As BCTV turns 50, board president Ted Ebberts’ birthday wish for this iconic local entity is to help Branford “get back to the golden years” of utilizing, accessing, and experiencing everything Branford Community Television (BCTV) has to offer.

In 2023, BCTV will kick off a series of quarterly Open House events to help do just that. The first is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the BCTV building, 40 Kirkham St. During each open house, community members of all ages can check out BCTV’s newly refreshed lobby, studio, editing suite, equipment, and tech, and learn more about hands-on educational and production opportunities.

“We don’t want anyone to be intimidated when they come through this door,” says Ted. “You don’t have to be tech-savvy. We’re here to teach you, show you, and then go out and use it. We want people to have their own shows. We’ll put you on air, give you that platform. We also want to help give people an idea of what we provide for the community.”

For Ted and the BCTV board, 2023 is the perfect year to rebuild awareness about what’s available from an entity that may not be understood by many. Some questions board members also want to answer are how BCTV can better connect with the community, and how BCTV can best be utilized to help organizations and businesses get their message out.

In short, BCTV’s 50th year is a golden opportunity to “...regain that usage that we used to have,” in the community, says Ted.

History in the Making

BCTV was born in 1973, during the early years of Connecticut’s regulation of cable television as a public utility. Supported by funding required of cable TV companies, the intent was, and is, to create and provide content of local interest, produced and broadcast on local cable access channels. That includes work produced by members of the public using BCTV equipment and assistance.

Starting out before the rise of personal video cameras and long before websites, smartphone tech, apps, and social media, BCTV provided a wealth of technology and knowledge which drew many interested public participants to its doors, Ted notes.

“Now that everyone has technology at their fingertips, we still have to instill in people that we have top-of-the-line technology to output whatever you want to do. We also have this brilliant staff that knows how to edit and how to capture what is it is that you’re thinking.”

As a nonprofit, BCTV relies on annual funding for equipment upgrades that can be made available for the public, such as loaning out field cameras.

Anyone interested in learning about how to shoot, edit, produce, or create their own production can learn from BCTV staff and volunteers, for free, using BCTV equipment.

“As long as the staff knows someone’s coming in who wants to learn how to use cameras, microphones, or our new editing suite, they can bring in whatever they want, and we’ll show them how to edit— we can help them,” says Ted. “It’s a really cool opportunity.”

Through the board’s efforts to highlight BCTV’s 50th anniversary this year, “... we’re hoping it will bring in more producers,” says Ted. “That is ultimately what we’re here for; is people that want to create content.”

In addition, Ted hopes more local groups and organizations, as well as small local businesses, will contact BCTV for help producing content.

As a cost-efficient alternative, “...we can create advertisements for people or for small businesses that want to put out a 30-second ad on their local channel or their Facebook page,” Ted notes.

Another effort BCTV is putting forth in its 50th year is building its high school internship program.

“We’re really focusing on an internship program with the high school. We would love to get the kids in and teach them about the equipment,” says Ted. “It’s a great foot in the door if you like broadcast television.”

The Need for BCTV

In recent years, Public Utility Regulatory Authorities (PURA) and cable providers have been pushing to end annual funding for local cable TV due, in particular, to other available outlets such as social media.

Such funding is essential to keeping BCTV properly equipped and functioning, and the looming threat of losing it is a valid concern that should get out to the community, Ted says.

“If we’re lost, the community loses. We’re so hyperlocal. You don’t get that anywhere else.”

Ted also thanks the Town of Branford for investing in installing equipment in town buildings that allow BCTV to cover government meetings and community events at Branford Fire House and Branford Community House.

BCTV’s depth of local coverage is evident at branfordtv.org Among many items to view at the website, BCTV’s video library includes Branford town meetings, education, public service/religion, news/politics, Branford life, health, arts/entertainment, Blackstone Library, history, hobbies, sports, and variety.

In addition to fighting for funding, another issue BCTV’s board is contending with is to “...figure out the cord-cutter solution” as more viewers switch from cable television to streaming services, says Ted.

BCTV has joined Roku’s streaming service and is exploring joining others. In addition to its website, BCTV’s YouTube channel and Facebook page also provide access to content.

Regardless of the platform through which its content is viewed, “...you need these channels,” says Ted of BCTV’s coverage. “You’re not going to get that information anywhere else.”

Ted also thanks BCTV station manager Walter Mann for his continued efforts to keep the board apprised of state-level lobbying, as well as any governance items coming into play which could impact the future of BCTV.

“Walter Mann is keeping that on everyone’s radar. He’s a wealth of knowledge.”

In addition to his work with BCTV, Mann is also executive director of NHTV-North Haven Community TV, as well as station manager of Totoket TV-North Branford Public Cable Access Group.

Ted brings his own broadcast expertise to BCTV and the board, as Director of Channel Operations and Post-Production Services for Encompass Digital Media of Stamford. Ted and his staff assist client A&E to output signals and products to cable providers. Ted’s also happy to note he’s actually hired a few people from BCTV, who have gone on to work for other companies.

Ted’s business background — and an unexpected chat with a BCTV board member — led him to volunteer to join BCTV’s board six years ago.

“It was happenstance. I was out having dinner at a local restaurant and a past president of BCTV was across from me. She said I should think about joining the BCTV board.”

Now, Ted is experiencing his first year as BCTV board president. He enjoys working among an eclectic group that brings a variety of skills to the table.

“It’s a strong, strong board. We’re always trying to make sure we’re using everyone to the best of their abilities.”

An avid runner, Ted’s also helped BCTV run its annual fundraiser, Tour de Branford, for the past two years. The September shoreline cycling race will definitely be a highlight of BCTV’s 50th anniversary celebration, he says.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser. Before the pandemic, it had about 200 participants. We’re hoping to get it back to pre-pandemic levels, and if any year is the year to do it, it’s this year.”

Ted and his partner of 16 years moved to Branford 10 years ago with their two rescue pups.

“We enjoy Branford so much. We love the community aspect of it. I’m really glad that I can get involved and be a part of it,” says Ted.

To learn more about nonprofit BCTV or to make a donation through Friends of BCTV, visit www.branfordtv.org; call (203) 481-3232 or email info@BranfordTV.org