Student to host political talk show

Staff Reports

Lights! Camera! Action!

Cal State Long Beach is producing "College Beat," a talk show by and for the students, similar to the humorous late-night political roundtable "Politically Incorrect," aired locally on public access cable television.

"Basically, the show is a talk show that deals with student issues," Joshua Fredenburg, the host of the program said.  "We shot our first show two weeks ago, and we're getting ready to do our next show Nov. 14, about dorm life and date rape."

Fredenburg, a senior communications major, said, with the experience he gains hosting this panel show and other public access programs, he hopes to host his own talk show in the future.

"I'm learning a lot," he said. "It's a very valuable experience."

Kamali Jones, a senior film major, who is the production coordinator for "College Beat," says the shows will have four guests discussing topics important to students.  Topics include sex, date rape, politics, life in the student dormitories and textbook prices. Three of the guests will be CSULB students and the other will be a faculty member or other expert in the topic being discussed.

Jones also said some shows will have a comedic mood like, "Politically Incorrect."

"The one on date rape will have a serious tone," he said.

"I think date rape is a very good topic because it happens so much," Fredenburg said.

Any student can suggest a show topic, be an audience member or even be one of the panelists. Jones encourages students to call (562) 985-4353 or e-mail studentvoices@hotmail.com and leave a message.

"We have guests, but we could totally use more to fill up our roster," Jones said. "Once we come up with a show topic, we'll call guests up and screen them."

While many students are not yet aware about "College Beat," they like the concept when told about the show.

"I'd probably try to go to the show," Carlos Campa, senior sociology major, said. "It would be interesting to hear people's views."

"If you feel strongly about a topic, you can state your views," Erica Bickford, senior marketing major, said.

Jones said the first program is scheduled to air early December on Charter Communications Channel 68 in Long Beach and Channel 25 in Lakewood, but exact dates and times have not yet been determined. All shows are taped here on campus.

If successful, Jones said the program might also be broadcast in the University Student Union and a public access channel in Seal Beach.