SATV Makes Plans For New Shows

SATV is up and running on campus channel 46. But many students have yet to notice it exists, due to a limited set of shows.

Station directors said they hope new shows will fix that problem by capturing the interest of a student population largely unaware of the channel's existence. Along with student produced and performed shows, programming will also be drawn from past and current UB events.

Shows that have aired so far this semester include the LBGTA drag show and the Center for the Arts production, "Padarovski's Children." UB sporting events and concerts will also eventually be on the air.

In addition to UB events, SATV also hopes to capitalize on feature shows created by students. Pilot episodes of several different shows will be premiered within the next month.

New shows include a dating program tentatively titled "Will UB Mine," meant to imitate the syndicated series "Blind Date," as well as a late-night show imitating Comedy Central's "Insomniac."

Already airing is "The Ray Show," a long-running sketch comedy show.

"Just trying to get the show running is a real tough time," said Mike Arisohn, a senior media studies major who serves as an editor for the show.

Many of the students creating the original programming do not receive pay or even a budget for their work, despite having to step into many different roles and duties for their shows.

"You have to put on a lot of hats," Arisohn said.

Tyler Bennett, the SATV and video director, reiterated the station's plan to have pilots for each new show by the end of the semester.

Bennett also emphasized the demand for original programming at SATV. He said he hoped more students would submit work and ideas.

"We have some stuff from my staff and a few others, but we need a lot more," Bennett said.

Some students who know about SATV said they like the idea of such a channel but are keeping the book open until they see the finished product.

"I have heard about SATV, but never seen it," said Jordan Walbesser, a sophomore computer engineering major. "Between class, work, and extra-curriculars, the only time I watch TV is for a big sporting event. It sounds like a good idea and I hope it will catch on as an outlet of student expression and entertainment."

Some students question the value of such a channel when it can only be seen on campus and so many students either live off campus or commute.

"I think it's a good idea as long as they have the will to sustain it," said Dave Spira, a junior history and communication major. "If they don't, I think they should spend the money on something else."