Step 4: Determine if you can get tapes played on the public access channel
Find a tape that you want to get played on public access, or make the show yourself (see below). Many public access producers around the country will give you tapes of their shows to play on your system for just the cost of the tape and shipping. Make sure you obtain "public performance rights" from the producer, although many times you can get away with showing just about anything under "fair use". Just don't show a popular film which has just been released on DVD, you could get a letter.
Take the tape to your cable provider and ask them to put it on the Public Access Channel. The cable provider does not make this easy, and it is likely that you will have to keep pestering them until you find someone who can help you. After 10-15 phone calls, you will probably either a) find the right person, who will play your tape on the air (Yaaay!) , or b) learn that "WE DON'T HAVE A PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL!" See below for what to do now.