URTV oath sparks criticism

A confidentiality clause in an oath administered to members of public-access channel URTV‘s board at their last meeting has sparked criticism — and Buncombe County’s attorney’s office is looking into whether the vow is in line with the state’s open-meetings law.
The oath reads:

“I, the undersigned board member of URTV, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will, so far as the duty devolves on me, diligently and honestly oversee the affairs of URTV in a sound and businesslike manner; that I will not allow my actions as a member of this board to be influenced by personal or political friendships or obligations; that I will familiarize myself with the bylaws of URTV; that I will not knowingly violate or willingly permit to be violated any of the provisions in the bylaws; that I will keep confidential all the affairs of URTV, except to other members of this board in good standing or URTV staff, as necessary to the conduct of my duties.”

That last part didn’t sit well with board member Richard Bernier.

“I’m profoundly angered by this type of oath being required for a member of a board that should set an example of transparency,” Bernier told Xpress. “I found it odd when it was presented to us. We weren’t really told much about why it was needed or where it was coming from.”

URTV receives money known as PEG funds, which are collected in the form of fees from cable subscribers in Asheville and Buncombe County. Although the money doesn’t come directly out of the city and county coffers, both the Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners make appointments to the nine-member board. In January 2007, Asheville City Council amended the nonprofit channel’s management agreement to require its board to abide by North Carolina’s open-meetings law.

URTV Executive Director Pat Garlinghouse says the oath is just a formality and that while it says “all affairs of URTV,” the clause applies only to such matters as personnel or property acquisition, which public bodies can legally address in closed session.

“This is just to protect URTV,” Garlinghouse told Xpress. “It’s absolutely standard practice for a board to have a formal induction. We hadn’t been doing that. URTV does fall under open-meetings law, and we’ve been following that.”

Asked why the oath says “all affairs” if it actually refers only to those brought up in closed session, Garlinghouse replied: “The wording was just taken from a standard oath. This is just routine; this is not a story.”

But Bernier isn’t the only one concerned about the clause. Board of Commissioners Chair David Gantt, an attorney by profession, said that part of the oath “looks a little suspect to me,” adding that he’s directed the county attorney’s office to look into whether or not it conforms to open meetings law.

“It doesn’t sound like any oath — or the kind of transparency — we usually have,” Gantt told Xpress. “I understand that there are some decisions — like staff matters or property acquisition — that need to be in closed session, but we want our boards to be transparent. I hope it [the clause] was an accident.”

— David Forbes, staff writer

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100 thoughts on “URTV oath sparks criticism

  1. zen

    I can see why there’s the sniff of story – i can’t stand people asking others to sign something saying “oh, it’s just standard wording” anymore than a business asking for your social security number because “oh, it’s just because the computer needs it.”

  2. Illuminatti

    She’s following North Carolina’s open meetings law???? No she’s not! Just last week she refused to allow someone to film.

    The law states “Any person may photograph, film, tape-record, or otherwise reproduce any part of an official meeting required to be open. Radio and television stations are entitled to broadcast all or any part of an official meeting required to be open.
    N.C.G.S. § 143-318.14”

    I know she’ll double talk this saying a camera has to be static, or only a designated person may record, etc., etc., but the law says anyone may film – it only stipulates static camera’s when a meeting is in tight quarters. Interesting that a first amendment right / free speech organization like URTV has management that is so opposed to transparency. Makes on wonder what’s up?

  3. It sounds to me like someone has been going around blabbing about URTV business, or using it to further their own political agenda.

    I would prefer that all people who serve in a public position to take an oath of some sort just to remind them that they have now assumed a position of responsibility and help decide how to spend public money.

  4. This story started a long time ago. Way back when Kurt Mann was summarily booted and Jenn Mass and Peter Brezny quit under duress and John Blackwell was clumsily banned. I quit myself when Jenn left.

    “Find out how mismanagement by Pat Garlinghouse and a lazy board of directors are bringing this remarkable resource to it’s knees.”

    http://www.ourasheville.org/071115-urtv/

  5. Blackwell got (temporarily) banned because he turned his show into an informercial, and the libertarians (temporarily) lost their show because you evidently couldn’t follow the rules. And you’re a bitter man with an axe to grind.

  6. Johnny writes: “the libertarians (temporarily) lost their show because you evidently couldn’t follow the rules.”

    False.

    No rules were violated. I quit my show voluntarily. After Jenn left, I left URTV and never looked back.

  7. URTV User

    I also vote for “bitter people with an axe to grind”.

    Clearly the text of the oath could have been worded better, but all of this is only necessary because a few self righteous individuals with too much time on their hands seek to make this public facility their own personnal playground. I’m not about to get into character assasinations, but all the people mentioned previously had to go or be suspended or worse. They all benefited from much more lenience than they were entitled due to the board structure and an abundance of caution. If these people problems were not addressed finally, the station would already have gone under.

    It’s really a shame some people feel the need to grandstand and spoil a community resource for everyone, just to stroke their own egos or push some disturbed personal agenda. With the current financial mess, URTV will be lucky to survive at all. It surely won’t if it has to spend its scant resources dealing with disfunctional board members, immature and self-serving producers, and wannabe activists who seek nothing but to destroy what the community built. What URTV desperately needs is people to provide useful support and meaningful contributions, not more whiners complaining whenever they don’t get their way. That’s the surest way to end up with nothing at all. Then who are you going to whine to.

  8. Secret Service

    Tim Peck Wrote: “This story started a long time ago. Way back when Kurt Mann was summarily booted and Jenn Mass and Peter Brezny quit under duress and John Blackwell was clumsily banned. I quit myself when Jenn left.

    I quit my show voluntarily. After Jenn left, I left URTV and never looked back.”

    Can anyone say MISINFORMATION? Tim, if you are going to attempt to inform people, you should make sure you get the info write. Otherwise you look like a juvenile by being perfectly and obviously biased.

    #1 Jen Mass resigned.
    #2 Peter Brezny was removed from the Board of Directors. He didn’t quit. HE WAS REMOVED.
    #3 John Blackwell was never banned from URTV. He is allowed to return at his liesure.

    …as are you. Your “support” of URTV is evident by your “leaving and never looking back.”

    You don’t care about URTV and are only spreading misinformation. People like you actually hurt URTV. Quit parading as some sort of advocate.

    The article sould read: “Jackals poison climate for Public Access in Asheville by spreading misinformation and engaging in character asassination.”

    Where’s a real journalist when you need one?

    P.S. All URTV Board meetings are open to the public (and always have been!) Anyone can go to the meetings and copies of minutes of past meetings are always available.

  9. Secret Service

    Well said URTV User!!!

    I have been a member for over a year now and never heard of Tim Peck. How could he possible know whats actually happening at URTV?

  10. Illuminatti

    Secret Service said: “All URTV Board meetings are open to the public (and always have been!) Anyone can go to the meetings and copies of minutes of past meetings are always available…………………………………………………..”

    Read the law SS……anyone can film, record, photograph and redistribute …she clearly stopped that at the last meeting.
    URTV Minutes are often edited to make the ED look good, not record actual happenings. All past minutes that used to be on the URTV website have mysteriously disappeared, so no one can go back and check what was decided on and ascertain if or how decisions made in the board meetings were carried out.

    Link below is to July 12, 2005 Houston City Council meeting where
    Garlinghouse is discussed extensively…the upshot was the city
    withheld $800,000 in funding over the controversy, till Garlinghouse left.
    Houston Media is still going strong so they got rid of her not Public
    Access. The whole controversy is in the first section and Garlinghouse ,
    Houston Media & Wiseman are highlighted, for easy reading.

    http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:OLSivybmMBMJ:www.houstontx.gov/citysec/agendas/2005/20050712.pdf+Garlinghouse+Wiseman+“Houston+Media”&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=us

  11. Illuminatti

    Paper: Houston Chronicle
    Date: Mon 12/12/2005
    Section: B
    Page: 6
    Edition: 3 STAR

    Clearing the channel / Changes at Houston’s public access channel should end council dispute over programming and funding

    …………………….
    “Running a nonprofit organization whose funding is controlled and board selected by the mayor and council made Garlinghouse a lightning rod. Her insistence on allowing an unreviewed stream of amateur videos on the cable channel first drew criticism from conservative Houston Councilwoman Addie Wiseman for profane language. As the dispute heated up, Mayor Bill White expressed his own dissatisfaction. He then replaced most of Garlinghouse’s supporters on the access channel board, making inevitable her resignation last week.

    As outgoing MediaSource board member Mustafa Tameez observes, Garlinghouse fueled her own demise by allowing an isolated complaint by Wiseman to turn into a council consensus. After Wiseman spoke out about a profanity-laced comic skit aired on the access channel in the pre-dawn hours, few colleagues joined in her outrage. Then a video featuring nude women was inadvertently broadcast on the channel during prime time”. …………….

    Seems Houston wanted the studio “to formulate a long-range business plan that maximizes operation resources. ” Which tells me that between the lines of the nudity controversy, there were issues with management of the resource.

    Go here for the rest of the story.
    74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:drPmOgINg7IJ:www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2005_4024218+garlinghouse+wiseman+city+council&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a

  12. Handleman

    Total ignorance! Peck and Illuminatti cite scraps from the web from articles undoubtedly written by a journalist just as crappy as Forbes and fueled by losers just as vindictive and uninformed as they are.

    These arrogant jerks know absolutely NOTHING about what goes on at URTV, and this entire piece of journalistic horse dung is despicable.

