Five Questions with YourTV Cornwall Producer Chris Rohde

Interview and Photo by Jason Setnyk

Cornwall, Ontario – Chris Rohde, a passionate individual with a flair for video production, has successfully carved out a promising career in the industry. Rohde’s journey began during high school at CCVS, where his teacher, Vernon Ashby, introduced him to the world of video projects. This early exposure sparked Rohde’s interest and set him on a path toward creativity and innovation.

Eager to pursue his passion further, Rohde enrolled in Television Broadcasting at Loyalist College in Belleville. The program provided him with a comprehensive understanding of video production’s technical and artistic aspects, nurturing his skills and honing his talent.

In 2001, Rohde’s dedication and hard work paid off when he landed the position of Master Control Operator at Cogeco, a prominent broadcasting company in his hometown of Cornwall. This entry-level role allowed him to gain invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the industry’s workings.

Over the years, Rohde’s commitment and proficiency propelled him to new heights within the organization. Through determination and a keen eye for detail, he steadily climbed the ranks, showcasing his ability to produce high-quality content. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Producer with YourTV Cornwall, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication.

Whether capturing moments that reflect the spirit of Cornwall or highlighting the stories of inspiring individuals, he uses his talents to give back to the community that has embraced and nurtured his growth.

Five Questions with The Seeker

1 – How do you decide which stories to cover for your community television station?

“The content that is broadcast on YourTV is that of the community. Without the community, there wouldn’t be our station. We cover local stories, sports, politics, and entertainment. People come to us with their ideas on content, and then we work with them to bring it to life on the channel. So if you have an idea for a show, or would like coverage, let YourTV be a part of it.”

2 – How do you approach conducting interviews for your shows?

“People don’t normally associate me with interviewing because I’m rarely on camera. But for me, an interview is a conversation. I try to ask questions that bring out a story. I ask the obvious questions but try to build off of the answers. Listening to the person talking brings out more to ask about. Sometimes the questions you have ready aren’t even used because so much more comes from what they say and not what you think is important.”     

3 – Can you share a memorable moment from your career in television production?

“I had the opportunity to interview John Dunsworth from the Trailer Park Boys. After the interview, I asked if he would act in a scene for my Halloween special. He said sure, and we shot the scene right then and there with my friend Larry “Bud” O’Byrne. They were a father and son duo who owned a Motel in Egypt! John was fantastic, and being able to direct him in a scene was surreal.”

4 – How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry?

“I don’t really stay up to date on trends, but I always look for new techniques to apply to my editing style. If I see something in a show that strikes me, then I try to figure out how to do that. I’m a practical guy. I usually can figure things out. But there’s also YouTube which helps with filling in the steps that are needed to be taken on complex editing.”

5 – What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in television production?

“Start volunteering with us at YourTV. It’s like a free education. I also think people just need to go for it and take chances. Collaborate with like-minded people. One time for fun, I made an unofficial music video for a band named Napalm Death; their guitarist said to me, “Act on your initiative and create.” I have held that comment very close to me over the years.”

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