Submitted: 06/26/2001

 

Wheaton Community Television is a valuable asset to the Wheaton Community.  WCTV has and continues to provide a forum for expression, learning and the dissemination of information.  Wheaton Community Television was established in 1986.  In 1986, WCTV was broadcasting via Channel 37.  It wasn’t until 1993 that Channel 17 came to be.   Interest was growing by leaps and bounds and in 1997, the city of Wheaton realized that it needed the municipal channel to be more than just a static bulletin board, it needed to have it’s own programming.  Channel 60 became the vehicle for municipal programming while Channel 17 remained for public access programming.  Channel 60 evolved and eventually became Channel 61 which today airs all city council meetings, cable commission meetings, A Chat With the Mayor, The Red & Blue and other such programming.  Channel 17 became a vehicle for Wheaton residents to express themselves.  Some outstanding and award winning programs have aired including Wheaton Rams Football coverage, Alcoholism and Substance Abuse: Facts and Advise, Word for World, Video >From the Id, Wheaton: Forever Young, Community Focus, Video Journey to Ireland, Remember The Eastland, and These Stones... These Bricks. 

 

In the fifteen years that WCTV has provided service, community involvement has been tremendous.  WCTV has participated in numerous community events such as the 4th of July Parade, Autumnfest and the Fire station Open Houses.  WCTV is a nationally recognized public access station because of all that it provides to the community. Announcement postings, interactive bulletin board placement and Open Mic Night are just a few of the important services WCTV provides to the City of Wheaton and non-profit organizations.   Other resources that specifically benefit Wheaton residents include access to television production classes, access to production equipment, edit bays, as well as studio and control room access. 

 

These resources are used by Wheaton residents regularly.  Below are highlights of Wheaton’s 15 years in Public Access.  They prove without doubt the community’s need for Public Access.

 

·           Since January of 1992, public access producers have produced over 1630 hours of original programming for WCTV.  In addition, since 1996, WCTV producers and Wheaton residents brought more than 470 hours of “outside” programming for us to air.

 

•           Since January of 1992, WCTV staff has offered 785 monthly training classes.   Since 1997, the staff has headed up over 110 additional training sessions or outreach events including classes for the Wheaton Park District, the Fire Station Open House, 36 Producer Network Nights, and numerous tours for local organizations.  In WCTV’s 15 year history, the staff has trained over 1500 producers.

 

•           Since May of 1992, Public access producers used the WCTV studio and control room for over 22943  hours, which averages to 2549 hours per year.   This accounts for 78% of the available time.

 

•           WCTV currently airs 67 hours of programming each week, with the remaining hours being filled with the electronic bulletin board.  .

 

•           Since its inception in January of 1994, Channel 18 has received over 63,559 phone inquiries.

 

•           Since May of 1992, the WCCC has awarded $41,620 in grants to public access producers to help defray production and promotion costs.  All grants are funded by the cable operator.

 

•           A Chat with the Mayor began production in 1993 as a live call-in program and since then 80 episodes have been produced by Municipal producers.

 

•           WCTV has published their monthly newsletter, Fast Forward, for 15 years and currently has a circulation of over 650.  The newsletter is currently available through the mail, on-line, via e-mail, and at 8 different locations around Wheaton. 

 

•           Since its inception in November of 1994, 130 different community organizations have taken advantage of the unique opportunity to appear on WCTV’s monthly Open Mic Night.  Open Mic Night is a staff-produced program that is solely for non-profit organizations to use as a form of outreach giving them the chance to spread the word about themselves. More than 50 of these groups have appeared two or more times.

 

•           For 15 consecutive years, at least one WCTV-produced program was named a finalist in the national Hometown Video Festival, the “Emmy” awards of public access programming.

 

•           Since 1987, the City of Wheaton’s public access operations have been rewarded with 21 Hometown Awards (the most prestigious awards in the industry, public access’ “Oscars”) along with 4 Judge’s Choice Awards and 27 additional finalists.  In addition, Since 1994 WCTV and the City of Wheaton Channel have won 22 regional Cammy awards, winning four times each for Overall Excellence in Public Access and for Overall Excellence in Government Access, plus 35 additional finalists.  To date, Wheaton’s access channels have won 75 national and regional awards.