    Under Garlinghouse, URTV has consistently expanded its services and increased its chances of long term survival. Anyone who actually patronizes the media center knows this, and knows how ridiculous all of this fuss is. It’s only the friendless, soulless daylight-starved bloggers who get a thrill from character assassination and try to endlessly demonize the management of URTV. They don’t give a crap about this community’s access to media, they just want to bring down the whole thing to get their jollies.

    I think somebody needs a hug.

    Secret Service’s post is so dead-on that it deserves reposting. This post is the real story, here. Check your sources next time, Forbes.

    ‘Tim Peck Wrote: “This story started a long time ago. Way back when Kurt Mann was summarily booted and Jenn Mass and Peter Brezny quit under duress and John Blackwell was clumsily banned. I quit myself when Jenn left.

    I quit my show voluntarily. After Jenn left, I left URTV and never looked back.”

    Can anyone say MISINFORMATION? Tim, if you are going to attempt to inform people, you should make sure you get the info write. Otherwise you look like a juvenile by being perfectly and obviously biased.

    #1 Jen Mass resigned.
    #2 Peter Brezny was removed from the Board of Directors. He didn’t quit. HE WAS REMOVED.
    #3 John Blackwell was never banned from URTV. He is allowed to return at his liesure.

    …as are you. Your “support” of URTV is evident by your “leaving and never looking back.”

    You don’t care about URTV and are only spreading misinformation. People like you actually hurt URTV. Quit parading as some sort of advocate.

    The article sould read: “Jackals poison climate for Public Access in Asheville by spreading misinformation and engaging in character asassination.”

    Where’s a real journalist when you need one?

    P.S. All URTV Board meetings are open to the public (and always have been!) Anyone can go to the meetings and copies of minutes of past meetings are always available.’

  13. William Tyndale

    Regardless of who’s mad at whom or who has an axe to grind the proposed oath potentially violates the general statutes. The proposed oath is poorly worded and whether that is the result of institutional overreach or just bad editing is a separate question.
    GS 11-11 offers a general oath that would be more than sufficient and there are several examples of oaths throughout the general statutes, for example:’I, ____________________, do solemnly swear (or
    affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the
    Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith, and that I will
    faithfully perform the duties of the office of ———-on
    which I am about to enter, according to my best skill and ability; so help me, God.’
    Pat Garlinghouse’s reference to protection of items discussed in closed session is even off the mark since many items presented in closed session are ultimately subject to open records statutes after the matter is settled – the proposed oath goes beyond the statute.

  14. April

    Be careful everyone. I am a member in Huston TX. Pat was given a choice in TX, either be fired or resign. She chose to resign. The reason, her trying to control the board, and members beyond the law. The city with held over $800,000 from the public access until they could get rid of her.

    Sorry to hear she is now in Asheville, NC. Good luck, and those of you that are with her or for her, at some point you will be in her line of fire just like the members that were for her here in TX.

    All you have to do is google Pat’s name and you will see all the truth about her.

    Good luck!

  15. dale joyner

    Hello Readers

    I love that we have freedom of speech in this wonderful country of ours, and especially in this time, Americans have made history with our new president.

    I attend many of the board meetings and in attending, it’s so sad to witness that when trouble makers, who have such a dis-respectful nature about themselves can’t get their way, then they seek to air (their)dirty wares in public.

    Well as a member and being the QUEEN of URTV, I say bring it on, air it!!! The best thing to do is to walk towards a problem, not run away from it. Cause the “devil is a liar!”

    Some people can’t see how they look until they are force to look themselves in the mirror.

    This is a great example of the innocent. Pay attend, you can’t let certain people in positions of authority. Without them having full information nor knowledge of their own position.

    They let their personal views get in the way and they push the button of destruction without thinking, that they themselves are the first to be destroyed.

    Gen.5.5; And God say that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil CONTINUALLY.

    They go to bed thinking evil, they wake-up thinking evil, (evil-lives in them). I pray for you, you guys hearts must be full with sadness. To want to cause destruction for URTV.

    URTV and the staff which I myself witness on a daily bases, I having 2 shows a week. See their commitment and selflessness to produce a quality of service and information as well as knowledge to all that agree and equally to those that do not agree, that’s even more so why I LOVE, URTV.

    I decree that no weapons formed against URTV shall prosper.

    David Gannt, I voted for you, and also covered you on many of my programs on the Dale Joyner Show. If you are to be brought in on this, do your job fairly. Listen to both sides.

    Peace, I speak Peace over this confusion.
    The Queen of URTV has spoken.

    Dale Joyner

  16. Matt Howard

    The worst part about all this is that someone stumbleing upon all this isnt going to know what the hell is going on.
    There are differences of opinion about the direction URTV should go in, or what the true mission of URTV is.
    There is one truth that is beyond debate, and that URTV is, and always has been, an exceptional community resource. It has the power to give back what you put into it, and can change lives for the better.
    This I know firsthand.

  17. TIM IS RIGHT.. THIS HAS ALL BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME,AND IT’S TIME FOR IT TO STOP.. THE WAY IT WORKS IS,IF YOU CROSS PAT,YOU ARE OUT OF THERE..OS SHE HAS THE SAY OVER WHO MAY HAVE FREE SPEECH AND WHO MAY NOT.. SHE WILL NOT HAVE ANYONE HAVING OVERSIGHT OVER WHAT SHE WANTS,OR SAYING ANYTHING BAD ABOUT HER ,OR HER PLANS,OR YOU ARE OUT OF THERE.. AND SO ON… I CAN ONLY SAY,SHE HAS TAKEN THE JOY OUT OF URTV,FOR ME…THE OATH IS JUST ANOTHER WAY OF STOPPING PEOPLE FROM TELLING WHAT SHE IS UP TO.. IF YOU BELIEVE IN FREEDOM OF SPEECH,PLEAS HELP CLEAN UP THIS MESS..

  18. YES I AM BITTER…I WAS NOT BAND,I WAS SUSPENDED.. I WAS NOT TO DO MY SHOW.. I WAS NOT TO BE ON ANOTHER SHOW.. I WAS NOT TO STEP FOOT IN URTV.. AND SO ON.. BUT I WAS NOT BAND..THE CHARGES AGAINST ME HAVE BEEN FABRICATED AND THAT IS THE WAY THINGS ARE BEING RUN.. I WISH NO HARM TO URTV,AS SOME SAY.. I JUST WANT THE TRUTH TO BE KNOWN..THE OATH IS JUST ANOTHER WAY TO STOP THE TRUTH FROM GETTING OUT…TO DALE I SAY,I THINK YOU ARE BEING USED.. ONE DAY YOU WILL FIND THAT WHAT I SAY IS TRUE.. YOU KNOW ME.. WHO HAS TOLD YOU THAT I AM SOME ONE OTHER THAN THE ME ,YOU KNOW ?? IF YOU TELL PAT THAT YOU ARE MY FRIEND,AND SEE HOW LONG YOU LAST.. ARE YOU NOT MY FRIEND ?? SOME OF US HAVE BEEN WATCHING THIS STUFF GO ON FOR A LONG TIME… TALK TO ME,I HAVE MUCH TO TELL YOU..

  19. THANK YOU David Forbes AND David Gantt FOR BRINGING THIS MATER TI LIGHT… I KNOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT…I THINK THAT IN THE END ,URTV AND ALL OF US WHO BELIEVE IN FREEDOM OF SPEECH WILL BE BETTER OFF,FOR THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE..

  20. JUST ASK FOR A LITTLE OVERSIGHT AND SEE HOW LONG YOU LAST ,AS A BOARD MEMBER ,OR MEMBER (“IN GOOD STANDING”)..
    READ THE OATH. IT’S LIKE THE INQUISITION…
    TAKE THE OATH OR FACE THE MUSIC…TAKE THE OATH,TAKE THE OATH,AND ALL WILL BE OK,TAKE IT !!!
    I WAS THERE,AND SAW WHAT WENT ON…

  21. Dr. Blackwell, have you spoken with Jenn Mass lately?

    I was appalled at the harassment and mistreatment Jen suffered and was sad to see her go; but I was happy that she was able to put this nasty episode behind her and move on with her life — after having built URTV with her own sweat.

    You took URTV to another level as well and received a similar reward. Good luck.

  22. URTV User

    Here we see the double edged sword of free speech in action. A blog about a news story brings out both truth and fiction, construction and destruction, community support and rampant egotism. This is why free speech is important, but why it also requires responsibility. Because even the most educated, experienced and well meaning person’s views will always be subject to debate by mindless, ill-informed, vile, self centered people who care nothing about community or society, but only their own fractured self esteem. Fortunately, if you give these people enough time, you can eventually sniff them out. Getting caught in lies and over compensating with caps are a few of the clues.

    What the probem children always fail to understand is the difference between a right and a priveledge. Even the most hateful and ignorant among us have a right to free speech. In this case they are also entitled to the priveledge of membership to a community communications resource. The two are not the same. You still get to have your right to free speech, but when you act the fool, defy the rules, infringe on others, or abuse a resource everyone shares, you lose the privelege to use that resource. It’s all spelled out when you join.

    Only the most arrogant, ignorant and self centered individuals would feel the need to spew their hate and ignorance at the very resource which allows them to transmit that viewpoint to more people than they could ever hope would listen. It is this childish mentality that if they can’t do whatever they want with the toys in the toybox, they’re going to see that no one can play with them.

    Sadly, unless genuine supporters of reasonable and sound mind step forward to serve this initiative and put these arrogant deviants in their place once and for all, the entire resource is sure to crumble for everyone. In the current budget climate, I can assure you there will be no do overs and it will go away, never to return. Either constructive people step up immediately or the trunk gnawing hyenas win and there will be nothing for anyone. Then, as the constitution provides, everyone is left to go back to their personal soap box, literally.

