No outlets for exposure

The theme of my household changing cable companies/satellite providers is nothing new. In four years, this is about the fourth switchover we've made. Each time we get frustrated with the cable company, we switch the service over to the competitor.

Comcast doesn't have the best customer service reputation in these parts, but at least they provide much more of a local influence as far as local cable access goes. Their access channel serving this area provides over 35 hours of programming per week, and really gives the average Joe a voice over the airwaves.

WOW, however, provides the channel space, but in ten years of existence in this area, has not made one move towards providing facilites for the community. Equipment for cities, maybe. But that's only for use by city personnel. The average Joe sits at home, shouting at his set at any local garbage tossed his way, but where's his say? WOW does not provide the ability for a community forum, so indirectly, they really don't cater to the customer in every regard.

Cable access is a dying art, even though it is a right for a company to provide space, equipment, and personnel for the community to use. That's how I got involved in television in the first place. I can say firsthand that it is a rewarding experience, and when a production goes flawlessly, it is a true testament to true teamwork, a great character builder.

Now the Legislature is trying to pass that bill which would cut cable funds drastically for those purposes. I'm sure WOW is probably reading the papers and laughing, saying they're glad they never got involved in providing the community an outlet.

If only they knew what they're missing. Cable access is another realm away from what movies such as Wayne's World portrayed. You wouldn't believe how many local city politicians use access to get their point across, outside of the council chambers. For those who care about their cities, this is a welcome sight, because it shows those politicians as locals, and human - when it comes to addressing the issues honestly.

I miss that with the system we have now. If only I knew the magic formula and had the magic cash to get my own operation going, I could help put respect for the local medium back into place, and make it a little more fun. People love to see themselves on TV. It'd put a smile on my face to feed off that happiness.