Local Television Station Provides Unique Opportunity for Citizens
Whether interested in filming a sporting event, hosting a talk show, or even producing a full-length documentary, Marshfield Community Television provides opportunities for local citizens to learn and practice all aspects of video production through the MCTV Community Producers Course.
Currently on the airwaves (and online at the MCTV website), viewers can enjoy cooking shows, sports talk shows, fitness shows, historical lectures, church services, candidate interviews, art gallery tours, book club discussions, climate change information, local adoptable pets, and much more- all thanks to the involvement of dedicated individuals right here in the community.
Lisa Boero, host of “Writers & Readers of Central Wisconsin” enjoys bringing together local authors and readers to talk about their favorite subject: books! A full-time attorney and author of several book series (including the popular “Nerdy Girl” series), Boero enjoys the opportunity to share her passion for literature with the community. As a community producer, Boero is volunteering her time to host and produce her program, with the help of MCTV staff.
“This is a great resource to provide important community television that you are not going to find anywhere else,” she said. “It is a great way to give back by bringing important issues forward to the community. We have great things happening in Marshfield that no one knows about!”
With no prior experience on camera, Boero has learned a whole new skillset by volunteering.
“It is great fun and you learn so much!” she said.
Dana Speth, a volunteer who films local art exhibits and church services, also enjoys being a community producer. With a personal interest in art, Speth welcomes the opportunity to film local galleries and edit that footage into a program to share with those who might not otherwise have a chance to enjoy it.
“It’s really easy and fun to learn how to film and edit. The staff at MCTV is very helpful,” she said. “I would encourage anyone who loves the Marshfield community to give it a try. It’s a great way to share the parts that you care about and want others to know about.”
Longtime community producer and local historian Don Schnitzler also values filming and
editing local events and activities, providing a way for those who can’t attend in person to enjoy them. He encourages anyone with a particular interest or passion to take the free community producer course.
“Each community producer has their area of interests,” he said. “With more local producers participating, there will be a greater variety of events and activities captured and shared with the Marshfield Community TV audience. Many of the MCTV-produced programs are unique to the community and have both an educational and entertainment value.”
Rachel Zaleski, co-host and community producer for the Zaleski Sports Show, also sees the benefit of MCTV.
“One of the benefits to having MCTV in our community is seeing the different genres of shows catered to many different interests,” she said. “The producers are people in our own backyards, friends, neighbors, and family, which adds a special interest to support and watch the programs.”
Zaleski enjoys being a part of the creative process and having her vision for the Zaleski Sports Show become reality with the expertise and resources of MCTV.
“Staff are easy to work with, flexible, friendly, knowledgeable and willing to help every step of the way,” she said. “I would encourage others to try producing because it’s fun to learn a new hobby with the ability to create great content the way you want it. You can literally create a show just about anything you can imagine that can benefit the community.”
To become a community producer involves a short, no-cost training course with MCTV staff in which participants learn how to use the camera and audio equipment. Along with filming and editing, some community producers volunteer as hosts. Whatever a person’s area of interest, chances are MCTV staff can help foster it into a program by assisting with technical support, planning, and encouragement.
Perhaps most importantly, MCTV provides a local platform for locals to reach their neighbors, fostering a sense of community. Anyone is welcome to contact them to learn how they can get involved, whether it be through helping film a basketball game, hosting a show, or producing their own program.
“MCTV gives people a unique outlet for sharing information about their community. It gives
people pride in their community,” said Speth. “It’s a lot more fun watching a cooking show or exercise show or talk show or sports show when it features people you know and events you could attend.”
For more information about becoming a Community Producer, visit www.Marshfieldtv.com or call 715-207-0379. Tune into MCTV on Charter Cable Channel 989, 990, and 991, or online.