  23. William Tyndale

    Well said URTV user except for one small problem – what if you’re one of the people you write about?
    Who determines who the constructive people are and who the “trunk gnawing hyenas” are.
    Without taking any sides on the issue at hand, your post is intemperate, unreasonable and far from constructive.

  24. geeze, there are apparently a lot of people who think they know everything, eh? 8-)

    i cannot say i know much about the “URTV controversies”, but i can certainly be a witness to the fact that URTV doesn’t always obey their own rules.

    John L, just so you know the truth about our situation — and you know me, i have no reason to lie about any of this stuff — Tim Peck and myself were following the rules as best as we understood. the only reason why our show, “Got Liberty?”, was suspended was because we didn’t give enough notice prior to canceling one of our live shows.

    we had a guest scheduled to appear on our live show, which was to be dedicated to a subject matter he was prepared to speak about, but we received notice the day prior that he was sick and felt he would not be recovered by show time.

    Tim and i immediately contacted the guy (i think his name is John, not Blackwell) who was apparently taking over Jen’s job. in previous such incidents, Jen would say “no problem” and simply run one of our previous shows. NOT THIS TIME! 8-)

    we received notice shortly thereafter that our show was being suspended for not giving at least 48 hours notice. it was presented with a very bureaucratically tone, along with the applicable URTV bylaws, which by the way included a procedure for disputing the matter and explaining the reason for infraction.

    i followed the dispute instructions, apologized and explained that we both gave notice as soon as we found out our star guest would not be able to attend.

    i never heard ANYTHING WHATSOEVER in response to following this procedure! therefore, it was URTV which elected to not follow their own rules, not us!

    it was at that point i decided i was finished dealing with an administration who chooses to deal with even trivial matters with such a heavy hand, as our heartless government often does, while all the time we’re ONLY volunteers in this!

    — — —

    on a personal note, i’ve know John Blackwell for many years, and i’ve always known him to be kind, thoughtful, and helpful. my experience with him in URTV was nothing contrary to my history with him. on several occasions, he went out of his way to help us get certain gear working for our show.

    i only met Jen when i became involved in URTV, but over that time, she was always eager to help us out in any way she could and i hold a great deal of respect for her professionalism.

    i never had any personal dealings with Pat, except to ask her directly if we could ever get some kind of internet access in Studio B so that we could have the internet as a resource for our show to look things up, etc. she told me that wouldn’t be a problem, yet after months, i never received a straight answer about this.

    after our incident, and also hearing a bit of feedback over the following months from Jen & John B., i can see why there are still problems at URTV. i’d be willing to bet that if the administration was changed, URTV would better serve the Asheville community.

  25. Secret Service

    –MISNFORMATION WARNING–

    *Those found guilty of providing misinformation to further thier own cause will henceforth be dicredited and ignored. People like these are the reason website commenters and internet bloggers are not considered real journalists.

    DR. BLACKWELL wrote: “THIS IS A STORY.. “This is just to protect URTV,” Garlinghouse told Xpress. “.. THIS IS TO PROTECT GARLINGHOUSE..WHEN PETER LOOKED INTO HER BOOKS ,SHE GOT RID OF HIM.”
    ————————————————-
    #1 Peter Brezny was REMOVED from the Board of Directors. (Contrary to the LIE told by TIM PECK.)

    #2 Brezny was removed by the Board of Directors, NOT by Pat Garlinghouse. (Contrary to the LIE told by DR. BLACKWELL.)

    #3 URTV has been audited several times in the past few years, and every one came back clean. Every budget approved by the Board of Directors; every Quarter and Annual Report forthcoming (and available at URTV) and all minutes STILL available, as they always have been. (Contrary to what Illuminatti has posted here.)
    ————————————————-
    Tim Peck wrote to DR. BLACKWELL : “You took URTV to another level as well and received a similar reward. Good luck.”

    …more lies here. Blackwell’s program was temporarily suspended for making his show a commercial for a private , for-profit endeavor- (AS PER THE RULES OF URTV). When one member purposefully and publicly flaunts the rules it hurts all members of URTV and threaten its survival.

    Pat Garlinghouse did not make the rules, it is merely HER JOB to enforce them. This points to personal vendettas and NOT concern for URTV as a resource.

    Rules exist for a reason. When rules are enforced, stability of a resource is ensured. Clearly you don’t get that. I’m glad I’ve never heard of you Mr. Peck, and never will again since you are merely a critic and not a “doer” of anything.
    ————————————————-
    Illuminatti wrote: “All past minutes that used to be on the URTV website have mysteriously disappeared, so no one can go back and check what was decided on..”

    Purposeful misinformation here. Didn’t URTV upgrade it’s website? So really, the minutes were on the previous website and simply have yet to be transferred? Could that be a possibility and not some sort of dark conspiracy?

    Is it a violation of NC law that the minutes are not online? NO

    Are the minutes available in other ways? YES

    Can anyone request copies of minutes from prior Board meetings? YES

    Will those requests be Honored? YES
    ————————————————-
    InfinityBBC wrote: ” i have no reason to lie about any of this stuff—Tim Peck and myself were following the rules as best as we understood. the only reason why our show, “Got Liberty?”, was suspended was because we didn’t give enough notice prior to canceling one of our live shows.

    ..in previous such incidents, Jen would say “no problem” and simply run one of our previous shows.”
    ————————————————-
    Sheesh! How many times had you broken the same rule? At least three (inferred from your post).

    It is unfortunate yours and Tim’s personal relationship with previous staff created confusion for you about the policies and procedures of URTV. Its UNPROFESSIONAL for staff to bend the rules (or, in this case, refuse to enforce them) based on personal relationships. Perhaps that lends some insights as to why Jen had trouble accepting the authority of a new Executive Director; and also why you and Tim left and never look back after Jen resigned. (No more special treatment for you.)

    Oh yeah, and when you reserve the Studio, you take away its availability to other members (like me). When you cancel a Live show, you take away the Channel space from members (like me). This is not a “trivial matter.” You detrimentally affect other members with your cavalier approach to the rules.
    ————————————————-

    Is there any evidence of financial malfeasance from Board or Staff? NO

    Has every audit come back clean? YES

    Are the lights on in the building? YES

    Are more people using the facility than ever before? YES

    Are more programs being turned in than ever before? YES

    Are more programs being aired on Channel 20 than ever before? YES.

    Are the people who actually use and support URTV pleased with its function; or the Staff/management? YES

    Are any of the detractors on this thread paid members of URTV, producing programming, or even been in the building in over a year? NO

    Since it is now clear (with evidence anyone can check) that URTV is being run successfully due to a hard-working staff and great member-producers……

    ….and the detractors on this comment thread have nothing but hurt pride and egos to show to defend their perposterous claims….

    It shall be declared that URTV is a success despite these people and their efforts, and not because of them. An even greater testament to the management of the facility.

    Oh yeah, and thier credibility is ZIP.

    LIAR LIST:

    Tim Peck
    DR. BLACKWELL

    AUTHORITY COMPLEX LIST
    DR. BLACKWELL
    Tim Peck
    InfinityBBC

    DISSMEINATION OF MISINFORMATION LIST
    DR. BLACKWELL
    Illuminatti
    Tim Peck

    PERSONAL VENDETTA MASQUERADING AS ADVOCATES LIST
    Illuminatti
    DR. BLACKWELL
    Tim Peck
    ————————————————-

    Seems like the only “problems” URTV has is in a virtual world on a community forum or thread.

    But don’t take my word for it. I’ve only been a member for about a year. Come on down to URTV and check it out for yourself. Don’t listen to proven liars who now have no credibility.

  26. dale joyner

    I Love Freedom of Speech. The Queen of URTV has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  27. dear Secret Service,

    i had no “personal relationship” with Jen Mass… although i might have enjoyed that, as she’s a cutie! 8-)

    but i don’t know how i have been promoted to your “MISINFORMATION LIST”, as i don’t believe i have given any incorrect information.

    i never said Jen wasn’t acting in error in not following the URTV bylaws for canceling a show, nor did i give the details about how much time was given in prior situations — i’m not certain, but i believe in most other situations we were able to give more than 48 hours notice.

    this was the first i ever knew about the 48 hour rule. of course, it’s my responsibility to read the entire bylaws of URTV, but i didn’t do so. apparently you are the type that reads every single word of a computer software installation prior to clicking the “Agree” button as well… some of us do not have that kind of leisure time on our hands! 8-)

    my point, which you apparently elected to ignore, was that regardless of our error (if one can justifiably call it an “error” on our part), which in your not so humble opinion “detrimentally affected other members,” WE continued to follow the RULES for disputing the matter, and apologizing for ONLY giving over 24 hours notice of a matter which was entirely out of our hands.

    in other words, we didn’t have a choice in the matter — we had to cancel the show regardless of what the URTV bylaws say! all we could do at that point is give the notice immediately (which we did) and then see what we could do about it afterward.

    it was then the URTV administration who DID NOT FOLLOW THE RULES, which was to acknowledge our apology and dispute, and at least reply.

    i was amazed in the first place that they didn’t even give us any kind of warning — hell, even many cops will have enough heart to do that! but nonetheless, Tim and i acted professionally and courteously, and were entirely ignored.

    so you can say whatever you want, and include me in on your idiotic MISINFORMATION lists, and even conduct your own bloody tribunal if that’s what you are into, but my witness in regards to the incident is true and i will stand by it.

    my statements about the URTV administration are simply my opinions based on my observations.

    … besides, i only posted this information to help clarify John L’s misunderstanding on the matter. i don’t know who you are, and frankly based on your posts, i don’t care to know you — you don’t sound like a very nice person.

