In order to produce a show, the cable company will usually require that you take their course on television production, usually offered for free or at a nominal charge.

Most people find these courses a lot of fun. When you’re done, you can be a producer. Not every graduate of the course wants to produce their own show, which takes a lot of work, but most are willing to volunteer on other people’s shows, operating cameras and such. That’s how most local access shows are produced.

The ideas for shows are endless.

If you own a gym you could have your own exercise show. If you have a restaurant, you could put on a cooking show. If you’re an expert on cars, you could show people how to maintain them.

What are you an expert on?  What are you passionate about?  These can make great topics for your own local show.

Is there a cause you want to support?  Maybe you could make a documentary.

The key to success is to make your shows informative and entertaining. And non-commercial. Most cable companies will not allow  you to make this a profit-seeking venture.

Producing your own show and appearing in front of the camera can prepare you to appear on broadcast TV shows in two ways.

First, you get to practice in front of the camera.  When you watch your show, it gives you valuable feedback on how you come across. It gives you the opportunity to adjust your style before trying to become a guest on other, larger shows.

Second, you have footage to send to larger TV shows so they can see you in action. You have a (demo) “reel” as they say in the biz.

So if you’re looking for a way to get a lot more positive publicity, be the star of your own show.

Adapted from the book, You Can Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity.

Keywords: publicity, free publicity, marketing, enterpreneruship