About the Show
Tom’s Guitar Show is entirely volunteer-produced and sponsored through the technical support of PATV Channel 18. For nearly two decades, dozens of PATV volunteers have contributed time, energy, and skills to Tom’s live weekly production. Spontaneity is encouraged and willing crew members have become integrated into the ever-evolving cast of characters.
Through the years the show has functioned as an interactive forum predominantly about guitars, but also — as one of PATV’s live cablecasts — a model of the participatory democratic process at the core of public access.
The content of the show develops spontaneously through viewer participation (usually along themes of musical requests, cultural commentary, and casual conversation), and serves as an outlet for local expression in a media world dominated by corporate interests.
About the Crew
The show is especially indebted to:
- Director: Jim Skopinski
- Floor Manager/Cameras: Bob Wiley
- Audio, Graphics & "Boss": Phil Phillips
- Cameras: PATV Studio Interns & Volunteers
With additional logistical and technical support from PATV 18:
- Executive Director: Josh Goding
- Technical Assistance: PATV Staff
Phil Phillips
The person most likely to answer the phone when you call is also the one who runs the audio and graphics…and sometimes the cameras too. When Tom forgets his train of thought, Phil reminds him. When Tom needs someone to suggest a fresh topic, Phil chimes in. If Tom gets on a roll telling jokes, Phil won’t let the opportunity pass without sharing his own. Phil has yet to actually fill in for Tom in front of the camera, but, you never know!... He is also a board member for the station and has dedicated many, many hours (and countless cookies) to the public access mission.
Jim Skopinski
From behind the cameras and/or at the director’s helm where he has been stationed since 2001, the multi-dimensional Mr. Skopinski
offers the show his trained musicianship, sharp intellect and even-keeled political perspectives. We’re extra impressed he manages this while still drinking his “morning” coffee when the cameras start to roll. (He works the red-eye shift at one of the area hospitals.)
Bob Wiley
You'll find Bob Wiley alternately managing the floor, behind cameras, at the director's helm and sharing his two cents at the crew mic. Since retiring from the University of Iowa where he served as storekeeper, Bob has quickly become a vital component to the TGS crew. He's also a member of the active Iowa City/Johnson County SCTV, the senior center's public access station.
Callers
Some of the show’s most colorful characters over the years have been its callers. Aside from college-age viewers and local musicians, the show attracts a surprisingly broad spectrum of area’s population, from grade school children, to senior citizens, to middle-age adults of all occupations and interests. Some tune in simply because it’s the dinner hour and they’re the ones controlling the remote (it's a family show after all). Others have never played an instrument, but tune in because (in the words of one fan) they like to learn how guitars work.
About the Host Community
Tom’s Guitar Show is produced in Iowa City, Iowa, a university community of approximately 80,000 located in southeast Iowa. It's known for being sympathetic to and supportive of the arts. The Iowa City area (including Coralville, North Liberty and Tiffin) is also supportive of its community public access station — PATV Channel 18 — recognizing its core media literacy philosophy as central to the creative and democratic spirit at the heart of vibrant communities.
