Westport News

This is the first edition of the Westport Public Access Newsletter. I hope it will be an outlet to let our viewers know about our programs and activities.

As we start a new year we would like to introduce our viewers to the Public Access Channel. WACC 17 is the Town of Westport’s Public Access Channel on Channel 17. It is offered free of charge for residents to air community notices and programs that they have produced. Any town resident can take advantage of the services regardless of cable television subscription. Two different types of cameras are available for borrowing.

In addition to the facilities at the Town Hall Annex, we maintain a second studio at The American Legion Hall, 489 Sanford Rd., Westport, MA. Our purpose is to train town residents how to use the production facilities and assist them in getting their shows to the viewers. Topics range from sports, entertainment, local history and human interest. We have several residents who currently produce programs on a regular basis. We would like to thank them for work and interest in community programs and events.

Our bulletin board features notices from area non-profit organizations, and other messages of interest to the community. It has been used quite extensively during the past year. Messages to be posted can be sent to us by mail, fax or e-mail.

New equipment has allowed us to have a full schedule and air many programs in the DVD format. Some other improvements were getting the program schedules posted weekly in The Chronicle newspaper. Public Access has a page on the town’s website where the program schedules are also posted.

Programming runs usually from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, 7 days a week. Each show runs several times to allow for our viewers to watch the shows at their convenience. To find out more, contact us by any of the following ways.

856 Main Road

Westport, MA, 02790

Other times by appointment.

Valerie Bain - Coordinator

Derek Frates - Coordinator

This program series is a discussion group that presents topics of Westport’s history.

This variety show program is hosted by George Cataldo. It is produced at the American Legion Hall on Sanford Road and covers musical, local events and entertainment topics.

This program series produced at different locations around Westport, presents interviews with local residents discussing Westport’s history.

This show presents programs sponsored by the Westport Historical Society. The Westport Historical Society airs programs given the second Thursday evening of the month at the Bell School House or the Senior Center. The programs, March through October, are on a variety of subjects of interest to the general population of Westport and surrounding towns. The history of the Lees family and the Potter family will occur this March and April, 2007. In addition, we interview individuals and groups about town on subjects such the history of the fire station, the art scene, authors, biographies, music, fairs and senior activities. We are always looking for subjects.

“Westport Matters” has been aired on the public access channel 17 from early 1993. The shows were taped at various locations. There have been about 450 different shows dealing with topics of local interest.

Bringing the community coverage of local and regional sporting events has been a successful venture for Channel 17. Since last fall the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Athletic events have been aired including; Football, Ice Hockey, and Mens and Womens Basketball. Starting in January Dartmouth High School Hockey Games will also be shown. The team represents a unique combined effort, with Students from both Westport High School and Dartmouth High School playing for the team. If anyone is willing to volunteer to videotape other Westport High School Sporting Events it would be our pleasure to broadcast them. Just contact us at:

Channel 15 is the Town’s Government Access Channel. We currently air the Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission and Finance Committee meetings.