About KOCT

Mission Statement

Oceanside community service television corporation (KOCT) is a non-profit organization that produces and facilitates balanced public interest programming for Oceanside and surrounding communities. KOCT provides public, educational and governmental programming and media access for the community.

KOCT History

In 1984, with the encouragement and support of the City of Oceanside, a separate non-profit corporation, Oceanside Community Service Television Corporation (KOCT) was formed.

KOCT was made responsible for providing Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) access programming to the citizens of Oceanside.

We Are Your Channel

KOCT-The Oceanside Channel is celebrating over 20 years of community television service in the City of Oceanside. Oceanside Community Television (KOCT) is a non-profit Corporation that provides public, educational and government access programming and services on Cox Communications Channels 18 and 19, as well as on AT&T. KOCT also hosts a website, koct.org, on which both channels are available via “streaming” video as well as many programs that are available “on-demand”.

KOCT provides "live" coverage and replays of all City Council meetings, produces and airs documentaries, local sports, talk shows and innumerable other community programs. KOCT also provides Community Bulletin Boards so that government and local non-profit agencies can publicize their events.

KOCT is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing various segments of the community and operates with a 10-member full-time staff and the assistance of part-time students and volunteers.

A contract agreement with the City of Oceanside stipulates that KOCT is responsible for Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) access. KOCT's channel 19 is the Government Channel with City-related information and programming. The County Television Network (CTN) is also shown on channel 19.

Channel 18 -The Community Channel provides a range of programming including public and educational access, local origination and the California Channel. Both Channels 18 and 19 are in operation 24 hours a day.

KOCT supplies all of the technical assistance and equipment for the production of its programs. It augments its professional staff with part-time workers and student interns from local colleges. The station provides invaluable experience for individuals interested in telecommunications careers. Student interns and interested volunteers can obtain valuable on-the-job experience.

KOCT's continued success and growth will ensure that the people of Oceanside retain a mass media platform well into the 21st century. KOCT's award-winning programs and services have brought national recognition and acclaim to The Oceanside Channel. In 2008, KOCT received the Alliance for Community Media Award for Overall Excellence in the Hometown Video Awards competition and KOCT’s Russell Ferguson won an Emmy Award for Climate TV in the category of Children’s Programming.

KOCT prides itself on its responsiveness to community desires, needs and suggestions and welcomes your comments.

Program Hosts

Elaine Swann

Oceanside Spectrum

Elaine Swann has been with KOCT as the host of Spectrum on KOCT’s channel 18. Elaine interviews non-profit organizations, Civic Clubs and Members of the Faith and Education communities. She has the talent to make these organizations feel at ease and allows them to inform the community about their upcoming events, membership drives and volunteer opportunities. Elaine has also been seen on the “Today Show, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX News” as a Social Media Commentator. Elaine is a special correspondent on San Diego’s NBC 7, has a syndicated column and offers workshops and seminars. Besides being on camera, Elaine is an Author, Speaker and Etiquette Consultant. She runs the day-to-day operations of a multi-media company. She oversees five divisions of the company which includes a Coaching Series, Broadcasting, Publishing, Merchandising and Internet content. But Elaine doesn’t stop there. She is an avid writer who has written three books “Girls Have Style”, “Technology Today” and “The Power of Polite”. She has also been awarded the Bethel Memorial Phenomenal Woman Award” and has been listed in the Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals. She is an active volunteer art the Milestone House for girls and a trustee board member of Girls Inc. Elaine has lectured and held training sessions at the University of Southern Calif. (USC), San Diego University (SDSU), the United States Marine Corp Civilian Leadership Development, the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) , Executive Women International (EWI) National Association of Professional Organizers, San Diego and she has spoken at Del Mar, Carlsbad, Palm Desert, San Francisco and Oceanside Chambers of Commerce. Elaine is not only a KOCT family member but she is a firehouse of enthusiasm and kindness. We are extremely fortunate and proud to have Elaine on KOCT’s Board of Directors and her many contributions to KOCT are gratefully appreciated.

