The Renaissance Channel Brings Local Access TV Into 21st Century

Release Date: 3/1/2001. Expired: 9/1/2001

The Renaissance Center began comprehensive operations of Local Cable Access Channel 19 Feb. 1, 2000 and is not only operating the channel through digital networks, but is also providing digitally created programming for the channel. Having just celebrated its first anniversary, The Renaissance Channel is undoubtedly one of the most unique local cable access channels in the country, with programming that is making its way into living rooms throughout the Dickson County service area, into Nashville and in parts of Cheatham County.

The Renaissance Channel is a Community Access Channel with production facilities and cablecast capabilities originating from The Renaissance Center in the city of Dickson, Tennessee. The Renaissance Channel creates and airs programs for the entertainment and education of its viewers. Students work closely with staff learning how to create original programs with a local flair.

“The Renaissance Channel is television about the people in Dickson,” stated Ralph Easley, general manager of The Renaissance Channel and producer/host of The Dickson County Dinner Bell. “The Renaissance Center initially invested $48,000 to take over the programming of channel 19. Now that we’ve had an automated playback system installed, we can manually run the programming right here out of the center.”

The Renaissance Channel is also an incubator for programs, some of which will be offered to syndicates, national cable networks, home video and educational outlets. Beginning in December 2000, The Renaissance show was added to the program schedule in the Nashville market, reaching approximately 168,000 households with two half-hour time slots per week.

Renaissance Channel viewers will find that Channel 19 brings about 35 hours per week of such programming as medical news, art instruction for children, musical and theatrical performances, a show about the history of Dickson with local senior citizens as guests, the cooking show, Story Time for children, a local affairs talk show, and a show addressing local folklore and legends. In September, 2000, Tennessee’s Wild Side, produced in cooperation with NPT, aired on Public Television affiliates statewide.

A show with tasty step-by-step recipes from some of the best cooks around, Easley’s show, The Dickson County Dinner Bell, has become a fast favorite of viewers. Airing in April 2000, it is now at its 29th episode of casseroles, fudge, cheesecakes, breads, cabbage rolls and more. All recipes can be obtained by visiting the Web site.

Other programming is provided by local businesses and organizations around the area. One of the newest features is the weather radar that runs from 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. Running in conjunction with this Accuweather image is NOAA Weather Radio, which originates in Waverly and gives weather conditions on the moment. Three computer systems are responsible for running the three separate programming schedules; one for the weather, one for the church services and the other for The Renaissance programs.

These shows, and others, provide alternative viewing to the typical television fare. They can be seen on Community Television Channel 19 seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. In addition to The Renaissance Channel, Dickson County also has its own community access programming, overseen by a community board of directors.

“It has been fun learning how to use all the equipment,” state Easley and Bill Jones, Assistant Chief A/V Engineer. Jones continued, “Many hours per week are spent preparing the schedule for air time, but, the end result is still exciting to watch.”

“We are working on new projects all the time,” said Easley. “The newest addition is Speaker’s Spotlight, a forum for the public to have a voice by answering the ‘Question of the Day’ on various issues on video. Some of these tapes may be used on The Bob and Doug Show or other shows and questions from ‘How did you enjoy your visit to The Renaissance Center?’ to ‘How do you feel about a State lottery?’ will be used to obtain public opinion.”

Designed by Easley, Jones built the infrastructure per Easley’s specs, and The Renaissance Center’s Toy Shoppe built the cabinet. It is located just outside The Visual Arts Gallery.

The Renaissance Channel is dedicated to serving the citizens of Dickson and surrounding counties by providing family oriented community television that reflects the interests of our viewers. For more information about The Renaissance Channel, please e-mail The Renaissance Center at , or call (615)740-5600.