    (BTW, i am no longer receiving replies to this thread of nonsense, so if you have anything else to say to me, you can do so via a different medium. good luck to you there at URTV!)

  28. 1. Secret Service writes: “I have been a member for over a year now and never heard of Tim Peck.”

    Not having personal knowledge of me does not invalidate my claims — nor anyone else’s.

    2. Secret Service writes: “How could he possible know whats actually happening at URTV?”

    When did URTV open its doors? Answer: July 31, 2006. Here are some photographs that I took will show that: http://snipr.com/apnwz

    I was there on opening day. I don’t recall seeing Mr. Service at that time.

    Also, as was pointed out by others above, I produced a live show for several months as well as other programs from the station’s inception. I was at URTV when Kurt Mann was canned under suspicious circumstances, when Pat Garlinghouse was interviewed for her present position, when Jenn Mass and Peter Brezny left under duress, when the Board tried to get around the open meeting laws, and when the city and county clarified this matter for them.

    I’m sorry we never had a chance to meet during that long association. I’m sure it would have been very stimulating.

  29. Jeff Fobes

    April: Without taking sides on this debate, I did wonder about your comments “I am a member in Huston TX. Pat was given a choice in TX, either be fired or resign. She chose to resign. The reason, her trying to control the board, and members beyond the law. … Sorry to hear she is now in Asheville, NC. Good luck … All you have to do is google Pat’s name and you will see all the truth about her.”

    I Googled Pat Garlinghouse and Houston, and got 38 results. Looking at http://hackmkultra.gnn.tv/blogs/16877/No_More_Free_TV_corruption_lies_and_politics_as_usual I found a long, detailed report suggesting Pat was ousted because she allowed programming to air that some thought was obscene.

    Another website touts her as a friend of Pacifica Radio, which is a well known upholder of free speech. http://cgi.peak.org/mailing-list/archive/grc/msg02050.html

    There’s evidence of governmental inquiries into allegations about obscenity being aired.

    But in the four pages of Google search results, I failed see scathing attacks of her.

    Did I miss the links you are thinking of?

  30. dale joyner

    Ok children play respectful now, or I’m going have to cut your play time in half. Da Queen has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  31. elaneon

    Personally, I am interested in why Ms. Garlinghouse refused to allow a public meeting to be filmed. That strikes me as an odd position to take when the filming of everything that effects the community is generally encouraged by URTV.

    I hope the secrecy oath will be revised and resigned just to avoid any confusion or seeming impropriety. If the true purpose of such an oath is to protect the privacy of staff et al, surely more specific wording would make everyone involved feel a lot better, especially the members of the board who have to sign it.

    URTV is a wonderful community resource. I would hate for anything as minor as the wording in an oath or Ms. Garlinghouse’s apparent camera shyness to salt its earth.

  32. dale joyner

    Freedom of Speech is Wonderful!!!!!!!!

    Yes, yes check it all out for yourself, don’t sit around listening to mis-information wonderful Jeff Fobes, I’m so, so proud of you. Da Queen has spoken.

    Love Ya,
    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  33. Illuminatti

    Mr. Fobes thank you for your input,
    Try googling Garlinghouse +houston media + city council
    http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS239&=&q=garlinghouse++houston+media++city+council&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f

    I didn’t find the scathing stuff mentioned by April, but since that is her same pattern here, (controlling the board, and scathing gossip and phony intimidation tactics like the aforementioned “oath”, when a board member is not controllable), I’m not at all surprised.

    I did find city council minutes from the time period where $800,000 was withheld because of her. Which is something to wonder about.

  34. Ashvillian

    April is from Huston about as much as I am from Ashville.

    Sheesh. I suspect the involvement of master actor Peter Brezny, playing the part of hectored ex-board member, playing the part of part of Illuminatti!

    S(he) is making the same points that Peter has been trying to push on us for over a year. And they still don’t stand up!

  35. dale joyner

    Hello Readers

    The great thing would be for all that are blogging and those that are reading to come to the next Board Meeting it’s open to the public.

    I invite all the producers and viewers to come to the next meeting, get totally involved. This is our Public Access TV.

    We the Producers and Viewers will not allow anyone to mess this up, for their own personal interest. Check URTV web-site to be updated on dates and times of meeting.

    Come and see and hear the truth for yourself!
    Love to see you there. Da Queen has spoken

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  36. Jeff Fobes

    There’s appears to be an inconsistency at work here, though. Upholding freedom of speech doesn’t seem to square with a blanket secrecy oath that leaves the public out in the dark.

    “…that I will keep confidential all the affairs of URTV, except to other members of this board in good standing or URTV staff …”

  37. elaneon, Its not Pat’s “camera shyness”. Some members of the Board do not want to be filmed. While URTV is dedicated to dedicating the rich cultural of Asheville as much as possible, it is even more dedicated to respecting the right to privacy of those who might be filmed. That goes for the board, for you, and for anyone else. A lot of people would not mind being on television. Some people do. While there may be a rich vein of irony in those people being on the board of a TV station, that does not invalidate their wishes on this matter.

  38. Don Yelton

    Open Books and open meetings are necessary for all boards set up by the County Commissioners or City Council. In North Carolina the actual County Commissioners exist at the pleasure of the State and these boards are then an extension of the authorizing board and go back directly to the control of the state which then brings in the Sunshine Law.

    I can remember when the Boards did not take minutes like they should and now the County Attorney proofs the County Commissioner Meetings.

    Notes from the closed sessions have caused problems all over the state.

    The real problem is that this “problem” at URTV may give the power brokers the reason to cut off funding and keep the PEG money for the educational channel and government channel.

    YOU heard it right, this will give them what they need. Now it is time to concentrate on speaking out and at the same time coming together for the same purpose. Freedom of Speech may hurt you and me but take the hurt and keep on working to insure the right of free speech at the County Commissioners Meeting, at URTV, at school board meetings and other places.

    Freedom of Speech does not mean that you have “carte blanche” to force your thoughts on someone else. There are several people who would love to take over the investment of URTV for their own personal gain.

    I say put them all in a room and put a camera on and let it roll. I bet we could come out with a solution.

  39. William Tyndale

    Actually Johnny, their service on a public board does invalidate their wishes to privacy in the context of the board’s activities. NC Open Meetings Laws are very clear about taping or filming the proceedings of a public board. Service on a public board brings with it reponsibilites to abide by the laws covering those boards. And that is the crux of the problem with the proposed oath – on face it would seem to be at distinct odds with the prevailing statutes.

  40. Johnny writes: “that does not invalidate their wishes on this matter.”

    No, irony does not invalidate their wishes on this matter, but the law does.

    Board members do not have any presumption of privacy when officially conducting our business in a public meeting governed by state statute.

    If certain Board members find public scrutiny of their conduct of public business discomfiting, then they should sit in a corner and re-think their role as a member of a public body.

  41. Matt Howard

    A clarification for the sake of accuracy. Pat Garlinghouse did not prevent the board meeting from being filmed. I was there. She commented on the filming, and did not seemed pleased with the idea, but it was not prevented.

    Also, I just gotta say one more thing. If you are doing a live show, and your guest cancels, you wing it. I do.

  42. Cathode Ray

    ” There are those who build and those who divide.
    Each have the choice to chose thier paths, but only one suports equity for community expression, the other thrives upon themselves”

    “URTV Buncombe counties community media center”
    Building Community Diolog
    Publicly Loved and suported /Not Publicly Funded

    http://urtvweb.com
    http://www.urtvforums.org

  43. mARTha mcleod

    I have been a friend of John Blackwell for over 40 years. He may be guilty of trying to do too many things at once in his enthusiasm to produce a tv show. He may fail to control his tone of voice or social graces when his mind is filled with a technical project. He may be guilty of caring too much. He is one of the kindest, most creative people I know. He is not a liar! Just had to speak up for my friend.

  44. dale joyner

    Hello Readers

    This why we should be very careful about what is actually said here, people are so easily mis-lead.

    There is no inconsistency, the meetings are open to the public you can come and ask whatever you feel there is some mis-understanding about.

    In an orderly and respectful fashion, willing to work for the good of the community and URTV. Not for your own personal agenda.

    Come to the next Board Meeting. Anyway what company profit or non-profit that you know of, whereby you know all the(bylaws)and understand them?

    The sad thing about this is that it was mentioned at the last meeting that there is need for adjustments to the bylaws,by the Director of URTV.

    Those that brought the question up was out of order. It was not on the agenda nor did they direct there questioning to the President which is the order of questioning.

    I myself am learning, listening and pay attention. There is an agenda which is handed out before the meeting starts to all Board Members.

    So when they were told for the good of all, members and public as well as Board Members the correct way to address and direct their questions or answers. They pull the FREEDOM OF SPEECH, and whatever else is confusing card.

    What’s so funny also and such a joke these people that brought this issue to the public are yet themselves fully informed about the bylaws.

    Come to the meetings and witness for yourself. Please come, with a mind of positive energy, release that before you get there! Da Queen has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  45. I WAS AT THE BOARD MEETING,AND PAT TRIED TO STOP ME FROM VIDEOING.. HERE IS THE AUDIO.. I WILL POST PARTS,OR ALL OF THE VIDEO AS SOON AS I GET IT ON LINE..

    video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6126497632316262021

    ALSO ,WHY MUST NEW BOARD MEMBERS TAKE THE OATH,IF NONE OF THE OLD BOARD MEMBERS EVER TOOK THE OATH??

  46. Ashvillian

    Multiple press releases from URTV to the Xpress in 2008 – Ignored.

    Non-issues from an incompetent, vindictive board member – rushed to the press by Forbes.

