Omni Productions, a local production company that began broadcasting what it calls a "breath of fresh air in positive community television programming," aired its first episode of The Community on July 7 on WBTR-TV's Cox Cable Channel 19. The Community continues to air weekly on Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Producers of the show - Preston Gill and Vincent Perry - say that while The Community features local issues primarily in and about Zachary, the show appeals "to anyone interested in programming that is substantiative, informative and entertaining, no matter where you live."

The show's format includes weekly segments on health, real estate and issues addressed by the Baton Rouge Metro Council that affect District 1 (Baker, Zachary and part of Central). These segments are produced with the cooperation of Lane Regional Medical Center, Suzi Gautreaux and Councilman Trae Welch, respectively.

"Zachary was recently named one of the top 10 cities in the country to raise a family," said OMNI producer Preston Gill. "Adding this distinction to Zachary's best-in-the-state school district, makes it easy for us to find positive issues to cover on our show."

Gill and Perry first worked together in 2004 broadcasting Zachary High football games, and they reunited for The Community project.

"We anticipate the show will become a long-term program if we can find enough advertisers who believe in the concept of positive, local television programming," the producers said.

Perry has worked in television during his college years and occasionally since graduating LSU in 2006. "I love video production, and I'm excited to produce programming that is fit for the entire family and which helps promote the community where I was raised," said Perry.

Gill said The Community is working with the Zachary Chamber of Commerce to cover and promote both existing and incoming businesses. Gill also expects to work closely with the Zachary school system to highlight the accomplishments of students and teachers, as well as Bronco athletic programs.

Gill and Perry are optimistic their program will be successful and supported by area businesses. "We hope it will become an hour-long show," they said. "This would allow us to expand and also cover issues specific to the communities of Baker, Central and Slaughter."

Prior episodes of The Community can be viewed at OmniProductionsLa.com.