by Christine A. Dorchak
From The Animals' Agenda - Volume 20 * No. 6
Television's commercial environment depicts nonhuman
animals as products for consumption, but community television offers a
platform for advocating change. Such was my motivation for creating the
Boston-based program, Animal Agenda (not affiliated with this magazine).
In 1995, Animal Agenda debuted in the city of Cambridge
as a live talk show. Today it is produced as a monthly documentary that
broadcasts throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As the
researcher and host, I examine the roles of nonhuman beings in today's
anthropocentric society. I expose the industrialized cruelty of factory
farms, biomedical labs, fur farms, puppy mills, circuses, zoos, and
racetracks. With each program, I try to inform viewers about humane
living, and show them ways they can help animals in their daily lives.
The mission of community television in general is to
give voice to alternative perspectives, and although controversial
subjects are welcomed, certain discussions can still be censored.
Earlier this year, Gail Eisnitz of the Humane Farming Association was
interviewed about the conditions found inside slaughterhouses. Shock
waves crossed Massachusetts as viewers from Newton to Cape Cod demanded
that the show, which contained some graphic footage, be pulled. It seems
that we had hit a nerve! Despite the fervor, my producer Diana Cartier
of NewTV mustered the advocacy of the
Cablecasters Association and Animal Agenda remained on the air.
Evolution through education is the goal of our show, and
you can do it too! By giving your audience the opportunity to explore
and learn about animals, you can directly affect the way people view
animal rights. Effectively presenting complex subjects such as in vitro
vs. in vivo research will require preparation; however, such issues are
rarely covered elsewhere.
You can start your broadcasting career by checking out
the program currently carried by your local cable access channel. Then
make an appointment with the station manager to discuss proposed
concepts and goals. You will be given a tour of the studios, asked to
become a member of the station, and then to submit the proper
application forms. Remember, as an area resident, you have the right to
use the facilities; a basic orientation and an introduction to specific
broadcast requirements should be the only conditions for placement on
the schedule. It doesn't take a college degree or previous experience,
just a willingness to learn the basics of cable television, an
understanding of the issues, and the courage to make a few mistakes.
While generating an initial roster of guests, it is
advisable to find a partner who can help with camera work, editing, and
production. You should each register for some short courses on cable
broadcasting, production, and delivery. Knowing how to use the local
cable studio's equipment correctly is a must! Many of these classes are
conducted by other station members, so there is often a great deal of
flexibility and personal interaction with instructors. Digital equipment
is used in many localities, but you should be prepared to deal with
video and audio tape as well.
Documentary roll-ins, available from groups like People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Farm Sanctuary, or In Defense of
Animals, can provide good background material for interviews. These are
usually provided without charge to broadcasters, so don't be afraid to
ask.
Discussions with animal-friendly business owners or area
shelter managers make interesting first shows. Inviting ordinary folks
to visit your stage with their dogs or cats is an excellent way to
establish community ties and build a solid viewership as well. Once your
program is established, it may be
possible to ask well-known advocates to appear. I have had the good
fortune to interview Peter Singer, Jim Mason, Karen Davis, Howard Lyman,
Steven Wise, and Neal Barnard.
Cable access provides us a golden opportunity to
introduce new thoughts and new ideas into the minds of the general
public. So be informed, be professional, and give your audience the
power to participate in change!
�Reprinted with permission from The Animals� Agenda,
P.O. Box 25881,
Baltimore, MD 21224; (410) 675-4566;
www.animalsagenda.org.�
Email:
[email protected]
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