26 October 2004

TELEVISION PROGRAM NEARS LANDMARK 300th EPISODE

| Photos of previous panelists |

It started in 1992 when Karen McGregor of Adelphia Cable's public access channel suggested that the debate team at UVM start a television program. That first program, covering the race for the White House between George Bush Sr., Bill Clinton and Ross Perot, began what has become a tradition not only on the part of the Lawrence Debate Union but also in the free speech environment that exists, more or less, in Burlington, Vermont. The original format of the program has not changed in the years that followed, a 30-minute fast paced discussion of an important issue by debaters, alumni, coaches and faculty connected with the LDU. The program has emphasized the reality that normal citizens can gather information about complex subjects and then express themselves in an informed and articulate way. Experts have never been a part of the Flashpoint model, and while some panelists have been better informed than others, there has never been a deference to those with expert claims. In an era when citizens believe the major issues confronting them are too complex and too difficult for them to understand and have well-established positions about, Flashpoint has shown the reverse. "If it is an important issue, we have discussed it," said LDU director Alfred Snider, who has hosted the vast majority of the programs. "We bring new and interesting information and focus on important areas where we think the media has dropped the ball." John Meany of the Claremont Colleges, a former UVM coach, has hosted the most programs besides Snider, often while he has been in residence during the World Debate Institute programs during the summers.

The venue of the program has changed as well. From a small one-room studio in Williston where Adelphia Cable began its public access channel, channel 15, to the spacious and well equiped studio of the latest host for Flashpoint, Vermont Community Access Media, located in Burlington's south end. The equipment has been upgraded through the years as well. Karen McGregor still remains as the director of the program. Flashpoint has also been on location many times, having taped programs at Huber House on the UVM campus, at speak outs in front of the Royall Tyler Theatre, and in distant locations such as Beijing, Seoul, Inner Mongolia and high in the Chilean Andes. The look of the show had changed from time to time, with a simple black backdrop, a color separation overlay (blue screen) with psychedelic images (from Jeff Cooper), classical scenes or shots from outer space, to elaborate overlays of the panel and their faces to give a layered look. The program has had numerous sets of credits, from the initial simple lettering to the current animated logo. For many years the theme music has been a composition by Burlington musician Stu Nelson. One feature that has remained consistent through the last ten years is the closing of the show, where panelists look into the camera, point, and say "Think for yourself!" "I am always entertained by that," notes Snider, "because it seems paradoxical to command people to think for themselves. But then, paradoxes can open space for new thinking. I believe this is an example of that."

Flashpoint programs are shown three times a week on Burlington's cable channel 15, and for quite some time they have been at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, 10:30 PM in Thursday and 1 PM on Saturday. Flashpoint is also available for "on demand" viewing from the LDU's website, and many programs are available at http://debate.uvm.edu/flashpoint.html

Many, many debaters and coaches have appeared on the program. While Snider has been on the largest number of shows, many others have racked up a considerable string of appearances. Current UVM coaches Greta Lockwood and Charles Hoag may well be leading the pack, although no exact counting has been done. Students and others are encouraged to put these appearances on their resumes. Many have reported that in job interviews the program strikes the interest of the prospective employer and they ask about it, serving as an ice-breaker and a demonstration that this particular job candidate has strong oral communication skills, something employers are desperate for in their hires.

Last Saturday programs number 295 and 296 were recorded. Program 297 will feature footage from the LDU's Fall speak out. Another taping is scheduled this year for shows 298 and 299. The new year will feature the taping of the 300th program. The 200th program featured a large number of veterans from the program, including Maxwell Schnurer, David Berube, Jason Jarvis, John Meany, Terry McKnight, Justin Morgan Parmett, Sarah Snider, Karen McGregor (in her only on-camera appearance) and many others. It was streamed live over the internet. Ideas are currently percolating for the 300th program, and suggestions are being accepted. The taping may also be arranged so that previous panelists can pay a return visit. There has even been some talk of holding a party where the program will be taped. Karen McGregor is also said to be working on a short collage of Flashpoint scenes through the years. Let us know if you have ideas or suggestions.

"I never thought it would become the tradition it has," noted Snider. "People recognize me almost every day because of this program, people stop me to mention issues raised by the program, and I have even received free meals based on what we said during our restaurant review segments. I never thought it would reach even 100 programs, not to mention 300. I guess the next milestone is 500 programs."

Stay tuned for more developments.

DEBATERS TO QUESTION GUBENATORIAL CANDIDATES

Tuesday evening Vermont Public Radio will feature another debate between Vermont governor James Douglas and the challenger, Burlington mayor Peter Clavelle. LDU debaters have been invited to join the audience and ask questions. After all the publicity debaters have been getting surrounding the presidential debates, this is a fitting conclusion. October 26, from 7-8 PM on VPR, the event will be held in the Eli Long Music Center at Forth Ethan Allen. Representing the LDU will be Charles Hoag, Brady Fletcher, Chase Whiting, Shane Clark, Emily Sanders, and others.

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FLASHPOINT TELEVISION -- NOW WITH OVER 295 DIFFERENT PROGRAMS!
Watch Flashpoint from your computer screen whenever you want! You will need RealPlayer installed on your computer to become a part of our growing audience. Here are some recent programs now available at http://debate.uvm.edu/flashpoint.html. Watch on Burlington Channel 15 Wednesday 12:30 PM, Thursday 10 PM, Saturday 1 PM.
COUNTDOWN TO PROGRAM #300 BEGINS
Now in the 290s it is only a matter of time (and not a very long time) until Flashpoint reaches its 300th show. Ideas are being sought for how this show should be done. Let us know of any ideas.

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