Changes for Channel 19

Photo

Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Members of the Austintown Community Channel’s student staff include (front) Kara Boone (senior), Natalie Winkle (technician); (middle) Trevor Mauch (senior), teacher Ralph Grossen , Nate Cantelmi (sophomore), Jim Cysewski (junior), Nate Choma (senior), Acting General Manager Dennis Hileman; (back) Mike Taylor (freshman), Corey Cox (freshman), Alex Bair (sophomore), Joe Soriano (junior), Brad Oskowski (senior) and Saba Brachveli (junior).

By PAM JADUE

neighbors@vindy.com

Austintown’s Community Television station is currently conducting a survey to compile information on what changes viewers would like to see in the programming.

ACT broadcasts local events and sports along with programs on issues important to the township via channel 19 or channel 202. Residents are able to tune in and view meetings from the township trustees and board of education, and find current information on the community bulletin board.

“We want input on what people like and don’t like. What kind of changes they would like to see,” said Dennis Hileman, acting general manager.

The survey, which is available to viewers on the station’s newly developed web site, asks residents to comment on the types of programs they watch and what they would like to see more of in the future. The questions also focus on residents’ awareness of available programs and services provided by the station.

Officials hope to collect viewer responses through the month of February.

Austintown residents can participate in the survey by going to the web site at www. Austintown.k12.oh.us/channel19/wp/.

The station, which has been operating out of Austintown Fitch High School for the past 30 years with student participation, has recently seen changes as the result of new equipment. The biggest change came in the production process.

“Now we edit everything on the computer which makes it easier,” said Hileman. The updated equipment was purchased after the old equipment failed.

Programs are recorded on location with students gaining experience in the filming, editing and production of the programs under the direction of an experienced production crew.

Schools and organizations are able to submit information to the station for public postings.

During the past year, the station has made some changes.

Updated equipment and program changes were made in an effort to better serve the community. The station is considering other changes.

Currently, the channel broadcasts an average of three programs a day and is working to increase their programming to meet community needs. For more information, contact the station at 330-797-3900 ext. 1041.