Engaging Audiences Beyond an Afterthought
By Ashley O'Bryan | Document Channel | www.documentchannel.com | (615) 322-9333 x101 | aobryan@documentarychannel.com

In a society where reality television seems to reign supreme, the niche of viewers looking for more substantial and authentic programming has been growing significantly. Documentary films provide the perfect solution for these viewers. The documentary genre continues to become increasingly more popular among audiences, and documentary films have been featured in theatres across the country on a more regular and prominent basis. After all, documentaries put the "real" in reality.

To meet this growing need for more meaningful entertainment, Documentary Channel is the only television network dedicated to airing independent documentary film 24/7. With topics including sports, culture, environment, war, music, politics, and much more, Documentary Channel offers films with content that could intrigue and captivate any viewer.

However, DOC has recently taken a step beyond providing only the content by encouraging viewers to become involved with the issues explored throughout various films. It is just as important to engage an audience as it is to get its attention, so why not take it further than a simple afterthought or discussion among friends?

A television viewer who feels a part of a network’s programming, especially if he or she has the opportunity to make a difference, is likely to tune in more often to experience that feeling of involvement. In turn, each viewer who is engaged enough to take action by spreading awareness of an issue, or even simply changing a personal habit, is making a positive impact on our society.

This past April, DOC launched "EarthView," a month-long programming stunt that featured environmentally focused documentary films every night. In partnership with TakePart, a dedicated web page was created to connect viewers with organizations that have missions relevant to the specific issues explored in featured films. Viewers were educated about the environment and provided with an outlet to make a difference, all while being entertained.

As Documentary Channel continues to feature films that provoke thought and allow audiences to connect on a deeper level, we will also continue programming stunts such as "EarthView" to provide viewers with the resources to take action and become involved. We hope that you can become involved with us!

Ashley O'Bryan can be contacted at Website: Document Channel, E-Mail: aobryan@documentarychannel.com Phone: (615) 322-9333 x101