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Clarkson University And WCKN Television Introduce New Series: "North Country Matters"...A Video Journal Of Ideas And Visions
Clarkson University and its campus-based television studio will premiere an exciting, new civic affairs series focusing on Potsdam and St. Lawrence County on WCKN TV (Time Warner Cable, Channel 30), Tuesday, February 24, at 7 p.m.
“North Country Matters is unique,” says one of the program’s producers, Daniel E. Dullea. “Regional stations currently broadcasting local news focus primarily on Syracuse, Watertown, and Plattsburgh. North Country Matters will devote 100 percent of its coverage to the communities in St. Lawrence County.”
“While we live in the most heavily media-saturated time in history, St. Lawrence County benefits only minimally from hyper-commercialized mass media television. Although cable and satellite TV offer literally hundreds of channels, there is little real choice or diversity,” observes Donna J. Kain, another of the show’s producers. “Coverage of civic discourse at the national level often either generalizes or sensationalizes issues. Now there will be an alternative for the North Country ─ programming by, for, and about us, and about our issues, in our own voices.”The producers of the series are Dullea, Kain, and Frances Weller Bailey from Clarkson University’s School of Arts and Sciences. The production staff is composed of students enrolled in the Technical Communications Department’s Digital Video Production II class and student volunteers.
“North Country Matters targets issues of importance to our community,” comments Bailey. “The show is written, produced, and broadcast by people who live right here, so it’s a natural decision for us to spotlight the educational, cultural, and government issues of particular interest to local people.”
Issues of health and safety in St. Lawrence County are the focus of the premiere show on February 24, with segments including:
- A visit with North Country Healthcare Providers (NCHP), an extensive regional hospital and healthcare network;
- A discussion of Sexual Assault Nurse Examination Training in the county with Judy Kepes of NCHP; Teresa Corbin, director of Student Development and Counseling Services at Clarkson University; and Jerry Richards, St. Lawrence County District Attorney;
- An exploration of the concept of “responsible drinking,” the effects and consequences of irresponsible alcohol consumption on individuals, and the serious efforts to protect our towns from those who would abuse alcohol and commit a DWI;
- "Showcase of Local Talent,” featuring North Country performers.
North Country Matters will present new shows monthly, with upcoming programs on March 23 and April 20. Programming suggestions from the community would be welcome; contact Dan Dullea at email@example.com or 315-268-6428.