I have never written a column for a print publication and hope this is the first of many to come. Why do it? Simple. On behalf of every employee of WAMI-TV, I want to say “thank you” for caring.

Every day I speak with people who call in with comments, suggestions and complaints about the business of television. It is the feedback from the general public that continues to push WAMI forward and help keep our finger on the pulse of what drives this great community that we serve.

It takes effort to call or write – much easier just to flip the channel. But if you put forth that effort, you just might be surprised with the result – your voice will be heard and will help to shape this television station into one that delivers what we know you want, not what we think you want. The power of being independent (no network affiliation with ABC, NBC, UPN, or WB) is the ability to remain flexible and change quickly to the needs of the community we serve.

Pick up the phone and give us a call. Prefer to use the Web, no problem. We can be reached at <www.wami.citysearch.com>.

I’d also like to invite you to be on television. It’s easier than you think. We have a storefront studio at 605 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach where we broadcast live every evening. You can also catch our crews looking for folks to speak out on topical issues at Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale and CocoWalk in Miami. We have a live television presence at each location during the hours of 6 p.m.-midnight Monday through Friday.

If you have a show or show idea, send us a tape. Our programming director is always on the lookout for great shows that are of interest to South Florida viewers. (Please send along proper return postage and instructions if you want your tape returned).

We also conduct tours of our facility for small groups. We’ll show you how television is made and what career opportunities are available in the industry. If interested, please contact our public department to make arrangements.

“The City is Our Studio” – take part in the excitement of YOUR local television station, WAMI!”

Chuck Budt is general manager of WAMI-TV, Channel 69 and Cable.