 

•           According to a 2000 Wheaton cable survey, 56% of those polled were aware of WCTV and its production training and 34% percent watch Channel 17 at least a ½ hour per month and 38% percent said they had watched it in the previous month.  Of those polled, 50% felt that local programming was important. 

            For the other four access channels:    

•           Channel 18 (The Interactive Channel): 15% use it and 28% of those use it often or occasionally.

•           Channel 61 (CWC): 28% watch ½ hour or more each month and 50% watched in the previous month

•           Channel 62 (Wheaton College): 29% had watched in the previous month.

•           Channel 63 (College of DuPage): 23% had watched in the previous month.

 

 

With the proper tools and guidance, many Wheaton residents have found a way to grow personally and professionally with the help of WCTV.  Some have become dedicated volunteers who enjoy helping their fellow producers tape shows.  Some of our greatest volunteers are: Mark Zalewski, Brian Sheehan, Sean McCabe, Alex Dickerhoof, Liz Corry, Marianna Sanderford, Chana Bernstein, and Tim Hollinsworth.  Volunteering was an opportunity to grow and become a better producer. WCTV helps to shape the future of our youth whether it be through volunteer work, internships, classes and jobs.   Below are just a few of the many success stories WCTV would like to share with you.

 

•           Mark Zalewski: Mark became a Playback Intern in 1997.  He learned all he could and took this knowledge with him as he received his bachelors in Telecommunications at Indiana University and then on to earn his masters in Electronic Media Management.  Mark tells WCTV that “I have learned valuable skills that I still take with me to work and to school today.”  Mark is currently working for a non-profit organization in Chicago which specializes in providing training in music to the underprivileged.  (2 time Cammy Finalist, 1 Cammy Award)

 

•           Brian Sheehan: Brian held the Playback Intern position at WCTV during high school.  He  returned during summer breaks from college.  Brian attended University of Southern California and graduated in 2000 with a degree in Computer Science and Film.  He currently works for Red Zone Interactive, a video game developer for Sony.  When we spoke to Brian, he stressed that the “best thing on his resume was that he was a producer at WCTV.”  This experience gave him the edge over other candidates.  (10 shows produced)

 

•           Tom Mottier & Mike Rempert: WCTV honored these individuals with the producer of the month status in August of 1997.  The Wheaton Warrenville High School students then went on to produce the winning film for the WWHS Student Film Festival.  (4 shows produced)

 

•           Matt Hughes: After being WCTV’s producer of the month in September of 1997, Matt’s film also won in the WWHS Student Film Festival for a Public Service Announcement on littering. Matt’s experience at WCTV producing films led him to pursue televison and film as a career and he is choosing a college accordingly.

 

•           Sean McCabe: Sean’s love of film began at a young age and WCTV was there to help it flourish.  Sean became a producer at WCTV at age 12 and was honored as a WCTV producer of the month during December of 1997.  He started working at WCTV as a Playback Intern in June of 1998 and progressed on to become a Playback Tech.  He is currently attending the Art Institute of Chicago pursuing a degree in Film, Photography and Video.  (2 time Cammy Finalist, 1 Cammy Award, 1 Hometown Award) (12 shows produced)

 

•           John Marschitz:   John worked as WCTV’s station manager for five years (1990-1995) helping to mold WCTV into what it is today.  CLTV, ABC news and WGN news are a few of the television stations he has worked for.  John has held a variety of positions from photographer to live truck operator.  (1 Hometown Award) (7 shows produced)

 

•           Leza Cantoral: Leza was given her first taste of television production at school.  After taking classes at school, Leza was eager to learn more.  She became a producer at WCTV and began producing programs.  She was pleased that WCTV gave her the vehicle to express herself.  She told us that the experiences gained at WCTV helped her a lot and assisted in her career decision.  She is currently a sophomore Marlboro College in VT and studying film. (2 shows produced)

 

•           Jason Durdon: Jason held a WNHS non-paid internship at WCTV.  Jason became an active producer and is now a junior at Columbia College majoring in film, video and acting.

