Want To Produce Your Own TV Show?

Anyone in Spokane is eligible to produce or broadcast a program on TCI Cablevision’s community access channel.

The cable company offers free workshops to help beginners learn how to make their own programs, and provides the equipment and editing expertise.

The only charge from start to finish is the cost of the videotapes. The station broadcasts about 30 different shows each week, usually from 4-8 p.m. About half the programs are locally produced, said Kimbo May, community production trainer.

There are some restrictions on what can be broadcast. Shows can’t be commercials, campaigns, or libelous. Otherwise, just about anything goes.

One of the longest running programs is “Talk of the Town” with 200 episodes. On the show, Melinda Read interviews various local guests.

Another long-running program is “Que Pasa?” with John Vargas. Other regulars include “Synchopated Domain,” a music program with Kevin Daymont, and “Inclined to Believe,” a religious program with Randy Klein.

Shows vary in length from five minutes to an hour.

“Basically, we make this service and channel available to the community so people can have a voice,” said May.

“We say, don’t just watch TV, make it,” he said.

, DataTimes