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Town Meeting TV requests $15,315 from Essex Junction as cable revenue declines
Summary
Megan O’Rourke of CCTV/Town Meeting TV asked councilors for a $15,315 municipal contribution — a 5% increase — citing falling cable revenue and increased legislative support that partially offsets the shortfall.
Megan O'Rourke, executive director of the Center for Media and Democracy, briefed the Essex Junction council on Town Meeting TV’s operations and finances and requested a municipal contribution of $15,315 for the coming year, a 5% increase over the prior year.
O'Rourke said Town Meeting TV produced about 1,600 programs in the prior fiscal year, including 351 municipal programs, and that cable‑subscriber revenue remains a major funding source that has declined. She noted increased legislative support and a proposed Secretary of State budget request for broader community media funding as partial offsets to cable revenue declines but said the operation has carried a deficit in recent years and the organization is working to diversify revenue, including through equipment purchases and partnerships with CCTV and community radio.
Councilors asked how legislative funding and declining cable revenue balanced; O'Rourke pointed to a mix of municipal contributions, approximately $99,000 anticipated from legislative support for the coming year and the remainder from cable and other sources. Councilors thanked staff and coverage personnel and took the request under advisement for budget discussions.