 

•           Tim Hollinsworth became a producer at WCTV in 1996.  The experience he gained at WCTV was critical in obtaining his current job where he works for Chicago Scenic doing the coordination of sets for television shows.  (2 shows produced)

 

•           Brian Walton: After speaking to Brian’s mother, WCTV learned how much the classes and facility influenced him.  Brian is a sophomore in high school at Wheaton North and his mother believes that much of Brian’s drive and direction came from WCTV.  He plans to pursue a future in video.  (2 shows produced)

 

•           Purvi Patel: WCTV spoke with Purvi as she excitedly explained how grateful she was to have the opportunity to intern at WCTV.  Purvi also held a WNHS non-paid internship with WCTV and it was here that she figured out what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.  She gained much knowledge from WCTV and decided to attend Oberlin College in Ohio.  There, she is majoring in interdisciplinary performance which is a cross between all forms of performance media. 

 

•           Jim Chambers:   Jim began as a Playback Tech for WCTV.  He was named Producer of the Month for his efforts and success on a program for the Deaf Actors Guild.  He graduated from Columbia College with a degree in television.  The experiences and knowledge gained from WCTV helped refine his skills for his move to CLTV in December of 1998.  He has quickly moved up at CLTV and is now editing and shooting Chicagoland activities such as press conferences with Mayor Daley.  (4 time Cammy Finalist, 1 Cammy Award, 1 Hometown Award) (11 shows produced)

 

 

Wheaton Community Television offers so much to the community.  It is rare to find a community service that is so popular amongst young and old residents.  We welcome anyone who has an interest in television productions and fill them with knowledge and experience.  The following are brief descriptions of the many ways WCTV has outreached to the community.

 

•           WCTV has worked with children as young as 6 to produce Public Service Announcements during school career days at the Wheaton Elementary Schools.  Career Days are an important and useful learning tool.  WCTV enjoys teaching the children the art of television production.  WCTV causes great excitement when it attends the career days and the children are always excited to see themselves on television. 

 

•           We have conducted tours of Boy Scout and Girl Scout tours of the facility only to find interested candidates eager to learn more.  The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are quick learners and we are excited to help them gain the knowledge needed to earn the media services patches. 

 

•           WCTV hasn’t forgotten about the Wheaton High Schools.  We have put together an internship program dedicated to Wheaton High School Students.  Over the past few years, we have had a variety of students participate including Purvi Patel (WNHS), Jason Durdon ( WNHS), and Mireya Villegas (Glenbard North HS).  Due to increased interest, we are currently looking into expanding this opportunity to two internships, one for the municipal Channel 61 and another for Channel 17.  This would allow two students to benefit from the internship experience. 

 

•           WCTV understands the importance of continuing education and therefore support the Wheaton College Station and the College of DuPage Station.  Both are beneficial to the community. 

 

Wheaton College (Channel 62) eagerly became involved in providing video programming for the community via WCTV.  Up until four years ago, Wheaton College programming was fed upstream on the City's Institutional Network every day between 3pm-5pm, through a switch made at WCTV, so their programs could then be seen by all Wheaton residents.  In 1996, however, the WCCC reallocated channel 63, previously allocated to the Wheaton Public Library, to the college so they can do programming and bulletin boards all day long. In 1999 , the college stepped up its’ programming efforts to offer coverage of guest speakers, musical events, football/basketball games, and their live commencement ceremonies. There is also a live weekday broadcast of the WETN Radio (FM88) Morning Show and weather forecasts.  The community has received this very well. 

                                   

College of DuPage’s (Channel 63) mission to deliver the highest quality educational media and information to our community members lead them to begin using Channel 63 to broadcast a variety of courses and general interest programs.  Some of the classes offered on Channel 63 include: Earth Science, French, Psychology, Management, Sociology, and Spanish.  During weekends, the station broadcasts important schedules and announcements. 

