You can start planning your program as soon as you decide to facilitate an event.

We suggest you start with big wall charts divided in ten minute blocks. A musician, for example, could choose, say three ten minute blocks. Your chart should also provide the name and contact information for the person responsible for "the block of time".

In the past, we have found that a recorded/live/recorded sequence works very well in community television. It's not as important in radio, but it's still useful to give the set (or a panel) a break by playing some recorded music.

Another wall chart that is useful in early planning is ideas for programs. You can start by "scanning" the community and reading local newsletters and church bulletins.

Of course, the theme of your special event, whether a winter carnival; summer festival; public consultation, or a development association annual meeting, will determine much of your programming.

Some ideas for program "blocks" are panel discussions; interviews; streeters; presentations; trivia contests; live music; storytelling; recitations; public service announcements, and students reading local news.

Save your program wall chart to put up on the days of the event.

Plan every block of time but remember you will have to be flexible at the event because changes will happen at the last moment :)>

Suggestions for programming from the Final report of Tuning in to Climate Change.

Programming hints from the Community Television Guide.