The Town of Danvers is making strides in local programming funding through innovative underwriting strategies, as discussed in the recent DCAT Annual Meeting. The meeting highlighted the success of securing sponsorships, particularly from local businesses like O'Donnell Funeral Home, which has contributed financially to support government meetings.

The discussion emphasized the importance of packaging these sponsorship opportunities effectively. "We've always done underwriting, but this year, we've really focused on what we do well and sold our underwriting around that," a meeting participant noted. This approach has led to substantial deals in recent months, showcasing a proactive effort to adapt to changing media consumption trends.

Government meetings have emerged as a key selling point, attracting significant viewership from local demographics. While the revenue from underwriting won't completely offset losses from traditional media shifts, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the station's operations. "It sort of stems the bleeding a little bit," one participant remarked, underscoring the necessity of diversifying funding sources.

The meeting also opened the floor for regional programming support, indicating a willingness to collaborate with local entities to promote content of broader interest. As Danvers navigates the evolving landscape of media and community engagement, these underwriting efforts represent a vital step in sustaining local programming and fostering community connections.