                       

•           WCTV is pleased to work with such a wide range of non-profit organizations and help to inform the community about their organizations and events.  Open Mic Night was established in 1984 with this concept in mind.  It is a live monthly program taped on the second Thursday of each month at the WCTV studio.  It runs for 2 hours and features 4 non-profit guests.  The groups feel it is a great opportunity and are extremely grateful.  We have gone further and added non-profit announcements to Channel 17 and postings to our Interactive Bulletin Board on Channel 18.  Channel 18 receives 300 calls per month which amounts to about 10 calls per day.  These 10 callers were not directed to City Hall but instead able to find answers to their community questions on Channel 18.  WCTV eagerly informs the community of its services and is always pleased when it reaches someone who is unaware of these services and excited to begin using them.  (See Page ___ for a list of all OMN participants)

 

•           In 1990, WCTV Staff began working with this local organization to develop a specialized video training curriculum (Video Adventures) for their developmentally challenged clients.  The project has met with great results as WDSRA (Western DuPage Special Recreation Association)  managed to produce forty-two 30 minute programs entitled "On the Move".  This program highlights the activities of WDSRA.  The program is solely produced by the students of the Video Adventures class.  In 1998, the Video Adventures class began working with the Deaf Actors Guild and produced four programs, one of which was awarded with a Cammy, a regional video contest.

 

•           The Wheaton Community Cable Commission cablecasts their regular monthly meeting "LIVE" from the WCTV studio.  The production offers excellent hands-on experience for the new access producers while providing pertinent information to the community about cable television.  The local press often covers the meeting by watching the meeting at home.  Many access producers have commented that this project has helped foster more understanding between the cable commission and the residents who use WCTV.

 

•           Wheaton is a religious community and WCTV understands the importance of this.  We have encouraged churches to post service dates and times and to begin taping services for broadcasting on Channel 17.  We feel this would be a great way to reach home-bound residents.  Several individuals are currently taking classes to become producers and hope to gain this exposure for their church.  

 

•           Both young and old alike, enjoy learning and this motivated the Park District to set up television production classes.  The interest has been great over the years.  WCTV has teamed up with the park district to offer hands on staff supported classes to area kids. During a eight-week course, participants learn all aspects of television production, most importantly the teamwork involved. By the end of their time they are certified and have produced a 30 to 60 minute show in the studio including footage gathered with remote equipment.  One of our most dedicated producers, Alyx Dickerhoof, a sophomore at WNHS, came to WCTv through a Park District Class.  Alyx is dedicated to children and produced Spotlite on Kids.  Alyx is quick to volunteer to help out as camera operator for media commission meetings and Open Mic Night. 

 

We have many producers who feel that the talents and knowledge gained from WCTV is so incredible that they feel a strong drive to give back to the community.  These producers began like any other with the hunger to learn and WCTV was quick to mold them into expert producers.  The shows they have made are some of our very best.  Some of these producers include:

 

•           Liz Corry, a resident of Wheaton, became a producer and felt it would benefit the community to tape the Wheaton Rams Football games and Cheerleader competitions. Not only did this increase exposure for the Rams but also allowed the entire community to share in their wins and losses. (12 shows produced)

 

•           WCTV enjoys teaching and helping kids and when Julie Wachowski presented WCTV with the opportunity to visit Weisbrook School during their Explore More Days, we eagerly accepted.  This was just the beginning of many more school career days.  WCTV taught 100 kids at Explore More Days this year and this experience influences and shapes their aspirations.  Julie became a producer to help Weisbrook School record their music concerts and other day to day happenings.  When WCTV airs the Christmas and Chorale concerts, families excitedly record and watch it together.  Julie quickly points out how important and exciting this is.  The PTA newsletter is always eager to announce when the school will be on Channel 17. 

 

•           Marianna Sanderford uses the skills and knowledge she received at WCTV to bring religion and inspiration to many communities including Wheaton.  She produces “A Call to Wholeness,” which is a religious program that features Reverend Joseph Mahady.  Marianna uses this show to spread the word of God throughout the community.  The Reverend and Marianna have received numerous calls about how beneficial the program is.  Callers have said it changed their lives and have felt very inspired by the show.  (244 shows produced)

 

•           Chuck Purcell is one of our “musical producers” and has been a part of WCTV for a long time.  He travels around Chicago and its suburbs and tapes the Sassy Seniors, a jazz group comprised of older people.  He is excited to bring jazz music to the Wheaton community. 

