Special Announcements
POWER SPIKES and CABLE TV DON'T MIX:
Recent random power spikes and outages in the offices of WROK have interfered with the normal operations of our playback system and our bulletin board. Even though all of our critical systems are on UPS systems and battery back-ups, the surges still interrupt the system. The City of Royal Oak is working to wire new power lines to the WROK offices but until that can be accomplished the power spikes will continue to affect our systems. We apologize for the inconvenience.
HOCKEY NIGHT IN ROYAL OAK RETURNS, BE A PART OF THE ACTION.
The 2009/2010 season of Hockey Night in Royal Oak has begun. Live coverage of Royal Oak Hockey Association games from Lindell arena return at 6pm. Volunteers are needed for this exciting and fun production. The games take place at Lindell arena on Wednesdays, crew call at 4pm. You can join in on this exciting and fun production by calling 248-246-3040. This is the perfect learning experience for those interested in pursuing a career in TV production.
LIQUOR CONTROL COMMITTEE MEETINGS NOW ON WROK:
Live coverage of the meetings of the Royal Oak Liquor Control Committee takes place on the second Wednesday of each month. However only meetings featuring Public hearings will be recorded. Replays of the LCC meetings are Thursdays at Noon and Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm.
Welcome
WROK is Royal Oak's Municipal Access Cable operation providing programming sponsored by or for the City. Commission meetings are cablecast live to inform residents and encourage participation in local government. Some of the programming keeps residents abreast of road closings, construction updates, recycling efforts, public safety information and special events in the community.
Sports enthusiasts enjoy local hockey, baseball, soccer; football and many other featured sporting events throughout the community. During the winter months, the featured sporting events are "Hockey Night in Royal Oak". Be sure to check the schedule for program times.
Many other program offerings are interesting presentations on art, science, politics and travel. Major community activities and events such as the Royal Oak Ice Show, the Memorial Day Parade, The Mayor’s State of the City Address and the Holiday Magic Parade are featured throughout the year. Programs like Cooking with Angus, Home for life, The Job Show, Consumer's Corner, and Army News, the WROK Bulletin Board and many other programs offer something for everyone.
Over the years the Staff and Volunteers of WROK have won many local and national awards for cable TV programming excellence. Recent awards include several Philo T. Farnsworth awards and Hometown USA awards. Producer Greg Walter won two Hometown USA awards this Year. His documentary on the Emerald Ash Borer brought home an award, as did Hockey Night in Royal Oak.
Attention Comcast subscribers:
On January 14, 2008, Federal Court Judge Victoria Roberts ordered a temporary injunction to halt Comcast’s plan to move all Public, Education and Government (PEG) channels to the 900 tier of the digital lineup. This means that for the time being, you can still see WROK on Channel 55 on Comcast. For those that have a digital TV with a new ATSC/QAM tuner can find WROK at channel 38-17 on the b-cable. WOW subscribers are not effected by this.
Cable TV Service
Video - Cable TV Services in Royal Oak
AT&T
www.att.com
Comcast - Residential: 1.800.266-2278, Business: 1-800-266-2278
www.comcast.com
2008 Communications (updated Nov. 17, 2008 - 246k pdf)
March 21, 2009 update
April 24, 2009 update
May 29, 2009 update
June 19, 2009 update
June 23, 2009 update
August 21, 2009 update
December 1, 2009 update
December 3, 2009 update
January 25, 2010 update
February 23, 2010 update
Wide Open West - WOW! 1.866.496.9669
www.wideopenwest.com
2008 Communications (updated Nov. 21, 2008 - 487k pdf)
June 23, 2009 update
August 16, 2009 update
November 10, 2009 update
November 30, 2009 update
December 9, 2009 update
Video/Cable Service Complaints
On December 21, 2006, Governor Granholm signed legislation to promote competition in providing video service in the state of Michigan. This legislation is known as Public Act 480, or more commonly known as the "Uniform Video Services Local Franchise Act". 2006 PA 480 creates a uniform franchise agreement that is to be used between each franchising entity and video provider in the state of Michigan. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has been the designated agency to implement the Act.
