New ONTV outreach coordinator is a familiar face

Ever watch a program on television, and say to yourself ‘I could do that better,? or ‘that’s pretty neat, I wonder how I could get involved??
Now’s your chance–Orion Neighborhood Television is challenging you to get involved, and that’s where newly appointed ONTV Outreach Coordinator Cathy Kimmel comes in.
A recent grad from Oakland University, and a 2002 Lake Orion High School graduate, Kimmel knows both the area and the ONTV studio well.
She served as a studio assistant starting in August of 2003, but now her duties have changed slightly.
‘My main focus is to connect our volunteers with projects they can work on,? she said.
Volunteers have been involved with public access in the Orion area for over 15 years, and ONTV has roughly 50 active volunteers.
Kimmel hopes to see that number grow soon.
‘There are a lot of people in the community that don’t realize we’re here or what we do,? she said.
Putting ONTV on the map in local circles is a big part of her work.
‘We have some students that produce their own shows,? Kimmel said, dispelling a notion that you have to be a certain age to get involved.
ONTV volunteers span a wide age range. ‘Everyone brings something different to the table,? she said.
Kimmel adds that ONTV is a valuable tool that allows people to express and spread their opinions.
‘There’s a huge benefit of what public access offers to the community,? she said.
Kimmel interned at one of the Detroit area’s network affiliates, and said she much preferred her work at the public access level.
‘I see value in everything we’re doing,? Kimmel said, noting that projects at ONTV allow for more depth than something on the local news is apt to get.
‘It’s not about the ratings,? she added. ‘This job is a much more happy place to be.?
Interested parties could work on any or all of the many aspects involved in the television industry, ranging from on camera work to behind the scenes things such as shooting and editing.
‘Here, I get to do a little bit of everything,? Kimmel said, encouraging others to try it out for themselves.
‘If they think it could be interesting, they should come in and check us out,? she said.
Currently, Kimmel is spearheading a picture project, with pictures of local gardens showing on the community message board.
She said a similar project with pictures of pets is planned next, and encourages local pet owners to participate.
Program guides are available online or at the library and senior center.
The guides can also be e-mailed to viewers upon request. Just write to ONTV@orionneighborhoodtelevision.org.
ONTV is located at 698 S. Lapeer Road.
For more information, stop by, call 693-3377, or visit the website at orionneighborhoodtelevision.org.