Transit TV

[K.]

If you've ever hitched a ride with MCTS, you know what I'm talking about.

How about, in an effort to inform our community with IMPORTANT local news, alerts, and events (Sorry, FOX, TMJ4, and all the rest just don't get the job done right), we were to do away with the mind-numbing SMC and Crazyfox! commercials and instead, place segments featuring news bulletins and community happenings, presented by your own neighbors?

Imagine riding the bus and learning about volunteer opportunities in your area...seeing ads for local businesses and OurMilwaukee instead of debt-relief scams...learning energy-saving tips from WE Energies and the Urban Ecology Center....overviews of MPS board meetings and city legislature...immediate violence outbreak alerts and descriptions of suspects in recent homicides...what if we could make it possible with the help of film/media students, as well as volunteers throughout the community?


Maybe I'm just crazy, but someday, could it be possible?

[Sam Van Hallgren]

Wow, K, what a great idea! I'd certainly be interested to know if MCTS reserves any space on their buses for community notices -- or if it's all paid advertising space. Certainly worth investigating.

I'm a producer at 88nine, and if you send me an e-mail with your contact info, I'd love to have a quick phone conversation with you about how we might get your idea some air-time.

You can find me at [e-mail].

Thanks!

Sam

[Mike McCallister]

Of course, it's possible! How likely it is depends on how well people can organize. I noticed Tuesday night that UWM PantherVision managed to get a story on the 30 bus.

Seems to me this would involve three steps, not necessarily in this order:

1) Create the content (possibly last)--or perhaps approach one or more local cable-access channels about providing content.
2) Approach Transit management (perhaps that's what PantherVision/UWM MassComm Dept did)
3) Talk to your County Supervisor (Milwaukee County owns the transit system).

I'd bet the Milwaukee Transit Riders Union would support something like this.

[K.]

Thank you for the support and information, boys!! Most of my friends just roll their eyes and tell me to keep dreaming.

I definitely think approaching MCTS is the first step. An alliance with local universities' MassComm departments is a HUGE part too...students from all majors could help out. You're completely right, Mike--it all depends on how well people can come together and set the (bus) wheels in motion. It wouldn't be an immediate takeover of Transit TV's syndication...but a gradual transition to a new venue of community awareness and pride.

[Alicia Boll]

Hey ya'll --
I thought this topic might make for an interesting exploratory survey...it's also for an in-class assignment that's due this Monday. Could you spare 5 minutes to take my quiz? All responses will be held in confidence...

Here's the link:
http://www.polldaddy.com/s/E1E8554C93062778/

Feel free to pass it along as well--Thanks! Alicia

[Diana]

I think this is a brilliant idea! There's not enough community connection in Milwaukee and this would be a great way to get a word out... you know, since people sit on the bus next to other people but don't talk to them and watch tv instead.... !!! I'm always around if you need help :)