MPSC staff are available to assist with your inquiry or informal complaint Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays, by calling 1-866-552-7725 or 517-241-6911. We encourage you first to contact your video/cable provider with your question before calling us. At times, call volumes may be high and staff are busy assisting other customers. In this situation, you will be put into voicemail. If you are connected to the Video Franchise voicemail, please leave a detailed message including your full name, call back number, billing address, and the nature of your complaint. Staff will respond to your complaint as soon as possible. You can also contact us by submitting your inquiry or complaint in writing to us at the following address:
Michigan Public Service Commission
Attn: Video Franchising
P.O. Box 30221
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Or submit your complaint via fax: (517) 241-2400.
Telephone: (866) 552-7725 or (517) 241-6911
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/mpsc;
(Click on the link for video/cable)
Press
Since 1984 WROK TV has served the community with coverage of city sponsored
events, meetings, youth sports, and City of Royal Oak information.
Currently, we cablecast over two cable TV systems: Comcast (channel 55) and
Wide Open West, AKA WOW (channel 10).
WROK TV is managed by Cable Access Management Company Coordinator,
Richard Wilson.
Since 1984 WROK TV has served the community with coverage of city sponsored events, meetings, youth sports, and City of Royal Oak information.
Currently, we cablecast over two cable TV systems: Comcast (channel 55) and Wide Open West, AKA WOW (channel 10).
WROK TV is managed by Cable Access Management Company Coordinator, Richard Wilson.
2002 Accessibility Awards
Memo
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Richard Wilson, Cable Coordinator
WROK, City of Royal
Oak Government Access Cable TV
Phone: 248-246-3780
City of Royal Oak Cable TV Station WROK wins big at local
awards contest!
"Our success is everyone’s success…
When we get involved
with local TV we are all winners"
City of Royal Oak Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson.
On Thursday May 30th, The Community Media Network
hosted the 16th Annual Access Ability Awards at Meadow Brook Theater
located in Rochester Hills. Once again the City of Royal Oak was well
represented by its WROK staff. WROK took home ten awards this year including the
Outstanding Achievement award.
Production Coordinator David Kupczack won three "Access Ability
Awards" in the following categories; Artistic Expression (Artist
Spotlight), Performing Arts (City Beat), Music Video (2001
Woodward Dream Cruise).
Programming Coordinator Greg Walter won in the following
categories; Special Events (24th Annual Oak Apple Run), Live
Cablecast (Hockey Night in Royal Oak), Documentary (Chuck Harris a man
and his cars). In the educational sports division (High school
Hockey)
Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson also won three awards for his
entries in the following categories; Entertainment (Automotive
Confidential), Computer Graphics (Digital Smoke 2001). The entry
Digital Smoke 2001 was nominated and won the Outstanding Achievement
award.
Producers in the 11-city consortium submit their programs and
compete in one of three divisions, Public, Educational or Municipal. Only the
judges may nominate candidates for the Outstanding Achievement Award. The Access
Ability Awards celebrates the best in local Municipal, Public and Educational
Cable TV programming
To date, this brings our tally of local and national awards to
approximately 70 since 1986
It should also be noted that several WROK volunteers also
brought home awards that evening. Tom Clark won for his production of the
2001 Rochester Christmas Parade, and Ken Bean and Deb Anderson won
Producers choice awards for their commitment to Public Access TV.
The ceremony was taped for later broadcast on the public access
channel 52 Comcast and 18 W.O.W. It’s scheduled to be run on Saturdays at 8pm
starting on June 15th. We invite you to watch the program and join us
as we celebrate our success and that of our many dedicated volunteers.
WROK is the City of Royal Oak’s Government Access Channel on
Comcast (Channel 55) and W.O.W. (channel 10) and is managed by Cable Access
Management Company. CAMCO’S staff has won more than 100 local and national
awards.
