Program Types & Tips Producing a Call-in Show <Type of Show & Tips You've decided the show must go on...what's next? Guest Star or Your Own Show? First decide whether you want your representatives to appear as guest speakers on an existing talk show or if you want to produce your own Law Day programming. Because it allows your group complete creative freedom, producing an original show can be rewarding. Local public access cable programming gives you the most control over content and format. You create the entire program, from script to cast to videotape, but the carriers provide the studio and equipment. Usually they are available for consultation, and often they require community groups to enroll in training before granting access to equipment. You can follow the typical talk show formula to create a panel and, if the carrier has the capability, combine it with telephone call-in. Or you could offer a legal advice line. Despite its advantages, a cable access show generally has a small audience share and without some technical expertise and a significant budget, it can easily end up with a bargain-basement "Wayne’s World" quality. Tips 1. Publicizing your show through local newspapers can help boost audience numbers, as can partnering with a local school, senior center or other community organization. 2. Spending a little extra money to hire a local personality as a host might also go a long way toward attracting viewers. 3. Consider decorating your set with winning posters from school Law Day contests. 4. Focus the topic of your show on a few issues of local interest. Practical law issues such as how to buy and sell a home or when to draw up a living will or advance directive may seem simple, but could be of great interest to your community. 5. Try to encourage your speakers to use examples and tell stories to convey their points rather than speaking in the abstract. >>Producing a Call-in Show >>Topics for Lively Talk >>Sample Letters >>Type of Show & Tips >>Pitching Your Show >>Sample Pitch Letter >>How to Look Your Best on TV Reaching the Community Home | Program Types & Tips Home