Every Show Starts with an Idea Worth Sharing

The most successful community television programs aren't the ones with the biggest budgets or the most polished production values — they're the ones that connect. Whether you want to spotlight local artists, document neighborhood history, host a roundtable on community issues, or teach viewers a skill, the first and most important step is clarifying your concept.

Step 1: Define Your Show's Purpose and Audience

Before picking up a camera, answer these foundational questions:

  • What is your show about? Be specific. "Local culture" is a topic; "30-minute interviews with Oceanside business owners about how they got started" is a show.
  • Who is it for? Knowing your audience shapes tone, pacing, vocabulary, and format.
  • Why does your community need this? What gap does your show fill that existing media doesn't?
  • How often will you produce it? Be realistic. A consistent monthly show is more sustainable than an ambitious weekly schedule you can't maintain.

Step 2: Choose Your Format

Community TV programming spans a wide range of formats. Common options include:

  • Interview/talk show — Host-driven conversations with local guests. Relatively simple to produce in a studio setting.
  • Documentary/feature — Story-driven content filmed in the field. Requires more production time but can be highly compelling.
  • How-to/instructional — Demonstrations of skills, crafts, cooking, or technical topics. Predictable structure makes production manageable.
  • Panel discussion — Multiple voices on a community topic. Works well for civic issues, arts, and education.
  • Event coverage — Live or recorded coverage of local festivals, performances, or meetings.

Step 3: Write a Simple Production Bible

A production bible is a short document that keeps your show consistent across episodes. Even a one-page version is valuable. Include:

  1. Show title and logline (one-sentence description)
  2. Target runtime per episode
  3. Segment breakdown (e.g., intro, 3 interview segments, closing)
  4. Tone and style notes (formal, conversational, humorous?)
  5. Recurring elements (theme music, opening graphic, sign-off phrase)

Step 4: Scout Your Location and Plan Your Shoot

Once your format is set, think practically about where and how you'll shoot:

  • Does your local PEG access center have a studio you can reserve?
  • If shooting on location, have you scouted for lighting challenges, background noise, and available power outlets?
  • Do you need signed release forms from people who will appear on camera?

Most public access centers have talent release form templates available — use them. Getting proper consent protects both you and your subjects.

Step 5: Produce Your Pilot Episode

Treat your first episode as a pilot — something you'll learn from rather than something that must be perfect. Focus on:

  • Clean audio above all else
  • Clear communication of your show's premise in the first 60 seconds
  • A consistent opening and closing that establishes your brand

After watching your pilot back, note three things that worked well and three things to improve. Apply those lessons to episode two.

Step 6: Submit to Your Access Channel

Contact your local PEG access center about submission requirements. They'll typically ask for:

  • Video file in a specified format (often .mp4 or .mov)
  • Signed producer agreement confirming you own the rights to all content
  • Episode title and brief description for the program guide

Once your show airs, you've officially become a community broadcaster. Welcome to one of the most meaningful media roles in your neighborhood.