2002 Philo Awards
WROK announces Richard Wilson as the "Philo T Farnsworth" Award Winner
PRESS RELEASE
Posted: October 21, 2002
WROK, City of Royal Oak Government
Access Cable TV
Phone: 248-246-3780
WROK is proud to announce that Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson is a
winner in this year’s "Philo T. Farnsworth" competition sponsored by the the
Alliance for Community Media's -Central States Region. His program " Digital
Smoke" a collection of computer animations used as show opens and channel I.D’s.
The winning program was entered in the Computer Graphics & Computer Art –
professional, category. To date this is the fifth "Philo" won by WROK, and my
first since starting here in 1997. This is my fifth "Philo" since 1995.
For more info on the "Philo" awards please go to the Alliance for Community
Media's Central States Region website (www.csregionacm.org). Here’s a portion
of what you’ll find.
Philo T. Farnsworth
Philo T. Farnsworth, known as the father of modern television, was born
August 19, 1906 on a farm near Beaver City, Utah. As a youth in 1922, Philo
first revealed his scientific ideas for an all-electric television system. He
later established an electronics laboratory in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he
succeeded in turning his dreams into reality by inventing the first receiving
tube for television transmissions.
It is fitting that the ACM Central States Region honors the memory of Philo
T. Farnsworth by recognizing the efforts of modern day pioneers who work to
further develop the use of this technology and promote the use of television in
our communities. The "PHILO" is awarded as recognition of excellence in cable
programming.
Eligibility
Any non-commercial program cablecast for the first time between July 1, 2001
and June 30, 2002 from the ACM/Central States region (ACM members and
non-members) which includes Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, is
eligible. New this year is the acceptance of programming from Illinois as
well.
Awards
The awards presentation will be held at the 2002 ACM Central States Regional
Fall Conference in Kalamazoo, MI on October 25th. Both award winners and
finalists will be notified prior to the conference.
2004 Accessibility Awards
17th Annual Access Ability Awards on June 19th, 2003
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Richard Wilson, Cable Coordinator
WROK, City of Royal
Oak Government Access Cable TV
Phone: 248-246-3780
On Thursday June 10th, 2004, The Community Media
Network hosted the 18th Annual Access Ability Awards at Royal Oak’s
own Baldwin Theater. And again the City of Royal Oak was well represented by its
WROK staff. WROK took home eight awards this year.
Former Production Coordinator David Kupczack won three "Access Ability
Awards" in the following categories; Entertainment (City Beat),
Programming for Seniors, (2003 Senior Fashion Show). Dave also won
for Children’s Programming (Guy Lewis & The Chautauqua
Express)
Programming Coordinator Greg Walter won four awards in the
following categories; Educational Content (Culinary Kings of Royal
Oak).,Special Events (26th Annual Oak Apple Run),
Performing Arts (Midweek Music Festival),
Religious (A Christmas Classic), Live Cablecast (Hockey
Night in Royal Oak)
Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson won in the Computer Graphics
& Animation category for his entry (A Fast Minute
Production).
Producers in the 11-city consortium submit their programs and compete in one
of three divisions, Public, Educational, or Municipal. Only the judges may
nominate candidates for the Outstanding Achievement Award.
To date, this brings our tally of local and national awards to
approximately 91 since 1986
It should also be noted that several WROK volunteers also brought home awards
that evening. Tom Clark won for his production of the 2003 Rochester
Christmas Parade, This was his third time winning this award.
Posted: June 17, 2004
2004 Philo Awards
WROK announces "Philo T Farnsworth" Awards
PRESS RELEASE
Posted: September 29, 2004
WROK, City of Royal Oak Government
Access Cable TV
Phone: 248-246-3780
WROK is proud to announce that Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson and Program
Coordinator Greg Walter are winners in this year’s "Philo T. Farnsworth"
competition sponsored by the Alliance for Community Media's -Central States
Region. The winning programs are "A Fast Minute Production " and "Hockey Night
in Royal Oak".
Richard Wilson's entry "A Fast Minute…" won for computer graphics and Greg
Walter’s entry "Hockey Night…" won for live production. This marks our sixth and
seventh "PHILO" awards.
For more info on the "PHILO" awards please go to the Alliance for Community
Media's Central States Region website (www.csregionacm.org). Here’s a portion
of what you’ll find.
