The newly created Seattle Community Access Network (SCAN) is looking for seven to 13 people to form its initial board of directors. Next year, the nonprofit, community-based organization will operate and further develop public access television and other media in one or more access centers in the greater Seattle metropolitan area and participating jurisdictions in King County.

TCI currently manages public access cable television in Seattle under its cable franchise agreement with the city of Seattle. TCI and city officials are working together to shift the management of public access cable television to SCAN by the beginning of 2000. SCAN will offer its services under a contract to the city and TCI will provide operational funding as part of its franchise agreement. In addition, SCAN will seek a tax exempt status from the IRS, allowing new sources of funding and donations for additional programs and activities.

"Prospective board members should hold a broad vision for the potential and development of community access television and new media," says Natalie-Pascale Boisseau, volunteer programs coordinator for the Office of Cable Communications. "To ensure the smoothest transfer possible to the newly formed organization, applicants must have strong skills and experience in the implementation and management of a nonprofit organization at a start-up stage. They should also have proven skills to govern a public access television center and facilities."

Earlier this year, the city facilitated the formation of a core group of citizens to develop SCAN. These participants possess significant experience with nonprofit organizations, public access television, media literacy, new media, and community development. This core group will appoint the initial board of directors, most likely by the fall of 1999. The initial board of directors will consist of a minimum of seven and maximum of 13 people who will reflect the racial, ethnic, geographic, social and economic diversity of Seattle.

To apply, prospective board members must send a completed application, resume and a cover letter describing why the candidate qualifies as a board member and what contribution she/he can make. The application deadline is Aug. 31, 1999.

To request an application packet, contact Natalie-Pascale Boisseau at (206) 684-0252 or email (nataliepascale.boisseau@ci.seattle.wa.us), stop by the Cable Office at 810 Third Ave., Suite 442, in downtown Seattle, or visit the web site (http://cityofseattle.net/scan/).