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New CTV Executive Director Focuses on Growing Community Networks How can local cable television grow when cable television subscriptions shrink? That’s the challenge facing local cable organizations around the country. Dana Healy, executive director of CTV North Suburbs, is hoping a paradigm shift in the way cable access stations operate may be the answer. Healy joined CTV North Suburbs nearly a year ago, replacing long-time executive director Coralie Wilson. Her arrival coincided with a turning point: Streaming companies like Hulu and Prime had more subscribers in 2018 than cable companies. Locally, Xfinity/Comcast and CenturyLink are feeling the squeeze as more residents are choosing to ditch their cable. Those choices lead to fewer franchise fees going to local cities like Arden Hills to offset costs for cable production, including taping and airing city council meetings and events. “The franchise fees, based on the number of cable subscriptions, are falling,” said Healy. “Less franchise fees mean less money for community media production.” Building Community Value As a result, Healy has spent the past several months transforming operations at CTV by focusing on finding and building value by serving as another communications partner with cities like Arden Hills. “We want to deliver value for our city partners, by amplifying their messages, bolstering their communications,” Healy said. CTV has launched a new website with city-specific landing pages and injected life into its social media channels by creating content in-house and also sharing content from city social media channels. “We are creating video content that showcases our communities, the ‘warm and fuzzy’ events that make our community a great place to live,” she said. Redefining the Mission CTV has shifted its focus from the community coming in to produce their own shows to CTV staff doing all of the production in-house to support the communities. The new mission, “We produce community focused digital media to educate and engage our citizens,” provides volunteer opportunities and career learning in new media technologies. Healy said she also is focusing on partnering with companies and businesses on local video productions. “Through cost- sharing and production-for-hire services we can help develop content about their community for their community,” Healy said. Healy and her family moved to the area from Boston, where she served as executive director of Danvers Community Access Television (DCAT). “People are very nice here, very warm,” she said. “We are enjoying being a part of the community.” Tune In City Council and Planning Commission meetings are aired on Xfinity/Comcast Cable Channel 16. You can also view them on high-definition (HD) channel 859 on Xfinity/Comcast and 8014 on CenturyLink. CTV also has its sports channel in HD on Xfinity/Comcast 799 and CenturyLink 8514. Visit CTV’s website at ctvnorthsuburbs. org. Take Pride in our Community by Maintaining your Property Having pride in the community and pride in your home is the foundation of a great city. It helps keep neighboring property values high and neighborhood integrity intact. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant or landlord, spring can be a great time to make home repairs after the long winter. Common exterior repairs include but are not limited to: peeling/flaking paint, damaged roofing/siding and damaged decks, fences and windows. Visit the city's website to determine if you need a permit at cityofardenhills.org/permits. In addition, it’s time to clean up items in the yard that may have been covered by the snow, like pet waste and other debris. All waste material, debris, refuse, yard waste, or garbage shall be properly contained. Sooner or later the lawn will need to be cut and maintained. Lawns must not exceed eight inches in height and noxious weeds must be removed. Well- maintained properties protect property values, livability and the overall quality of life for the neighborhood and the community.