Continuing in its effort to address the Y2K issue, the spot community is gathering and disseminating information through a committee that was formed by the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) at the end of ’98 (SHOOT, 12/18/98, p. 1).
Beyond full and associate members of AICP, the Y2K committe has expanded to also include representatives from the Association of Independent Commercial Editors (AICE), ad agencies, professional service providers and suppliers. It addresses the concern that disorder could ensue if computers-not properly programmed or reprogrammed-confuse the year 2000 with 1900.
"We are in the infancy of this whole review of what Y2K will mean to our industry," said AICP vice chairman and Y2K committee chair Al Califano, who is partner/executive producer of bicoastal OneSuch Films.
Cathy Pitegoff, manager of broadcast business affairs at New York-based Messner
Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer/Euro RSCG, explained that she is on the agency’s Y2K committee, which brought her to the AICP committee.
"We have people working on the actual computer problem," she said, adding that the committee is thus taking a proactive position by thinking about what "could interrupt our normal flow of doing business, and how will it affect our responsibilities to our clients and getting things on air in a timely fashion." And that could include factors in and out of the spot community’s control.
She noted that the committee is essentially about creating awareness. In general, she suggested that "risk management" plans be put in place with clients.
Califano noted that one contingency plan may involve identifying a time frame around the new year and suggesting that no commercial production occur during that period. He added that the spot making community must be prepared for potential problems outside its control, including interruptions in utility, transportation and communication services.
Califano added that traveling outside of the U.S. for production could present additional risks. "We are surmising that other countries are less prepared than we are," he explained.
AICE executive director John Held, who also sits on the Y2K committee, reported that in preparation for possible power outages, all AICE member companies are urged to put their work from the final week of December on disc. AICE chapters intend to put in place "buddy systems" whereby in an emergency, member companies can use working Avids at other member companies.
Many agencies are also distributing Y2K compliance forms to production and post houses. AICP and AICE said it is up to individual members whether or not to sign these forms. Held said AICE is recommending that, at this time, members not sign the form. He also suggested members "consult with their own legal consul, as well as the AICE attorney, on this matter."
Separately, the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) released a paperback titled The Y2K Problem: An Overview and Plan of Action. Published earlier this year, it includes a glossary and sample compliance questionnaire. The 4A’s also held a Y2K discussion at its annual Media Conference & Trade Show in February, and has since held several regional Y2K seminars.
The AICP Website (www. aicp.com) features a Y2K section that Califano said will continue to grow with new information and links. The next AICP Y2K committee meeting is scheduled to take place July 22 in New York.
