Digital Coast Firms May Be New TV Stars

Does Southern California want its Digital Coast TV?

Gary Ghiaey thinks so. The former director of multimedia and television for L.A. City View Channel 35 is trying to drum up support for a series of 30-minute programs highlighting local high-tech companies that would run on the government access station.

Now a Santa Monica-based TV producer and new media consultant, Ghiaey is trying to raise $25,000 from Southland companies to fund the first episode of Digital Coast TV. He figures a year’s worth of shows would cost $300,000.

Not surprisingly, the Digital Coast Roundtable is interested in the project and is pleased that Ghiaey wants to use the Digital Coast name, said Roundtable President David Hankin. Ghiaey also claims to have the backing of City Hall, but a spokesman for Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan said his office hasn’t had any discussions with him about Digital Coast TV.