Public Access at a glance

By: Chris "Sledge" Douglas


Do you often find yourself restless, with a relentless urge to express yourself tugging at your soul? But, do you lack any discernable talents? Well then, I suggest you look into Public Access. All it takes is an ego, a willingness to talk, and just enough responsabilty to make it to the studio on time.

The most frequent question I get in regards to getting a show on Public Access is generally how to get one on the air. Having been involved in Public Access programming production for close for four years now, I feel that I am qualified to answer these types of questions. Does it cost anything to run? Does the station pay you? What kind of equipment do I need? While these questions are common, the most frequently asked one is simply, "how do I apply for a show?" This article will hopefully clear up any ambiguity about how a public access show is brought into fruition.

Don't worry if you're not good at anything. Have you seen these shows? The best purpose they serve is perhaps for the occasional unintentionally funny moments. For example, a host of a certain wrestling show on SKYE Cable Thirteen spouts to a caller, "I don't think I don't go that way," in regards to the caller testing the hosts sexual preference. These are generally done by people with no lives, and time enough on their hands to make a program that even makes the easiest of critics groan with disgust. These shows generally have no point. They are Ill-informed. That's why they are so easy and fun to produce. Here's how to get giddily started on your magical journey into the septic world of public access television.


Getting started

The first thing you do, before even thinking about applying, should be to have a point, a premise. First off, what kind of show CAN you do? Are you a sports buff? Would you be active in the political scene? How about wrestling; are you a mark? It all depends on what you can talk about for 28 minutes a week, thirteen weeks a season. Be careful... if not well prepared, one can run out of topics ON THE AIR. Trust me, that's a VERY embarrassing experience.

Show Staffing

The next thing to do is decide who is to be performing the on air duties. Will you have more than one host? If so, who else will work as an on screen personality? Will you, the executive producer, be performing on air duties?

It is also important to have a responsible crew available. Here are the basic requirements: at least one camera person who can double as floor director (the one who tells the host(s) which camera to look into), one phone attendant (if you desire to take calls), and, most importantly, a director. The director is the one who is responsible for changing camera angles, talking to the camera person to set up shots, and is the one with perhaps the most demanding job out of everyone. If you
have a good director, then your chances of having a good show will increase tenfold.


The Application

About the application process, one thing to keep in mind is that you do not get paid, nor do you have to pay to apply for or maintain a show. That's a common misconception that many people I've talked to have about public access. Trust me, would you want to pay to watch someone beat himself or herself up with a pizza box in tin foil? I didn't think so. So that means anyone could apply. You can be a crazy, schizophrenic bum off the street, and as long as the application is in on time, you have a great chance at being successful. What do you need on this application? Basically you just need your name, address, title of the show, and desired day and time.


Show Formatting

Ok... let's say you've made it. You got the show. Think it stays easy? Here's where all the grunt work comes in. First, you have to decide whether to have an intro, song, or graphic to start the show. Next, would be to actually make said items. The studio you're working in should have the necessary facilities to do so. They should also have classes on all the equipment. Take them! You won't regret taking them.

How do you want the stage to look? Do you want wood panels, or do you want the appearance of brick to grace your telecast.




Ok... now you're set. Go on and get out there. Say what you want to say and relish the opportunity to force your opinion on the five people who may be watching at the time. Even if your opinion is useless.