Wolfeboro Area Community Television moves into next phase in fundraising campaign, tech upgrades

WOLFEBORO — Wolfeboro area Community Television has successfully moved into phase two of a three-year fundraising campaign and local coverage expansion according to its board and executive director.

The WCTV board and supporters spent the summer of 2025 reaching out to the WCTV community, stakeholders, foundations and others to raise awareness and critical contributions to replace WCTV’s outdated broadcast server and set a path toward a more secure financial future.

“Thank you to all who donated and supported our local non-profit multi-media communications outlet and television station,” said Timothy Goodwin, WCTV executive director. “The new broadcast server installation, staff training and service connections underway will ensure WCTV technology is dependable and up to date for viewers of our YouTube channel and Breezeline broadcast channels and TDS 27.”

Organizations including The Vanderheiden Family Foundation, New Hampshire Charitable Trust Wolfeboro Fund, Hewitt Family Charitable Fund, plus grant awards and the dozens of individual donations, contributed to fill the 2025 budget gap caused, in part, by the Wolfeboro default budget and dwindling cable franchise fees as consumers shift their viewing to streaming services.

In addition, WCTV is one of four local organizations receiving a grant from the 2025 Festival of Trees, supported by dozens of people and businesses across the Lakes Region.

“Community broadcasting finances can be quite complicated,” said Goodwin. “With advice from Lakeside Consulting Group, board treasurer Phil Holberton and input from our board and supporters, we are gradually shifting our business model to best serve the Lakes Region community. We will continue offering traditional sponsorships as we develop a WCTV guide for paid production services to spotlight businesses, organizations, non-profit groups and individuals.” 

WCTV is continuing to cover — both live and recorded — town of Wolfeboro and Governor Wentworth Regional School District meetings and events. 

According to WCTV board chair Mary Schillereff, “With WCTV’s improved bottom line, continued fundraising and planning for 2026 revenue, we will meet with area businesses, communities, nonprofit groups and individuals who want to have their stories produced and broadcast.”

As the new WCTV broadcast server begins operation by the start of 2026, its technology will support advances planned for WCTV including: live closed captioning; over-the-top streaming apps such as Apple TV, Hulu and Roku, among others.

“These improvements will also impact the WCTV budget as we advance toward a broader reach in Wolfeboro and communities across the Lakes Region,” said Goodwin.

In addition, as WCTV offers more production services and coverage of hyperlocal news, events and meetings, at least one additional staff production assistant will be needed as well as more volunteers from aged 16 and up to help in production aspects of Wolfeboro Community Television. 

“Volunteers are needed to learn the technology so they can use the WCTV equipment and to broadcast area meetings, events and special projects,” said Brenda Jorett, WCTV board vice chair. Jorett, a Wolfeboro resident, was a long-time broadcast news journalist in Philadelphia, and is offering her professional experience to help train those interested in becoming camera-ready to present their stories.

Schillereff, a former educator and current GWRSD board member, looks forward to 2026. 

“There is no shortage of ideas to bring more engaging content from our educators, students, businesses, organizations, and community. While our board works hard to continually raise money, we’re also generating new media ideas and meeting with groups, businesses and generous donors to support WCTV into the coming years,” she said.

For more information, contact Goodwin at WCTV25@wctv25.org and by calling 603-569-0219.