Albany PEG board to post RFP for studio coordinator; chair proposes two part-time positions

Kirk Daniels, chair of the Albany City PEG Board, said the board will post a request for proposals in early May for a studio coordinator and proposed creating two part-time positions if budget limits prevent hiring two full-time staff.

Daniels told board members he had studied public access boards nationally and concluded that relying on a single coordinator leaves the studio vulnerable when that person is unavailable. "So my solution was, in in case we we couldn't get the opportunity to hire 2 people on the budget that we have, let's have a part time 2 part time positions," Daniels said, arguing the arrangement would allow one staffer to cover when another is out.

The chair said the RFP is intended to produce a pool of candidates in time for interviews after the board's summer recess. He said the RFP will be posted early in May so applications arrive well before September, avoiding last-minute hiring pressure.

Daniels also outlined plans to revive a full-day Community Media Day on a Saturday this year, with producers' tables, guest speakers and a panel to educate the public about public access and highlight local work. "It's our job to inform the public what public access is," he said, describing the event as a way to bring new energy to the studio and reduce the burden on current staff and volunteers.

The board approved the chairman's report and agreed to reconvene on May 16 for follow-up; the RFP posting date and Community Media Day planning will be discussed further at that meeting.