    What you didn’t read this year in the Xpress is that URTV received $25,000 in grant money, started up Webcasting, hosted its second annual Youth Video Camp, held the first annual URTV Media Fest, had over 5,000 new visitors at the facility, and over 4,000 (free) equipment check outs.

    There is a primary tier of misinformation on this thread, created by Blackwell, Bernier, Peck, and Brezny (Illuminatti). In each case, their claims rely on a few carefully overlooked facts, just like pundits on Fox. A second tier of misinformation is perpetuated by those who take them for their word.

    Jeff Fobes, thank you for probing into “April’s” claims and being a good journalist. Please let David Forbes know that his shoddy piece of “journalism” is responsible for opening up a can of worms of flagrant lies on this thread. He will bear a large measure of blame when the city and county come to view URTV is undisciplined and rancorous, without ever having been in the facility. There are disgruntled producers all around the country who would rather see a center go down than not have control over it. Forbes has given their lies a megaphone.

    Jeff, come in to URTV, talk to the staff, talk to the folks who use URTV, and I guarantee you will find a completely different atmosphere than the one on this thread. This is simply not the real story.

  47. Ashvillian

    I might add that the only reason any of us true supporters of URTV even acknowledge this ridiculous thread is that so many lies have been aired publicly on it.

  48. Illuminatti

    Folks, what we have in the ongoing dialog is a microcosm of what is going on inside URTV. All the comments being made by posters who are trying to browbeat the dissenters into submission is exactly what happens at URTV . All the pro Garlinghouse posters are members of URTV here who are speaking out, have shows on URTV and they want to keep those shows on the air. And they know on a certain level that they must, MUST stay in the good graces of the executive Director or they are summarily out of there. It’s a very sad thing that many good producers have been forced out, when the executive director deems them to be not controllable. URTV has devolved into a “my way or the highway” atmosphere. Over 2/3rds of the original membership has left; in ’06 there were over 600 members, for fiscal year ’08 I expect the number to end in June ’09 at around 180. Certainly there is the issue of folks finding out how hard producing is, and this issue of the time involved to produce a show, and monumental time it takes for a series; many folks find that they just don’t have the time or energy. So it’s understandable that some first responders would drop out after reality hit, but over 2/3 ‘rds of the membership? I know the supporters and staff will come on here and say this is absolutely untrue, and I’m trying to “tear down” or destroy URTV , but look at the facts folks. What single individual who has developed conflicts with the Executive Director has been allowed to continue producing and showing their work? And trust me, it is not hard to get on her radar screen as an undesirable. Myself and others who are speaking out here have not been responsible for running off talented members, who are the backbone of URTV, it is the toxic atmosphere that is responsible for the low morale and the desperate need of URTV for original programming. What is going on is a consequence of very bad people management by an inept Executive Director. And we who are speaking out are not the problem, we are the messengers.

    Here is what I think happened to set up this atmosphere:

    City and County held the funds for a public access station in an escrow account (according to a former board chair ) and a large amount was accumulated for the peg station. People who were aware the money was there began working with the city and county officials to get public access going, it took a very long time, as there was much opposition and fantasies as to how bad the programming could get and how our southern ladies could be scarred for life and children led into a den of inequity. So the city and county wanted a lot of watch dogging done (scroll about halfway down to view URTV discussion) http://www.mountainx.com/news/1998/1223city.php , and wanted do whatever was necessary to protect the city and county from lawsuits due to programming by the bogeymen all the opponents were imaging were out in the hinterlands: just lurking to put their vileness on the public channel. My opinion is, it’s due to the fears that some much drama and upheaval has occurred at URTV. From the git-go I’ve had a feeling it was the “little engine that could” bravely chugging it’s way trying to get up the hill and not making a lot of progress, because it kept getting knocked back down the hill due to the fear driven upheavals. So there was a belief by many that URTV needed a heavy hand to keep the demons at bay. I believe this is why Garlinghouse was hired. However, her past issues were not revealed when she applied for the job or running URTV; and I suspect had the board known she was the cause for $800,000 being withheld from Houston (as mentioned above in a previous post) might have held some sway with the decision of hiring her. I think many people on the board knew little, if any about public access (though URTV did have the advantage of a few who did) and consequently have been led by the nose to a point where the board of directors has lost all leadership authority over management. The most recent illegal “oath” is a prime example of leadership run amok. Please ask yourself what does the wording in the oath imply? Frankly I believe it was a ploy or instrument drawn up to use to get rid of certain board members who’ve proven uncontrollable by the executive director by their asking hard and refusing to be dictated to. With the expectation that like many board members they’d quietly accept the document without question. And why wouldn’t the Executive Director and her lapdog secretary believe they could get away with this gross overstepping of authority, after all they’ve been getting away with overstepping with the board and URTV, from almost the beginning of Garlinghouses’ reign over her fiefdom.

    The most recent meeting had major issues that were highly inappropriate; how much more inappropriate leadership is going on behind the scenes. If the new board members are expected to sign an oath stating that they know the bylaws, wouldn’t you think what is in the bylaws would be something the ED and her lapdog secretary would also know? Open meeting laws are very clear in the City and County management agreement, lies by the secretary about the “oath of office” that it had indeed been signed by other board members, and insisting through coercion that an illegal document be signed. Improprieties are being allowed by the acting chair, Pastor Jerry Young…who appears to be a nice docile man who is being directed by the Garlinghouse to suit her purpose, instead of the required opposite. Just like the current thread, URTV been turned into a mini dictatorship with no toleration of a dessenting views, the polar opposite of what a first amendment resource like URTV is SUPPOSED to be about. How this atmosphere evolved is the key to getting a wonderful community resource back on the dynamic track it deserves to be on. Then the ‘ Little Engine That Could’, can get up the hill.

    I believe we’ve seen only the tip of the iceberg of the potential public access station can offer in our community that we all love dearly. URTV has been very hindered by so much fear mongering and heavy handed management, that right now it looks like the inmates are running the asylum, because what’s going one there is frankly, crazy.

  49. dale joyner

    Hello Readers

    CORRECTION:

    THEY ARE NOT INFORMED, BY CHOSE!

    There are those that divide and those that build.

    Da Queen has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  50. Jeff Fobes

    Two thoughts:

    Don Yelton’s comment seems worth mulling on: “The real problem is that this ‘problem’ at URTV may give the power brokers the reason to cut off funding and keep the PEG money for the educational channel and government channel. … Now it is time to concentrate on speaking out and at the same time coming together for the same purpose. Freedom of Speech may hurt … but take the hurt and keep on working to insure the right of free speech at the County Commissioners Meeting, at URTV, at school board meetings and other places.”

    Dr. Blackwell, I hope you don’t video like you comment, using ALL CAPS — which is like visual shouting. In consideration of the people you’re trying to reach, use lower case; you’ll be heard and understood better, I believe.

  51. Proud Defender

    right on Jeff. let’s come together and work with what we’ve got here, or we’re going to lose it. many posters seem more interested in bashing individuals than realistic solutions.

    as a producer, urtv seems in great shape to me. they have more equipment and studio space than they did two years ago and it is checked out more often. i don’t know about illuminatti’s membership figures, and if he is basing a judgment of the health of the organization on them, his case is not a very good one.

  52. Don Yelton writes: “Now it is time to concentrate on speaking out and at the same time coming together for the same purpose.”

    True. I don’t understand how turning a blind eye to gross mismanagement is considered “support” for URTV.

    As was indicated above, the so-called “defenders” appear to want nothing more than to avoid risking their access to free toys and face time on TV, so they drink the kookaid, draw up blacklists, and call people liars who have only described their experiences and stated the law.

    It is they, not the critics, who enable disaster. It is the critics of error who see with un-averted eyes that something stinks and who speak out, in contrast to the reflexive name-callers, to bring attention to problems before the thing is ruined for everyone and for a long time.

  53. Betty

    I think this audio says it all…

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6126497632316262021

    That shows that Pat, Dale Joyner, Ralph and the rest of them are wrong!

    Also you will hear someone from the public (I know he is an employee also) tell the board what to do. Under State of NC law, a member of the public can’t speak unless asked a question or during public comment. And they sure can’t tell the board what to do. Pat has a bad habit of speaking out of turn also. That can’t be done either. She is not a board member and can’t speak unless asked a question or during the public comment.

    Then you have Pat telling Ralph what to put in the minutes and what to keep out. That’s illegal, you can’t leave anything out of the minutes.

    This board is a joke! I know that once the State of NC sees what I have to show them, they will agree. They will most likely step in and disband the current board and start over with a new board and new Director.

    So say good buy to Pat, her employees, and the current board. North Carolina will not stand for corruption in a publicly funded non-profit org.

    So speak all you want to Queen! Because in about a month or so they will be saying “North Carolina has spoken! The Queen has been dethroned!”

  54. Don Yelton

    never has so many tried to control so little money that is. I still say put em in a room and turn the camera on and watch a solution come out. That is the power of free expression and free speech.

  55. Sting of URTV manager’s ouster remains fresh for station members
    by Kent Priestley | MX | 10/04/2006
    http://www.mountainx.com/news/2006/1004urtv.php

    […] The current visibility is something new for the nine-member board, whose prior meetings have attracted only a sprinkling of members and interested citizens. URTV members videotaped the meeting, but board member Katina Turner asked that the videographer have board members sign a release before the meeting coverage is broadcast on URTV. As a nonprofit, 501(c)3 corporation, URTV is not bound by the same disclosure rules as local government, and ex-officio member Robin Cape said she would consult with Asheville’s attorney about the board’s responsibility to station members and the public at large, but said it could take a month to get the answer.

