An Interview with Al Nathan
This piece is designed to showcase an exemplary Skokie resident whom many of you already know–Alfred Nathan. A Northwestern University graduate of the School of Business, Mr. Nathan has served as a life insurance broker for many years. Through his public access television program, he focuses on being a goodwill ambassador for Skokie.
Fifteen years ago, Al observed the cultural diversity of families moving into Skokie. He saw it as a great strength for Skokie and began his own campaign to help the community recognize the value of diversity and show what each culture could offer. He saw this as a unique opportunity for residents of differing ethnic backgrounds to become acquainted with one another and build goodwill.
Q: Tell me about your show, “Skokie People Speak.”
A: Once a month, I, with the help of five volunteers, create the local cable television show, “Skokie People Speak,” with me serving as its host. The program airs each week with a “good news” educational message of the month for the community, which can be viewed on Comcast Channel 35* or 19** on Tuesday evenings from 9-10 p.m., reaching a total of 22 suburbs to date. Its 250th show was taped on August 13, 2008, so “Skokie People Speak” has been a major contribution to the community, not to mention a labor of love. The goal of the monthly program is to talk about the good things in life, to be positive and uplifting, and talk about how people within the community can help one another.
Q: How does the show operate behind the scenes?
A: In 1993, I took an intensive six-week training course from Comcast to learn how to use the equipment and produce my own show. My crew and I put up and break down the set with each monthly taping, and we are fully responsible for the production of the show.
Q: Since your show is done entirely with volunteers,
how do you gain the cooperation and interest of your volunteer guests?
A: I have found people cooperative and more than happy to appear as guests on “Skokie People Speak.” As a thank you gift, each guest receives a VHS copy of the show. The Skokie Public Library also receives a copy at the request of Executive Director Carolyn Anthony for historical documentation purposes.
Q: What has been your favorite interview?
A: I really have no favorite interview, and have appreciated each of the guests’ participation. I enjoy doing interviews with various governmental and non-governmental representatives from the community, of which there have been many.
Q: Are all of the programs taped in the studio?
A: Each program is taped in the studio; however, some have had “pull-in” tapes edited into the final program.
Q: What upcoming programs are you planning at this time?
A: Programs that are in the planning stage will focus on the new Welcome Center for Immigrants, the Japanese community, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, the Festival of Cultures and the Clergy Forum.
Q: When were you first dubbed “Mr. Skokie?”
A: I must admit that I’m a little embarrassed about the title, “Mr. Skokie,” but perhaps a bit flattered, as well. Frances Roehm of the Skokie Public Library started calling me “Mr. Skokie” several years ago in jest. We have had many lengthy conversations about Skokie and she found me to be a wealth of information about the community.
Q: What would you like to say to Skokie?
A: I’m more and more impressed every day with the quality of the community, government, parks, schools and library.
* Channel 35 is viewed by Skokie, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Des Plaines, Bartlett, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Glenview, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Arlington Heights, Park Ridge and Wheeling.
** Channel 19 can be seen by Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Niles, Wilmette, Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates and Highland Park.
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