Rescue Me: A new TV network saves the modern mom
By Susan Belfer
What woman doesn’t want to have it all? A fabulous career, a healthy, beautiful child, an incredibly happy marriage, a closet packed with Manolos, Prada, and the latest Karl Lagerfeld masterpiece—the total package. The compulsion for parents to do it all can ultimately become their demise. Don’t despair moms (and dads, too) the solution to being a super parents is just a TV channel away. Introducing Alpha Mom, a new network offered by Comcast OnDemand that will change the way you parent. Vicky Germaise and Isalbel Kallman, the creators of Alpha Mom, talk to M.A.R mag about their version of reality TV. Prepare to have it all.
Q: What is the essence of Alpha Mom?
A: Alpha mom is the leader of her pack, a maven of mommyhood. She is resourceful and tireless in her search for the best for her family and friends. She is the go-to mom for up-to-the minute intelligence on breaking trends and innovations.
Q: What is the origin of Alpha Mom TV?
A: We were going to develop a television show for mothers about parenting when we realized there was really no television channel where it could be a sure-fire hit. There are a number of women—oriented channels on cable TV, but there’s no regularly scheduled TV for parents. Our concern was that if we created a TV program it would get lost among the myriad of other programming for women, rather than find a home for the targeted and focused niche we want to reach. So, we decided to create our own TV Channel and decided that the Video-On-Demand (VOD) format would be perfect technology. On VOD, a mom can watch our programming on demand at any time, which is perfect for her hectic schedule.
Q: What topics does your programming cover?
A: Our goal is to provide up-to-the-minute forum on parenting in the 21 st century. We will be addressing a diverse range of issues from infant CPR, breastfeeding tips, labor coaching and toilet training. We will also talk about more en vogue topics, including how to fashionably wear a baby sling, how to lose your baby weight and how to pamper yourself at home. Also, much of our programming will stress interactivity between Alpha Mom and her child. We will be televising the best mommy and baby classes around the country to bring these bonding intellectually stimulating experiences dedicated to providing information to parents of special needs children and discussing super-sensitive teen issues. A signature program called New Product Review will involve a round table of moms discussing and reviewing pertinent products, such as strollers, car seats, and high chairs.
Q: Is Alpha Mom TV just for us moms or can our friends, caregivers and partners play, too?
A: Our programming will appeal to everyone from caregivers to grandparents. We’ve even created segments dedicated to dads, pregnant women and those planning on conception or adoption.
Q: Other than Comcast OnDemand access, how do I get the latest news and information?
A: The Alpha Mom website will be organized so that moms can access additional information on the broadcasted programming. A prominent feature of our website will be a section dedicated to listing contact information of government and private organizations that can be helpful.
Q: When can we expect to look for Alpha Mom on Comcast OnDemand?
A: We expect to be on air in early 2005, not only on Comcast, but nationally distributed through a broad network of cable operators.