John Bonosoro

Voice of Oceanside

John Bonosoro, developer of the Triangles at Work concept and company of the same name has been working at advancing the leading edge of leadership development and brand marketing for over twenty-five years.
After many years of leadership positions in military and business organizations, John became a teacher and consultant, collaborating with students and clients to bring them to new levels of personal and organizational success.  In addition to these two permanent roles, John frequently presents on leadership and other business topics as an individual and as part of the Motova8 and Performex training organizations.
John’s clients and students have found his basic tenet is that human behavior is holistic, that behaviors proving to be functional in one area of life will be functional in other areas as well. Approaching life as a whole rather than as independent segments removes a lot of the stress that has been placed on people who are trained to approach each area of life with a different set of tools.
John’s background includes executive management of firms ranging in size from one employee to one hundred million in annual revenue, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management, an MBA, ABD-DBA, not-for-profit board membership, and frequent appearances as a local television host.

Alison St. John

Journalist Roundtable, Voice of Oceanside

Bio/photo coming soon

Tom Morrow

Living Legacies

Being a resident in Oceanside for over 21 years, Tom has been in the public spotlight for many years.  He started his notoriety as the business editor, featured writer, and daily columnist for the Blade-Citizen/ North County Times.  After retiring in 2009, Tom has devoted most of his time and efforts to KOCT.  When Tom first joined the KOCT family in 1994 he was the original host of the “Journalist Roundtable.”  He is currently serving his third term on the KOCT Board of Directors.  Tom has also produced and hosted “Living Legacies” for the past 14 years.  “Living Legacies” is Tom’s pride and joy.  This show gives our current viewers and future generations the opportunity to witness, and hear for themselves, how people have helped shape our unique community.  KOCT donates copies of “Living Legacies” to the Oceanside Historical Society and the program has become an archival video reference for our community. KOCT is very privileged to have Tom Morrow on our board.  He not only brings an in-depth insight into journalism but his true love and caring for the Oceanside community is self evident.  Mr. Tom Morrow, sometimes known as “Mr. Oceanside” has become one of our own “Living Legacies.”

Board of Directors

Debbie Allen

Chair

Debbie was born in West Covina, CA. In reality she grew up in Baldwin Park, a town that was named after the Horseman Lucky Baldwin. She is a native Californian and graduated from the college of Mortuary Science at Cypress College. She has been working in the Death Care Profession since her graduation. She moved to Oceanside in 2002 and is now the General Manager to Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory.
One of her most memorable and remarkable tasks she undertook when she first arrived was taking on the three day, 24-hour open event of supervising the viewing of one of the two traveling Vietnam Walls. This huge task was not only memorable for our community but also for our Vietnam Veterans. Debbie has always been a hands-on person. She has also served as Chair of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, volunteering for the Operation Appreciation and of course serving on the Board for KOCT and the Joe and Mary Mottino YMCA for the past 3 years.
She also spends her time with her loving husband Steve. It is not uncommon to see them walking the Oceanside Harbor and enjoying a breakfast in one of the local restaurants. As Debbie says, "I love that I live in a destination town that others only dream of living in.”

Elizabeth "Liz" Rhea

Vice Chair

She comes from Elmhurst III, which is just outside of Chicago. She moved to the Los Angeles area in the 80's where she was privileged to work in providing help for the 1988 Olympics. Shortly after that she moved to the Central Coast where she and her sister opened a small "Mom and Pop” restaurant. This is also where she met her husband George and opened their safety company.
In 1999, she and her husband moved their business to Oceanside. Shortly after the move, they became members of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. She has also served as Chair of the OCC, volunteered in the Golf outing, chaired for the Operation Appreciation for five years and has volunteered for numerous other Chamber events.
Liz has also become a member and is Vice-Chair for the Armed Services YMCA on Camp Pendleton. Liz has served on the Board for KOCT for the past 3 years and is now serving as Vice Chair. Liz brings a vast array of knowledge and ability to the board.
Liz loves living in Oceanside. She enjoys the small town atmosphere while still living in a bustling city. As she says: "it's a tough job living here, but someone has to do it."

