Volunteers truly are the key to everything that goes on at MCA-TV. As a volunteer-driven television station, MCA-TV relies on volunteers to produce, edit and star in its locally-produced programs and is always looking for new volunteers and program ideas. If you have an interest in becoming part of this worthwhile community resource, please contact us at 412-269-1191 or mca-tv@moontwp.com.
Becoming an MCA-TV Volunteer
MCA-TV offers a quarterly training session for community members who are interested in becoming volunteers at the station. This series of four, hands-on classes covers the basics of camera operation, lighting, audio and an introduction to editing. MCA-TV’s free training classes are open to residents of any community. Upon completion, trainees are ready to assist with any MCA-TV production. Once trained, volunteers also have the opportunity to continue building their skills through advanced training opportunities. For details about the next scheduled training class, please contact the studio at mca-tv@moontwp.com or 412-269-1191.
Volunteers vs. Community Producers
While MCA-TV welcomes residents of any community as technical volunteers, community producers must be Moon Township residents. To create a program to air on MCA-TV, a Moon Township resident must sign on as the Community Producer and be willing to actively participate in the program and take responsibility for its content. All shows produced by members of the public must have a Community Producer. For rules and regulations outlining the role of volunteers and community producers, please click here.
Here's what some of our volunteers have to say about volunteering at MCA-TV:
“When I retired, I was looking for something to do that was totally different from my past work – that was interesting. I’ve enjoyed working on a diverse number of shows and getting to know the hosts. It’s also been great working with the other volunteers and becoming a team.”
-Bonnie Davis, 2-year volunteer
“I was always interested in filmmaking and movies, so I thought it would be a kind of low-pressure way to find people to match those interests. I think it’s a great way to be involved with the community and also to learn a lot.”
-Julie Huber, three-year volunteer
“MCA-TV is a valuable resource for the community of Moon. A person can take what they enjoy doing and pass on the knowledge they have to the rest of the community. For my experiences, I have enjoyed all the exciting places I have been and all the different people I have met, but nothing comes close to the friendship I have and will always have with the past and present staff at MCA-TV."
-Richard Wyza, 14-year volunteer
“When I volunteer, either behind or in front of the camera, the atmosphere is always relaxed, jovial and, most importantly, supportive. There isn’t anyone who wouldn’t do something for everyone.”
-Carrie Davis, co-producer, “Stay Fit with Sarah and Carrie”
“The people at MCA-TV are terrific to work with. I have a small group of volunteers who work faithfully with me to produce the show. We have fun learning and providing a public service. I highly recommend MCA-TV!”
-Cathy Rogers, producer, “Mrs. Rogers Computer Lab”
“I have enjoyed being a volunteer at MCA for almost four years. The training period is well planned and taught, but the real learning comes from actually getting out and doing the work. I’ve learned a lot by trial and sometimes by errors. The staff are always available to help solve problems and new situation that arise when working outside the studio. It’s a fun place to work and a good way to be informed about what is going on around Moon Township . I’ve met lots of great people that I enjoy working with. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some really interesting guests and speakers, especially while filming the Senior Men’s Club. New volunteers are always needed and welcomed. I would recommend this challenging experience to anyone.
-Jan Gorr, co-producer, “Bogey or Better”
“As a former MCA-TV staff member, I know how essential volunteers are in bringing public meetings, local sporting events and other programming into community residents’ homes. I love that volunteering at MCA-TV is something anyone of any age – from pre-teen to senior citizen – can do, and something family members – parents, children husbands and wives – can do together. And because the staff and volunteers are such a great group of people, volunteering at MCA-TV is always guaranteed fun!”
- Lisa Curry, four-year volunteer
“The TV show has become somewhat of a “hobby,” allowing for another avenue of medical education for me and my audience. It’s been thoroughly enjoying.”
-Marc Schneiderman, producer, “The Doctor is In”
"I enjoy volunteering at MCA-TV because I think our show really makes a difference in people’s lives. I will never forget the lady who told me she lost more than 25 pounds exercising with out show. Stay Fit with Sarah and Carrie does have a lot of comedy in it, but I can really help people get in shape. When that woman told me how she had improved her health by losing so much weight, I knew we were helping people to better themselves. That makes volunteering there worth the time and effort! In addition, there are a lot of great people that volunteer right along with us. We always have a good time putting the show together and getting the final produce ready to be broadcast. It’s a great time!
-Sarah Fischer, co-producer, “Stay Fit with Sarah and Carrie”
“I enjoy volunteering at MCA-TV and have so for more than 20 years. The station has given me the opportunity to help people who are at home and need to exercise. They are sometimes people who cannot leave their homes or do not want to go to an exercise class. I hope I am helping them stay fit through our station. I also like the people that help with the production of the show. They are people who want to be there and like working the cameras – and I thank them all very much for helping me over the years.”
-Linda Francis, producer, “Senior Workout”