http://www.print2webcorp.com/news/whiteplains/InTownRockland/20051130/p48.asp


ROCKLAND, THE SOAP OPERA

The cast of Rockland County, a new soap opera, is a veritable "who's
who" of daytime TV. There's stunning Anne Sayre from As the World
Turns, naughty Nick Sullivan of All My Children, and others. However,
you'll never see these good-looking actors—playing the mysterious
Morgan family and wealthy Ramos clan—on your TV screen. Rockland
County, you see, is an Internet-based soap.

The show debuted in March 2005, and has been airing every week since
in 15-minute segments. Devotees either listen live (Wed. and Fri.,
9:45 a.m.; www.radiologer.com ), download episodes as MP3s from the
show's website ( www.rocklandcountysoap.com ), or subscribe to its
Podcast (using iTunes). Roger Newcomb, a 34-year-old Airmont resident,
masterminds the show, penning and producing each episode. "The key is
the writing," he says. "I want to return soaps to the dramatic
standard that shows like Guiding Lighthad on radio in the '30s."

In addition to being a first for Rockland, the show is also an
Internet pioneer. Though the networks have finally caught on—witness
Podcasts of Guiding Light— Rockland County already has 40-odd
episodes. With iPod sales still exploding, Newcomb's idea of a radio
soap renaissance might not be overly dramatic after all. —T.M.