Be a TV Producer, No Experience Necessary

Creating television isn’t just for professionals, according to Irene McNeil, president of the Lower Merion and Narberth public access channel.

“I knew nothing about it when I started,” she said of launching the channel in 2006. “If I can do it; anyone can do it.”

The public access channel works closely with local businesses, schools and nonprofits, publicizes local events and provides information on its station. It’s channel 99 with Comcast and 34 with Verizon.

And the only thing residents need to have to get involved is an interest. 

“No experience necessary,” McNeil said. “If someone wants to get involved, I have them shadow me for a couple hours, see what’s doing and then give it a shot themselves.”

The president and her producers use Apple’s iMovie to create, edit and produce programming.

“Nothing fancy, but it works,” she said, adding that she’s always looking for new producers because they bring with them fresh content as well as new ideas and connections.

“We’re always trying to diversify our programs,” she said, adding that her latest endeavor is to produce programs in French or Asian languages. The goal isn’t to give residents an opportunity to learn the language, but to be exposed to it.

For more information or to get involved contact McNeil at glenneil@comcast.net.