How to Launch Your Cable TV Career

Producing and hosting a cable TV show can be as simple or complex as you make it.

With the right formula, your show can grow rapidly in popularity, although the audience you draw will never be huge, says Tony Aghani, director of access services division, Los Angeles Department of Telecommunications.

Popular area programs include “Art Fein’s Poker Party,” with a rock ‘n’ roll review format, and “The Looseleaf Report,” hosted by Victoria Looseleaf, who writes and performs such satirical sketches as “Send in the Pounds,” a tribute to anorexics.

On the serious side, increasing numbers of nonprofit groups are using the airwaves. “It’s a good way to get information out about what you’re doing in the community,” Aghani says.

To launch your TV career, you’ll need to register for a producer’s training program at one of three San Fernando Valley cable companies. The training covers the basics of regulations, how to set up studio time and technical considerations. Most producers film their shows from start to finish and don’t need to use editing facilities, but they’re available, as well as free editing training programs.

The cable TV companies serving the Valley provide crews, three color cameras, basic props and furniture, and have capabilities to produce live, call-in shows. Group training for use of portable production units and editing bays is offered; studio internships are also available. All portable production units contain lights, microphones, tripod and batteries. Each company also provides a community bulletin board for event listings.

* CableVision Industries in Chatsworth, Channel 65 (Channel 57 without a cable converter), and educational-access Channel 67. Air time: From 2:30 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays. Total home subscribers: 93,800. Major communities served: Chatsworth, Canoga Park, Northridge, Encino, Van Nuys, Tarzana, Granada Hills and Reseda.

Producer orientations are 6 to 9 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. CableVision, 9260 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth 91311. (818) 998-2266. Call (818) 998-2252 for community bulletin board scheduling.

* King Videocable Co. in Tujunga, Channel 36. Air time: 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Total home subscribers: 29,600. Major communities served: Tujunga, Sunland, Verdugo Hills, Lake View Terrace.

Producer orientations are quarterly. Call for schedule. King Videocable, 10625 Plainview Ave., Suite 10, Tujunga 91042. (818) 353-9304.

* United Cable TV in Van Nuys, Channel 25, and educational-access Channel 23. Air time: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Total home subscribers: 85,100. Major communities served: Van Nuys, North Hills, North Hollywood, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Sun Valley, Pacoima, Sylmar, Panorama City, Arleta, Mission Hills and Toluca Lake.

Producer orientation meetings are 7 to 9 p.m. the second Monday of the month. United Cable TV, 15055 Oxnard St., Van Nuys 91411. (818) 781-1900.

For a listing of cable TV companies in the city of Los Angeles, contact the Department of Telecommunications’ access services division, 120 S. San Pedro St., Suite 600, Los Angeles 90012. (213) 485-1354 or (213) 485-2751.