Get your message to the masses by scoring a slot on your local public access station, which is a channel that is made available to the general public.
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You will need
- A programming idea
- A public access television station
- Proficiency with TV equipment
Step 1 Have an idea for the kind of program you want to make. Anything goes on public TV, as long as it’s not pornographic, offensive, obscene, libelous, or commercial.
Step 2 Find a station in your area by typing “Global Village CAT” into a search engine. It will take you to a site that links to about 700 public or community access television sites worldwide.
Quick Tip:
Residency rules vary among stations, so ask about using a station outside your hometown.
Step 3 Contact the station for their producer requirements; they all operate a bit differently. In some cases, you’ll have to make your show on your own and then apply to air it; other channels have a studio you can use and equipment you can borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
Quick Tip:
Stations that lend out their equipment usually require that you train on it before you can borrow it. Some offer classes for a small fee.
Step 4 Make your program. Most stations want shows that are about 28 minutes long, leaving two minutes for opening and closing credits.
Step 5 Submit your show. It will be aired whenever the station has an available time slot, though most stations will try to accommodate you if you have a specific time in mind. It may also air several times over the course of a month.
Did You Know:
Celebrity chef Dave Lieberman started a public access cooking show during college at Yale University.
