WCCA’s Newest Show Looking to Activate Worcester
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The show’s primary host, Ron Motta, says a major motivator for their show was the lack of turnout in the last election.
“When we had the last election in November, literally every spot in the city was up, -- school committee, council, state reps. It was the perfect day, weather-wise. The city had 19.8% voter turnout,” he said. “The basic force of Activate Worcester is to encourage people to become more aware of issues relevant to everyday existence.”
The new show will raise important issues, and while Activate Worcester has many connections with the Tea Party, Motta says that they’re looking to expand their reputation and activate voters of all backgrounds.
Tea Party TV?
Motta said that originally, the show was going to be called Tea Party TV.
“The reason why that changed was we thought that there’s enough media in the city, projecting things in a certain light. The decision was early this year to rename and broaden it,” he said. “You keep hearing terms – progressive, conservative. We do talk a lot about fiscal conservatism, but we’re starting to shy away from that word. It’s coded.”
Motta said that regardless of race, color, or creed, they want their show to bring issues to light for watchers. He says they welcome feedback and criticism, too.
Activating Worcester
Motta said that the last election was a real wake up call for him, making him realize how much Worcester needs to be reminded what’s at stake during elections.
“I remember that Jim McGovern came through that polling place to vote. My conversation with him was very simple. ‘There’s no one in this city with a better handle on the politics in this city,’ I said. ‘Explain to me why we have this kind of turn out,’” Motta said. McGovern’s response: this isn’t just a problem in Worcester.
“He said that anytime you don’t have either a national Presidential or gubernatorial senate election, anything else is local, and an off-year election,” Motta said. “People are really not showing up in the way they should for these. What do we do to encourage people to come out and vote?”
Motta said that due to the Presidential election and the close senate race, this year’s turnout will probably be higher, but still only around 50-60%.
“Most people stay home because they couldn’t care less. That’s why I’m very interested in the whole process. How do you get people involved not only in this country, but here in Worcester?” he said.
The Show’s Format
Motta explained that each show will consist of two co-hosts, and one person running the production. Chris Pinto and Sandy Williamson are the other two in the group.
“The key to the thing is that the flow would be what’s two cohosts and one guest – not a panel,” he said. “It’s also conversational, relaxed, and something that would hopefully impart relevant info to the viewer that they wouldn’t normally receive through traditional media.”
Guests to Expect
Motta says that future guests will be knowledgeable in many fields, and subjects will range from issues facing senior citizens to wounded soldiers coming home from battle… and may include Scott Brown.
“I spoke with Scott Brown, and he said he’d like to be on as a guest. We don’t have a confirmed date, but the people at the station said to have a person like him on that channel is a wonderful thing for the station. Whether that will happen is another story,” he said.
Motta said that no matter the topic, the key to the show will be what viewers can do to get active and work to solve the issues they raise.
“Everything you’ll discuss will relate to action steps. That’s what we’re trying to get across. It’s not just a grab bag. Regardless of whether viewers are Libertarian, Democrat, Republican... we want to activate,” he said. “We will have a range of guests from a number of different disciplines and won’t be talking about the same issue every time.”
The first two shows feature State Committee Woman Bonnie Johnson and future guests will include names like Brad Wyatt, Rob Eno, Bill Randall, Kamal Jain, and Tom Weaver.
When You Can Watch
Tune in to WCCA channel 13 Wednesdays at 4:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 11pm, and Sunday at 7pm.
If you are not in the Worcester Area or you don’t' have Charter TV you can still watch on your computer by going to WCCA TV at www.wccatv.com.
Related Articles
- Local Tea Party’s Explore How to Leverage Media for Messaging
- Worcester County Tea Party Rallies Against Government Spending
- Tea Party Charges GOP Out of Touch
- Central Mass Tea Partiers Ready to Oust Obama
- NEW: Mass. Republican Frustrated Over Sales Tax Rollback Defeat
- Republican Party Blocks Local Delegates
Comments:
Edward Saucier
5:08pm on Saturday, July 28, 2012
Activate Worcester Show is made up of republicans and conservatives and they want one and all to participate? Where's the liberal, oh that's a bad word, then how about a democrat on the panel. I've seen some of the comments made by Chris Pinto, on GoLocalWorcester, who seems to follow the mold of Jim Polito by calling people nasty names. Sounds like it will be a propaganda show to me.
Then there's the time slots - 2 weekdays and weekends - all at different times. I don't think that will work out well, but, that's just my opinion.
Personally I love DemocracyNow! the best show on Ch.13. 08:00 to 09:00 Monday thru Friday - They shouldn't let that go for any reason. Now that's a show where people learn a thing or two.
Stephen Quist
1:10pm on Monday, July 30, 2012
extremist tea partiers are what they are......you can put lipstick on a pig and guess what......you've still got a pig and so it is with these far rightwing neo con extremists............nothing to see here folks keep on moving..........
Harry Huckum
11:47pm on Wednesday, August 01, 2012
WOW, you guys are so classy.
Some how I don't think you'll be getting an invite onto this show.
Why don't you two get together and start a show?
That will sure provide some entertainment.
Edward Saucier
4:10pm on Thursday, August 02, 2012
Gee Q, I think we upset Harry Hiccup. We're not classy enough for that new show. WOW - I wouldn't go on because I think stupid is catchy. I sure don't want to end up like those guys.
Oh, Double H - We can't start our own show on that station because I'm planning a coup on Jordan Levy and Q is planning a coup on that obese guy in the morning.
Harry Huckum
4:29pm on Thursday, August 02, 2012
I heard from the newspaper, Dianne Williamson's column, that Q was banned from that station. I guess that he was too classy and too intelligent for that station.
I personally don't listen to Talk Radio so help me understand something, how does someone get banned from talk radio? Isn't having people that like to shoot their mouths off the point of talk radio?
If you two started a show we could watch you have a nice civil debate over Brown vs. Warren since you guys are on opposite ends of the spectrum on that race.
Edward Saucier
8:13pm on Thursday, August 02, 2012
I was being facetious doncha know? Get with the program Harry!
Stephen Quist
4:02pm on Friday, August 03, 2012
harry huckster......lmao princess di had her fill of the jumbo jimbo from the lil radio station up on assabumkissit hill. I wouldn't tow jumbo jimbos exremist rightwing neo-con teapartier mantra and I gladly wear the badge of being banned from his station..............princess di i'm sure would agree that jumbo jimbo is an a**hole...........jumbo jimbo knows where to find me if he wishes I will gladly tell him that to his bloated face.....for you harry huckster - i could care less what any opinion you might have.
I would debate with Boots any day in a respectful manner whether we agree/disagree on an issue....he is well informed about the issues unlike you........have a great day!
Christopher Pinto
10:54pm on Friday, August 03, 2012
Hey Q,
The 19th can't come too soon.
See you then buddy.