or"somewhat interested" in watching informational or educational programming about their city and its activities. Interest I levels were especially high among non-visitors of the King Videocable Office and members of households owning personal computers. Thirty percent were "uninterested,"particularly visitors of the cable office and members of households owning personal computers. Similarly, sixty-nine 1 percent regarded local programming as "very important"or"somewhat important,"while thirty percent rated its importance lower. There was no statistically significant deviation from this norm. IAmong non-subscribers,an impressive forty-four percent were"very interested" or"somewhat interested" in viewing local programs, such as City Council Meetings, while fifty-six percent I were "uninterested." Interest was lowest among members of households containing seniors and residents of the City of Bayport. The region as a whole,then,regarded local programming to be of some importance. I 1 I I Community Access Facility: ISixty-four percent of current cable television subscribers reported awareness of the community access facility and the services offered there; among non-subscribers, fifty-four percent reported Iawareness of the facility and services. Awareness was highest among subscribers who had not visited the King Videocable Office, as well as among non-subscribers who had taken cable television in the past. Only seven percent indicated household members who had been involved Iin public access training classes or public access program productions. Users were most often members of households owning personal computers and households containing children. i percPublic access service users were asked to evaluate it on four dimensions. Forty-eight ercent ent the quality of the public access facility as "excellent"or"good,"while twenty-seven I percent were more critical. Fifty-nine percent rated the quality of equipment for public access positively,while fourteen percent rated it negatively. Lower ratings were posted by City of Oak Park Heights residents. Thirty-eight percent rated the quality of training classes as "excellent"or I "good,"while thirteen percent felt it was"only fair"or"poor." Again, lower ratings were posted by City of Oak Park Heights residents. Finally, fifty-nine percent rated the helpfulness of staff at the public access facility positively, while ten percent rated it lower. Higher ratings were posted I by members of households without personal computers, while lower ratings were again posted by City of Oak Park Heights residents. The condition of the facility was the major reason for negative evaluations,cited most often by City of Stillwater residents. IOn a related issue, forty percent favored the Cable Commission operating the Community Access Facility. Seventeen percent opposed the switch in control, while forty-three percent were unsure. ISupport was highest among non-visitors of the King Videocable Office and under forty-five year olds. Uncertainty was concentrated among office visitors. I Technology Audit: IFifty-three percent of the cable television subscribers have a personal computer at home. Ownership was highest among households containing children, City of Stillwater residents, and I under forty-five year olds. It was lowest among over forty-five year olds. Sixty-five percent utilized it for Internet access,particularly City of Stillwater residents. Sixty-four percent used their computer for access to other on-line services such as e-mail. Forty-eight percent employed I it as a link to other computers with their modem. Fifty-two percent used the computer for business purposes, especially men. And, seventy-four percent utilized it for educational applications,particularly non-visitors of the King Videocable Office and households containing Ichildren. Forty-eight percent reported access to a computer at their workplace. Incidence was highest I among members of households owning personal computers,households containing children, and under forty-five year olds. It was lowest among members of households without personal computers. Forty-nine percent used that computer for Internet access, especially members of I I I households containing personal Sixty-two p r onal computers and residents of the City of Stillwater. Sixty two percent utilized