Cape Girardeau's Channel 5 adds 30 hours of programming

Viewers of Cape Girardeau's Channel 5 will start seeing new shows. Not that the city is trying to compete with the new network seasons.

Michelle Hahn said the city is adding shows to meet a new state-required minimum 40 hours of programming as part of the Video Providers Act. The new law says cable companies can pull the plug on local access channels if they don't air enough programming.

"I've gotten a big, fast education on public television," said Hahn, who is responsible for putting programs on the Channel 5 schedule. She's still learning. For now, she said, a show slated for 8:30 p.m. may start two or three minutes late, as she adjusts various program times.

Over the summer, she's culled dozens of shows from not-for-profit organizations and regional, state and national sources.

Among the new programs are 42 Missouri Department of Public Health shows. Each 30-minute episode covers a specific health topic. Hahn said she'll air the show three times a week.

Other shows include Missouri Department of Conservation's Kip Woods, hosting the award-winning "Missouri Outdoors."

The complete program schedule is available at www.cityofcapegirardeau.org/pdfs/ch_5_program_schedule.pdf

Hahn would like to see more residents creating programs.

To get a show on Channel 5, Cape Girardeau or Jackson residents must submit an application to the city including name, address, phone number and proof of residency.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127