Philo T. Farnsworth
Philo T. Farnsworth, known as the father of modern television, was born
August 19, 1906 on a farm near Beaver City, Utah. As a youth in 1922, Philo
first revealed his scientific ideas for an all-electric television system. He
later established an electronics laboratory in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he
succeeded in turning his dreams into reality by inventing the first receiving
tube for television transmissions.
It is fitting that the ACM Central States Region honors the memory of Philo
T. Farnsworth by recognizing the efforts of modern day pioneers who work to
further develop the use of this technology and promote the use of television in
our communities. The "PHILO" is awarded as recognition of excellence in cable
programming.
Eligibility
Any non-commercial program cablecast for the first time between July 1, 2003
and June 30, 2004 from the ACM/Central States region (ACM members and
non-members) which includes Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky,
programming from Illinois as well.
Awards
The awards presentation will be held at the 2004 ACM Central States Regional
Fall Conference in Sterling Heights, MI on October 8th.
2005 Staff Awards
WROK announces 2005 "Philo T Farnsworth" Staff Awards
PRESS RELEASE
Posted: November, 2005
WROK, City of Royal Oak
Government Access Cable TV
WROK is proud to announce that Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson and Program
Coordinator Greg Walter are winners in this year’s “Philo T. Farnsworth” video
competition sponsored by the Alliance for Community Media's -Central States
Region. The winning programs are “INSERT CLEVER TITLE HERE” produced by Richard
Wilson and “EMERALD ASH BORER IN MICHIGAN-FROM ALL SIDES” by Greg Walter.
The entry “INSERT CLEVER TITLE HERE” won for computer graphics and “E.A.B IN
MICHIGAN-” was runner up in the Documentary-Professional Category. This is the
third time that Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson has won the award in this
category and his ninth “Philo” award.
WROK is also proud to announce that Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson was a
winner in the 2005 Hometown USA Video Festival. This is a national festival
sponsored by the Alliance for Community Media. The winning Entry “ A FAST MINUTE
PRODUCTION” won in the Computer Arts/ Animation Professional category. “A FAST
MINUTE…” is a collection of animated show opens, Bumps and station I.D.s that
pepper our program schedule. This program has also won local and regional
awards.
This year’s Hometown USA video festival was held in Monterey, California. Due
to budget cuts, no one from WROK attended the conference.
For more information on the festival go to: www.alliancecm.org
For more info on the “PHILO”, awards please visit the Alliance for Community
Media Central States Region website (www.csregionacm.org).
The awards are on display in the display cabinet outside the WROK offices.
2005 Volunteer Awards
WROK announces Volunteer Awards
PRESS RELEASE
Posted: 11/10/2005
WROK, Volunteer
Appreciation
On Tuesday, November 1st, WROK Volunteers and staff celebrated our annual
volunteer appreciation dinner. This annual dinner is our Thank you to the many
volunteers that donate hundreds of hours of community service to the City of
Royal Oak. While the WROK staff handles the technical work, our many talented
volunteers fill the other positions that our productions require. The amount and
type of work varies but includes; cameras, audio, replay and on on-air talent.
Often a single volunteer will do many jobs. The average volunteer man-hours per
shoot is 6-hrs per-volunteer. Some put more in, some less. We value them all.
This year we presented awards to the following volunteers; Jim Nelson, Lynne
Ligett, Richard Clarke Ken Bean, Teresa Siavrakas and Jim Nabti were presented
with plaques for their Outstanding service to WROK.
The Rookie of the Year award was given to Steve Marleau.
The Rugged Stump award, named for beloved volunteer Wally Stump, is awarded
to the volunteer that expresses an uncompromising level of spirit. This year
that person is Josh Clark.
The Volunteer of the Year award was given to Jim Evers. Jim’s voice could be
heard on well over 90% of our youth Sports coverage.
Dinner for the evening was donated by BD’s Mongolian barbecue. This is the
third year that Bill Downs has donated dinner for the event. The plaques awarded
to the volunteers were paid for by CAMCO. No City of Royal Oak funds were used
for this event.