it for access to other on-line services,particularly visitors of the King Videocable IOffice, members of households containing personal computers,residents of the City of Stillwater, and men. Eighty-one percent used the computer for internal operations,particularly men. Fifty-four percent employed it for connections with other locations around the state,nation, 1 or world,while twelve percent employed the computer for video conferencing. IInterest in New Advanced Cable Services: I Both subscribers and non-subscribers were asked about their interest in a number of advanced cable services at either home or at work. The chart below tabulates these results: ICable Service Subscribers Non-Subscribers At Home At Business At Home At Business IInternet Access Y,A,n.,*N.e.2, 10% 30% 12% Data Transmission 16% 9% 10% 6% IComputer-to-Computer Network 19% 13% 21% 14% Video Conferencing 10% 9% 8% 7% I Repeats of Programs on Demand 25% 7% -`< 3% >. Movies on Demand ,k ,: 4% , 2% IInteractive Video Games 22% 4% 18% 0% Local Telephone Service 21% 9% 19% 5% Among subscribers, interest in a number of advanced cable services was clearly established. g � Y I Thirty percent were interested in Internet access,particularly for use at home. Eighteen percent expressed some curiosity in data transmission, both at home and at work. Twenty-two percent would subscribe to computer to computer networking, both at home and at work. Fourteen I percent would use video conferencing services, both at home and at work. Twenty-six percent were interested in repeats on programs on demand service, especially for use at home. Thirty- two percent were keen about movies on demand,particularly for use at home. Twenty-three I percent were intrigued by interactive video games,particularly for use at home, while twenty-two percent would subscribe to local telephone service, both at home and at work. In almost every instance, members of households owning personal computers,under 45 year olds, and I households containing children were especially impacted by the technology's potential use at home. 1 A similar interest pattern was noted among non-subscribers. Thirty-two percent were interested in Internet access, particularly for use at home. Twelve percent expressed interest in data transmission,both at home and at work. Twenty-four percent would subscribe to computer to I III Icomputer networking, both at home and at work. Eleven percent would use video conferencing services, both at home and at work. Thirty-six percent were keen about repeats of programs on 1 demand service,especially for use at home. Forty-seven percent reported interest in movies on demand, particularly for use at home. Eighteen percent expressed interest in interactive video games, particularly for use at home, while nineteen percent would subscribe to local telephone Iservice, especially for use at home. Members of households containing children and under 45 year olds tended to express the highest levels of interest in each offering. Community Differences: IThe responses of residences in the three communities were separated and tallied. Although there was a tendency toward uniformity—which is not surprising in a compact geographical area— there were several statistically significant differences. The table below summarizes those variations: Topic Stillwater Bayport To P YP ort Oak Park Heights ISatisfaction with program choices on cable television 78% of>`z_z 72% Satisfaction with picture and sound quality 89% 80% 82% IVisitors of King Videocable Office 47% 58% 58% Viewership of Senior/Religion Ch annel 22 17% '} 13% _ IInterest in City Council Meeting telecasts 62% 65% 76% Viewership of City Council Meeting telecasts 52% 50% 68% IIInterest in school choral presentation telecasts 37% ,,,,. .,,-.,::..k..t f.. 33% Interest in church service telecasts 25% €< $ 21% IHousehold contains personal computer 56% 41% 46% 0 26%Interest in Internet access provided by cable company 33% 26/0 19% I Interest in computer-to-computer networking provided by 25% 16% 14% cable company I Interest in movies-on-demand provided by cable company y 36% 17% 26% Interest in local telephone services provided by cable 25% 11% 15% company Interest in repeats-on-demand provided by cable company I 31% I 13% 14% I Stillwater residents were more satisfied with current program