    F. RESOLUTION NO. 07-04 – RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH URTV, INC. (January 9, 2007)

    Summary: The City entered into a Management Agreement with URTV Inc. in November of 2004 and said agreement will expire in November, 2009. URTV, Inc. receives public funding and this Board feels all URTV Inc. Board of Director’s meetings should be open to the public. The City and the Board of Directors for URTV have agreed to amend the Management Agreement between the parties dated the 23rd day of November, 2004, to include the requirement that URTV will comply with the North Carolina Open Meetings Law, set forth in Article 33C of the North Carolina General Statutes Sections 143-318.10 et seq. Councilwoman Cape noted that the URTV Board has been conducting themselves in an open fashion and this action is to amend the agreement to formally include that provision.

    http://www.ashevillenc.gov/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=4584

  56. Johnny Lemuria

    Pat can be a hard person to work with. She has, in my estimation, a low tolerance for grown adults who act like little children, and if their tantrums disrupt the operations of the station, she will take action. Given the higher than norm manchild population in Asheville, this can cause difficulties. However, If the choice comes down to the management style of Pat Garlinghouse or the venom and self-righteously aggrieved grandstanding that has been demonstrated by some on this board, then I’ll take Pat any day of the week.
    I work on three shows for URTV. I contribute a signigicant amount of content. I like being a producer. The day Pay leaves, especially given the current caliber of those waiting to fill her shoes, is the day I seriously consider walking away.
    If you want to know what’s going on at URTV, come to a meeting. Everyone here has an axe of some sort to grind. If you want the truth, seek it at the source.

  57. dale joyner

    To: Betty Boo

    Betty Boo, you sound like you need a big hug. I invite you myself to come to the next board meeting. Only if you allow me to I will give you a sincere hug.

    And I say again no weapons formed against URTV shall prosper! Da Queen has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  58. HELLO……… I LIKE CAPS ,THEY HELP ME READ…I AM NOT A BLOG GUY. I LIKE TO RANT ON TV..MAYBE I CAN DO THAT WHIN URTV GETS IT’S NEW ED..I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO DO A SHOW ONCE MORE..
    THE LINK DID NOT LOAD ,AS YOU SAY IT WILL ,BUT I WILL TRY AGAIN,AND LOTS MORE TO COME..OH BETTY ,MUCH,MUCH MORE..THATS THE THING,IT’S NOT JUST ONE LITTLE THING OR TWO,.IT’S ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER,ON ,AND ON,OVER THE LAST YEAR ..

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6126497632316262021

    ANARCHY tv – http://www.ashevilletv.net
    MY NEW SHOW IS LIVE AT MO DADDYS..
    CHECK OUT MY TEA PARTY.NOW STREAMING ALL OVER THE WORLD.. http://www.ashevilletv.net .JUST CLICK ON WATCH TV… ALSO WATCH AT TEA TIME IN LONDON…
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    .A BUNCH OF COOL NEW STUFF IS COMMING UP IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.. CHECK IT OUT …LIVE AT MO DADDYS…
    ALSO,– click on this… http://www.psychoacousticresearch.us/ CLICK ON PHOTOS & ANY X IN A BOX AT THE TOP..

    THE SERVER IS BACK UP…..

  59. dale joyner

    Hello Readers

    I just listened to the audio provided by john b, and betty bo. I invite all to listen.

    Da Queen has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  60. dale joyner

    To:llluminatti

    You need a really big and long sincere hug. I just read throughly your blogs. Bless your heart.

    If you are who I think you are, tell your wonderful husband I said hello. He’s such a nice person.

    Da Queen has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  61. Illuminatti

    Garlinghouse told the author that this was not a story. Well it’s gotten over 1100 views (on the weekend) at a time when most publications post non important stories so they get “buried”. You can see the passion here for public access, on both sides of the controversy (and isn’t it sad that sides have been formed; this could have been avoided).

    I understand the posters who are standing up passionately for this overbearing pseudo-parental team. However it’s just a matter of time before you too become a target for their venom. Sooner or later they will overstep the bounds and demand that you give just a bit too much to their whims. All of us nay sayers have been in your position before, most of us understand and even sympathise. That is why most of us who have been there are being gentle with you.

  62. Concerned Observer

    I hope everyone on both sides of this quarrel fully understands that there will likely not be another general manager, and the state has absolutely nothing to do with funding URTV. If the community as a whole cannot behave rationally and develop a minimally mature consensus about the facility, it will stop being supported by both local governments. Both of which remain the only funding source for the entire initiative despite the reality that Public Access must generate a significant portion of it’s own revenue through community support and/or fundraising if it is to continue in any form.

    If there is continued turmoil, the inability to maintain competent management and oversight of the facility will be more than enough to justify the city and county shutting it down for good, especially with current budget problems. URTV’s management agreement expires this year, and nothing guarantees it’s renewal, especially considering there are no available funds or any realistic plans from the group to sustain its budget for a new term. Instead of quarrelling, anyone with a stake in it had better get together to help it survive or you’re guaranteed not to have anything to quarrel about. If you have any illusions that the city or county will jump to its support in the next few years, you’re sadly mistaken. The more likely scenario it creates is an opportunity for liquidating an optional expense in favor of core services.

  63. Cathode Ray

    RE: Board meeting audio;
    The audio submitted was only 2:33 minutes long ; If you are for open meeting compliance and transparency than please submit the entire meeting for public viewing or listening. This is the type of censorship and editing that promotes mis information and anarchy.
    Dr. Blackwell appreciate your candor and support for free speech can you please explain what your doctrine is in and where your dissertation can be found. Look forward to reading it.
    Mr. Bernier the best way to suppress free speech and this communities only opurtunity and platform to express it self on Cable TV has been found and promoted through this blog and the article you endorsed at the MTN Express.
    Free speech used at its best I guess.
    Wishing the best for all
    and hope all have a wonderful day
    Cathode Ray

  64. Don Yelton

    If everyone on this thread values freedom of speech they will come back to URTV and stand up for that freedom and realize that when the money runs out or is reduced the governing bodies, the city and county, will take the few remaining dollars and fund thier own venue for programing.

    Then there will be controlled speech. As you read you see in the replies how most people define freedom of “their” speech.

    I repeat put em all in a room and let the camera roll. I bet we would get a solution.

    The “grandstanding” Gadfly that appreciates freedom of speech and has pushed for open meetings, open and transparent government, and accountablility and open books for all non-profits that gets tax money or even public money.

    My fears will be realized with more control and more definitions and less freedom as this continues and the “power brokers” say I told you so.

    Are you folks too blind to see what is happening in this thread. What is to be in the minutes? All votes are to be recorded, no personal comments, just the facts. The county does let people video the meetings. (But they did arrest someone for standing right where WLOS was and has been since then) The county would not televise public comment and the Gadfly and the other regulars have pushed for that for years.

    It seems as we take two steps forward we then fall back three. Remember the power brokers are watching and waiting. They need the money to buy the Biltmore Mall.

  65. Secret Service

    Ok. Let’s talk credibility. Seems a few people don’t understand what happens when they lose theirs.

    Illuminati is Peter Brezny? Well now, that makes a lot of sense considering he was removed from the Board over a year ago for crying Wolf about mishandled finances. Since every audit has come back showing everything in order and even described the records as impeccable, Mr. Brezny was removed from the Board for actively overstepping his authority as a Board member. Brezny credibility on URTV = 0

    You see people, he said all this back then, over a year ago and all of it was proved to be false. He shamed himself out of URTV and hasn’t returned because of it. He is not alone in this regard, as there are several others who humiliated themselves by taking personal shots at the Executive Director and losing. No one has ever had their membership revoked, and anyone can still use URTV’s resources. They choose not to use URTV because they refuse to accept the Executive Director’s authority.

    Now, to Mr. Peck who is not a lawyer, i might add, your legal findings are meaningless. You are not a lawyer or a judge and you haven’t been in URTV in over a year. Thats why you have no credibility when it comes to your false dictums about “What’s really going on at URTV.” You keep saying Peter quit under duress. He was removed and you have perpetuated this lie twice in posts now. and you haven’t been there in over a year either. Peck credibility on URTV = 0

    Same to you Mr. Brezny. You had wildly delusional thoughts and beliefs about URTV when you were an active part of it. It makes one wonder how delusional one has become since the humiliating way you ousted yourself over a year ago. They say the best way to perpetuate a lie is to keep telling it.

    The only true things said in your entire post was this: “The people defending URTV are active producers who actively participate by producing programming and they wish to continue to do so.”

    That is true. Everyone defending URTV and its Staff actually use the place; while everyone on this thread who is bashing Staff and lying about what happens at URTV; are not members of URTV, produce no programming and have humiliated themselves in some way and are too proud to return and accept the authority of the Executive Director.

    It’s strange to me how obvious this real story is here. Some people thought the First Amendment part of the facility meant they could do what ever and say whatever they want with/in the facility and use its resources anyway they see fit.

    They fail to realize that the First Amendment applies only to : The Channel Space. That’s right, URTV is a business and must be run as such to succeed. First amendment applies to what you put in your programming, not how you careless use the facility or its resources.

    Pat Garlinghouse was brought in to fix the nightmare URTV had become. Because at that point, the inmates WERE running the asylum. Now, all the inmates have been put in their place and boy are they pissed.

    What Mr. Brezny, Mr. Peck and DR. BLACKWELL fail to realize/accept is that URTV is better off without them.

  66. Secret Service

    Brezny wrote: “I understand the posters who are standing up passionately for this overbearing pseudo-parental team. However it’s just a matter of time before you too become a target for their venom.”

    No Peter, the difference here is myself and the current batch of members accept the Executive Directors authority of URTV. I have read and follow the Policies and Procedures, so I will NEVER find myself in your situation. You thought the members ran URTV. and you were wrong. So sad you can’t just produce programming and leave the running of the place to the professionals. (You have 0 years experience running Public Access, right?)

