Chatfield’s Community Television service is a service of which the entire community can be proud. Given the volunteer nature of the organization, the amount and quality of the programming is excellent. Many people have expressed gratitude for the ability to watch sporting events that they would not be able to attend otherwise.

Senior citizens, in particular, appreciate being able to keep up-to-date with the activities of the young people in the community. Similarly, the students and others who participate in these events enjoy the ability to watch their own performances and tapes of the events make for great keepsakes. In addition to the sporting events that are produced, concerts, and other events, like the Junior/Senior Prom Grand March and the CHS Graduation ceremony are taped for later broadcast.

Many civic events are covered, too, such as the Western Days Parade, the Memorial Day ceremonies, and so forth, all of which add to the enjoyment of the viewing audience. Programs such as “Community Link, The Television Show,” “Spotlight on Chatfield” and “Super 227” provide newsworthy local information. At the same time, regular coverage of the local school board and city council meetings, along with an occasional “Candidate Forum,” helps residents keep up with local governmental affairs.

A number of years ago, CCTV began sending many of its sports programs throughout the Mediacom network, to 31 other cities in the area. Many programs are shared with Charter Cable Television in Rochester, too, which serves six more cities. An occasional program goes to the Hiawatha Broadband network, in Winona, which adds four more cities to the mix. In all, close to 100,000 people have the ability to watch Chatfield events and to see the credit given to the many fine sponsors who support CCTV. The regional broadcasting of Chatfield events is creating an extremely high profile for the community.

People throughout southeast Minnesota and northern Iowa regularly watch Chatfield events. Viewers see our young people competing and they see references to many local businesses. The consistent broadcasting of these events can only assist in raising the profile of the community and helps develop an even more favorable impression of the community among viewers. At the same time, efforts are being made to enlist other communities to contribute programming.

The opportunity to view other area high school events will only increase the choices and enjoyment of local viewers. The credit for the success of CCTV goes to the volunteers, the Chatfield City Council, the Chatfield School Board, Mediacom and to Craig Manahan, the original CCTV Administrator. It is interesting to note that, to produce one basketball game, it takes approximately 17 hours of volunteer time and six or seven volunteers to help out.

To produce the 80+ sporting events and the many concerts, public meetings, and such, each year, over 1,500 volunteer hours are donated every year by the volunteer camera operators, announcers and directors. Contact cctv@ci.chatfield.mn.us if interested in joining the crew.

The funding for Chatfield’s cable television service comes in a variety of forms. In addition to the valuable volunteer time, cash is generated by the franchise fees that are paid by Mediacom subscribers, sponsorships are paid by area businesses and a contribution is made by the Chatfield School District. Space, equipment and other facilities are also provided by the School District, the City of Chatfield and Mediacom. CCTV is a bright star that demonstrates what can be achieved when various parties join together in an effective collaboration. Stay tuned to CCTV, Channel 11!!

Great things are happening!