choices and with picture and sound quality. They were least apt to visit the King Videocable Office. They expressed the greatest interest in church service telecasts. Residents of Stillwater were most apt to own a personal I I S computer and they expressed the highest levels of interest in new advanced cable services. Bayport residents were least satisfied with current program choices. On several local and community programming issues, Bayport residents evidenced the lowest viewership of Channel 22, the lowest interest in church service telecasts,the lowest interest in school choral presentation telecasts,and, with the exception of access to the Internet, low interest in future new advanced technology offerings by the cable company. City of Oak Park Heights residents tended to generally reflect area norms,except with respect to interest in Internet access. 1 Conclusions: tKing Videocable was generally well-regarded as a service provide. On most quality service dimensions,it exceeded Metropolitan Area norms. Charges were viewed as being somewhat high, and this feeling exceed the general suburban evaluations of current rate structures. In comparison with other suburban cable television systems, Channel 10 Public Access and Channel 12 Government Access posted solid viewership levels. Even so,there was evidence of support for additional coverage. Several types of programming evidenced a large gap between potential audience and actual audience, indicative of potentially well-received offerings: "Truth- in-Taxation Hearings,""local community news programs,"and"programs about local businesses." But, one deficiency was noted: current public access training facilities and classes were rated below the Metropolitan Area suburban norm. A majority of residents have a personal computer at home, and forty-eight percent have access to one at their place of work. Internet access, e-mail, and educational application were major home 1 uses. Similarly, internal operations, e-mail, and connections with other computers were major workplace uses. The highest levels of interest in new advanced cable services surrounded "movies on demand,""Internet access,"and"repeats on programs on demand." Lack of interest and service costs were the two major reasons f o r not subscribing to Kin g Videocable. Cost and lack of use were the two key reasons for previous subscribers to terminate their cable television service. A lower cost structure could attract back about one-third of the former subscribers. The highest levels of interest in new advanced cable services surrounded "movies on demand,""repeats on programs on demand,"and"Internet access." Overall,the residents of the Central Saint Croix Valley Cable Television Area were satisfied and felt well-served by King Videocable,particularly with respect to local programming and public access offerings. I I I I 'IT.--- _ , - ' - , ' '- ','• --?,..----'-:,:-,-. 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":;•.:,:.'"- .f..,',.›.--'..- ',, . , ' -* '7.4:;, -,;-'.:;'... . , ',1",;;-,.,..:.,:::',., :'.:,'-,::11',-',,'::::, '' , ,':. -:--' ' --4,...',a ,:'`.....• - ',.,.,7,.--,. ,„: `-',,,- ',. , ''. . ' ,;'';-4:1*,',,,,;•." '-:1 ,.;,.,:,..: ,, -..,„ , ,,,'. , , ,, - ''''..,,,:s!!!.;,','%`?-,77;,„,7.•;.'"...";';''..,,itt--.‘,;1 ,,,,,,,-..,----;:, 7--..,'.;.'-,:-,, 1;:s. ',:i.i'', .. '....... -: ' , , ,....„,...,',,,:,',..,:1_,•::-,-.:1,1,..:'-'.',*k „.i.`;',-!;"1,•;:1,if,4,„,;.-:,'..!--...... .,-,f,,,,,,,,..4,..,..,,,,,,,.-.,-..:,_,;:,,,,,,4,,,,.., _ ,. ..,,-..,-s.-..t--,-.t-,.,,N,,,,,,.At...,...,. , , .,. , . .• ..,.,. I DECISION RESOURCES, LTD. CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY ' 3128 Dean Court CABLE COMMISSION Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416 FINAL VERSION aSUBSCRIBERS Hello, I'm of Decision Resources, Ltd. , a nation- wide opinion polling firm located in Minneapolis. We have been retained by the Central St . Croix Valley Cable Commission to speak with a random sample of residents about cable television, services and programs . This survey is being done because King 11 Videocable company wants to renew its franchise next year, and the Cable Commission needs to know the wants and needs of people in the cable franchise area. Only a summary of the entire sample will be reported. 