Show to bridge gap between news and consumers

Date: 1/21/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD Roberta Page of Page One Productions LLC has been working for over a year to format new local television programming that bridges the gap between daily news and the consumer.

In an interview with Reminder Publications, Page explained that she seeking community input for a new program to be aired on the town's Public Access Channel, which highlights the majority of topics often overlooked by mainstream media.

"There is nothing that showcases any interesting, exceptional things that are being accomplished by everyday people," she said. "A lot of people don't know about the places and things that are in or going on in the community beyond the everyday news. I want people to recognize that we have some really fascinating things going on in our community."

Page explained that she is looking to include material from a variety of subjects such as athletics, the arts or travel.

Derek "Dan" Jarvis, coordinator of the West Springfield Public Access Channel, noted that the majority of the programming currently aired consists of Town Council and School Committee meetings. He added that other programming includes music, medical or religious shows.

Jarvis praised Page for her willingness to initiate a news show for the channel.

"The whole idea of a community access channel is a way to give local residents whatever they want to see," he said. "It's really honing in [on the pulse of West Springfield]."

Page said that she is looking to start with bi-monthly tapings, with the hope of expanding the show into a weekly format.

"Potential for boundless content about people, places and things making positive differences in our community, and beyond, is endless," she said. "I'm looking to bring all that to folks in the comfort of their homes."

Page noted that approximately 6,000 town residents subscribe to Comcast, which provides the vehicle for the West Springfield Public Access Channel 15.

She said she is looking for all those interested in the production of the program. Those interested in working on the program or those who have ideas for what they'd like to see on the show can contact Page at 732-5472.