Thanks for support of KSKC-TV
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
As many of you know, almost two weeks ago, the lights went dark at KSKC Public TV. The CS and KT Tribal Council no longer chose to contribute to the station’s operational support, as it has since its inception. As a business decision, that makes sense, given that we live in a digital age where people can access information on computers, phones, and tablets. Television broadcast is finding intense competition from many sides. And television is expensive. The bulk of KSKC’s budget consisted of switching fees and broadcast licensing; salaries and equipment purchases made up the rest.
The unique thing about KSKC-TV, besides its locally produced programming, was the community support it received in the form of program sponsorships from local businesses and individual donors all over the Mission Valley. I came on board in 1992, when station founder Dr. Frank Tyro took a sabbatical to get his master’s degree at Temple University. Frank encouraged the interim director to hire me to enlist sponsors as a way to bolster the budget. Support also came from those who bought or donated auction items during telethon week each December, or contributed through payroll deductions.
I visited businesses to enlist support for programs, and got to know many of you who gave money at the very beginning, and who were still sponsoring shows up ‘til the end. I also met mom-and-pop store owners throughout the years who sponsored programs. There are a lot of people I didn’t get to visit, and for that I apologize.
The generosity of our valley community is amazing. I have talked to some business owners, who expressed sadness at the closure, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to all of you to express my thanks for your support all these years. But I hope to see you around the area and say hi, because you all have become my friends. There is talk of perhaps setting up a You Tube channel to view KSKC’s locally produced programs, so keep an eye out.
Again, thanks for your support of KSKC-TV, on the air for 29 years.
Mariss McTucker
Dixon