    All of you naysayers thought you ran the place and then got put in your place. Public Access is not what you think it is, and URTV is not what you say it is. You are not some crusader for justice here, just a hurt little boy defending his hurt pride by lashing out.

    This is not a movie, V for Vendetta or anything like that. You are not anyone’s hero. Aside from elevating Pat Garlinghouse to the criminal mastermind level worthy of a Bond villain, you have done nothing to help URTV.

    You should be ashamed of yourself. Because once its gone, every member like myself will have quite bitter feelings towards you and the other four actively pursuing the character assassination of its Staff.

  67. Secret Service

    David Forbes failed to ask a simple , yet vital question: Did you sign the Oath, Mr. Bernier?”

    Then the real story would have been, Board member signs Oath, and immediately breaks it…

    Mr. Bernier should resign from the Board before he does any more damage to the fragile condition URTV finds itself in. When Board members actively, purposefully and knowingly hurt URTV and overstep their authority, they should be removed from duty.

  68. Jon Elliston

    Note to posters here: Some recent comments on this thread have been left in our moderation queue and will not be posted to the Web site. The reason is that they have resorted to name calling; please refrain from calling each other “coward,” “butt-boy” and the like. Also, please desist using ALL CAPS in your posts.

    Thanks for reading, and for posting,

    Jon Elliston
    Mountain Xpress

  69. Proud Defender

    Illuminatti’s posts win 1st place for hypocracy by demonstrating the mother of all “psuedo-parental” tones and venomous personal agendas. thanks for the talk, dad (and thanks for being gentle with us).

    Aside from illustrating his personal obsession with Pat Garlinghouse, the posts highlight a number of the distortions that Brezny thrives on.

    for one, he cites 1000+ views as evidence that this was “a real story.” this is obviously deliberate spin. as soon as the story was posted, it was immediately followed by distorted information and personal put-downs. the thread has been so active because your agenda is transparently personal and there are enough of us willing to keep you from getting away with your mean-spirited, patriarchal manipulation. your fallacies perpetuate this dialogue. you are wasting everyone’s time, stressing out URTV’s staff, and redirecting much needed energy from actually helping URTV. and don’t forget, You started it, so don’t try to act like a victim if you get bitten by it.

    Brezny and Blackwell insinuate that URTV’s staff acts on personal, emotional impulses and “bans” those who fall from their personal favor. Blackwell repeats the lie that he was “banned” unjustly. Blackwell was suspended from participation in the facility for 30 days, because he flagrantly turned his show into an infomercial for his competing Video on Demand website, AshevilleTV.net (mentioning pricing and reasons why it is better than URTV). Perhaps that video should find its way to the net as well, to refresh his selective memory. Blackwell is free to return and continue his show at any time, but he would rather stomp around and pout about the ED (a common trait among the “dissenters” – unwillingness to accept the blame for their mistakes).

    those who actually understand the situation know that trying to force Pat out by insulting her 1)will not work (she’s been here before, many times) and 2)will result in URTV’s going away, forever.

    for Blackwell and Illuminatti, if you can’t be accountable for your past failures and get over your personal obsessions, go make your own damn public access center (Blackwell has got a head start!).

    For those who are actually interested in helping URTV, keep submitting programming. keep telling your neighbors about this amazingly cheap resource. come and volunteer. be a counselor for a week of youth video camp this summer. help out on the crew of a friend’s program.

    And if you are a board member interested in helping, keep your criticisms and outrage Inside the board meetings. Bernier, why did you sign the confidentiality agreement without objection and then immediately break it by taking your outrage to the Xpress?

  70. Illuminatti_01

    Been a’watching this thread, sure is funny how the gist of Mount Express’ point has gotten lost in the flotsum & jetsum by the Defender and his sidekick Secret Service man. The secrecy oath she required new board members to sign was not in keeping with North Carolina’s open meeting laws. So all the bluster about breaking the oath, lack of accountability and on and on a bunch of hot air to divert attention from the facts. How these whiners are destroying URTV, without taking any responsibility for their illegal “oath”. Some people just don’t understand the concept of consequences. This article would not be here if there wasn’t something to the story. Defender needs to be a man and face the fact that the law was violated. And forget about the foolish guilt trip he’s trying to lay on people about FINALLY speaking out, sooner or later people get fed up.

    Defender says Garlinghous has been here many times. What does that tell us? That she has many times in the past been in a similar situation. So she’s had lots of practice in dealing with bad press when she breaks the law? Hmmmmm.

    Ya gotta wonder how this all happened, who vetted this individual to lead URTV into this chaos? If she was run out of Texas on a rail, why didn’t they (whoever vetted her) know that or dig deep enough to find out? If the information is found easily by a simple Google search, why didn’t the search team find it? How much were they paid to find this gem of management?

    Looks to me like the precious community asset of URTV was beset by obstacles from the beginning, and perhaps programmed to fail; could that be possible?
    The road for a very popular community access studio has been pretty durn rocky.

    Just the observations of a simple ole NC hillbilly.

  71. Well, hyuck hyuck to you too, festus. You know what, I’m done commenting on this thread. Thankfully, this thread has very little chance of stopping URTV. And make no mistake, that is the intention of those behind this assault. If they can’t run it, they reason, no one can. Well, they are wrong. URTV will keeping going, it will keep going years from now. And the bitter little people, and the thread they have polluted, will be distant memories, of interest only to academics researching the beginnings of URTV.

  72. dale joyner

    Hello Readers

    Jon, you made me laugh so hard. Children you must learn to debate without showing your emotions. That is the only way we will reach solid reasoning.

    And stop chancing your screen. Again I say tell your husband I said hello. Come from behind the mask,freedom of face, show it! State your name.

    Da Queen has spoken.

    Da Queen of URTV
    Dale Joyner

  73. Illuminatti_01

    Lemuria,
    Son, I still don’t see any acknowledgement of the insistence that new board members sign a document that is not only diametrically opposite of what URTV is supposed to be about, it was not LEGAL. All this other huffin and puffin stuff, is simply tapdancing around the real issue. Incompetance and disrespect for the law.
    Management decision to require board members to sign an secrecy oath, is what this thread is about. And what about the rest of the URTV Board when they were confronted with this document being passed around? Boards are SUPPOSED to oversee that the law is being abided by. Makes ya wonder.

    Defender is missing the point, a board member cannot be guilty, responsible or step down due to press coverage that management has brought upon herself by her overstepping the bounds of the law with this ridiculous “oath”.

  74. Zeke

    Seems to me that if the oath is not legal, it will be null and void and a proper one in the same spirit will be drawn up.

    Don’t see why this needed to be in the Xpress.

  75. Matt Howard

    Sigh.
    I’ve read and reread this damn oath. And find it pretty innocuous. The thing could be better worded, and seems to have been a bad idea to begin with, but I really dont think this is anything evil. I think there is a communication problem here at work here.
    Everyone who is at URTV more often than me, and Im considered a regular, says the place runs smoothly from a logistical perspective, espically considering how few staff members there are. The audits come back clean, finances seem to be in order. I have been a producer for 2 years, and my show, Mount Dungeon, airs it’s 77th episode in two days, and has been called a cult hit. URTV is a success story from where I stand. It’s playing right now over my shoulder while my girlfriend is watching, and it makes me happy that it’s just there.

    The problem here is a breakdown in communication. Has anyone posting here tried to find out where the bloody oath came from? I have, and have had several conversations behind the scenes. I think the ‘defenders’ need to put out here what they told me. Im not going to repeat what has been said in private conversation without someone elses permission, but the story told to me is hardly a dark one. I would say that Pat has not taken the time to explain herself as she should have, and I encourage her to do so.

    Or more to the point, I find myself agreeing with Don Yelton. I dont say that very often here people. We need to get this all out there, and worked out. Anyone who cares about URTV should be there making programming. And if this gets out of control, the powers that be will use it as a reason to pull the plug when the current money runs out. URTV must keep going. EVERYTHING, else is secondary.

  76. Secret Service

    ~Cliff’s notes of this Thread~

    First they cried, “Mis-management, mis-management!!!”

    …after URTV won a $25,000 grant, introduced Web-Streaming, Upgraded their Website, produced the Second Annual Youth Summer Camp, and the First Annual MediaFest, bought New Equipment, offered New Services, Cultivated New Membership and Managed over 4,000 Equipment Reservations.
    ————————————————-

    So then they cried, (after being Proved Liars Once); “The finances, the finances; surely she is doing something funny with the money!”

    …only to have not one, not two, but three professional audits account for every penny.
    ————————————————-

    So then they cried, (after being Proved Liars Twice); “No one is using the place and the members have all left!”

    …only to have multiple Quarter and Annual Reports show an increase in Equipment Use, Facility Use, Live shows and Series programming than ever before.
    ————————————————-

    So then they cried, (after being Proved Liars the Third time); “But none of the members are happy, what about the members!”

    …and the members overwhelming replied in strong support of URTV and its Staff. The people who actually use the facility on a weekly basis responded strongly to the lies being told by people who haven’t been in the building in well over a year.
    ————————————————-

    So then they cried, (after being Proved Liars the Fourth time); “Clearly, Garlinghouse has exerted mind control over all of these people! Can’t you see?!?! Her level of genius allows her to manipulate the minds of hundreds of people. The poor saps don’t know any better.”

