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May 02, 2006
Comic, Davis Square Theatre Operator Jimmy Tingle Debuts As Host of New Cable Talk Show
“Jimmy Tingle’s Somerville” to Blend Public Affairs, Local Issues and Comedy
SOMERVILLE – TV viewers tuning in to public affairs programming on Somerville’s City Cable Channel (Ch.16 for Comcast subscribers; Ch.13 on the RCN system) may already have noticed a new star in the program lineup. Since late last month, City Cable has been broadcasting “Jimmy Tingle’s Somerville,” a monthly news and public affairs talk show that features the nationally-known comic, actor and writer in conversation with local public officials and newsmakers.
“I’m having a great time, and I think the audience will, too” said Tingle, who is also producing a separate arts-and-entertainment-themed show to air on Somerville Community Access Television’s Channel 3 (SCAT). “The mayor is committed to being a frequent guest on ‘Jimmy Tingle’s Somerville,’ but I’m also looking forward to talking with aldermen, city department heads, local policy experts, community activists – and anybody else who might be able to fix my parking tickets.”
The half-hour show, which is recorded at Jimmy Tingle’s OFF BROADWAY Theater in Davis Square, gives Somerville viewers the opportunity to get information about local issues and events in a more informal, and more irreverent, format than is usual for City Cable. “Our goal in ‘Jimmy Tingle’s Somerville’ is to be serious without being solemn,” said Tom Champion, director of the City’s Communications and Cable office. “Jimmy has a national reputation as a writer and performer who uses his comedy to get people to think about larger issues and social problems. Anyone who saw the 2003 mayoral debate knows that he is an effective, fair-minded interviewer and moderator. In an era when so many people get their news from programs like the Comedy Channel’s ‘Daily Show,’ we thought Jimmy’s special take on local issues would make a refreshing and welcome addition to the programming on City Cable.”
“Hey, if the show’s not a little edgy, I’m not doing my job,” said Tingle. “At the very least, we ought to beat out ‘The Mayor’s Report.’ I mean, it’s a great show, but I figure if I can get just five people to switch from watching ‘The Mayor’s Report’ and start watching ‘Jimmy Tingle’s Somerville,’ we will have captured their entire viewership. It will be our first step in the creation of a major media dynasty. Tim Russert, Chris Matthews and Bill O’Reilly are already looking over their shoulders. I’m smarter, prettier, funnier – and I work for free.”
Born and raised in Cambridge, Jimmy Tingle opened Jimmy Tingle’s OFF BROADWAY Theater in Somerville in 2002. As a performer, he has headlined at comedy clubs, theaters and colleges nationwide, and has appeared in a number of feature films. Best known for his work on CBS’60 Minutes II and as a contributor and satirist for MSNBC, he has appeared on The Tonight Show, Larry King Weekend, The Late Show with Conan O'Brien, The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder, The American Comedy Awards, as well as his own HBO comedy special.
The cablecast schedule for “Jimmy Tingle’s Somerville” and all other City Cable shows is available on the city’s website. Information about Jimmy Tingle’s OFF BROADWAY Theater can be found online at www.jtoffbroadway.com.
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