The Role of Community Television

Posted by Kate Butler Feb 17, 2007

In an age where television news is all about the sound bite, the big explosion or the newest political scandal, community channels often seem quite quaint. Their focus on individuals and groups in the community seems out of place in our fast-paced and global society. However, it is for this reason that they remain necessary, and popular. It is clear that these channels still have an important role to play because they show viewers what is truly going on in their community.

In Victoria, BC Canada, my current place of residence, the mainstream news stories have lately been focusing on the increased drug use in the downtown core, a shooting incident involving local police, and the controversial environmental policies of the provincial government. While these stories undoubtedly interest many people, they are often somewhat depressing and not necessarily indicative of many Victoria residents' lives.

On the other hand, community television in Greater Victoria focuses on stories that tend to celebrate ordinary citizens. This weekend, the local community station did pieces on a Valentine's Day tea at a seniors' centre, a profile of the local dog park, a showcase of youth practicing first aid in a controlled setting, and an attempt by a municipality to use cleaner oil.

While community stations do not get the big profile news stories or anchors, they do attract many viewers: our local community station claims to have a bigger share of the market than the local mainstream news channel, and the numbers seem to back them up. Portraying positive developments and happenings in the community is interesting to many people, and it is likely that these community channels will continue to be relevant for years to come.