Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Starfish Television Network?
- Must I pay to air programming on Starfish?
- What types of programming does Starfish Television Network
broadcast?
- How is Starfish Television Network broadcast?
- What are the lengths of video programming that Starfish Television
Network will air?
- How is Starfish Television Network going to market itself?
- How can I get Starfish Television Network in my home?
- What is the start date for the Starfish Television Network?
- Is the Starfish Television Network a for-profit or not-for-profit
organization?
- Where can I find Starfish Television Network on DISH Network?
- Do I need any specific DISH Network hardware to view Starfish?
- How may I acquire the correct DISH Network hardware in order
to receive the Starfish Television Network?
- Is the Starfish Television Network affiliated with any religious
denomination or government entity?
- What is the Starfish Television Network planning to do to
help attract viewers and cut through all the clutter that is on television, so viewers
are able to find you?
- Will the Starfish Television Network be viewable 24 hours
7 days a week?
- Is there additional cost to stream programs on the Internet?
- May we advertise on the Starfish Television Network?
- What formats does Starfish prefer for submission of programming?
- How does Starfish Television Network determine which programs
air and which do not?
- Do you accept sponsorships for placement of programming on
the Starfish Television Network?
- What can be in the message about our organization on the Starfish
Television Network?
- How may I help the Starfish Television Network?
- What kind of experience does the Starfish Television Network
have in broadcast television?
What is the Starfish Television Network?
The Starfish Television Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Its mission
is to tell the stories of the nation's nonprofit organizations and deliver timely,
accurate information and news about charitable and other worthy causes to educate,
empower and entertain its viewers.
Must I pay to air programming on Starfish?
We solicit and welcome revenues connected with various announcements and acknowledgments;
however, there is no charge to air programming.
The Starfish funding model is patterned after that of PBS. The cost of airing programs
will be covered by acknowledgments, announcements, grants and donations. We will
be working with many organizations which have existing sponsors. Starfish will also
match new sponsors with qualified nonprofit organizations.
What types of programming does Starfish Television Network broadcast?
Starfish airs the informational and educational messages and stories of the respected
nonprofit organizations and charities that are providing solutions relative to the
world's humanitarian needs. The programming must be primarily informational and
educational in nature. We endeavor to air the best quality nonprofit programming
available to us.
How is Starfish Television Network broadcast?
In April of 2007, Starfish launched on DISH Network, channel 9408, to subscribers
utilizing DISH Network 1000 (approximately 1.5 to 2 million subscribers). We will
expand to other satellite and cable carriers as soon as possible. You can also view
us on the Internet at www.starfishtv.org/live
and click to "Watch Live Starfish TV".
What are the lengths of video programming that Starfish Television
Network will air?
At this time Starfish invites organizations to submit existing programming of any
length as long as it meets quality standards and is informational and/or educational
in nature.
If you have content that you would like Starfish to consider, please contact Starfish
Programming at 801-567-3180 or info@starfishtv.org.
How is Starfish Television Network going to market itself?
Starfish has a number of audiences. Our principal audience is subscribers to DISH
Network and our viewers on the Internet. But we also count as part of our natural
audience the nation's 1.4 million charitable institutions, their staffs, members,
and boards, along with the 65 million Americans who annually volunteer on their
behalf. Our audience includes funders like grant-making foundations, corporations
and individuals, as well as the tens of thousands of for-profit organizations whose
job it is to serve the nonprofit sector. Starfish is utilizing the resources of
its strategic partners to reach out to our common constituents. As with any television
channel, the best advertising for our programming is on our own air. As we grow
we'll make extensive use of our assets and years of experience in television, radio,
print, outdoor advertising, email, direct mail, telephone, and public relations
to spread the word about the Starfish Television Network.
How can I get Starfish Television Network in my home?
Starfish airs on DISH 1000, channel 9408. If you are not a DISH Network subscriber,
you can contact your satellite or cable provider and request they add Starfish Television
Network to their channel lineup.
What is the start date for the Starfish Television Network?
Starfish launched in April, 2007 on DISH 1000, channel 9408. The Starfish signal
is also available on the Internet, go to www.starfishnetwork.org/live.
Is the Starfish Television Network a for-profit or not-for-profit
organization?
Starfish is a not-for-profit corporation, registered and qualified as a 501(c)(3)
public charity, eligible to receive tax deductible donations.
Where can I find Starfish Television Network on DISH Network?
Starfish is on DISH 1000, channel 9408. Starfish Television Network is also available
on the Internet, thanks to VDC.com; just go to our website,
www.starfishtv.org, and click to "Watch Live Starfish TV".