1 . Does your household presently re- YES CONTINUE ceive cable television? NO THANK & TERMINATE 1 11 2 . How would you rate your cable EXCELLENT 24% television service -- excellent, GOOD 56% I II good, only fair or poor? ONLY FAIR 18% POOR 2% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 1% 3 . Are there any channels not currently offered you would like to see made available by the Cable Company? UNSURE, 5%; NONE, 65%; NICKELODEON, 4%; SCI-FI, 3%; GOLF, 3%; SPORTS, 2%; NEWS, 2%; PREMIUM, 4%; CHILDREN/FAMILY, 3%; SCATTERED, 10% . For each of the following services areas, please rate the Cable Company as excellent, good, only fair or poor. If you don' t IIhave an opinion just say so. . . EXC GOO FAI POO DKR II4 . Number of channels available? 22% 60% 13% 2% 3% 5 . Program choices? 14% 61% 19% 3% 3% 6 . Picture and Sound quality? 26% 61% 9% 4% 1% 7 . Customer service? 21% 60% 8% 3% 9% 8 . Billing? 20% 68% 7% 3% 3% 9 . Rates? 4% 38% 38% 13% 8% 10 . Installation of service? 20% 67% 5% 2% 8% 11. Service repairs? 13% 51% 5% 2% 30% 12 . Restoring of service after an outage? 12% 55% 8% 3% 23% IF "ONLY FAIR" OR "POOR, " ASK: I 1 1 II 13 . Could you tell me why you rate that service as ? II UNSURE, 2%; RATES HIGH 36%; LITTLE IT LE CHOICE, 11%; RATES HIGH + SERVICE SLOW, 8%; RATES HIGH + LITTLE CHOICE, 23%; POOR/SLOW SERVICE, 6%; POOR QUALITY, 9%; RATES HIGH + POOR QUALITY, 9% . 14 . How often have you experienced in- VERY OFTEN 1% IIterruption of your cable tele- OFTEN 10% vision service because of tech- NOT TOO OFTEN 66% nical problems or outages -- very NOT AT ALL OFTEN 23% 11 often, often, not too often, or DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 2% II not at all often? Moving on. . . . 15 . In comparison with other services VERY HIGH 14% you buy, do you feel that the SOMEWHAT HIGH 41% IIcharges you pay for cable tele- AVERAGE 40% vision service are very high, SOMEWHAT LOW 2% somewhat high, average, somewhat VERY LOW 0% IIlow, or very low? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 4% King Videocable has a local office where you can drop off or ex- II change equipment and make payments . II 16 . Have you ever used the local cable NO 50% office? (IF "YES, " ASK: ) Do you YES/YES 16% II use it on a regular basis? YES/NO 34% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 0% II 17. How important is it to you to have VERY IMPORTANT 30% the local cable office -- very im- SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT34% portant, somewhat important, not NOT TOO IMPORTANT 20% II too important, or not at all im- NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT11% portant? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 5% In our current franchise the cable company is required to provide II a community access facility where residents get free training and free use of video equipment to produce their own programs . This facility also makes it possible to bring local programming to our Iresidents . Many programs which deal with the people, places and organiza- tions of your area are shown on cable television. This is called IIlocal or community programming. The following is a list of the local community access channels. For each one, please tell me if you or other members of your household have watched that II channel during the past six months . YES NO DKR II 18 . Public access, Channel 10? 60% 38% 2% 19 . Government access, Channel 12? 56% 43% 2% 20 . Educational access, Channel 3? 41% 56% 3% II 2 II I YES NO DKR II21 . Senior/Religious access, Channel 22? 14% 82% 4% II For each of the following types of public access programming on Channel 10 , please tell me if you are very interested, somewhat interested, not too interested or not at all interested in that Itype of programming. VIN SMI NTI NAA DKR II 22 . Local community news programs? 17% 41% 20% 20% 2% 23 . City festivals and celebrations? 12% 35% 24% 28% 2% 24 . Programs produced by local resi- II dents? 7% 29% 28% 33% 3% 25 . Local talent? 5% 27% 30% 35% 3% 26 . Talk shows involving the commun- ity? 10% 34% 20% 33% 3% II 27 . Community information? 17% 49% 12% 21% 3% 28 . Programs about local businesses? 7% 36% 22% 32% 4% II I would like to re-read the list and please tell me if you watch these public access programs frequently, occassionally, rarely or never. IIFRE 0CC RAR NEV DKR 29 . Local community news programs? 