2006 Awards
WROK announces 2006 AwardsPosted: January 4, 2007

211 S
Williams St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 246-3040 / FAX (248) 246-3001
http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/wrok/
PRESS RELEASE
WROK TV is pleased to announce the debut of a brand new program, which has
been in the works for the last seven months. The premier taping for THE ROYAL
OAK SHOW will be 7pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at Community Media
Network (CMN) in Troy. The show can be seen on City of Royal Oak Governmental
Cable Access TV, WOW 10 (only in Royal Oak) and Comcast 55. CMN will also air it
on their Public Access station.
Royal Oak City Commissioner Carlo Ginotti will host the "talk show" style
half-hour program, which visits with folks from all over Royal Oak in front of a
LIVE studio audience. Each show may visit with a city official with conversation
covering many topics. Other ROYAL OAK SHOW guests may be anyone from
Citizen of the Year to an accomplished Eagle Scout.
An integral component of the ROYAL OAK SHOW is its dedicated website,
www.royaloakshow.com. Here, visitors
can get free tickets to the show and participate in the show by actually asking
the questions that Carlo will pose to ROYAL OAK SHOW guests. This will
also help show producer, Greg Walter write show scripts and create more interest
in the show. The website also has community links for visitors to use.
We’d like to recognize the Underwriters of THE ROYAL OAK SHOW who’s
websites are linked on www.royaloakshow.com . Billings Lawn
Equipment is our cash underwriter, TRI-COLOR Imaging Center has underwritten our
set backdrop, Bright Ideas is furnishing the show’s set, and Dolly’s Pizza in
Campbell Corners will feed our guests and crew. Area Photographer and WROK
Volunteer, Dennis Elliott also contributes with photographic services.
The WROK staff and Volunteers are excited about this new endeavor. The
concept for this show which involves an interactive website with taping before a
LIVE studio audience has never been tried before on local access TV, and plans
are to tape two shows per month through May. Show Producer Greg Walter said;
"The ROYAL OAK SHOW is a great way to meet or get re-acquainted with your
neighbors".
WROK TV invites everyone to visit www.royaloakshow.com to find out who our
1st guests will be. Don’t forget to print your FREE tickets to the
premier taping of THE ROYAL OAK SHOW!
For more information contact:
Greg Walter
Program Coordinator, WROK TV
248-246-3042
greg@royaloakshow.com
Emerald Ash Borer Program
WROK EAB Press Release

211 Williams
Street, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
(248) 246-3040 / FAX (248) 246-3001 /
www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us
June 8, 2005
News Release: For immediate and continuing release
Contact: Greg Walter (248) 246 3042 or Richard Wilson (248) 246-3040
WROK TV, the City of Royal Oak Michigan Government Access Channel, has
announced the broadcast debut and distribution of the their latest program,
"The Emerald Ash Borer In Michigan From All Sides". This 55 minute
program explores the past, present, and future of the Ash tree and what is being
done to stop the onslaught of it's deadliest enemy, the Emerald Ash Borer,
(EAB). Scientists from Michigan State University, the Department of Agriculture,
the Michigan DNR, and the U.S. Forest Service join area Arborists to explain the
urgency of this crisis and discuss options for dealing with EAB.
Produced by WROK's award winning Greg Walter, this educational program is a
must see for everyone, as few really know what EAB is, and the devastation it
has already caused. It could get out of control if not stopped. Professionals
throughout Michigan working on the Emerald Ash Borer problem say; "This program
is researched completely and well done."
"Out of the three documentaries made about Emerald Ash Borer, this is the
best EAB program that I've seen". "I learned a lot for this video, and I've been
working on the problem for 2 years now".
"The Emerald Ash Borer In Michigan, From All Sides" debuted on WROK TV on
Monday, May 9, 2005 at 4:30pm and will run throughout the summer. WROK can be
viewed on WOW cable channel 10 within the boundaries of the City of Royal Oak,
and Comcast Cablevision of Oakland County channel 55 from Ferndale to 18 Mile
Rd. in Troy. The WROK program guide can be obtained from the city's web
site, www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us
Copies of the program are available for broadcast on Cable Access stations
throughout the 20 county EAB quarantine area in southeast lower Michigan area.
