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Pasco Increasing Government Cable Offerings

Carl Orth/SUNCOAST NEWS

Technicians Ron Carkhuff, left, and Will Purvis, center, both from the University of South Florida, televising a county meeting at the West Pasco Government Center. They are conferring with Eric Keaton, the county’s public communications manager.

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: February 16, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Pasco County government cable TV channel has dramatically expanded its local programming on Bright House channel 622.

Two new showcases, "Pasco 360" and "Profiles on Pasco," were among recent additions to help people connect faces with county departments.

Live coverage of Pasco County Commission and other government meetings remains the channel's main claim to fame.

"We know they're watching," Eric Keaton, county communications manager, said about Pasco viewers of county government oriented programming.

While exact ratings are hard to come by, the number of complaints by phone calls gives Keaton a rough idea.

Several weeks ago, a problem developed in the audio of a Pasco County Commission meeting. The whisper-quiet volume level prompted many calls of protest.

Some computer hard drives were changed last week, resolving the problem.

Keaton serves as both cameraman and host for "Pasco 360." The series of one-on-one chats with county leaders and managers has featured segments on parks and recreation, public transportation, library services, recycling, elderly nutrition and Environmental Lands Acquisition Management Program.

"Pasco 360" airs 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each day. Government TV listings are found online at www.pascocountyfl.net/ and then clicking on the Pasco Television icon.

County employees are "passionate about their jobs," Keaton said, something he hopes "Pasco 360" captures.

"Profiles on Pasco" highlights the inner workings of county departments, such as community development and animal services.

Another enhancement has expanded the Jobline from a text-only "billboard" listing to a 5-minute show several times a day, Keaton observed. Personnel Manager Kevin Fulford gives tips for applying for jobs.

While Keaton helps boost local programming, the county contracts with University of South Florida technicians to produce live coverage of meetings, he explained.

"Basically it's a studio in the box," Keaton explained about the portable gear the USF techs bring to the master control room in the basement of the West Pasco Government Center on meeting days.

The technicians set up monitors to view the meetings and move the robotic cameras in the first-floor auditorium remotely with joystick controllers.

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