For example, 'Olelo would tape and show key legislative hearings gavel to gavel. Then KHET producers could fashion a meaningful hour-long summary program on the issue for airing later A whole range of possibilities can be explored. The national PBS system produces far more programs than KHET can show on its one channel. For the future, 'Olelo board chairman Gerald Kato envisions both KHET and 'Olelo under some kind of private foundation with one board and a CEO or general manager. If that lies ahead, both KHET and 'Olelo now face immediate struggles.
Public television needs more than ever to raise private money.
Olelo under one-year executive director Lurline McGregor has opened satellite production studios in Waianae and Kahuku and another is planned for Waimanalo. That's a plus. But McGregor, who by background experience and inclination is seen as more oriented toward polished public television than broad access, knows more is needed. A range of people I talked with cited the innovations on Maui's public access operation Akaku under executive director Sean McLaughlin. These include use of the Internet for on-demand viewing of local video productions and interactive televised county council meetings that allow viewers on Molokai, Lanai and in Hana to give testimony and ask questions.