As February ends and with a looming March 31 deadline that marks the end of the state’s pandemic-era accommodations to authorize remote local government meetings, WCAT is well positioned to continue this practice and strongly supports the continuation of remote meetings.
Several statewide municipal officials are calling for the state to extend remote and hybrid meeting options beyond March 31.
There are hopes for an extension of the option for towns to use the accommodation, rather than a mandate, as not every community can afford the technology or staff to handle remote meeting technology. While there is no doubt this has been an additional expense for WCAT and involves more staff in the production, WCAT supports continuing its practice.
As has been well documented, one of the benefits of remote and hybrid meetings is greater community engagement. People who might not be able to join in person are able to Zoom in, make their public comment and then go back to whatever they were doing.
In many communities across the state, including Wakefield, remote and hybrid meetings significantly and equitably increase public participation in local government.
Monday
Tonight at 7 p.m., the Town Council will hold a hybrid meeting with members in the studio. Also tonight, the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt will hold their monthly meeting in WCAT’s conference room.
Tuesday
At 4:40, the Friends of Lake Quannapowitt will hold a subcommittee meeting in WCAT’s conference room.
Tuesday night at 7:30, the School Committee will hold a hybrid meeting with members in the studio.
Wednesday
At 2:30 p.m., Pastor Doug Dry will host the rescheduled First Baptist Church podcast. This was originally scheduled on February 15.
Friday
At noon., “Really Important Fictional Things” with hosts Rosey Mongeau and Avery is back in the podcast studio.
Schedule
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).