11% 24% 27% 37% 2% 30 . City festivals and celebrations? 7% 25% 22% 43% 2% 11 31 . Programs produced by local resi- dents? 4% 20% 21% 50% 5% 32 . Local talent? 3% 17% 22% 54% 4% I 33 . Talk shows involving the commun- ity? 7% 25% 17% 49% 3% 34 . Community information? 14% 38% 14% 32% 3% ' 35 . Programs about local businesses? 5% 21% 19% 50% 5% For each of the following types of government access programming on Channel 12 please tell me if you are very interested, some- • II what interested, not too interested, or not at all interested in that type of programming. IIVIN SMI NTI NAA DKR 36 . City council meetings? 32% 33% 10% 24% 1% 37 . School Board meetings? 18% 31% 18% 33% 1% II 38 . County Board meetings? 13% 33% 21% 32% 1% 39 . Candidate' s forums at election time? 17% 29% 18% 35% 1% 11 40 . Truth in taxation hearings? 12% 29% 19% 37% 3% I would like to re-read the list and please tell me if you watch I these government access programs frequently, occassionally, rarely or never. 1 3 II II FRE OCC RAR NEV DKR II41 . City council meetings? 28% 27% 16% 28% 1% 42 . School Board meetings? 14% 22% 20% 43% 2% II 43 . County Board meetings? 12% 21% 20% 45% 3% 44 . Candidate' s forum at election time? 13% 19% 20% 45% 3% II45 . Truth in taxation hearings? 6% 18% 19% 55% 2% For each of the following types of educational access programming on Channel 3, please tell me if you are very interested, somewhat II interested, not too interested or not at all interested in that type of programming. IS VIN SMI NTI NAA DKR 46 . Elementary school events? 9% 22% 20% 48% 1% 47 . Secondary school events? 9% 23% 20% 47% 1% II 48 . School orchestra, band or choir productions? 10% 25% 19% 46% 1% 49 . High school athletic events? 17% 28% 14% 40% 2% II50 . Instructional programs? 11% 27% 16% 44% 3% I would like to re-read the list and please tell me if you watch II these educational access programs frequently, occassionally, rarely or never. FRE OCC RAR NEV DKR 11 51 . Elementary school events? 7% 14% 15% 62% 3% 52 . Secondary school events? 8% 17% 14% 60% 2% II 53 . School orchestra, band or choir productions? 6% 19% 17% 57% 2% 54 . High school athletic events? 15% 21% 12% 51% 2% II55 . Instruction programs? 6% 17% 17% 57% 4% For each of the following types of programming on the Senior and Religious Channel, please tell me if you are very interested, 1 somewhat interested, not too interested, or not at all interested in that type of programming. IIVIN SMI NTI NAA DKR 56 . Church services? 10% 13% 17% 59% 2% 57 . Church events? 6% 15% 17% 60% 2% II58 . Senior Citizen programming? 4% 8% 20% 66% 3% I would like to re-read the list and please tell me if you watch these Senior and Religious programs frequently, occassionally, rarely or never. II 1 4 11 1 FRE OCC RAR NEV DKR 1 59 . Church services? 8% 14% 6% 68% 4% 60 . Church events? 6% 12% 8% 71% 4% II61 . Senior citizen programming? 3% 6% 7% 82% 4% 62 . How interested are you in watching VERY INTERESTED 19% informational or educational pro- SOMEWHAT INTERESTED51% 1 gramming concerning your city and NOT TOO INTERESTED21% its activities-- very interested, NOT AT ALL INTERESTED. . 9% somewhat interested, not too in- DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 1% 1 terested, or not at all interested? 63 . Are there any types of local programming not currently II offered that you would be interested in watching? (IF "YES, " ASK: ) What would that be? UNSURE, 9%; NONE, 77%; LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS, 3%; EVENTS, II3%; GOVERNMENT, 5%; LOCAL SCHOOLS, 2%; SCATTERED, 3%. 64 . How important is local programming VERY IMPORTANT 20% II to you -- very important, some- SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT49% what important, not too important, NOT TOO IMPORTANT 25% or not at all important? NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT. . .5% IIDON'T KNOW/REFUSED 1% Currently, the cable company operates the community access fac- ility. The Cable Commission is considering operating the access 1 facility to better meet the needs of the community. 65 . Prior to this survey, were you YES 64% II aware of the community access NO 34% facility and the services offered DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 2% there? II66 . Have you or any members of your YES 7% household been involved in a pub- NO 90% lic access training class or the DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 3% 1 production of a public access program? 