ACTV Downsized, but Still Airing Local TV Shows

If you’re a local TV junkie who enjoys watching government meetings, church services or high school sports shows, then you’ll be glad to learn more of your local shows are still on the air.

Anderson Community Television has undergone a downsizing in recent months but is still airing shows about Anderson Township, day in and day out.

The community television station is now open Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. As part of the downsizing effort, staffing has been reduced. While the station is still located in Anderson Center, the space may be reconfigured or the station relocated in the coming year.

“When Union Township formed its own station in 2006, Anderson Township Trustees assumed nearly 100 percent of the costs of the station’s operations, which equaled about $288,000 per year,” said Vicky Earhart, Anderson Township administrator. However, due to changes in township revenue caused by a loss of state funding in several areas, trustees made the decision to look for areas to reduce costs.  One adjustment was to trim the station’s funding, an announcement that was made more than a year ago.

 “Reducing the funding for ACTV was a difficult decision,” said Township Trustee President Russ Jackson. “However, we were pleased to be able to work with the ACTV Board of Directors and staff to modify its structure and keep the station on the air.”  The new operating agreement between the township and ACTV is in effect through May 31, 2016. The first day of the revamped ACTV was June 1.

Residents can still submit shows to the local cable access television station and be trained on production and editing of their own programs.  Shows airing will be limited to township government meetings and programs produced by the community. A YouTube page with ACTV shows also will continue to be active so that local government shows can be accessed streaming online. 

ACTV is currently looking for volunteers to cover school and sports events, musical performances and township activities. Contact Shane at 474-3488 or andersoncommunitytelevison@gmail.com to volunteer.