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Who among us hasn’t been in a persistent vegetative state in front of some TV program and said, “Heck, I could do that”?
Now you can. Maybe. KRMA-Channel 6 is launching “Real Colorado,” a series of 30-minute programs written, directed and produced by ordinary folks.
“I have had this idea in the back of my head for awhile,” said James Morgese, president and general manager of the PBS outlet. “There are so many stories out there that we don’t get access to. It’s an interesting way to get access to those personal stories.”
But not too personal. Reminiscences about World War II, grandma’s trip across the prairie in a covered wagon and life among the homeless are all possibilities but, reminded that he could get some real nut cases wanting to tell their stories to someone other than their imaginary friend, Morgese was quick to add that there are boundaries. “It’s an experiment (but) we don’t want it to go out of control. This is not cable-access television, where you do what you want. We have to put a fence around this.”
What they’re looking for is “high quality, interesting and informative programming.” The station will provide technical and production help.
Channel 6 has struggled to produce local programming. It has done “Spirit of Colorado” for several years and will add “Colorado Postcards,” about places that make our state’s people special, in the fall.
“There’s very little money anymore,” said Morgese, “and yet that’s the foundation on which public broadcasting is built. We have to find a way to get more financing. Localism is extremely important.”
“Real Colorado” begins production this year but won’t hit the air until late this year or early 2006. Would-be producers must submit a written proposal, outlining their idea, to Donna Sanford, 303-620-5617.
Around the dial
Out of nowhere to “Movers and Shakers”: Dan Caplis and Craig Silverman, two lawyers who hit the airwaves at KHOW 630-AM only last August, anointed by 5280 magazine as the city’s top local radio personalities in the latest issue. KMGH-Channel 7’s anchor Anne Trujillo named top local TV personality. … Mayor Hick’s newly appointed “neighborhood liaison,” Tamara Banks, ought to know the city. She was a reporter at KWGN-Channel 2 for 13 years. She starts her new job July 1. … Planning one more outing for the long weekend? Check out the Holiday Travel Forecast Line, personal travel/weather info courtesy of Mike Nelson, meteorologist at KMGH-Channel 7, at 303-832-2557. … Perfect end to a perfect weekend: The Colorado Rockies take on the St. Louis Cardinals from Coors Field (6 p.m., FSN Rocky Mountain). … Quotable: “We do not want home movies.” – James Morgese.
Dick Kreck’s column appears Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. He may be reached at 303-820-1456 or dkreck@denverpost.com.
