By Laura Fox
Flipping through cable channels in Northern Virginia, you’ll come across homegrown programming that puts you closer to what’s happening in your community. News, sports, public affairs and information and entertainment can all be found on local public access cable channels.
Public access media is the soapbox on which local community members can have their voices heard across cable stations,” says Chuck Peña, executive director of Fairfax Public Access.
Cable access provides a platform on which a variety of viewpoints are expressed in English and other languages. A variety of topics is offered including comedy, cooking, gardening and exercise, and programs are written, produced, directed and edited by volunteers. FPA and Arlington Independent Media have more than 600 active volunteers.
“Television is a powerful medium,” Peña says. Traditionally someone had to have a lot of money in order to be on television, or you could buy time if you were a sponsor. What makes public access unique is that anybody can get on television.
Cable access is not about the ratings. In fact, neither AIM nor FPA keep track of any viewer statistics. It isn’t about the viewership; it’s about the opportunity to give the public an outlet to the media. “If a person wants to go behind a box and do a puppet show or wants to do political satire, that’s OK with us,” Peña says.
Both Arlington and Fairfax offer video training, a prerequisite for airing a show. Classes range from an introductory overview to master-level classes for those interested in being in front of the camera or behind it.
Paul LeValley, executive director at AIM, says: “Just because somebody hands someone else a pencil doesn’t mean they know how to write, and the same is true for a video camera. Just because you have a video camera doesn’t mean you know what to do with it.” LeValley says people sign up for classes for three basic reasons: Someone has something to say, an opinion or an artistic vision; someone wants to become skilled in video production because their job is changing or they want to change jobs; or people are just interested in video and volunteer for the fun of it.
Public access cable is facing challenges. YouTube and other Internet video sites are providing options to the public for airing video, and the expanding number of cable channels is making it more difficult to find public access content by surfing. Peña and LeValley agree that most of the video on the Internet is pretty bad. “If you learn about video technology, you can make some really great videos,” LeValley says.
So grab the remote and check out what your local cable access has to offer.
Arlington Independent Media
The Square Circle
James Kidd, producer
This panel discussion program reviews and debates the significant news stories of the week. Producer James Kidd selects topics from the news to identify the big stories. “I have big ambitions for the show,” he says. “I’d like to see it get picked up by a network or PBS.”
Arlington Weekly News
Don Hammond, executive producer
Don Hammond began producing Arlington Weekly News in 1981. Airing 50 weeks a year, the broadcast covers community events, the county government, the arts, information for seniors and interviews with local residents. Hammond says the program gives people a sense of being connected to the community.
High School Sports
Michael Shea, producer
It isn’t just football highlights that get covered on High School Sports. Golf, gymnastics, track and field hockey are some of the sports Michael Shea airs. “I try to balance out girls and boys sports, cover all the schools and balance out postseason versus regular season,” he says.
Creating a Profound Sense of Community
Karim Ali, producer
This show provides a forum for discussions about culture and violence. “We are committed to the development of a reliable, sustainable model for community transformation. We move from talking to communication,” says producer Karim Ali. The show is facilitated by Jean Lyon.
Fairfax Public Access
Ingrid’s World
Ingrid Parris-Hicklin, producer and host
Ingrid Parris-Hicklin calls her talk show inspirational television. “I bring on guests to inspire others,” she says. She not only knows how to communicate in front of the camera, but she has also taken classes on filming, lighting and editing. “I wanted to learn what goes on behind the camera so I could be better in front of the camera,” she says.
Gardening and Views
John Buckreis, producer
Producer and host John Buckreis, known as your neighborhood gardening expert Dr. John, answers questions and provides step-by-step instructions about plants, flowers, weeds, tools, chemicals, pests, wildlife and landscaping. “Organic gardening is a topic many viewers are interested in,” says Dr. John.
On the Go with AAUW
Ruth Bennett, producer
Educate and entertain is the goal of this program created by the Alexandria branch of the American Association of University Women. Guests discuss education, the arts and women’s and international affairs. Benet says women get an opportunity to learn communication skills as guests on the show.
( February 2016 )