Gwen Price

Immediate Past Chair

Gwen Price is the current Past Chair. Gwen has shown her devotion to the TV station by the many activities she has participated in and her willingness to do whatever is needed for KOCT. Gwen not only volunteers at KOCT but she has also served as an Oceanside Planning Commissioner. She also has volunteered as the Past-President of American Association of University Women Tri-Cities Chapter. Gwen has also served as Vice-President of her Homeowners’ Association for 11 years, and was voted “Woman of the Year” by the local chapter of AARP. Before devoting a lot of her time to volunteering to these organizations, Gwen retired as a College Administrator, but Gwen did not stop there, she is now an active full-time real estate agent. She has been married to her husband, of 29 years, Rick Price, CWO4 USMC Retired.  It is not uncommon to see them on their (yes, they both have one) Harley Davidson motorcycles cruising and enjoying this lovely area. Gwen also devoted her time to her son and their twin granddaughters.  If Gwen is not selling homes, volunteering, or cruising, she is enjoying her home she shares with their two golden retrievers. We are fortunate to have Gwen on our Board, as she shows an endless amount or energy and talent for KOCT.

Henry Holloway

Secretary

Henry is currently serving as Secretary on the Executive Board of Directors for KOCT. Henry has served on the board since 2008. Henry has a military background serving in the United States Navy and the Reserve. He also has training with the San Diego Police Department and served in the Patrol Division for several years. Henry retired as a Senior Credit Representative after 33 years with San Diego Gas and Electric. Henry shows his devotion to his community by endlessly volunteering for different organizations in our Community. KOCT is fortunate to have Henry-- he brings to the table a wealth of knowledge after serving with:  Member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Oceanside Lions club, Personnel Board City of Oceanside, Reserve Officer Oceanside Police Department, Trustee Mira Costa College, Member of the Tri-City Operation, Finance Committee and member of the California Community College League and member of the African American For The California Community College. After all this Henry still shows his devotion and shares his time with KOCT.  On his application to the Board Henry wrote: “We all have our profession and we have our calling. My Calling is to serve the needs of my community. I would be honored to serve on the KOCT Board.” And we are honored that you are serving on our Board and bringing all of you knowledge to help serve KOCT.

Michelle Bray Davis

Director

Michelle has a diverse Background including having a California Standard Teaching  Credential with a specialization in Junior College teaching and she's been a California licensed Real Estate Sales Professional. Many of you may know her as  volunteer in the community. MIchelle's many volunteering activities range from being on the Board of Directors of Partners for a Healthy Neighboorhoods, Chair of the City of Oceanside Healthy Cities and Communities Steering Committee, President (Two terms) for Soroptimist International Oceanside-Carlsbad. She is also a member of the Friends of Oceanside Library and the Women's resource center and currently volunteers one day a week at KOCT's front desk. When Michelle sees that the organization is in need she steps up to the plate. Michelle brings a special sense of caring, knowledge and stability to KOCT.

Tom Morrow

Director

Being a resident in Oceanside for over 21 years, Tom has been in the public spotlight for many years.  He started his notoriety as the business editor, featured writer, and daily columnist for the Blade-Citizen/ North County Times.  After retiring in 2009, Tom has devoted most of his time and efforts to KOCT.  When Tom first joined the KOCT family in 1994 he was the original host of the “Journalist Roundtable.”  He is currently serving his third term on the KOCT Board of Directors.  Tom has also produced and hosted “Living Legacies” for the past 14 years.  “Living Legacies” is Tom’s pride and joy.  This show gives our current viewers and future generations the opportunity to witness, and hear for themselves, how people have helped shape our unique community.  KOCT donates copies of “Living Legacies” to the Oceanside Historical Society and the program has become an archival video reference for our community. KOCT is very privileged to have Tom Morrow on our board.  He not only brings an in-depth insight into journalism but his true love and caring for the Oceanside community is self evident.  Mr. Tom Morrow, sometimes known as “Mr. Oceanside” has become one of our own “Living Legacies.”

