COMMUNITY TELEVISION Officials work to keep station on the air

Funding for Channel 19 is in jeopardy because of the school district's troubles.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- School Superintendent Stan Watson says school officials don't plan on allowing Channel 19 to go off the air because of a lack of funding from the township.
"Certainly, our goal is to keep it up and running," he said. Channel 19 is the township's community television station.
Township trustees have yet to sign a contract to help pay for the station this year. The channel has been funded in the past by trustees, the school board, and some advertising revenue.
Watson added, however, that the district could be forced to cut the channel next school year if it has a deficit and is placed in fiscal emergency by the state.
If the district is placed in fiscal emergency, a five-member commission would be appointed by state and county officials to find ways for the district to raise revenue and cut expenses.
Channel 19 "would be something I anticipate they would look at," Watson said. The district is slated to have a $1.6 million deficit at the end of next school year, and Watson has recommended the school board ask voters to approve a tax levy this November to raise additional revenue.
Watson and other school officials met with Township Trustee Lisa Oles on Thursday to discuss the status of Channel 19. Last year, trustees spent $15,000 on Channel 19, down from $30,000 in 2002.
The cut was part of trustees' efforts to save money and avoid a deficit.
Survival at stake
Channel 19 Coordinator Ralph Grossen has said that without additional funding, the channel most likely won't survive after this year. The channel broadcasts trustees' and school board meetings, school and community events, a community calendar, school sports, and programs created by students and local residents.
Oles and fellow Trustee David Ditzler both said they want to help pay for the channel this year. Oles has proposed giving the channel $7,500 now while contributing another $7,500 in monthly installments during the rest of the year.
Ditzler said he was in favor of giving the station "at least $15,000."
Township officials said they were facing a deficit last year because of increases in the cost of insurance, workers compensation and wages and decreases in revenue.
Funding from trustees was used by Channel 19 to maintain equipment, buy new videotapes and help pay a part-time staffer to help direct some of the tapings. The school board pays for an additional three staff members, two of whom also have other duties with the schools, and provides the channel with a studio, control room and small office in Fitch High School.
hill@vindy.com