 

•           Chana Bernstein is a longstanding producer at WCTV.  She has been producing shows since the inception of WCTV.  Chana is consistently producing shows concerning injustice and human rights.  Her programming provides a voice for people and causes that would generally be lost.   Chana is a regular in the studio, sometimes working on 2-3 shows at a time.  (Hometown Finalist) (84 shows produced)

 

•           Carole Francis is a world traveler. WCTV is lucky to share in her adventures.  She allows the community to share in her experiences.   Wheaton residents have enjoyed her trips to Ireland, Bavaria, Bergun, Crete, Kanderstag, Mexico, Michigan, and Provence.  (40 shows produced)

 

•           Charles Atkins is another musical producer but on the opposite end of the spectrum from Chuck Purcell.  Charles rolls in rap music videos into interviews with local rap artists.  He has a great way of showing the community how exciting rap can be.  (27 shows produced)

 

•           Jennifer Doggett was another producer and member of the WCTV staff.  She oversaw the productions involving the WDSRA.  Jennifer left WCTV and moved on to Wheaton College where she majored in Media Services.  From there, she went on to teach at Northern Illinois University, College of DuPage, Aurora University, and Waubonzie Community College.  (2 time Cammy Finalist) (20 shows produced)

 

•           Jim Owiecki is another one of our longstanding producers.  He takes on issues such as housing the homeless, protecting the local forest preserves, and alcohol and drug abuse.  Jim won an award for “We Are One” which helped to spread the word for Habitat for Humanity.  Jim feels the community needs to know about certain issues and that goal stays with him as he continues to produce outstanding shows including favorites like “Wheaton, Forever Young.”  (4 Time Cammy Finalist, 1 Cammy Award, 1 Hometown Award)  (13 shows produced)

 

•           Otis & Thelma Leftwich have produced many shows.  They became producers in 1987 and utilized the skills and knowledge provided by WCTV to show the Wheaton community the importance of religion.  “His Touch” is an enlightening, spiritual piece that teaches a meaningful message.  Besides producing, their own television programs, Otis and Thelma are ordained Pastor and Minister and hold services for their church, Vessels of Our Love Church. (200+ shows produced)

 

•           Dan Hampson is one of our earliest producers.  He learned a lot from WCTV and used this knowledge to produce a show for kids.  He felt that children were an important part of Wheaton and with that in mind, he produced Startooning.  Startooning was a show that taught children the art of cartooning.  It was an entertaining and educational show for kids.  (3 time Hometown Finalist, 1 Hometown Award) (8 shows produced)

 

•           Mark Krall was an active producer as well as staff member at WCTV. After becoming a producer in 1992, he produced many shows including Word for the World, Reel Men, and From the 19th Hole.  He was eager to challenge himself and reach new heights of learning.  His talents brought a variety of shows to the Wheaton community ranging from religious, to golf.  Mark believes public access is a “incredible resource and opportunity.”(1 Cammy Award, 3 time Hometown Finalist, 1 Hometown Award) (31 shows produced)

 

•           Sharing and keeping history alive was a goal for David Nelson. David came to WCTV in search of a means to share his story.  WCTV was eager to help and quickly taught him the skills needed to be a producer.  David’s grandfather, Elmer Nelson, used his welding skills to save lives during Eastland Boat disaster.  The disaster is an important part of Chicago’s history and through this documentary, David  had a piece of history to share and public access television was his means of doing so.  He created A Family’s Search for Eastland History.  Later, David established the Eastland Museum which has now being run by The Chicago Maritime Society.  (1 Cammy Finalist) (2 shows produced)

 

The above accounts show how successful WCTV has been and continues to be in reaching out to the community and providing valuable public access services.  WCTV is able to assist non-profits in getting the word out about their organization through Open Mic Night, channel 17 announcement and channel 18 interactive bulletin board postings.  WCTV provides classes to any resident interested in the art of television production.  WCTV provides assistance to producers and is excited to air their programs on Channel 17.  WCTV has touched many lives and benefits the entire community.  WCTV is a service you cannot get anywhere else but Wheaton and therefore it is a valuable asset to our city.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a list of the groups that have appeared on Open Mic Night since January of 1995.  If the group appeared more than once, the number of appearances is in parentheses.

