Speak your mind, voice your concerns, complain about your problems, and criticize politicians, because the producers of a new public access television show in Hudson County want to listen, film it and put it on TV.
Weehawken resident Julian Abio and Union City resident Lucio Fernandez have produced a bilingual half-hour show for the everyday resident and his everyday worries titled “Ensalada,” or “Salad” in English.
The show’s current content consists of Fernandez, with a microphone in his hand, walking around the busy downtown streets of Hudson County asking residents about their problems with government, education, society, and the economy, among other things. Abio is Fernandez’ cameraman throughout the show. He’s responsible for editing the film before showtime.
So far, “Ensalada,” which premiered Feb. 3 on Cablevision’s channel 71, is comprised of plenty “man on the street” footage. Eventually, they want to expand the length of the show to an hour and include interviews with county politicians and social leaders, and entertainment news from local and national celebrities.
“This is a great place to get people involved in the democratic process,” Fernandez said, during a phone interview last week. “We are being received very well by the community.”
The idea for the show began several months ago when Fernandez and Abio decided to showcase the people who would usually never receive media exposure in the area, Fernandez said. In the winter, the couple registered their program with Cablevision, the cable supplier in much of the county, in order to have airtime on the local community station. After a small fee, Cablevision approved the show in the winter, and Fernandez and Abio have been filming ever since.
According to a spokesman for Cablevision, approximately a half-dozen public access shows have been approved in the last year, with the understanding and commitment that they will provide local information for residents. So far, Fernandez is excited about his project.
“The show promises to be a mixed salad, a little bit of anything and everything, from entertainment to politics,” Fernandez said. “This will be the voice of the little guy, the taxpayer.”
In order to produce quality programming, Abio and Fernandez, lifelong Hudson County residents, use their knowledge and skills of the media. Abio currently works as a stage manager for the “Regis and Kelly Show,” on ABC in the mornings. Fernandez is a working writer, director and Broadway actor. They both studied communications in New Jersey universities, and when they are not working at their day jobs, they find time for “Ensalada.”
“We are using our expertise to offer a vehicle for self-expression to all citizens of Hudson County,” said Fernandez. “People have a lot of concerns, and the show is getting bigger than we thought.”
Weehawken resident David Simmons said he has watched the show. He finds some of the programming entertaining, but Simmons said he would like to see more in-depth reporting about social issues.
“It’s great to talk to the man on the street, but complaining about your problems on the air won’t solve anything,” Simmons said. “People have to get out there and do something.”
Fernandez is not focused on turning the show into a commercial success, he said. Right now, he is focused on making a difference.
“Ensalada” airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on Channel 71 locally. For more information, visit www.abiotv.com or call (201) 314-4413.