Darien TV79 Offers More Programming Thanks to Grant from The Darien Foundation

Darien TV79, the town’s government television station, has expanded its program offerings thanks to a generous $50,000 grant for new technology from The Darien Foundation.

The station’s new CASTUS server system will allow scores of programs to run each day, bringing the Darien community a fresh look at all aspects of the town. In addition, the grant allowed TV79 to buy new cameras and video production gear.

“Our old system allowed us to only air six shows a week,” says TV79 Program Director Jim Cameron.  “But now we can not only air live meetings as they happen, but replay them immediately, supplemented with timeless shows including contributions from the community.”

“The Darien Foundation is proud to support Darien TV79 in its mission to connect residents with all aspects of town government and our community,” says Darien Foundation Executive Director Sarah Woodberry.  “TV79 plays an important role in Darien and has been vital in allowing residents to stay engaged with town meetings and developments, even as we were all sheltering-in-place.”

 “Given our expanded capabilities we are now seeking fresh programming from the town’s non-profits and even resident-produced shows,” says Cameron.  “If you have a show that would be of interest to Darien residents please send it to us.”

Effective immediately TV79 programming will reflect a new rotation. Meetings of town government bodies will air live, as they happen, and then be re-aired in the 6 – 10 pm “prime time” viewing hours.  Those meeting videos will also be replayed during the day, supplemented with ‘evergreen’ shows such as “Community Matters” and “Inside Town Hall” as well as community-contributed long and short-form programming and PSAs, such as the recent COVID-19 Mental Health series launched by First Selectman Jayme Stevenson and produced via a partnership between DAF Media and The Darien Foundation.

If you would like to submit a program for consideration, contact Program Director Jim Cameron at DarienTV79@gmail.com for more information.  You can also use that same address to subscribe to the weekly TV79 Program Guide which is emailed to over 900 subscribers each Friday.

Supported by Town funding, grants from the Area Nine Cable Council and community groups like The Darien Foundation, TV79 has been on the air on the Altice cable network since 2007.  Programming is also available on-demand on TV79’s Vimeo channelFacebook page and YouTube channel as well as an internet live stream from 4 pm to midnight seven days a week.

Staffed by volunteers and paid camera operators, TV79 is overseen by the Darien TV79 Advisory Board, appointed by the Board of Selectmen, chaired by Mike Wheeler.

About The Darien Foundation
The Darien Foundation is an independent, community-based, 501(c)(3) public charity. Since 1998, The Darien Foundation has awarded over $4.5 million in grants for technology and capital initiatives, which create opportunity for Darien’s youth, support our town’s safety and security services, and enhance the overall quality of life in Darien. Our volunteer Board of Directors, who reflect the many constituencies of Darien, thoroughly evaluate grant requests, and assist grant recipients in achieving their goals. Public donations are directed to supporting grants awarded by The Darien Foundation, as all operating costs have been funded by Board member and Officer contributions. Most recently, The Darien Foundation has awarded grants to The Darien Police Department, The Depot Youth Center, Person-to-Person, and TV79.

For more information about The Darien Foundation, visit darienfoundation.org 
 
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Submitted by Darien, CT

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