Where Ideas Converge.

interCHANGE examines in-depth the week's major news stories. Each Friday night at 6:30, MPTV host and veteran newsman Dan Jones moderates a spirited discussion on four topics of interest to the people of southeastern Wisconsin. The program is repeated Friday night at 11:30 on WMVT, Channel 36.

The panelists, Kathleen Dunn, Kevin Fischer, Eric Von, Joel McNally and George Petak engage in lively debate on a broad range of issues, including politics, crime, economic and social issues. These panelists examine such topics each day in their respective feild. Therefore, they can--and do--offer informed, insightful, and often diverse opinions.

Each week, the program also contains a commentary written and delivered by syndicated columnist Rick Horowitz, whose wry wit often bubbles just beneath the surface in his usually-whimsical examinations of both offbeat and significant news stories. (Read examples of Rick's unique brand of humor and satire on his own web site, "Everybody Comes to ... Rick's.")

The Panelists

Kathleen Dunn hosts a daily afternoon interview and talk show from the studios of 90.7 WHAD Radio in Milwaukee. The three-hour program is heard statewide on Wisconsin Public Radio. Kathleen has been a familiar name to Milwaukee radio listeners for years. Prior to taking her current job, she was a talk show host for several years on WTMJ Radio. A mother and former teacher, Kathleen has a particular interest in education and family issues.

Kevin Fischer's views often take a conservative slant, and he's not afraid to express them on interCHANGE. He's been a major force in Milwaukee talk radio for years, formerly with AM 620 WTMJ. Kevin's no stranger to public broadcasting, either, having worked for public radio in Milwaukee for several years. Presently Kevin is the communications director opf the senate republicans caucus.

Eric Von is the News Director at WMCS Radio, where he also hosts the station's flagship morning talk show. He is a veteran interviewer whose live studio guests come from all walks of life. Eric describes himself as a moderate whose viewpoints can vary greatly, depending on the issue being discussed.He is also a regular contributer to WISN Channel 12.

Joel McNally earned nationwide respect during his many years as a columnist for the former Milwaukee Journal. Joel's liberal viewpoints on most issues, along with his straightforward and ernest style, contribute to the balance of the program. At present, his column of opinion can be read in Milwaukee's Newspaper The Shepard Express.

George Petak is a Milwaukee based public relations executive. He is a former republican state senator who gained notoriety when he cast the deciding vote to enact a tax to build Milwaukee's Miller Park Stadium.

Commentary

Rick Horowitz is a syndicated columnist and talented wordsmith whose work appears regularly in several dozen newspapers from coast to coast, as well as on line. Winner of a Wisconsin Broadcasters Association award and a Milwaukee Press Club award for his commentaries on Channel 10, Horowitz has also won the prestigious National Headliner Award for his newspaper columns. Prior to his career in newspaper journalism, Rick worked as a legislative assistant on Capitol Hill.