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Committee explores options after town renegotiates WCTV contract; sports coverage at risk
Summary
The committee heard that the town renegotiated its contract with WCTV amid WCTV financial troubles and discussed options—including meeting with WCTV contacts and using the high school's AV department—to maintain live coverage of sports and events.
Chair reported that the town has renegotiated its contract with WCTV and that WCTV has experienced financial difficulties in recent years. The chair said the renegotiation may limit WCTV services to school committee meetings, graduations and award nights and may not include routine coverage of athletic events.
"They have renegotiated their contract with WCTV," the chair said, adding that he would contact town and WCTV contacts to clarify whether paid coverage by the school department would violate the town's agreement. He said the committee has a meeting set up Tuesday morning to discuss options and that he will report back to the committee.
Members said they value remote coverage for families who cannot attend athletic events and discussed whether the high school's audiovisual department could assist in capturing games and whether WCTV would be able to process and publish such footage. The chair noted an email from Judith Whiteside (chair of selectmen) cautioning that paid coverage might conflict with the town's contract.
No formal action was taken; the committee tasked the chair and staff to meet with WCTV contacts and explore in‑house audiovisual support and cost options.