    …as if these people were all toddlers and not grown, mature adults, completely capable of observing the situation (because they have actually used the facility in the last year) and making up their own minds.
    ————————————————-

    So then they cried, (after being Proved Liars the Fifth time); “You don’t understand, she has a history of this….check out these links…”

    …only to have the links show Pat Garlinghouse defended the First Amendment and the producers in Houston. She faced strong opposition from “do-gooders” in Houston who wanted tighter control of the programming.
    ————————————————-

    So then they cried, (after being Proved Liars the Sixth time) Wolf!!! Wolf!!! WOLF!!!!

    Kool-Aid!! Alien Mind Rays!! Shape-shifting Reptiles!! 9-11!!

    ….and then no one listened to their cries anymore.

  77. Illuminatti_01

    Money collected to fund public access is held in escrow and cannot be used to buy Biltmore Square Mall. Tut tut, Mr Yelton. That money is collected and held in escrow to be forwarded to the various public channels. The real threats are; Charter going bankrupt, it’s stock is at penny stock level now. The really big threat is the new Telco laws.
    http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/2716
    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS239&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=telecom+companies+and+public+access+stations&spell=1
    So some of you folk might use your abundant energy by writing your lawmaking officials from local to national, if you love public access so much, it would be energy well spent.

    Most comments here seems to me to be control measures that there be no public criticism for things that go on at URTV. That kinda gives some people free reign if members are intimidated into silence or they’re “responsible for the demise” of a passionately loved public service, now don’t it? The old “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts, absolutely” quote comes to mind every time I hear this (not so veiled) argument, “shhh, don’t let the City or County know we have disagreements”. It’s just another obvious guilt trippin’ way of controlling people. Everyone here oughta converge on URTV and have an ongoing televised slug fest, make a series out of it. This topic seems purty popular, might make pretty dang good tv.

  78. Good idea.

    “Festus said: Everyone here oughta converge on URTV and have an ongoing show, make a series out of it. This topic seems purty popular, might make pretty dang good tv.”

  79. Secret Service

    Wow, Festus is Peter Brezny too?! Mispelling words to disguise yourslef is pretty low, and insulting to many folks to say the least.

    Re-crafting the argument to make yourself the victim seems to be your new method. You were not beaten up on teh forum because of a differing opinion. All positive comments about URTV were actually responses to your lies.

    The opposition you face on this thread has nothing to do with silenceing dissent as it does combatting your lies with the Truth. Good people will not stand by and let you reframe the context every time you are proved wrong or lying.

    …and contrary to your earlier post, rebuking your lies with the truth DOES have a role in this issue of the Oath because you presented all this B.S. as proof the Oath is fishy.

    So if everything you have said (in the multiple personliaties) on this thread have been rebuked with the truth, then your general premise about the Oath is also disproved. (so what are we about to now, 7, 8 lies busted on this thread?)

    …one definition of insanity it trying the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Mr. Brezny has not only exemplified that, but now he’s taking on mulitple personalities to manufacture dissent. Now THATS crazy.

  80. elaneon

    Johnny Lemuria- thank you for the clarification of the problem Ms. Garlinghouse had with the filming of meetings.

    To the general forum- If a few board members don’t want to be filmed, why not angle the camera away from them. It’s an easy solution that makes everyone involved happier.

    The same goes for the oath- reword it so that the secrecy clause applies to legitimately private matters such as the staff’s personal information.

    There is so much middle ground to be found here! It seems as though neither side is interested in finding the simple solutions. How about a little compromise as a professional, mature alternative to all this petty bickering and finger pointing?

  81. All this bickering proves that they just need to hand URTV over to me. Orbit TV will be a blissful place full of Spaghetti Westerns, El Santo wrestling pictures, 80s kickboxing films and cannibals. Lots and lots of cannibals.

  82. Pat Garlinghouse,and her executive committee are up to shananagens at urtv..i was outside of urtv ,with my camcorder ,this morrning at 7:57,and the door was locked..so whats up ?? maybe they had the meeting in another(secret)place or time,but the door was locked at urtv…

  83. Don Yelton

    festus you must see beyond your nose. The more money the county gets to put into their channel, the more money they have to spend on other programs. thus the Biltmore Mall can be indirectly helped in funding by using the money to URTV to fund the County Channel.

    Look beyond the current conditions.

  84. Kieron Mann

    I have seen nothing but improvement with the station since Pat Garlinghouse took over. In fact I saw an end to a select few people being given anything they wanted at the expense of the other producers. There is more equipment available, more people producing, and more shows going up all the time. I find it a very professionally run station given it’s lack of funding and proper staffing. The station only employees 4 people on a full time basis to do the job of 6 to 8 people and they do a wonderful job.

    I am not saying that the station is perfect. There are things that I would like to see happen, but we cannot expect to see everything go the way we personally would like.

    I personally find the banning of filming the board meetings objectionable, but I have not heard any facts on what happened. I find nothing wrong with anyone having objections to the wording of the oath or anything else that happens at the station, but please put a little perspective on this.

    I have posted what I am about to say on the old forums on Yahoo.

    IF THERE REALLY ARE BAD THINGS GOING ON AND THEY VIOLATE STATE LAW LETS HAVE SOME DETAILED PROOF, AND LETS GET THEM TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES SO THEY CAN BE DEALT WITH!

    ALL I HAVE HEARD IS RUMOR AND INNUENDO.

  85. good work people,now see what you get.. you loose your votes on the board..when will you wake up ,and see what is going on,and who will stop it now ???

    changing the status of the producer Board members to ex-Officio or non-voting members

    On Thu, 5/14/09, Pat Garlinghouse wrote:

    From: Pat Garlinghouse From: H Goosmann
    To: Jerry Young
    Cc: Pat Garlinghouse ; Bennie Lake
    Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 2:48 PM
    Subject: Nominating Committee By-Laws review

    Jerry-

    Per your request the nominating committee has reviewed the URTV By-laws and made a revision to update them based upon the need as stated by our legal counsel. Please find a draft version of this revision attached to this email.

    Please distribute the updated by-laws to the entire Board such that we can vote on the changes at next weeks Board meeting. I ask that each Board member review them beforehand and email me questions such that we can address any question/concern by the meeting. I am asking that we front load this such that research can be done if needed.

    Last, I ask that each Board member take their time and review this revision carefully. There are some substantial updates suggested. Primarily in the membership category, the number of Board members, by changing the status of the producer Board members to ex-Officio or non-voting members, and by reorganizing the committees. Every effort was made to retain the essence and integrity of the original bylaws. There are good reasons for each of the changes and other suggested updates, and I look forward to a discussion by the full Board.

    thanks,
    Hunter

  86. ok.. i will go back and try to get things back on the good foot…forget the slights of the past and move on..
    i agreed that this has all gotten out of hand and there needs to be a clean slate… let it start with me… i have re-upped my membership,and hope to start producing very soon..
    now, lets all get back on the good foot..
    if we will all work together ,i know we can do it… come on now,lets all give it a try.. good foot,good foot,get down,get back on the good foot..

  87. come to the meeting monday,at urtv,and see the next”bad”board member get kicked off..
    2 out of 3 member elected board members,have been kicked off…now richard is next.. what makes anyone think that it will stop now… as soon as someone on the board starts to see that things are funny,they will be kicked off,and it all starts over.. they can not even keep the board full,because they kick them off,faster than they can put them on..
    what is up with that ?? dose pat think that now that she has gotten her new bylaws(taking all the power away from the members)in place,that every thing will be ok,and all board members in future will dance to the tune as it is called,like these do?? i think she may have a hard time finding 11 people who will all dance to the same tune at the same time.. that has been the case so far..it’s just to hard to dance,with out getting out of step some times,and the next time someone dose,she will need to kick them off..

  88. some people have asked me to post all of the letter ,i got back from pat..

    Tues. June 9, 2009

    Dear Mr Blackwell,

    Please be advised that your recent request to be a participating member of URTV and use of the facility is denied due to: failure to accept responsibility for following the Rules and Procedures of URTV and repeated abuse of URTV equipment and staff. You may, if you choose, use your membership to submit DVDs made elsewhere. If you choose not to submit programming, we will gladly refund your membership fee.

    Please refer to the Rules and Operating Procedures document.

    III. Rules, Violations and Loss of Privileges
    A. Definitions and Limitations
    3. Any producer who engages in activities in the URTV facility that are harassing, threatening, purposefully detrimental or damaging to another producer, URTV staff member, or URTV resources will be asked to leave the building.

    C. Violations of the Rules and Procedures
    1. The following are considered major violations;
    a. Abuse, vandalism or failure to safeguard equipment and facilities, and, any, and all abusive treatment to URTV staff as stated in Section III.A.3. of URTV’s
    Rules and Operating Procedures document.

    Your commercial programming violation included words to the following: “we know that we shouldn’t say this but we will anyway.” You still do not accept your responsibility for the cancellation of your show and you have not made an appointment to speak with me.

    Please check the Rules and Procedures to avail yourself of the appeal and grievance procedure. See Section III.D.

    Very truly yours,

    Pat Garlinghouse
    Executive Director
    cc: URTV Operations Committee Chair

  89. Kieron Mann

    Well it seems that you have violated the rules John and that is why you got suspended. You have verbally attacked people and refused to take responsibility for your actions.

    You bandy about “FREE SPEECH” like yours is being denied or something. You have not been told what you can and can’t say beyond what you agreed to abide by when you became a member. That is what the community standards are and has nothing to do with the station excepting that it must abide by the law.

    You used the station’s equipment to produce “FOR PROFIT” material. That is a direct violation of the agreement everyone signs when they become a member.

    You did a lot for the station and I am sure it is appreciated (I appreciate what you did), but now all you are trying to do is damage reputations and push your personal agenda.

    I STILL HAVE NOT SEEN A SHRED OF EVIDENCE TO BACK UP ANY ACCUSATIONS.

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