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TCTV seeks sustainable funding; Light & Water pilot pledged for first year
Summary
Templeton Community Television proposed a five‑year plan to diversify revenue, asked the Select Board to consider funding outside cable fees and said Gardner Light & Water offered a one‑time pilot grant for technology and staffing; board asked to review during upcoming budget hearings.
Templeton Community Television presented a five‑year business plan to the Select Board on March 12 seeking sustainable funding beyond declining cable‑subscriber fees and proposing new revenue streams including regional digital services, sponsored digital signage and a digital equity lab.
TCTV director Steve Castle told the board the station now produces meeting streams, short news recaps and digital training for students; he said cable fees alone will not sustain operations. Castle said a one‑time pilot allocation from Templeton Light & Water — reported at $50,000 for the current year — is available to support initial staff and equipment needs, and he proposed the board consider a recurrent town appropriation in future budgets (a sample figure in the plan was $125,000 per year for five years as a pathway to sustainability).
Select Board members acknowledged the service’s value for government transparency and local information but said municipal budget pressures require the station to be considered through the FY‑26 budgeting process. Board members asked Castle to bring the business plan and budget details to the Select Board’s budget review scheduled for Saturday and to work with town staff so any request could be assessed by advisory and the board.
Castle said the Light & Water pilot is a single‑year arrangement and does not replace a long‑term funding solution. Board members urged exploring nonprofit‑foundation structures for regional services and asked staff to put the station’s funding requests on the FY‑27 planning horizon if FY‑26 finances do not permit a recurring appropriation.
The board did not take a funding vote; members will consider the proposal during municipal budget hearings.
