Lincoln County Television is a public, government and education access channel, dedicated to providing resources for community produced media.

“Community television is unique,” said Mary Ellen Crowley, LCTV executive director. “It increases awareness of what is going on in our own backyard. Through LCTV, broadcast-area citizens and organizations can participate in community and economic development, arts, education, community dialogue and political debate.” 

LCTV regularly broadcasts and replays taped government programming, originating in Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Waldoboro and Wiscasset. Visitors to LCTV’s website (www.lctv.org) can access the same select board and budget committees as well as public hearings, anytime and anywhere.

“Besides helping to keep government transparent and citizens informed, elected officials and municipal employees can learn from each other by watching how other towns in the area operate,” Crowley said.

Over the past several years, LCTV’s role as a distribution medium for area schools has become a popular pathway to view sports events, concerts and other school events via scheduled broadcasts and online. Looking ahead, LCTV is working to build school-based alliances to generate further education programming.

Elsewhere, local filmmakers collaborating with community people are documenting and telling stories of special places and people within the county. Through shows including Wuzzup, Chats with Champions, and Lincoln County Historical Association, viewers are getting to know the local community inside and out.  

While some viewers tune into government programming, many others rely on LCTV’s Community Bulletin Board to stay current on announcements, events and activities. Still others, some homebound, regularly view local houses of worship programming.  

“Many people also like Channel 7, because it provides alternative programming on national and international issues, not found on commercial networks,” Crowley said. “‘Democracy Now!’ a show requested by local residents, garners the most calls if it isn’t on when it should be or if there’s a problem with reception. Other shows on the environment, energy and social issues, produced outside our area, have also been requested by members of the community. These requests reflect the interests and priorities of individuals in our area and also offer one more way the community gains self-knowledge.”

LCTV is a nonprofit, non-commercial community access TV station. LCTV offers a production studio, hands-on production training, and free use of production equipment for making video for airing on LCTV, to residents and organizations in Alna, Bristol, Damariscotta, Dresden, Edgecomb, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Waldoboro, Westport Island and Wiscasset.

LCTV delivers programming 24/7 on cable TV and streams the channel live on the LCTV website. LCTV also offers video-on-demand, and a TV and web accessible community bulletin board. For questions or to receive additional information about LCTV, call 207-563-6338, email lctv1@lctv.org or visit www.lctv.org.