 

      Wheaton Park District, Wheaton Jaycees (more than 10), Shriners, Relay for Life (ACS), Breaking Free, DuPage County Animal Control, Ulster Project, Marionjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Center for Therapeutic Interaction, DuPage County/ CRIS, Wheaton Noon Rotary, People's Resource Center, Computer Program, Wheaton Rams Cheerleaders (more than 10), DuPage County Solid Waste Division, DuPage Center for Independent Living, Ball Foundation/Career Vision, Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus, Christian Bridge International, Canticle Place (2), F.E.M.A.L.E., Morton Arboretum, Midwest Center for Conductive Education, Heartland Blood Centers (2), Sales Professionals of Illinois, DuPage County Forest Preserve (4), Wheaton AM Rotary (more than 10), Wheaton Theater, District 94 Music Boosters, DuPage CAPS, Open Door For Teens, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, AutumnFest (Chamber of Commerce), HCE, DuPage Prevention Partnership (2), DuPage County Fair Assoc, MidWest Heirloom Stitchers, Pioneer Clubs, Wheaton North True North Stars (3), Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, Domestic Relations, The Light Heart Center for Healing Arts (2), IL Employment & Training Center, DuPage Community Foundation, Special Olympics of Northeastern Illinois, Chernobyl Children, CASA of DuPage, Alliance for the Mentally Ill, DuPage Art League (2), P.A.D.S. (2), , Little Friends, 4Fun.com (2), United Way (2), Christmas Sharing, Wheaton Women's Republican Club, Catholic Charities DuPage, Catholic Charities Joliet, Danada Equestrian Center (3), Woman's Dept Club of Wheaton, Friends of the Wheaton Parks, Pact, Inc. (4), DuPage Psychological Services, DuPage Senior Citizens Council (4), American Lung Assn of DuPage (9), FREE (3), Stepping Stone Child Development Center, Wildlife Guardians, Marklund Children's Home (2), Aunt Martha's Youth Services (2), People's Resource Center (5), Three Fires Council, Love Letters (2), Wheaton History Center, Healing Theatre (2), Esse Adult Day Services, Hospice of DuPage, American Cancer Society DuPage, American Heart Association, WCTV (4), DuPage AME, Sharona, Project HELP, Serenity House (6), YWCA (2), ConservationFoundation of DuPage (2), DuPage Conservation Society, Windy City Romance Writers, Humanitarian Service Project *, ADOPT (3), 1st Presbyterian Church, Family Service DuPage (run by Big Brothers/Big Sisters), Literacy Volunteers (4), Greyhound Adoption Agency (2), Glen Ellyn & Wheaton Chorale, American Association of University Women (4), Cross Cultural Crafts, Parents Alliance Employment Project, World Relief (4), Care and Counseling Center (5), Familynet International, Habitat for Humanity (3), Newcomers Club of Wheaton (2), Central DuPage Auxilary, The Way (2), Christians United Against Child Abuse (2), Illinois Animal Action, HELP (3), Theosophical Society (4), Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Family Shelter Service (2), Advocates for Family Justice (2), Cantigny Park, Organ Transplant Support, Outreach Community Ministries (2), Bethlehem Center Food Bank (2), Big Brothers/Big Sisters (7), DuPage County Health Dept (6), Boy Scouts of America, New 200 District Foundation, Wheaton Junior Women's Club (6), Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (5), Kiwanis Club of Central DuPage (3), Wheaton Drama, Monroe Middle School PTA, Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, League of Women Voters (2), Girl Scouts of DuPage (4), National Louis University, Milton Township Democratic Party (5), Solid Waste Education Center (2), DuPage Home Ownership Center, Children and Family Court Services, and Youth for Understanding.