Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Media Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Simsbury Community Media urges donations as subscription revenue falls
Summary
Simsbury Community Media said its subscription-based funding has declined as residents 'cut the cord,' and speakers on the program urged donations via the website or a QR code to keep local programming, education and historical preservation running.
Simsbury Community Media (SCM) appealed to viewers for donations on-air, saying its traditional funding model based on television subscriptions has weakened as more residents move to internet-only viewing.
A speaker on the program described SCM’s role and funding challenge: "Our funding structure is based on television subscriptions," the speaker said, adding that "people have been cutting the cord" and that reduced subscription revenue is affecting the station even though programming remains freely available online.
Others on the program emphasized SCM's local role. One supporter said SCM "remains open, continues to educate our youth and keeps our community informed," and another described how SCM helped them build creative skills toward a college degree. The broadcast urged viewers to donate and instructed them to visit the SCM website or scan the QR code on the screen to contribute; no fundraising targets or specific dollar amounts were listed on the program.
Station supporters framed the appeal as a preservation effort: contributors would help SCM continue to broadcast local events, preserve Simsbury’s history and support coverage of town government. The program closed with a repeated call to action to donate and support the station so it can continue local programming.