Ira Landis

Director

Being a member of the California Society of CPA's and a member of the American Institute of CPAs, he keep us on track with our budget and audits. He is a former Board of Director for the Tri City Healthcare District and currently serves on the TCMC's Finance, Operations and Planning and Audit Committees.

Diane Pal

Director

Bio/photo coming soon

Dr. Richard "Dick" Robertson

Director

Dick is another Wisconsin transplant.  After receiving his Masters Degree from Michigan State University, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy and graduated from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.  After serving during the Vietnam War, Dick left the service after serving as the Executive Officer of the USS Seneca.  This was his last tour before retiring from the Navy.  After the Navy, Dick served as Dean of Students at Butler County Community College and was an adjunct business professor for ten years at the same College. Moving to Oceanside in 1987, Dick took the position as Vice President of Student Services at Mira Costa College.  Dick has served at Mira Costa as Interim Vice President, Instruction from 2006-2007. Dick has also served as the President of the California Community College Chief of Student Services Administrators Association.  In addition, he has participated in eight accreditation teams for California community colleges.  He has given greatly to the community in which he lives through his Church and volunteering at the Emergency Room at Tri-City Medical Center.  Dick has been married to his wonderful wife Pat for 40 years.  KOCT is proud to have such an accomplished education professional on the Board of Directors.

Jeff Segall

Director

Jeff was the Vice President of Public Affairs and Marketing for Tri-City Medical Center.  His many responsibilities to the Tri-City Medical Center includedpublic affairs for the hospital along with local governmental affairs, employee communications, and marketing and advertising initiatives. Jeff is a community leader who has served on the Board of Moonlight Cultural Foundation, The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, where he also served as Chair, the San Diego North Economic Development Council. He is an active member of Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club and the City of Carlsbad’s Envision Carlsbad Planning Committee. Jeff has also devoted his time and served as Chairman of the City of Carlsbad’s Planning Commission. Prior to his commitment to the Carlsbad/ Oceanside communities, Jeff was also President of the Los Angles Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Nissan Los Angeles Open Golf Tournament and the National Communication Media Management Association. Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree from Cal State University, Northridge in Journalism and was the recipient of broadcasting’s prestigious “Golden Mike Award” for the Best Radio Documentary. Jeff is a valuable member of the KOCT Board of Directors and brings a wealth of Public Relations experience to KOCT

Elaine Swann

Director

Elaine Swann has been with KOCT as the host of Spectrum on KOCT’s channel 18.  Elaine interviews non-profit organizations, Civic Clubs and Members of the Faith and Education communities.  She has the talent to make these organizations feel at ease and allows them to inform the community about their upcoming events, membership drives and volunteer opportunities. Elaine has also been seen on the “Today Show, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX News” as a Social Media Commentator. Elaine is a special correspondent on San Diego’s NBC 7, has a syndicated column and offers workshops and seminars. Besides being on camera, Elaine is an Author, Speaker and Etiquette Consultant.  She runs the day-to-day operations of a multi-media company. She oversees five divisions of the company which includes a Coaching Series, Broadcasting, Publishing, Merchandising and Internet content.
But Elaine doesn’t stop there.  She is an avid writer who has written three books “Girls Have Style”, “Technology Today” and “The Power of Polite”.  She has also been awarded the Bethel Memorial Phenomenal Woman Award” and has been listed in the Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals.  She is an active volunteer art the Milestone House for girls and a trustee board member of Girls Inc. Elaine has lectured and held training sessions at the University of Southern Calif. (USC), San Diego University (SDSU) , the United States Marine Corp Civilian Leadership Development, the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) , Executive Women International (EWI) National Association of Professional Organizers, San Diego and she has spoken at Del Mar, Carlsbad, Palm Desert, San Francisco and Oceanside Chambers of Commerce.  Elaine is not only a KOCT family member but she is a firehouse of enthusiasm and kindness.  We are extremely fortunate and proud to have Elaine on KOCT’s Board of Directors and her many contributions to KOCT are gratefully appreciated.

