How to Get on Cable Access TV

Public Access Television (TV) derived from laws requiring cable companies to provide citizens with production capabilities for the advancement of local education, government and other public entities. This typically free service has not only grown in popularity but has expanded to include radio and internet access. Learn valuable television production skills and produce your own show or participate in others' shows—get on cable access TV and support your community.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Contact your local public access TV stations. Find contact information for public access TV online or via your local cable provider (e.g., Time Warner). Know to participate, you usually must show proof of residency with a current and valid I.D.

2. Check out orientation classes or beginners' courses to get on cable access TV. Know that some public access stations charge a fee for classes while some offer free courses—it depends on your locale.

3. Take video production courses offered if you want to produce your own shows. Know that some public access TV stations will allow you to test out of courses if you have prior video production skills and education and can pass proficiency exams.

4. Learn about Web 2.0 and realize that television is quickly migrating toward the Internet. Read about Internet TV to stay up with what's happening. Visit some public access TV websites and watch their live shows online.

5. Begin coming up with ideas for shows you want to get on cable access TV. Write scripts, design sets and look for actors and hosts (besides yourself) for your show(s).

6. Offer to participate in other people's shows if you're not ready to produce your own show(s), or you'd rather just help out on other productions to get on cable access TV.

Resources

• Learn about community access television in Bismarck, North Dakota.
• See community access television in action on this website.

[gho5t]

on 11/8/2008 i got 2 5hyne wit di5 realtlk

[Lindah]

on 11/12/2007 Great stuff. This is just the information I am looking for. Can't wait to call tomorrow and get the ball rolling.