1 IF "YES, " ASK: For each of the following public access service aspects, please rate each of them either excellent, good, only fair, 1 or poor. If you have no opinion, just say so. . . . EXC GOO FAI POO DKR 1 67 . Quality of the Public Access faclity? 7% 41% 24% 3% 24% 1 68 . Quality of equipment for public access? 14% 45% 14% 0% 28% 1 5 11 I EXC GO0 FAI POO DKR II69 . Quality of the training classes? 14% 24% 10% 3% 48% 70 . Helpfulness of staff at the pub- IIlic access facility? 28% 31% 7% 3% 31% IF "ONLY FAIR" OR "POOR" IN #67-70, ASK: II71 . Could you tell me why you rated that aspect as IIUNSURE, 13%; POOR FACILITY, 75%; STAFF, 13% . 72 . Would you favor or oppose your FAVOR 40% II local Cable Commission operating OPPOSE 17% the Community Access facility? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED43% Moving on 11 73 . Do you have a personal computer YES 53% at home? NO 47% 11 DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 0% IF "YES, " ASK: IIFor each of the following, please tell me if you use your personal computer for that item. II YES NO DKR 74 . Internet access? 65% 33% 1% II 75 . Access to other on-line services, such as E-Mail? 64% 34% 2% 76 . Link to other computers with II modem? 48% 46% 5% 77 . Business? 52% 45% 3% 78 . Educational applications? 74% 23% 3% II 79 . Do you have access to a computer YES 48% at your workplace? NO 42% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 2% II " NOT APPLICABLE 8% " IF "YES, " ASK: II For each of the following, please tell me if you use your computer at work for that item. IIYES NO DKR 80 . Internet access? 49% 51% 0% II 81 . Access to other on-line services, such as E-Mail? 62% 38% 0% II 6 II II YES NO DKR II82 . Internal operations? 81% 18% 1% 83 . Connections with other I locations around the state, nation, or world? 54% 45% 1% 84 . Videoconferencing? 12% 85% 3% II The cable company is considering offering some new advanced cable services . If the service were available, please tell me for each one, if you would subscribe for that service for your home, busi- II ness, or both. If you are not interested in the service, just say so IIHOM BUS BOT NOT DKR 85 . Internet access? 20% 2% 8% 60% 10% 86 . Data Transmission? 9% 2% 7% 69% 13% II 87 . Computer to Computer networking? 9% 3% 10% 68% 11% 88 . Video conferencing? 5% 4% 5% 75% 12% 89 . Repeats on programs on Demand? 19% 1% 6% 60% 14% II 90 . Movies on Demand? 28% 0% 4% 57% 12% 91. Interactive video games? 19% 1% 3% 67% 11% 92 . Local telephone service? 13% 1% 8% 63% 16% 11 93 . Do you work in Stillwater, Bayport NO 59% or Oak Park Heights? (IF YES, ASK) YES/STILLWATER 27% Which city do you work in? YES/BAYPORT 7% II YES/OAK PARK HEIGHTS6% REFUSED 2% II Now, I would like to ask you a few more background questions for demographic purposes II For each age group, please tell me how many reside in your household. 94 . Adults, over the age of 65? 0, 79%; 1, 10%; 11 2, 12% 95 . Adults, between the ages of 45 and 65? 0, 53%; 1, 18%; I2+, 29% 96 . Adults, between the ages of 18 and 44? 0, 37%; 1, 23%; 2, 35%; 3+, 6% II97. Children, between the ages of 12 and 18? 0, 77%; 1, 15%; 2+, 8% II98 . Children, under the age of 12? 0, 77%; 1, 12%; 2, 9%; 3+, 3% II99 . Do you own or rent your current OWN 89% residence? RENT 11% I 7 I 100 . What is your age, please? 18-24 7% (READ CATEGORIES, IF NEEDED) 25-34 13% 35-44 26% 45-54 20% 11 55-64 13% 65 AND OVER 21% Thank you for your time. Good-bye. 101 . Area STILLWATER 71% BAYPORT 12% OAK PARK HEIGHTS 18% 102 . Gender (DO NOT ASK) MALE 49% ' FEMALE 51% 1 I i 1 I I 11 I I i 1 IIDECISION RESOURCES, LTD. CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY 3128 Dean Court CABLE COMMISSION IIMinneapolis, Minnesota 55416 FINAL VERSION NON-SUBSCRIBERS I/ Hello, I'm of Decision Resources, Ltd. , a nation- wide opinion polling firm located in Minneapolis . We have been II retained by the Central St . Croix Valley Cable Commission to speak with a random sample of residents about cable television, services and programs. This survey is being done because King Videocable company wants to renew its franchise next year, and II the Cable Commission needs to know the wants and needs of people in the cable franchise area. Only a summary of the entire sample will be reported. 