What was once an underutilized, boring local government access channel has evolved into a lively, fun and informative venue for high school student-produced television shows. Early in his first term, Mayor Patrick Henry Hays asked Todd Larson, Director of Commerce and Governmental Relations, to develop some proposals for better using the government access channel that the Comcast Cable Company made available for city use. Mayor Hays strongly supported the proposal, with the city making financial and equipment contributions. City and district employees built a production studio in the high school building. Television production classes were developed, and an instructor, Jim Billings, was given the time and support necessary to make this partnership work.
Students receive credit for several television-related courses.
Each school year week, five hours of original programming is produced. This ambitious undertaking has been recognized for achievement with an award from the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media. North Little Rock High School football and basketball games, graduation, talent shows and city council meetings are covered live, then replayed throughout the next week. The only high school mobile production van in Arkansas allows student announcers, commentators and camera operators to cover these and other special events of interest to the community.