What exactly is AOC?

AOC Community Media is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides production tools, education, distribution, support, and networking opportunities for community members to create their own productions. In the early years of the television cable industry, legislation was passed requiring cable companies to provide access channels for Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) use. In 1982, Acadiana Open Channel became the local access point for Public, Educational and Government (PEG) use in Lafayette Parish. More than 35 years later, the now AOC Community Media is a vital part of Acadiana’s infrastructure serving its residents, local government, schools and non-profits on a daily basis. We are Lafayette's most local and locally-focused noncommercial media. Check out our brief video about the role of community media in Acadiana.

You can also read more info about our history and guiding principles here:

who is responsible for content on aoc?

Most of the programming you see on AOC TV is submitted and thus produced by the public.

Under AOC’s terms, A PRODUCER is a community member who creates content for AOC. This person is the one liable for the content they submit to us and responsible from ensuring the content does not violate any programming guidelines. (DID YOU KNOW: You do NOT have to be an AOC member to submit content to us. If you already create content and wish for AOC to distribute it, you can submit it with our simple 2-step process HERE).

Who owns the content i produce?

YOU, the, producer of the content, maintain 100% ownership rights to any and all content that you submit to AOC.

Should I Have A Series or Non-Series Program?

As a producer, it is your decision to choose how much content you would like to submit for air at a frequency that is most comfortable for you.

Non-Series Producer = Can submit content as they often as he/she creates it. This option may be ideal for:

• Producers creating projects with a long timeline (ex: documentaries, films, etc.)

• Producers who have limitations on the amount of time they have available to produce (ex: heavy time commitments to job, family, etc.)

Series Producer = Must commit to submitting content on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis for a minimum of 6 months, in a live or recorded format. (Series programming spans January through June and July through December of each calendar year). Series Producers receive benefits like preferential TV schedule times. This option may be ideal for:

• Producers seeking to create (or who are already creating) content consistently

Can i use aoc to make money?

No.

AOC is a noncommercial media center, which means its resources cannot be used to make money. Commercial content is sometimes signaled with a specific call-to-action to provoke an audience member to do or buy something.

Specific guidelines exist for businesses interested in becoming a sponsor of AOC or a program on AOC. For more information on sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, see our Policy and Procedure Manual.

what resources are available to aoc members?

Here’s a quick glance at the available facilities inside of AOC. Click each image for a short description of each studio.

• Available for FACILITY and ALL-ACCESS member card holders only.

• Facility reservations on Saturday or Sunday are by appointment only.

  (AOC is not responsible for any personal belongings left in building. Ask the lobby staff about our lost and found.)

Ready to Join

our community

of creators?

MEMBERS CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN THREE MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON ACCESS NEEDS.

View our membership tiers and complete a membership application with the link below: