Expert: Charlie Stogner - 12/10/2011

Question
I’m currently in the process of leasing a LPTV station in my metro market. I want to start a small regional network focused on lifestyle similar to a bravo but on a local and smaller scale. I don’t have experience in this area of media however I do have experience in marketing and media i.e. web and social. My main area of focus is the equipment I am in the process of leasing a 20,000 square foot space for a studio. Content would be reality shows, talk shows, food TV, sports, fashion, home improvement etc. And we plan to do some live audience stuff.  I am looking to buy equipment so I wanted a basic list of equipment I could expect to do some planning. On cameras I wanted to know to do studio stuff i.e. live shows do we have to purchase the large cameras I have been told smaller more affordable cameras like the Canon EOS 7D was a good option for all types of shoots with great quality. Are there other cost effective cameras and equipment models I should consider that are cost effective? Also what equipment would I need to have a full operating studio; I am even buying a van for on location shoots and live events. A checklist of any information would help greatly.

Answer
I really can’t help on cameras etc, studio equipment. I can help with distribution if you determine the only way you’re going to get on a channel at cables sites since you won’t be a ‘must carry’ at markets away from your base and assuming you will be carried for NO charge on the cable system(s) in your market.
My operation is based in Jackson, Ms. and we have carriage on cable channels in addition to Jackson at Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Tupelo, Ms. and Memphis. We have our own infrastructure with our equipment installed in headends that permits us to either deliver ‘live TV’ or pre-recorded shows stored on the server and played at the time we have on the channel.
I’m thinking if you want a regional network and the capability of ‘live’ shows you’ll have to either lease satellite time or do as we do and use the Internet.
I  would not go with expensive studio cameras.  I would also recommend before you purchase  expensive editing equipment, especially for live multi-camera switching you check out VidBlaser.  We have this installed in two PCs although we own a TriCaster.  While the old pro’s probably don’t like to admit it, the new mini-dv cameras with HD capability costing under $5,000 (way less if you like) do the job good enough. Invest in reasonably priced teleprompters and light your studio well and perhaps fix it with at least one green screen area. I visited with Fran Tarkenton in Atlanta recently and he’s set up a studio for his own TV show. He had help from CNN but he doesn’t have the real expensive big cameras.
You may check ebay for used pedestal stands for the cameras while used in the studio and/or if you don’t want to go to that expense at least get good dollies for at least two in-studio cameras.
If you need more help on distribution email me direct at stogtv@gmail.com