*Please note that orientation is required prior to enrolling as a producer, and producer enrollment is required prior to registering for classes.

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION*** –  

HMS

Reopening Update

Houston Media Source will reopen on a limited basis on Monday, May 18.

Initially, we will be offering equipment check outs Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10am until 1pm and 4pm until 7pm.

Reservations are mandatory.  They must be made in advance by calling the HMS equipment department at 713-524-7700 x111.  After receiving a reservation request, an HMS staff member will advise the community producer what time he / she may pick up the gear.  Producers must pick up the gear at the assigned time, no exceptions.  If a producer shows up without a reservation, he / she will be asked to leave.

The goal in all of this is to limit the number of people in the building at any one time.  This will minimize the risk of infection and allow HMS staff members to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed.

Producers arriving at the HMS facilities will be required to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer upon entering the building.  The requested equipment will be placed on a cart and left in the hall by the equipment entrance.   All equipment will be thoroughly disinfected when it is returned, and again prior to the gear being checked out.

If you have been ill, if you are feeling unwell, and particularly if you have been exposed to an individual who has contracted the coronavirus, you will not be allowed in the building.  We are all on our honor to follow these directives.  All policies put in place during the pandemic are for the purpose of protecting all community producers, HMS staff members, and their respective families.  We owe it to each other.

Initially, a limited amount of equipment will be available for check out.  Again, this is to ensure that all proper disinfecting procedures can be followed.  As time goes on, we hope to offer a more complete complement of equipment to community producers.  If you have questions, please contact Equipment Manager Alex Saenz at alexs@hmstv.org.

In light of the fact that HMS has not been able to offer all of its resources during the pandemic, all producers will have three months added to their annual expiration dates.  Also, series fees will be waived for the upcoming season of programs.  If you have already paid series fees, a member of the staff will contact you regarding a refund / credit.

Please bear in mind that HMS is still accepting program submissions.  Please contact Operations Manager James Danner at jamesd@hmstv.org if you have any questions regarding procedures for submitting programming and the accompanying contracts.  Programs may be sent electronically via Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc.  Also, discs or jump drives may be mailed to HMS 410 Roberts Houston, TX 77003, or dropped in the mailbox by the equipment entrance.

We have purchased an enhanced Zoom package, which will be used for online producer meetings (the first one was held this past week – check your email for updates – and, in some instances, classes.  Outreach Director Roger Palomino is finalizing arrangements for conduction orientations and Media Literacy classes online, as this will allow new producers to begin submitting content as quickly as possible.  More classes will be added at a later date.

I would like to thank all community producers for their patience and understanding during these challenging times.  Thanks also to the HMS staff members, who have done an admirable job of operating the station remotely, maintaining a steady flow of new content for broadcast, and adapting to difficult and continuously changing conditions.

That’s a lot of information to process all at once, so I encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns at tomr@hmstv.org.

Tom Richards

Executive Director

Houston Media Source

RSVP is required for all classes (except orientation) at least 60-minutes prior to the scheduled course. The class schedules is available online and at the HMS facility. Please consult the schedule for updates.

Reserve your spot for a FREE TV orientation and studio tour every Monday at 6 p.m. (except holidays). Questions about orientation may be directed to info@hmstv.org and (713) 524-7700 x112.

For radio broadcasting orientation, contact Ronnie Renfrow at (713) 524-7700 x 121 or ronnier@hmstv.org.