Oxford Community Television (Channel 19) and the school district are examining how they can merge their talents and resources for the benefit of both entities.
‘I think it makes a lot of sense to have the cable (station) and the school not only just work together, but become one,? said Gerard Wilson, who teaches 90 students in the Video I and II classes at the high school.
On Monday night, Wilson gave the Oxford Area Cable Communications Commission a quick overview of a vision he and Channel 19 Station Manager Don Huegerich have been investigating and discussing over the last few months.
The idea is to house the local public access station in the high school’s state-of-the-art TV studio, so the two can share space, equipment, programming, knowledge and skills.
‘Why can’t we all use the same equipment in order to produce better programming for the cable system and (have) a place for students to put their work out,? Wilson said. ‘It’s a marriage made in heaven, folks.?
Currently, the cable station leases studio/office space at 1775 N. Lapeer Rd. for $2,300 a month. That lease is up in February 2009.
‘Personally, I think it could be possibly a great opportunity for both entities,? said Cable Commissioner Bryan Cloutier, director of the Oxford Public Library. ‘But I think a lot of what is being discussed this evening with the group is really premature speculation here. We have a lot of things that we have to work out as an entity. We don’t even know for sure that it’s going to happen.?
Based on Wilson’s presentation, the benefits of this proposed merger to Channel 19 are threefold ? better equipment, more programming and additional volunteers to film local events.
Production and editing equipment at the high school studio is state-of-the-art and more advanced than what Channel 19’s currently using.
‘Before, I think we had the better equipment, now it’s like you guys have the better equipment,? said Jim Hughes, program director for Channel 19.
‘We spend about $10,000 a year on equipment,? Huegerich said. ‘You couldn’t get this for $10,000 a year.?
Students in Wilson’s classes will be able to provide Channel 19 with a variety of programs produced as part of their curriculum such as news and sports programs, documentaries, horror movies, variety-type shows, etc.
‘You’re going to see original programming,? Wilson said. ‘My kids have put out some quality work.?
Wilson plans to have each of his three video classes produce one news program per week, ‘so that we can have news that’s up-to-date ? that’s not a week old.?
Airing them on Channel 19 would give the station more programming and keep the public aware of what’s going on in the school.
Wilson also has an idea for a show called ‘Destination Oxford,? which would feature local people, places and events in order ‘to get everybody out and more excited about things.?
‘We have a real unique community here,? he said.
One of the most valuable commodities of this proposed merger will be the infusion of a pool of 60 fresh volunteers to help film local events for Channel 19. ‘My students are going to be very well equipped,? he said.
Wilson said the 60 students currently enrolled in his two Video I courses are each required to shoot two live events for class credit. ‘You guys give me a list (of events), I’ll post it,? Wilson said.
Community involvement is an integral part of what Wilson’s trying to accomplish.
‘I have offered to set up for the community training sessions on the (school’s) equipment,? he said. ‘I will be more than happy to show people how to use this equipment.?
‘Hopefully, that will provide the community and the cable (station) with trained personnel,? Wilson explained. ‘I want to see the community become more involved with my program.?
As parents and community members become more involved and see the benefit of what the video classes are doing, Wilson said, ‘Maybe money will start trickling in, especially from businesses.?
He envisions local merchants sponsoring programs and promoting it in their storefronts. ‘What a neat thing to have in your window,? Wilson said.
For now, everything Wilson presented is still in the talking and planning stages, nothing’s been decided. Most of the ideas presented were new to both the cable commission and station employees.
‘I don’t think, as of tonight, we know for sure that it’s going to happen (or) exactly how it’s going to happen,? said Cable Commissioner Wayne Hodges, who represents Addison Township.
‘Right now, we need to work out the logistics . . . to even see if it’s even possible,? Cloutier said. ‘Once we’ve done that, we can move forward with a plan.?
Wilson said regardless of whether the two entities are housed under the same roof or start working together, ‘I still think we need to be together in some form.?
‘I can provide students and programming, and you guys would provide (a medium) for us to put our product out there,? he said.