Well, it's not easy, but you can become a star. At least a local one.

The secret is using your local cable public access. The bottom line is this: cable operators are required by law to provide public access television for their franchises. Public access is usually provided to individuals or non-profit organizations. Which means, of course, that you can't come on as a blatantly commercial program, but will need to remember our rule of thumb: you are there to provide information, and not to get sales.

None of which means you have to turn away business if it comes to you because you were on TV last week. It just means that your primary focus on your program must be informational and non-commercial.

One of the best things about doing a local public access program is that you will be seen as an authority on whatever subject you bring to the table. There's also nothing that says you can't tout your program in your brochures, website, business cards, and there -- if you have one -- in an office or retail location.

Let's consider an example. Let's say you're a lawyer, and you specialize in bankruptcy cases. Do you think you could come up with a 15 minute informational program every week, dealing with different aspects of the bankruptcy code and laws? Or if you're a nurse who specializes in foot care? Could you provide 15 minutes worth of educational programming dealing with foot pain, foot care, and therapies for the feet?

Of course you can. The reality is that most professionals imagine that the public knows as much as the professional does about his area of expertise. But they don't. And this is your chance to educate them, as well as letting your name and face get better known to the public. You'll also want to have a well-done website to provide further information. Mention the URL for your site whenever you can work it in.

TV is different from radio, of course. You can do radio interviews in your pajamas. I don't recommend that for TV.

You will want to be well-dressed, preferably (and this depends on the nature of what you're teaching about) in a dark suit. Dark because TV will tend to make you look 10 pounds heavier than what you are. Also because a dark suit -- for men or women -- gives an air of authority. Because of the weight issue, you may also want to lose a few pounds before you begin recording.

Most local cable authorities provide orientation sessions for prospective broadcasters, and most of them require your attendance. But whether they require it or not, you will definitely want to go, so you can become familiar with the process. You should know, as well, that most local cable systems require that you live within the cable area they cover.

Cable TV public access provides a means of reaching a targeted local audience at very minimal cost. In fact, you'll find that the smaller your cable company, the more they want and need local programmers. Call your local cable provider today, and find out the details.

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