If you are a registered Naperville-based 501(c)(3) organization, you are eligible to appear on the show. You are also eligible if you are a registered 501(c)(3) organization located within DuPage County or Will County, and one of your primary service areas is the City of Naperville.
Please note: Due to the large number of qualifying community-based nonprofit organizations in the area, private schools and places of worship are not eligible.
Spotlight tapes once a month on the second Wednesday of the month, at the NCTV17 studio (127 Ambassador Drive, Suite 103, Naperville, IL 60540).
Joy Kleinhans.
We tape two 30-minute episodes each month; one right after each other. Three organizations will be featured as guests on each episode.
Each organization will have a pre-show chat with the host to go over their interview questions. This way there are no surprises when the cameras start rolling! The actual interview is about 8 minutes in length.
Please plan to spend a total of about half an hour in our studio.
This interview is your opportunity to share your organization’s mission, programs, and impact with the community. Spotlight is not a forum for advocating for or against public policy issues. We encourage you to focus on the positive impact your organization is making in Naperville.
Your interview may include topics such as:
- Your organization’s history and background, including milestones or anniversaries
- Your mission and the impact your organization is making in the community
- The services you provide and the people you serve
- New programs, services or initiatives
- Changes in leadership
- A new or expanded location
- Upcoming events and opportunities for community involvement
- Ways viewers can support or get involved with your organization
Please take some time before your interview to identify the key points you want viewers to remember.
The producer will email you a form to submit your interview topics and indicate which of your two guests you would like to address each topic. We strongly encourage alternating questions between your representatives to create a more natural, conversational interview.
Each organization may have one or two representatives for the interview. This can be any combination of people you feel will best be able to enthusiastically speak about the topics you want to discuss. It can be the Executive Director or Program Manager accompanied by a client who receives services from your organization. A volunteer can often speak passionately and help inspire viewers to get involved. A member of your Board is another option – as long as they are representing your organization and not the company they work for.
- Wear bright colors
- Pick clothes that are neat and fit properly in a seated position
- Pay attention to your shoes – they will be seen in the TV wide shot
- Dress appropriately for your role and organization (e.g. band uniform, branded polo)
- Wear more makeup than usual; the bright lights will wash you out
- Apply powder to shaved heads to avoid shine from the lights
- Wear all white or all black
- Wear checks, stripes or busy prints; they pixelate on TV
- Wear large, distracting and/or noisy jewelry
- Wear a light-weight shirt – if you’re not wearing a jacket – because your shirt neckline needs to support a microphone on a clip and we need to hide the cord
Much like network television stations, NCTV17’s station policy does not permit guests to preview their interview prior to airing. Rest assured you are in the capable hands of professionals, so NCTV17 is committed to presenting you in the best way possible in the final product. When your interview debuts, the Producer of Spotlight will provide you with a link to view your interview so you can use your interview to further extend your exposure in the community.
During the interview, try not to think about the cameras; instead, focus on the host. There is no need for you to use notes because you are just having a comfortable conversation. The more natural and conversational, the more GENUINE you appear to viewers. Speak up, speak slowly, and speak with energy. Remember: You are the best salesperson for your organization. Nobody knows your organization better than you. Now relax and have fun. We are here to make you look good!