Staff

Tom Reeser

Executive Director

Tom Reeser holds a degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton and is also an independent filmmaker and was recently inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle for over 25 years in the television industry. For 22 years, Tom has been the guiding force and artistic inspiration of KOCT – the Oceanside Channels. He began his video career in the early ‘80s and at KOCT in 1987 as a video production technician. He quickly assumed the role of station manager and in 1990 Tom became KOCT’s Executive Director.

Jake Rush

Station Manager

A graduate of Cal State San Marcos, Jacob has over a decade of video production experience and works with video professionals, elected officials, city staff members and business leaders. One of his current productions is “Downtown Oceanside” – a video production focusing onOceanside as a vacation destination. Jake has won numerous awards for the directing of sports programs.

Peter Bonscher

Program Scheduler / Senior Production Technician

Peter Bonscher is a producer, editor, writer who comes to KOCT by way of the music world.  A life-long musician and composer, Peter is an award winning producer who brings a wealth of experience in management, finance and real estate, and is currently pursuing a degree in Communication.  Peter is producer of KOCT’s award-winning news magazine program, Inside Oceanside, recent first place 2011 W.A.V.E. Award winner for Best News Magazine Program. Peter has produced many documentaries including programs on the Oceanside Museum of Art and the Annual Candlelight walk by North County Amnesty International. Peter is an experienced editor, sound technician, producer, and voice over talent.

Angela Miranda

Team Lead Master Control

Graduate from Cal State, University of Los Angeles with a BA in Telecommunications and Films. Angela has been and still is a mentor to High School Students in regards to Film production. Angela worked previously as an Assistant to the Director of Reel Rasquache Film Festival (Latino Film Festival) in 2009. Angela is a good example of a KOCT employee with multiple video production skills: her background includes camera, editing, audio, graphics design and producing (Oceanside Spectrum).

Phoenix Von Hendy

IT Engineer

Phoenix Von Hendy is currently the IT Specialist at KOCT.  Phoenix has over 25 years experience in computer systems installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair.  Although certified in UNIX System Administration and UNIX Security, her main area of expertise is with computers running Macintosh and Windows operating systems.  Phoenix started off in computers as a CAD systems operator but soon discovered she had a talent for troubleshooting and repair.  As a dedicated single-source computer services provider, she wears many hats, including Help Desk, Repair Technician, Systems/Network Administrator and Systems/Network Engineer.

Sophie-Helen Crain

Administrative Assistant

Sophie Helen holds a bachelor from the National School of Insurance, Paris France and is a French speaker as well as fluent in English. After finishing her internship in Paris, she worked during two years as the Accounting Technician for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department on the Joint Maritime Facility St Mawgan, UK. Following her husband back to Camp Pendleton she is now the administrative assistant here at KOCT. She is your go-to person for any questions related to admin, payroll, show guests.

Bill Peters

Staff Engineer

He attended the University of California at Los Angeles and received his degree in engineering in 1959.  He continued his education to receive certificates in both technical and non-technical management. Bill has over thirty five years of experience in managing the design and construction of electronic information systems for Consolidated Systems Corporation, Scientific Data Systems and the Xerox Corporation.  Bill currently serves a KOCT Chief Engineer with duties that include, but are not limited to, equipment repair and installation, problem solving, program engineering

Addison Wolf

Production Team

Addison has been homeschooled his whole life, and is currently a senior at Dehesa CharterSchool and freshmen at Palomar College. He hopes to transfer to UCLA and major in Video Production after one more year at Palomar. He loves music and plays the piano and trombone. He also enjoys playing soccer, basketball, and volleyball. In his free time he makes short videos and takes photographs. He completed a one year internship, and now works part time for KOCT.

