NORTON - Live public cable TV programming in Norton has an uncertain future, and aspiring host George Gillis feels singled out.

The Norton Cable Access board is reviewing its policy allowing live programming, Chairwoman Gretchen Stalters said Monday.

The only current live program is Citizen's Forum, a bi-monthly call-in show hosted by resident John Freeman.

Gillis now wants to do a similar, possibly bi-weekly, call-in program about town issues. He said he also would invite town officials as guests to discuss his specific concerns.

A live program by resident Richard Latouf last April in which Latouf supposedly said "inappropriate things" about Gillis is part of the back story of the review, Stalters said. Studio Director Jason Benjamin pulled the show after it aired just one day, she said. The cable board never saw it, though, she said.

But the bigger picture, Stalters contends, is that, according to Benjamin, Norton Cable Access lacks the equipment and manpower to truly accommodate live programs.

"Apparently, the setup is quite extensive," she said. "We felt that we needed to review the policy of live shows."

Stalters declined to discuss how her board's review might affect Freeman's show.

"Obviously, you've got to be careful what you say live. It is freedom of speech, but I think the whole setup is just a little bit more work."

Gillis contends that "in my mind, it's discrimination. They're taking my rights away."

He said the non-profit corporation has yet to produce a copy of Latouf's show, despite his repeated requests. Gillis said he only has received a copy of an unrelated program that's two years old.

In it, Gillis said, Latouf says he opposes overriding the tax-limiting law Proposition 2 1/2.

"If they're concerned about the situation, why did they wait (seven) months?" Gillis said. "I'll be honest with you. If I hadn't said anything, they wouldn't be doing this."

Stalters said Gillis "absolutely could do a show," if he wants to tape it. And, she said, "other towns don't do live shows."

"We don't want to do something that's unfair or inappropriate. We want to see what other stations are doing," Stalters said.

The state Department of Telecommunications and Cable does not track the issue of live programming, spokesman Jason Lefferts said.

Lefferts added, however, "a large majority of local access stations do live programming," although he was unsure how much of the programming was hosted, versus town hall meetings or community events.

Gillis said he has discussed his matter with an attorney.

"I'm just waiting to see what they (the cable board) come up with," Gillis said.

MICHAEL GELBWASSER covers Norton for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0439 or at mgelbwasser@thesunchronicle.com.