Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Media topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears WCTV staffing and funding challenges as cable revenues decline
Summary
Assistant Service Director Mike Testa told the Committee WCTV lost a significant portion of cable-tax funding as viewers moved to streaming; staff raises were implemented and the City is exploring alternative revenue and operational models to maintain services.
Committee members discussed WCTV's finances and staffing on April 14. Testa said roughly 7.8% of cable sales historically funded CityLink/WCTV and that streaming and market shifts reduced that revenue stream. He reported staff received about a 15% raise in January 2026 but that a long-term funding solution is still being explored with the Mayor and Service Director.
Council and staff noted WCTV provides extensive community programming (sports, church services, local history archives) and that any long-term reorganization should preserve high-value services where possible. Testa said other municipalities had not found a direct replacement model and that WCTV may need to evolve to broader communications and digital platforms.