Winston Lynn

Production Team

Winston Lynn, 18 years old, has lived in the north county area his whole life. Winston has completed his high school at the Army and Navy Academy and participated in many volunteer organizations including work at Walt Disney’s barn in Griffith Park in Los Angles before joining KOCT. Following in his father Terry Lynn’s footsteps Winston have been working at KOCT as a cameraman and grip since March 2012.

Chelsea Simmons

Chelsea is originally from Texas. She has found her nitch in video
production and writing. Her experience is in corporate production as a
PA and FCP editor. She is currently achieving her Bachelors in creative
writing for entertainment and plans to have her book "This Is Gonna Get
Personal" ready for publishing by December 2013.

Mandi Reitz Steudler

Production Team

Mandi moved from Pennsylvania in 2004 to attend college in the telecommunications field. As a graduate from Palomar College and Cal State San Marcos, she obtained a BA in Mass Media with a focus on video production. In 2009, she started at KOCT as an intern and was hired upon graduating to work at the station. She has participated in both ENG and Studio Shoots, worked as a Camera Crew, Floor Director and Grip for various KOCT productions. She also works in Cablecast and as an FCP editor. Mandi is proud to be a part of the enlightening spirit that KOCT provides to the community of Oceanside.

Awards & Honors

2011

STAR Awards
2nd Place: Origins of a Community, Documentary (Profile) category
Producer Tristan Sagun

2nd Place: Inside Oceanside, Magazine category
Producer Peter Bonscher

3rd Place: Oceanside, A Community of Villages, Documentary (Profile) category
Producer Peter Bonscher

3rd Place: Voice of Oceanside: City Council Candidates, Election Coverage category
Producer Jacob Rush

3rd Place: Voice of Oceanside: PTSD, Talk Show category
Producer Elena Gomez

2010

1st Place: W.A.V.E. (Western Access Video Excellence) Award 2010
Eastside Fair & Car Show, Producer Julia Swain
Category: Community Event - Professional

1st Place: W.A.V.E. Award 2010
SUN Project 2009, Producer Elena Gomez
Category: Community Issues - Professional

1st Place: W.A.V.E. Award 2010
Night on the Town, Producer Elena Gomez
Category: Informational Cultural - Professional

2nd Place: S.D. Press Club Excellence in Journalism Award 2010
Voice of Oceanside: Agriculture in North County, Producer Elena Gomez
Category: Television Interview / Talk Show

STAR Awards
1st Place: Yesterday & Today, Documentary (Profile) category
Producer Bobbie Pawelski

1st Place: Dia de Los Muertos, Documentary (Social) category
Producers Veronica Andrews and Brandon McCray

2nd Place: Inside Oceanside, Magazine category
Producer Peter Bonscher

3rd Place: Library Concert Series, Fishtank Ensemble, Performing Arts category
Producer Russell Ferguson

3rd Place: Disaster Prep, Public Safety category
Producer Julia Swain

3rd Place: Rancho Buena Vista vs El Camino High School Varsity Basketball, Sports Event category
Producer Jake Rush

Volunteer with KOCT

Interested in Volunteering with KOCT? Volunteers are an important piece to our production team and staff. Please fill out a Volunteer Application and email it to us at koct@koct.org or drop the completed form at our station.

Intern with KOCT

KOCT offers something for every individual seeking to learn new skills in the field of video production and editing. Interns work closely with our award-winning staff; from in-house productions to in-the-field shoots. If you've ever considered working in television, please fill out an Intern Application and email it to us at koct@koct.org or come by the station to drop it off.

Employment Application

Interested in part-time or full-time employment with us? KOCT offers prospective employees a creative and enjoyable working environment for all skill levels. Download an Application today. Once completed, please email to us at koct@koct.org or drop by the station. We look forward to hearing from you.

KOCT Viewer Survey

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