Simsbury Community Media appeals for donations as TV subscription revenue falls

A representative of Simsbury Community Media told attendees at the Simsbury Public Library program that the station’s funding model, long based on television subscriptions, has eroded as viewers shift to internet-only services.

“SCM’s funding structure is based on television subscriptions,” the representative said, adding, “It’s no secret people have been cutting the cord.” The speaker said Simsbury Community Media continues to make programming freely available online but is receiving less revenue and urgently needs donations to maintain operations.

The representative outlined SCM’s local role: broadcasting town government meetings, school events including graduations, local education programming and preserving local history. “We need your support. Your donation can make a difference,” the speaker said, and directed listeners to the organization’s website and a QR code shown on screen for donations.

No formal funding request to town government or a budget item was made during the presentation; the segment functioned as a public appeal to viewers and attendees. The representative said donations will help SCM “continue to educate our youth and keep our community informed.”