Continued: Public affairs show debuts on some metro cable stations

Following the lead of one of its rivals, Mediacom has started a new public affairs program that is providing cable television subscribers in the west, south and southwest metro area with another outlet to find out who's who and what's happening in their communities.

Called "Newsleaders," the five-minute show debuted last week and airs twice an hour on CNN Headline News channel at 24 and 54 minutes after the hour in cities served by Mediacom including Chanhassen, Mound, Spring Park, Waconia, St. Bonifacius, Prior Lake, Savage, New Market and Elko.

Mediacom is the state's third-largest cable provider.

It's not a new concept. Comcast has a similar show called "Newsmakers," on which mayors, county sheriffs, school officials, state government representatives, religious leaders, sports figures and members from the entertainment and charitable organizations talk about issues and programs affecting life in their towns.

"Shows like this are important to viewers because they allow us to educate the public about what we do," said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, who was one of the first guests to appear on "Newsleaders." "It's a great public service because it gives us a chance to reach out and share how we do public safety in this county."

The first 10 segments of "Newsleaders" that are airing on a rotating basis featured an array of news topics and issues. Besides Stanek, guests have included Orono Mayor Jim White, Wayzata Mayor elect Ken Willcox and Connie Doepke, state representative elect from District 33B.

Other segments have included Phil Esten, associate athletic director at the University of Minnesota, Kris Howland from the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and LaDonna Hoy from the Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners.

"It gives guests a chance to address topics in their own words," said "Newsleaders" host David Gillette, who frequently serves as a commentator on Twin Cities Public Television's "Almanac." "The goal is not point, counterpoint, but rather to let the guest state how they see things from their point of view."

Topics have ranged from everything from an update on Hwy. 12 construction through Long Lake and Orono, to an effort to organize a sleepout to raise money for the homeless, to a look inside the 911 emergency center and a construction update on the new TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota.

An upcoming segment will address the impact on viewers in February when television stations stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital.

"The whole idea is to have a community theme and yet strike a balance," Gillette said. "We try to get guests and topics that are specific and yet general enough that are relevant to all who might be watching."

Mediacom has 125,000 customers statewide with about 55,000 of those in the Twin Cities. Mediacom serves customers in several Iron Range cities as well as Hutchinson, St. Peter, St. James, Litchfield and Butterfield and plans to expand "Newsleaders" to those areas.

The show comes at a cost.

Mediacom is giving up about $300 or more per hour in advertising revenue to air the five-minute program, said Bill Jensen, regional vice president for Iowa-based Mediacom.

"We know that we are a big part of our customers' lives," Jensen said. "We wanted to be connected to the people we serve."

The show is looking for guests. Those interested in appearing on the show can call Mediacom at 952-472-8695.

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