By Alex Cornacchia, Contributing Writer
Grafton – Recently, two of the three cast members and the one-person crew for “Ask The Geezers” were relaxing outside the Grafton Community Television (GCTV) studio. Leaning on cars, arms crossed, the men rambled and riffed off of one another, laughing in the fading daylight. The live taping was scheduled to begin in an hour, but there was no urgency. They’d done this before — 195 times, to be exact. All they needed were microphones, some apple juice and tea (stunt-doubles for beer), and the third cast member. The rest, they trusted, would flow from there.
These guys like to laugh. Stories and jokes were abundant, and because they’ve known each other for so long, any topic was fair game. A perennial favorite? Community television.
“We’re supermarket famous,” Lead Public Access Assistant and “Ask The Geezers” cast member Bob DeToma jested. Jim Gallagher, a producer at GCTV and another cast member on “Ask The Geezers,” bragged that their shows were “viewed by 10s of people,” and, explaining the premise of “Ask The Geezers,” simply stated: “We’re ‘Wayne’s World’ without hair.”
The humor never felt jaded — just a byproduct of having a history. They had proud memories, too. Gallagher fondly recalled interviewing five-time presidential candidate Ralph Nader on his show “Grafton Update” (back “when we liked Ralph Nader”). DeToma pointed to the decrease in programming they’ve brought in from other stations, as well as a more organized schedule (cooking shows on Monday, history on Thursday), since he joined the staff. And both Rick Schultze, Access Assistant and the final cast member on “Ask The Geezers,” and Bill Robidoux, Access Assistant and the show’s one-man crew, were proud of the 250-show run of “2 Guys That Like To Talk,” which they co-hosted for 12 years.
Occasionally, between laughs and fond memories, the conversation slipped into genuine concern over the state of cable access, a feeling that the golden days might be gone. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets negate any need people have for renting equipment from the studio, and YouTube has provided a platform to reach millions. When everyone can be their own producer, it’s unclear where cable access fits in, if at all.
“It’s sad,” Robidoux reflected as he fiddled with audio controls and checked that the graphics for the show were set. “There’s something about television, but …” his voice trailing off. He glanced at the clock then shouted to the cast members: “We’re live!”
“Ask The Geezers” is a natural extension of the offscreen dynamic among DeToma, Gallagher, and Schultze. They sit around a table in a makeshift British pub (a set they built for $375) — Gallagher and Schultze go on tangents while DeToma, mockingly stern, reins them in. The idea is for people to call and ask questions (“Our Answers May Not Be Right, But We Will Give You An Answer!!!”, the show’s opening text reads), but lately they’ve only had one loyal caller, who on May 21st didn’t call until 50 minutes in.
In the meantime, the geezers were left to their own devices. The show has some staples (Funny Picture Time, a Top 10 list, This Day In History), but mostly they discuss whatever comes to mind. In episode 196, it was hair loss, bread, the military, and the fact there was a journalist in the studio. Robidoux laughed loudly from the tech booth, projecting encouragement and letting them know that at least one viewer was appreciative. But they didn’t seem to need it. They were in their element, rambling and riffing — laughing until the last lights in the studio went black.
For a full schedule of “Ask the Geezers,” and other GCTV programs, visit graftontv.org.
