Hello
We have a couple of TVs in one of our common areas where we exclusively show news. We have a set schedule and feature a different news station for the entire day on a rotating basis. The channels we show are CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, and Fox News. It is the Union's stance that we have a responsibility to address current events and to remain content neutral. It is also important that as the student union, we don't shy away from controversy but rather support students as they facilitate civil discourse around the issues that impact our society.
Over the last couple of weeks we've received some critical comments. They range from objecting to our showing particular news stations to requesting that we stop showing news channels all together. We brought this issue to our Illini Union Board for their input. It was a great conversation and they had some good ideas. One such idea was to create a defined program statement for the TVs, explaining what we are showing on them and why. This statment would then be posted in the common area. Additionally, a policy document would accompany this statement which would be included in the Union's Policy and Procedures Manual. I've been tasked with drafting these.
With that in mind, I was hoping some of you might have sample statements/policy documents if you also have common area TVs that feature any type of programming. Would appreciate any and all suggestions, advice, examples you may be willing to share.
Thank you much!
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J.B. Bailey
Assistant Director of Programs
Illini Union
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana IL
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