WOLFEBORO — Wolfeboro area Community Television is launching a three-year fundraising campaign to replace outdated broadcast equipment and expand its services, content and staff.
WCTV’s board of directors is reaching out to businesses, foundations, and individuals to raise $75,000 each year during its three-year sustaining campaign. A donation from the NH Charitable Foundation Wolfeboro Fund will contribute $1 for every $3 donated, aimed at solidifying the non-profit organization’s funding, independent of the Wolfeboro town budget.
In Wolfeboro’s current default budget year, the WCTV board recognized its shortfall and the need to fund and replace antiquated broadcast equipment that will no longer be supported with parts or service after 2025.
WCTV is a non-profit organization and has received its funding primarily from cable TV subscriber franchise fees paid in the cable bill. Today, the number of Wolfeboro area cable customers is dwindling, significantly reducing franchise fees paid to the town and forwarded to WCTV. Beyond franchise fees, there has been a small town budget appropriation; several businesses have sponsored WCTV programming; and a small number of individual donors have supported WCTV.
Currently, viewers can watch WCTV programming on cable TV channels and on its YouTube channel. With the planned success of WCTV fundraising in the coming weeks, replacing the outdated broadcast server will also make way for WCTV to stream its content on platforms such as Roku, Hulu or Apple TV. An improved YouTube channel provided on a streaming service would allow for, among other things, professional closed captioning.
“Media research shows that a robust and accessible community television station is integral to keeping residents aware and involved in their community,” said WCTV Executive Director Timothy Goodwin. “Especially in small towns that WCTV serves, there is no media outlet covering local happenings as closely as WCTV.”
For more information, contact WCTV executive director Timothy Goodwin at WCTV25@wctv25.org and by calling 603-569-0219.
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