WAKEFIELD — WCAT’s Board of Directors has chosen Ian McDermott to succeed Ryan Boyd as WCAT’s Executive Director. McDermott’s first day in his new role was Thursday, September 28.
McDermott graduated from Framingham State University with a bachelor’s degree in media. He spent time in corporate America and has over 30 years of experience in the media business, including the New England independent film business, before joining WCAT in 2016 as the Chief Engineer. Ian’s role was expanded in 2020 when he was also named Operations Manager.
McDermott guided WCAT during the COVID-19 pandemic handling first the “all remote” technical meeting requirements for the town and then fully implementing the “hybrid” meeting component. In October 2021, he participated in a Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) webinar as a featured speaker to discuss the equipment needs and other COVID-related support to a large audience of town officials as well as other local access stations leadership.
Monday
Tonight at 5:30, WCAT will film the varsity girls’ volleyball against Watertown. This game has been moved to the Field House from Watertown as their high school is under construction. This rescheduled game will not be livestreamed.
At 7 p.m., the Town Council will hold a hybrid meeting with members in the studio.
Thursday
At 5, Cheryl Webb Scott and her crew will be in the studio to film another program of “The Total Woman.”
At 7 p.m., the Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed restrooms at Veterans Field. The hearing will be a hybrid meeting at the Galvin Middle School with members and residents in the auditorium with the option of residents to also participate via Zoom.
Friday
At 6, a WCAT crew will be at Landrigan Field to cover the Warrior’s football game against Woburn. The game will not be livestreamed.
At 6:30 p.m., WCAT will be in the Field House to film the varsity girls’ volleyball match against the Red and Black of Winchester. This game will not be livestreamed.
Saturday
WCAT will participate in Town Day.
To view the weekly programing schedule on the government and public channels go to Schedules – Wakefield Community Access TV (wcatwakefield.org)
Each week, WCAT airs religious services of several local churches on the Public Channels (Verizon-40 or Comcast/RCN-3). New WCAT member Emmanuel Episcopal Church will join this group by airing four services each week: Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (prior week’s services), Wednesday at 8 p.m., Friday at 4 p.m., and Saturday at 5 p.m.
Public Service Announcements (“PSAs”)
WCAT, working with the town, has begun producing PSAs/News segments related to important town events and happenings to further inform residents of important information. This includes a Call for Articles for the upcoming town meeting on November 18, commuter rail track work, Little Food Pantries, Wakefield volunteer opportunities, detours on Salem Street, seeking members for the new Economic Development Council, and steps to take to protect against West Nile virus. These segments are broadcast as well as uploaded to YouTube and posted to Facebook.
Support
Please support WCAT. Your donation, in any amount, will be appreciated and it’s a wise investment in the future. You can donate online at www.WCATwakefield.org or by check to WCAT, 24 Hemlock Road, Wakefield, MA 01880.
On WCAT’s website you can learn about all aspects of the station, review membership benefits, and evaluate sponsorship opportunities for your business. You can also search for WCATWakefield on YouTube. www.youtube.com/user/wcatwakefield to subscribe, view past meetings, public service announcements, and sporting events.
Follow WCAT on Facebook (Wakefield Community Access TV) and Twitter (@WCATtv).
For more information about programming opportunities, volunteering, membership, podcasts, sponsorships, or a tour of the studio please call 781-224-0300 or email info@wcat.tv.
WCAT programming can viewed on RCN (channel 3 – public and channel 13 – government), RCN HD (channel 613 – public and channel 614 – government), Comcast (channel 3 – public and channel 22 – government), and Verizon (channel 40 – public and channel 42 – government)
