My 15 minutes

Being on television isn’t easy. The lights are bright, the pressure is tremendous, and the makeup often makes you look fake, almost funeral home-esque.

But overall it’s lots of fun.

I had my 15 minutes of fame Tuesday when I made an appearance on the 4th Congressional District debates on AETN. It was everything I expected it to be, and I must admit it was exciting to be in the middle of the stage with at least a half-dozen cameras in my face.

We were primped and preened beforehand, my fellow panelists and I, having our makeup done, hair positioned just right, and suits brushed before they pushed us on stage.

I’ve often thought it would be fun to have a television show, something like “Hardball” with Chris Matthews or "Live" with Larry King. I wouldn’t dare cross over to the dark side of "Oprah" and "Maurey," although those shows are fine and have their own place — they’re just not for me.

I’m more of a serious news and creative type, and being on television is the perfect outlet for that. It seems blasphemous for a newspaper person to say anything good about television, but I truly believe that it can be a strong medium if done professionally.

The debates that AETN televises each year are one example of good television. They are a class act, with national network caliber staff members who know how to treat guests.

Sadly, though, the quality educational programs that AETN airs are all-too-often cast aside for sporting events and other entertainment.

I have to wonder how many people actually saw me last night as incumbent Rep. Mike Ross took on his Republican challenger and El Dorado native Joe Ross. Afterall, the third game of the World Series was going on in St. Louis.

But those who did see the show have been very complimentary, telling me that I did a good job, and that I “looked very professional.”

Being on television made me realize that what we do in the news business is important, whether it’s broadcast or print media. We all try to spread the facts as best we can, and we always hope that everyone who receives the news understands the issues that affect their daily lives.

The debates are important because they bring the candidates’ issues to light, allowing voters to watch and decide for themselves. If you missed out on seeing AETN’s debate series, you can log on to www.AETN.org to watch them.

I doubt I’ll be making the move to television anytime soon, but maybe one day you’ll see me on MSNBC taking over for Chris Matthews. How cool would that be?