Posted on: Friday, July 12, 2002

UH plans talk shows for radio, television

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

The University of Hawai'i will launch a weekly hourlong radio public affairs/talk show Aug. 1 on KCCN based on the National Public Radio "Fresh Air" format, with host Terry Gross; and a weekly half-hour TV show in September to follow a similar format.

"We hope to jump off the news each week or have whatever is topical to showcase all the university expertise we have," said Paul Costello, vice president for external affairs, who will host the radio show scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday. "For instance, last week I could have seen having David McClain from the Business School and ethicists from the Law School talking about ethics in corporate affairs."

The radio show will kick off with an interview and call-in format with new Manoa chancellor Peter Englert, who assumes his post the same day the radio show begins.

A start date has not yet been set for the KHNL/KFVE TV show and the details are still being worked out, said John Fink, KHNL/KFVE general manager. It will be aired Saturdays at 5 p.m.

While there is no budget, "we'll do what it takes to put on a good show," Fink said. "It will be an in-studio format with a guest or multiple guests and conversational repartee."

Fink said UH will provide the guest or guests, and the TV station will provide the host and studio, and pre-production pieces if they are appropriate.

He envisions the show providing a way to further inform the public about "what's going on at UH."

Costello said he is excited about signing contracts for the shows.

"I just want to make sure we seize these enormous opportunities to talk about the wide range of experts, resources and skills we have throughout the university system."

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.