1 1 . Does your household presently re- YES THANK & TERMINATE ceive cable television? NO CONTINUE II 2 . Do you own a satellite dish? YES 7% NO 93% II 3 . Is cable service available in your YES 94% neighborhood? NO 4% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 2% IIF "NO, " ASK: 4 . If cable service were avail- YES 30% 11 able, would you subscribe? NO 40% DON'T KNOW/REFUSED30% IIGO TO QUESTION #9 : 5 . Have you ever subscribed to the YES 44% 11 cable television system serving NO 56% Stillwater, Oak Park Heights and DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 0% Bayport? IIIF "NO, " ASK: 6 . Could you tell me one or two reasons why you have not II subscribed? UNSURE, 5%; COST, 21%; NO TIME, 10%; NO INTEREST, 46%; WOULD WATCH TOO MUCH, 13%; DON'T WANT CHILDREN TO 11 WATCH, 4%. IF "YES, " ASK: 1 7. Why did you stop subscribing to cable television? II UNSURE, 3%; SATELLITE DISH, 6%; MOVED, 8%; PROBLEMS WITH CABLE COMPANY, 6%; COST, 39%; DID NOT WATCH ENOUGH, 28%; POOR SELECTION, 11% . 1 1 II 1 8 . What changes, if any, would it take to make you con- , cider subscribing to cable television again? UNSURE, 7%; NOTHING, 42%; BETTER PROGRAMMING, 5%; LOWER II COST, 34%; FREE CABLE SERVICE, 6%; FREE INSTALLATION, 3%; SCATTERED, 3% . 1 Your community has a community access facility which provides local programming, as well as the opportunity to learn how to use studio equipment and make your own program, free of charge. I 9 . Prior to this survey, were you YES 54% aware of the community access NO 44% facility and the services offered DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 2% ' there? 10 . How interested are you in viewing VERY INTERESTED 10% local programming, such as City SOMEWHAT INTERESTED34% Council meetings and local pro- NOT TOO INTERESTED30% gramming -- very interested, NOT AT ALL INTERESTED26% somewhat interested, not too in- DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 0% IIterested, or not at all interested? The cable company is considering offering some new advanced cable 11 services . If the service available, please tell me for each one, if you would subscribe for that service for your home, business, or both. If you are not interested in the service, just say ISO HOM BUS BOT NOT DKR I 11 . Internet access? 20% 2% 10% 67% 2% 12 . Data Transmission? 6% 2% 4% 79% 9% 13 . Computer to Computer networking? 10% 3% 11% 74% 2% II 14 . Video conferencing? 4% 3% 4% 87% 2% 15 . Repeats on programs on Demand? 31% 0% 3% 63% 3% 16 . Movies on Demand? 45% 0% 2% 51% 2% 17 . Interactive video games? 18% 0% 0% 79% 2% I/ 18 . Local telephone service? 14% 0% 5% 68% 12% 19 . Do you work in Stillwater, Bayport NO 64% 1 or Oak Park Heights? (IF YES, ASK) YES/STILLWATER 28% Which city do you work in? YES/BAYPORT 4% YES/OAK PARK HEIGHTS4% II 20 . At this time, are you considering YES 10% subscribing or resubscribing to NO 88% cable television? DON'T KNOW/REFUSED 2% IINow, I would like to ask you a few more background questions for demographic purposes 1 For each age group, please tell me how many reside in your household. 1 2 II I 21. Adults, over the age of 65? 0, 82%; 1, 15%; 2, 8% 22 . Adults, between the ages of 45 and 65? 0, 63%; 1, 18%; 2, 19% 23 . Adults, between the ages of 18 and 44? 0, 39%; 1, 16%: 2, 41%; 3+, 4% 24 . Children, between the ages of 12 and 18? 0, 85%; 1, 10%; 2+, 5% 25 . Children, under the age of 12? • 0, 72%; 1, 10%; 2, 14%; 3+, 4% ' 26 . Do you own or rent your current OWN 74% residence? RENT 26% 27 . What is your age, please? 18-24 5% (READ CATEGORIES, IF NEEDED) 25-34 23% 35-44 26% 11 45-54 20% 55-64 6% 65 AND OVER 19% 1 Thank you for your time. Good-bye. 28 . Area STILLWATER 68% BAYPORT 14% OAK PARK HEIGHTS 17% 11 29 . Gender (DO NOT ASK) MALE 43% FEMALE 57% I I 3 I $ 13@ROWE CENTRAL ST. CROIX VALLEY JUL 2 9 ,999 JOINT CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COM - • ► MEETING NOTICE Wednesday, August 5 - 9:00 a.m. Oak Park Heights City Hall The Cable Commission's funding committee will be meeting with our 3 City Administrators to get some input and advice regarding such things as budget and salaries for the access center and hiring practices.