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Select Board reviews Westboro TV request as franchise revenue falls; board hears risk of closure
Summary
Westboro TV told the board declining cable franchise revenue has produced an operational shortfall; the station requested a one-year supplemental appropriation of $151,685 to stabilize operations while a multiyear agreement and negotiations with the cable provider are finalized.
Town staff presented an Article to authorize a transfer to the cable TV enterprise fund and an appropriation of $151,685 for the first year of a proposed multiyear agreement to sustain Westboro TV’s operations amid declining franchise-fee revenue. The additional appropriation would subsidize operations while the town negotiates cable franchise terms and Westboro TV pursues fundraising and other revenue sources.
Steve Hart, chair of the Westboro TV board, told the Select Board the channel has been drawing down cash reserves since 2020 and faces a point this year where, absent support, it could be unable to continue operations by mid-year. He described ongoing efforts at fundraising and accounting alignment, and stressed the townwide value of community media for meeting coverage, public communication and school support.
Board members expressed broad support for Westboro TV’s public-access function and noted the proposed annual cost per household (if assessed across all properties) would be modest. The board directed staff to return with the final agreement and recommended that the article remain on the warrant for town meeting consideration.
