Free Training Opportunities in Community Television Production at CTV-21

Community television has always been a strange animal. Around for over 25 years, it has stayed the same while the media landscape has changed dramatically…several times.  In the 1980’s Community television was one of 30 channels, now it is one of hundreds, yet it remains a unique standout despite all those other offerings.

Where else can an individual or a group receive training and equipment to create their own single program or series combined with the guidance and patience of a friendly staff?  In addition, there are no costs associated with the use of community television, aside from a minimal expense for tape or a blank DVD, which can be avoided.  No experience is needed, just the desire to capture something for sharing on CTV-21.

Community television is as important as the right to free speech which forms it foundation. Voices, opinions, beliefs are protected within the definition of community television. When people come to share highlights of their communities: the people, the parades, concerts, arts, local history, etc., everybody benefits.

Even if someone doesn’t know what to produce, they can become a volunteer for either the studio programs created by regular producers, or by CTV-21 to promote local organizations, events, and the station. In a stress-free environment they can learn audio, camera, graphics surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors, anyone who shares a common interest.  They can see concerts; watch world class speakers and work behind the scenes to capture the good things in the community that so often go unnoticed.

In the Charter 14-town franchise area CTV-21 is open 6 days a week and is available for anyone to use regardless of whether or not they have Charter. There are custom training classes that can be taught based on the project proposed, and there is a regular 18-week training opportunity that adults or students (17 and over) can take that will provide the confidence for creating something they will be proud to call their own.

Contact the offices of CTV-21 in Newtown (203) 304-4050 and find out more about individual training classes or the next 18-week training session that begins late May. Space is limited and applications are due May 20th. There is no fee and the schedule of classes allows participants to fit it into their busy schedules. Visit the CTV-21 website for more information: http://www.communityvision21.com/Pages/Internform.html and to download the application and course syllabus. (Note: The 18-week training opportunity has limited space available for residents outside of Charter’s service area.)