Did you know that most towns require the cable company that serves them to provide a means for people to create their own TV shows?

It’s called Local Access or Public Access. Usually the cable company operates a local TV production studio that members of the public can use to produce and air their own shows. Generally, you must take a production course at the studio, but these are usually free or cost only a nominal amount.

Not only will you learn a lot about production, you can also have a lot of fun. You’ll learn how to use the cameras, put mike’s on people and adjust the sound, as well as operate the “board,” the giant switchboard that controls everything. Many people who participate in these courses find an affinity for operating the equipment, which launches them on a new career.

Because it takes a lot of work to create and produce a TV show, many of the people who take the course prefer to work on other people’s shows as crew members — namely, yours. A lot of local cable TV producers find valuable crew members because of this factor.

Of course, you’ll want people to watch your show, so make it entertaining and/or informative. You can use your show to showcase what you do, which generates free publicity for you.

Creating and appearing in your own local TV show can be a springboard to appearing on larger, even national TV programs. Most of the time, you need to demonstrate how well you perform and behave in front of the camera before these shows will book you.

When you perform in your own local talk show, you can watch the playback and see how you come across on camera. It gives you the opportunity to adjust your style before appearing on a big, national show. This alone, can save you a lot of potential embarrassment.

Danek S. Kaus is the author of You Can Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity. Read his Blog and learn more about his Services