The week of March 12-18 is “Sunshine Week” and is a celebration of open government and freedom of information. The “sunshine” reference is attributed to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis who wrote “sunshine is said to be the best of disinfectants.” In other words, an informed body of citizens is essential to democracy. This is why WCAT supports the continuation of remote public meetings including:
- Hybrid Access – the public needs in-person access to government meetings along with the ability to attend and participate remotely. Both forms of access are critical.
- Funding – a common argument against hybrid meetings is the cost of required equipment and technology. While costs have decreased, they can still impose a burden due to limited funding and staffing. Massachusetts has proposed legislation (HD-3261-Senator Lewis and Rep. Lipper-Garabedian are cosponsors and SD-2017-Senator Lewis is the sponsor) that can be a model for other states. The two bills have 52 cosponsors to-date. Among other things, the legislation creates a trust fund that will financially support those needing assistance.
Supporting Sunshine Week is an investment in democracy.
Last week
Basketball coverage by WCAT came to an end. The staff at WCAT would like to thank Senior Matt O’Connor, commentator; Junior Tymothy Brown, commentator; and Freshmen Ryan Paige and Cavan Hill who filmed the games which included coverage of the regular season and playoffs for the girls’ varsity (12 games) and boys’ varsity (11 games).
Earlier today
The staff welcomed new member Dominik Chadwick. Dom is a 2022 graduate of Endicott College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. At WCAT Chadwick will be a producer/editor.
Monday
At 7, there will be a hybrid meeting of the Town Council with most members expected to be in the studio.
Tuesday
At 7:30 p.m., the School Committee will hold a hybrid meeting with members in the studio.
Wednesday
This morning at 11:45, the Youth Council will meet with most members in the studio. This will be another hybrid meeting. At noon, WCAT crew and volunteers will be on hand to film the Wakefield Alliance Against Violence (WAAV) “White Ribbon” ceremony at the Beebe Library. Also at noon, Barbara Worley, Studio Administrator, will be at the Senior Center for St. Patrick’s Day. She’ll be taking photos that will become a short video. At 3 p.m., David Watts, Jr. will hold his monthly interview with Wakefield Town Administrator Steve Maio.
Thursday
At 2 p.m., Howard Hart returns to the podcast studio with “Speaking Opera.” His guest will be Erica Miner, former violinist with the Metropolitan Opera turned author. Metropolitan Opera star Richard Stilwell has referred to her as the “Agatha Christie of the opera world.”
Friday
At noon, “Really Important Fictional Things” with hosts Rosey Mongeau and Avery is back in the podcast studio. Colleen Getty, founder of The Room to Write will interview Tom Campbell in the studio as another segment in “Journey of a Story.” Campbell is not a writer but a retired book printer. This will be a nuts-and-bolts conversation of the actual printing process for writers who want to learn more.
Sunday
At 2 p.m., WCAT will be on hand to film the Groundbreaking ceremony for the First Baptist Church.
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).
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).
