The next time you channel surf, a new program on Travis County television is hoping to grab your attention. A short segment recently began airing locally that focuses on social issue needs in our area.

The new program just hit the airwaves and it's unlike anything else now on TV. In just 15 minutes, the show deals with hard-hitting, local social issues.

"We need to get their attention quick. We need to keep their attention and part of the way of doing that is to make shorter segments," said Steven Broberg, Travis County Communications.

The first segment deals with the needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuees who now call Travis County home. Nearly a year later, these relocated residents still need help finding affordable housing, jobs, child care and medical assistance.

CAN, which stands for "Community Action Network," is using the public airwaves to reach viewers who can help.

"The way to raise the level of awareness in the community is obviously through things like television programs," said Fred Butler, Community Action Network.

The Resource Center for the Homeless is an example of CAN's success to pull community resources together to come up with a solution.

CAN's production partner is Travis County TV, which already broadcasts commissioner's court meetings. The short segments will air weekly and will profile people in need.

"That these are real people that need these services, real people that need a hand up and this is a way and a structure to do it and television is a great way to communicate that," Butler said.

Future segments will exam the issues of affordable housing, illiteracy and the challenges former inmates face after their release from prison.

TC-TV is cable channel 17.