It will also be available for Cable Access and interested groups beyond the
quarantine area. There are already 44 cable stations across the state airing
"The Emerald Ash Borer From All Sides".
Hometown USA Video
2005 Hometown Video Competition Award
PRESS RELEASE
Released: June 6, 2005
Contact: Richard Wilson, Cable
Coordinator
WROK, City of Royal Oak Government Access Cable
TV
Phone: 248-246-3780
WROK is proud to announce that Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson
is a winner in the 2005 Hometown Video competition sponsored by the National
Alliance for Community Media. The winning program “A Fast Minute Production ”
was entered in the Computer/Video Art and Animation (professional) Category.
Access cable TV producers from across the country are invited to participate in
the Hometown Video Festival. The winning entry is a compilation of Show opens,
Station I.D.’s, Bumps and Motion graphics used in WROK programming.
Previously this program won locally in the Access Ability awards sponsored by
the Community Media Network. It then went on to win in the Central States region
conference in October of last year. Now it’s won national accolades. This is
Cable Coordinator Richard Wilson’s first national award. Previous years have
only garnered Honorable mention and second place finishes.
The Alliance for Community Media is a national grass roots
organization with chapters through out the United States. The Alliance works to
support media democracy and is based in Washington D.C.
The award presentation will be at the Alliances’ national conference and
trade show on July 6 – 9 in Monterey California.
For more info on the Hometown Video Festival, please go to the
Alliance for Community Media is Website (www.alliancecm.org)
Royal Oak Show
WROK announces 2006 AwardsPosted: January 4, 2007

211 S
Williams St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 246-3040 / FAX (248) 246-3001
http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/wrok/
PRESS RELEASE
WROK TV is pleased to announce the debut of a brand new program, which has
been in the works for the last seven months. The premier taping for THE ROYAL
OAK SHOW will be 7pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at Community Media
Network (CMN) in Troy. The show can be seen on City of Royal Oak Governmental
Cable Access TV, WOW 10 (only in Royal Oak) and Comcast 55. CMN will also air it
on their Public Access station.
Royal Oak City Commissioner Carlo Ginotti will host the "talk show" style
half-hour program, which visits with folks from all over Royal Oak in front of a
LIVE studio audience. Each show may visit with a city official with conversation
covering many topics. Other ROYAL OAK SHOW guests may be anyone from
Citizen of the Year to an accomplished Eagle Scout.
An integral component of the ROYAL OAK SHOW is its dedicated website,
www.royaloakshow.com. Here, visitors
can get free tickets to the show and participate in the show by actually asking
the questions that Carlo will pose to ROYAL OAK SHOW guests. This will
also help show producer, Greg Walter write show scripts and create more interest
in the show. The website also has community links for visitors to use.
We’d like to recognize the Underwriters of THE ROYAL OAK SHOW who’s
websites are linked on www.royaloakshow.com . Billings Lawn
Equipment is our cash underwriter, TRI-COLOR Imaging Center has underwritten our
set backdrop, Bright Ideas is furnishing the show’s set, and Dolly’s Pizza in
Campbell Corners will feed our guests and crew. Area Photographer and WROK
Volunteer, Dennis Elliott also contributes with photographic services.
The WROK staff and Volunteers are excited about this new endeavor. The
concept for this show which involves an interactive website with taping before a
LIVE studio audience has never been tried before on local access TV, and plans
are to tape two shows per month through May. Show Producer Greg Walter said;
"The ROYAL OAK SHOW is a great way to meet or get re-acquainted with your
neighbors".
WROK TV invites everyone to visit www.royaloakshow.com to find out who our
1st guests will be. Don’t forget to print your FREE tickets to the
premier taping of THE ROYAL OAK SHOW!
For more information contact:
Greg Walter
Program Coordinator, WROK TV
248-246-3042
greg@royaloakshow.com