New programs coming soon to MalverneTV

MalverneTV is an “outstanding example of a government-access channel,” according to Malverne Village Board Trustee Michael Bailey. And, he says it’s going to get even better.

In the last year, the board’s Cable Television Committee has worked hard to settle the village’s CableVision contract, recruit volunteers and develop and expand the station’s infrastructure and resources. As a result, it can now create more original programming and plans to offer two new shows.

Already in the works is a show about Malverne’s business owners. It’s working title is “Meet the Malverne Merchants,” and its focus is, well, pretty self-explanatory. Malvernites would get to know some of the village’s merchants through a combination of studio and field interviews, and possibly get a glimpse of entire industries through roundtables with a number of merchants in the same field. For example, Bailey said, there might be an episode (or several, for that matter) about real estate in which Malverne’s realtors discuss the market and offer insight into issues that affect real estate locally and elsewhere. Committee Chairwoman MaryAnne Hanson said in some cases, the show will feature businesses grouped according to their services: nail and hair salons; delis, supermarkets and restaurants; card stores and gift shops, and so on.

Former Mayor Catherine Hunt made the first attempt to produce a show about the village’s merchants more than two decades ago. Although the show, which was filmed in meet-and-greet style, was interesting, it suffered the limitations of a single portable camera, according to Bailey, who expects the proposed show to have much higher production quality, now that the station has 10 to 12 volunteers, five cameras and dozens of other pieces of equipment. 

Hanson and Deputy Mayor Joe Hennessy, the board’s liaison to the Malverne Merchants and Professional Association, have been working closely with Merchants’ President Henry Stampfel to develop the idea. The trio plans to finalize details at the Merchants’ meeting later this month.

While those plans are worked out, the station’s other proposed show, “Malverne Remembers,” is well underway. Hanson said the idea for the show was born when the Malverne Historical and Preservation Society approached the committee and suggested taping interviews with some of the village’s former political leaders, religious leaders, school district activists, original business founders and long-time residents with stories to share. The committee pounced on the idea and has already set the process in motion.

Hanson, a lifelong resident herself, said she is excited about the new programming, not only for its own sake, but also because it speaks of the Committee’s successes and improvements. “It’s incredible how far we’ve come,” she said. “A lot of it has been due to negotiating with both CableVision and Verizon and coming up with moneys to help our program so that we could buy more equipment to get to this point.”

Each cable provider has given the village $50,000 up front, and will continue to pay $12,500 annually for 10 years. Verizon also gave the village $3,000 for providing access at the Malverne Village Library for those who don’t have cable, and CableVision agreed to provide $3,000 for increased access, as well. As a bonus for signing franchise agreements with the providers, the village will also receive 5 percent of each of the franchisees’ revenues.

With negotiations completed and contracts signed, the Committee can focus on more enjoyable things, according to Hanson. “It was actually very interesting,” she said of the tedious, two-year-long negotiations process. “I couldn’t believe the amount of work it was. Now that we’re done with both contracts, it’s sort of easy for the next 15 years, so that’s why we’re able to work on new programs. It’s going to be fun and more interesting.”

Frank Skelly, MalverneTV station manager, is proud of his staff and the channel’s success. “It’s great to have people watching us,” he said. “Myself and all my peers and the other people on staff have done a lot of work to get this to where it is. We’ve been playing with how we air things now.”

In the last two years, the station switched over to a full digital format with scheduling, has created a Facebook page and is working to have a greater web presence. With more staff and volunteers, and upgraded technology, Skelly is excited to be able to work on new programming, playing with angles and B-roll — supplemental footage intercut with the main shot in an interview — among other things. 

“If you don’t have the people or the interest, it’s kind of hard,” Skelly said, “but now, with the combo of the influx of volunteers and people taking more notice of the station and seeing what we’re about, I think now is a good opportunity for us to really show people what we can really do, and not only showcase the station, but really kind of showcase the village and what the village has to offer to people.”

Tune in to MalverneTV on Channel 18 for CableVision customers and channel 30 for Verizon customers. Those without cable can visit the library or check out the website malvernetv.blip.tv. For more information or to ask questions, email malvernetv@gmail.com.