Do I need any specific DISH Network hardware to view Starfish?
To receive the Starfish Television Network you will need a DISH 1000 satellite system.
The DISH 1000 is the new system that DISH Network is using to add new channels,
such as high definition. To have a DISH 1000 installed call 800-333-3474.
How may I acquire the correct DISH Network hardware in order
to receive the Starfish Television Network?
If you are a new customer to DISH Network, call 800-333-3474 to have DISH 1000 installed.
If you are an existing DISH Network customer and cannot see Starfish on channel
9408, you will need to upgrade to DISH 1000. You may request a DISH 1000 upgrade
by calling DISH Network at 800-333-3474.
If you are an existing DISH Network customer and cannot see Starfish on channel
9408, you will need to upgrade to DISH 1000. You may request a DISH 1000 upgrade
by calling DISH Network at 800-333-3474.
Is the Starfish Television Network affiliated with any religious
denomination or government entity?
No. From time to time, you may see some programming which was provided by or makes
some reference to a religious denomination or government entity, but Starfish is
not affiliated with, funded or controlled by any religious denomination or government
entity.
What is the Starfish Television Network planning to do to help
attract viewers and cut through all the clutter that is on television, so viewers
are able to find you?
If the experts are to be believed, the future of television won't just be hundreds
of television channels, but thousands of specialized channels that cater to discrete
niches. But as niches go, the nonprofit sector is a substantial one. The sector
accounts for 5.2 percent of the U.S. GDP and about 8.3 percent of wages and salaries
paid in the country. Approximately 65 million people volunteer for nonprofit organizations
in the United States each year.
In order to cut through the clutter, Starfish actively promotes itself as the best
way for charities and the broader philanthropic audience to reach like-minded individuals.
Will the Starfish Television Network be viewable 24 hours 7
days a week?
Yes. Starfish will be viewable 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, both on air and
on-line.
Is there additional cost to stream programs on the Internet?
At this time there is no additional charge to stream programs on the Internet.
May we advertise on the Starfish Television Network?
Traditional commercial advertising is not permitted on Starfish. However, Starfish
is permitted, in accordance with FCC regulations, to recognize the support of various
donors and sponsors. Viewers may also be directed to the website and phone number
of highlighted organizations to obtain more information.
What formats does Starfish prefer for submimssion of programming?
Preferred media formats include:
Digital Betacam
Betacam SP
Betacam SX
Betacam MPEG-IMX
DVCAM
DVCPRO (25mb)
HD CAM (HD, Sony)
Starfish will also accept the following media formats:
Varicam (HD, Panasonic)
D2
DVCPRO (50mb Panasonic)
In some cases, Starfish will also accept the following media formats. However, depending
on quality, we may ask you to provide one of the above-mentioned formats:
1-inch Type C
DVD
U-matic 3/4" SP
Starfish broadcasts in standard 4x3 aspect ratio. HD programming is transferred
to either 'letter box' or 'center cut' format.
How does Starfish Television Network determine which programs
air and which do not?
The programming submitted to Starfish is evaluated in several ways. First the charity
represented in the programming, if any, is checked to see that it meets basic standards
including whether or not it's a 501(c)(3) in good standing, among other measures.
The program is viewed by a small committee to ensure that it meets Starfish's standards
for quality and propriety.
Do you accept sponsorships for placement of programming on
the Starfish Television Network?
Program sponsorship is accepted and encouraged. Starfish actively seeks sponsorship
and grant opportunities. Corporations, individuals and grant making foundations
or institutions interested in sponsoring the Starfish Television Network should
contact Starfish by calling 801-567-3180 or emailing
info@starfishtv.org.
What can be in the message about our organization on the Starfish
Television Network?
Starfish is a public service broadcaster and must adhere to FCC rules and regulations
concerning program content. Programming must be informational and educational in
nature. All programs submitted will be evaluated based on these and other criteria.
Details are available on a case-by-case basis from our Compliance Department.
Starfish Television Network may direct viewers to the websites of featured organizations
to obtain more information.
How may I help the Starfish Television Network?
Starfish welcomes your support and currently has two principal needs. Starfish is
continually seeking high-quality, appropriate programming for broadcast. Starfish
is also seeking qualified sponsors and grant making institutions for funding.
What kind of experience does the Starfish Television Network
have in broadcast television?
Collectively, the Starfish organization has more than 100 years experience in the
day-to-day production and distribution of broadcast television, and an equal amount
of experience working for and assisting with nonprofit organizations.
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