Public Access TV And Evangelism
By Fred Davis
You’ve been watching commercial television for years. It has influenced every aspect of your life. You’ve learned from it, you’ve been entertained by it, you’ve adjusted your schedule to it, but you’ve never had access to it. Productions cost thousands of dollars and the amount of time available has limited access to the highest bidder.
When cable television increased the number of channels available in a community, the idea of “public access” gained support. Since cable television is a community resource, the idea of having a channel available to the public was a natural outgrowth. In fact, in many areas, cable TV is mandated by law to provide a certain number of hours to qualified groups free-of-charge for broadcasting programs they produce. Public Access TV, then, is a way for various groups to broadcast their own views to the general public.
HOW ARE THE PROGRAMS PRODUCED?
The cable TV company that offers public access will also usually offer to provide the equipment and facilities to produce a program. The user simply supplies the video tapes, unless a special piece of equipment is needed that is beyond the studio’s basic stock. Before you are permitted to use the very expensive equipment on your own, a training course is required.
Five members from our Orthodox Church of the Dormition in Norfolk, VA recently completed such a five week (2 hrs. a week) workshop sponsored by the Continental Cablevision of Newport News, Va.
We learned basic broadcasting techniques, the use of portable and studio equipment including cameras, sound, and lighting. All students practiced the role of directing, engineering etc. We were taught how to do interviews, how to set up location shots and crew assignments, how to use editing equipment and the techniques of how to edit.
We now have enough basic knowledge to take the next step - to borrow the equipment and put together various types of programs for broadcast. The equipment is loaned to the group on an availability basis - as, for example, public libraries do. The station also allows us to use the TV studio and editing rooms whenever they are free, also on a sign-up basis.
WHAT KIND OF PROGRAMS CAN BE PRODUCED?
A program can be on any subject so long as it is non-commercial, non-fund raising, and morally non-offensive. Almost any length of program can be taped, from “spots” to an hour long presentation. The production is limited only by your available personnel and financial resources.
It is very important when deciding upon a program, to consider the audience you will be reaching. The approach to a given subject will also vary from area to area depending on the people who will be watching. In addition to reaching the non-Orthodox, keep in mind that many of the programs can also be used as an educational tool within the Church as well.
Our group, in considering programs on Orthodoxy and Orthodox views, decided to start with something simple such as a 15 or 30 minute interview with our Bishop or Dean on “What is the Orthodox Church?” Other program possibilities that came to mind are:
1) All types of interviews.
2) A program on various aspects of Orthodox theology, i.e. its Sacramental life (broken up into segments).
3) A program on Pascha.
4) Talks by a priest or layperson on some aspect of the Christian life from the Orthodox perspective, i.e. Marriage, Stewardship, Effective Parenting.
5) Recording parts of Orthodox services with commentary.
6) A program on the Blessing of Water at Epiphany.
7) Aspects of a Diocesan Assembly.
Much further down the road, when we’ve acquired a good deal more experience, we’d like to try something like “The Beatitudes and How They are Applied in Life Today”.
Inquiry should be made with the cable network about using the programs, once produced, in places other than the public access channel. In the case of Continental Cablevision, there is no problem as long as the program is first aired on their facility.
HOW TO FIND PUBLIC ACCESS TV IN YOUR AREA
You can usually find Public Access TV in areas where there is a cable TV company. Not all cable companies offer equipment and facilities for production, so you must call the cable TV office for this information. If Public Access TV is offered, ask to be put in contact with the Public Access Coordinator who will most likely, if our experience is an example, be very willing to help you in all phases of gaining access to television broadcasting.
The important thing about acquiring access to the airways is that we can glorify God by letting others know about the Church and the fullness of the Faith we offer to all.