Fairfax Public Access

Fairfax Public Access (FPA) was established in October 1981 as a non-profit public-access cable-tv station based in Fairfax, Virginia, and now operates three channels.

In 1984, FPA operations came under the Cable Franchise Policy and Communications Act, which required US cable companies to fund local organizations which would provide training and access to media technology to the general public. Cable companies were also required to carry the programming created by those local organizations.

Fairfax Cable Access Corporation was formed in 1997 to maintain ownership for the public.

In 2004, FPA switched from analog to all-digital, and now operates Channel 10 for general purpose television shows in English, Channel 30 for general purpose television shows in languages other than English, and Channel 37 for cable-cast radio. In addition, FPA provides Internet-streaming for its radio broadcasting.

Public Access Organization

Name

Fairfax Public Access

Acronym

FPA

All Digital

Yes

Carriers

Cox Cable
Verizon Fios

Channels

Channel 10
Channel 30
Channel 37
WEBR Fairfax Radio
WRLD International Radio

Charter Type

Public

Founded

October, 1981

High-Definition

No

Location

2929 Eskridge Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22031

Owner

Fairfax Cable Access Corporation

Website

www.fcac.org

Equipment and facilities

  • THREE television studios, each with three studio cameras and a control room, NEW studio "C" is a "Virtual studio" setup, all green-screen, robotic cameras, and state-of-the-art equipment finalized in September 2008
  • Two radio production suites.

Awards

  • 2006 Telly Award for John Buckreis' program "Gardening News and Views"
  • 2006 Telly Award for the program "1600", produced by Jerry Ferguson and Steve Ruddell, and co-hosted by Bob Giarrusso.

Training

Following its chartered mandate, FPA offers inexpensive, intensive, hands-on training on both studio and field cameras, tape-to-tape editing, non-linear editing, writing for television, makeup for television, newscasting, acting, audio engineering, and all control-room equipment.

Policies

Producer-Ownership: One of FPA's most popular policies establishes producer-ownership of television shows produced there, even when their productions use FPA equipment and facilities. For shows supported by free FPA equipment and facility, FPA requires exclusive distribution rights for the first year. Nevertheless, FPA has frequently issued waivers to allow producers to distribute shows to other non-profit public-access stations during the first year. After the first year, the producer may sell or distribute their production in any way they wish.

Certification: FPA-provided training or a competency test must be passed before anyone may use FPA equipment.

Radio Shows

Name of Show

Date First Cablecast

Number of
Episodes Produced

Web Site

On The Air with DJ Ice

September 2008

Wednedays at 9PM LIVE

www.ontheairwithdjice.com

Mix of 80's 90's and today, with a new guest each time!

2 Guys & A Mic

www.2guysradio.com

Two regular guys look at everyday life, news, Hollywood and sports.

4 Real Radio

Music: Yesterday and today's leading Rhythm and Blues (R&B) artists

The Afternoon Groove

www.afternoongrooveradio.com

Modern soul music from known and unknown artists from around the world.

The Mimi Geerges Show

www.mgshow.com

A talk show (not a shout-show) for inquisitive minded listeners. Syndicated on XM Satellite Radio and public radio stations.

Television Shows

Name of Show

Producer(s)

Series/Special

Date First Cablecast

Number of
Episodes Produced

Web Site

1600

Series

Award-winning talk-music tv show.

Accent

Zohreh Rastegar

Series

www.zoetalk.com

A talk show featuring second-generation Iranians adapting to American culture.

Around Space

David Cawood
Donnie Lowther

Series

www.AroundSpace.com

A talk show focused on space issues, under the auspices of a local chapter of the National Space Society.

Backstage Pass

Hugh Staples

Series

A performing-arts TV show, featuring music, dance, theatre, poetry, comedy, and the visual arts from around the DC/Baltimore area.

Bannister Banter

Craig Bannister

Series

100+

A pun-filled comedy spoof of television talk shows, interviewing very off-beat celebrities.

Capital Pets

Deanna Lewis

Series

www.capitalpets.com

Educating pet owners and the public AbOUT animal health, pet education, pet services, animal law, and Animal Rescue organizations in the Washington, D.C. area.

Catholic Life

John Buckreis

Series

How Catholocism is practiced by local groups & individuals.

Capital Cooking

Lauren DeSantis

Series

www.capitalcookingshow.com

Attorney and chef Lauren DeSantis presents an evolving cooking style by incorporating dishes from the many cultures represented in Washington, D.C.

Fairfax Sports Report

Brian Nern

Series

www.fairfaxsportsnetwork.com

Providing in-depth news coverage of many high school sports in Northern Virignia for over 15 years.

Telepathic TV

R. Neville Johnston and Mary Phelan

Series

500+

www.telepathictv.com

A live call-in show empowering the viewer with techniques from the metaphysical world.

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See also

  • The Chronicle Article: Public Access Television Hidden Treasure in Fairfax County
  • FPA News 16 Member Chinese delegation tours FPA.