THE BEST OF LOCAL ACCESS

A cable television committee in Cape Girardeau would like to see more local programming on the city's public-access channel. Currently the channel airs local programming such as church services, a medical program, a legal-issues program, some programs from Southeast Missouri State University. The channel, however is mostly devoted to C-SPAN, which covers politics and government in Washington, D.C.

There are plenty of other local programming opportunities. Among those suggested so far are a local calendar of events, Mind Extension University, candidate forums and special events such as concerts or speakers.

More local programming on the channel would mean less of C-SPAN, which is generally highly regarded. Those who are interested in the federal government already complain when regular C-SPAN program is cut short by local shows.

Whatever direction programming takes on Channel 5, it can be hoped that C-SPAN will find a home elsewhere on the cable system so that both local programming and C-SPAN's schedule can be fully appreciated by audiences here.