CTV
Prince George's Community TV

Press Releases

9/19/06               CTV celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

9/1/06                 CTV airs documentary about Hurricane Katrina - Miracle in New Orleans

9/1/06                 CTV Reporter participates in local Fellowship

8/15/06               CTV celebrates the 11th Annual CAM Awards

8/9/06                
CTV provides a platform for the PGCPS board candidates

6/19/06              
CTV honored at the 27th Annual Telly Awards

5/16/06
               CTV wins big at the Videographer Awards

4/1/06                 CTV invited to AMBER Alert training

3/14/06               CTV celebrates Inside Sports 900th show

3/7/06                 CTV mourns the loss of Chris Basileo

10/25/05             CTV receives NATOA  Awards


1/8/03                 CTV receives Communicator Awards

9/20/00               CTV receives NATOA Award

6/18/99               CTV announces CAM Awards Winners

6/25/98               CTV's daily newscast restored

4/3/98                 CTV News canceled

* Archive Releases *


September 19, 2006

CTV Channel 76 Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
Watch CTV News for daily Hispanic Heritage Heroes Segments
 
Largo, Md.—Tune into CTV News on CTV Channel 76 starting September 15, 2006, as the award winning news program features Hispanic Heritage Heroes segments during the newscast.  CTV News will air 30-second spots featuring 11 Bladensburg High School students honoring Latinos that have made a difference in the nation.  

CTV News Reporter/Producer, Nicki Mayo, created the 30-second segments last September and the response was overwhelming.  Jesus, CTV intern and Eleanor Roosevelt High School student believes that is important to honor Hispanic heroes. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of Latinos in America.  The segments for the news program are very informative and the viewers are going to love it,” he said.

One segment will air daily September 15 through October 13, 2006, live at 4:30 p.m. with repeat airings at 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.  For more information regarding CTV News and Hispanic Heritage Heroes, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.



September 1, 2006

Miracle in New Orleans
CTV Channel 76 airs a documentary about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina

Largo, Md.— With the one year anniversary of the catastrophic natural disaster of Hurricane Katrina just days ago, CTV News Director Curtis Crutchfield and Sports Anchor Dave Goldman recently followed a local church on their crusade to restore and renovate churches devastated by the storm.  Miracle in New Orleans, an hour-long special which documents their journey premiered Monday, August 28 with repeat airings September (for air dates, please log onto www.ctv76.com).

Miracle in New Orleans follows Reverend Joseph Lyles and Fort Foote Baptist Church of Fort Washington, Md. as they traveled to the devastated city to aid in the reconstruction and restoration of several churches and warehouses.  Approximately 38 church members traveled to New Orleans to put up drywall, pick-up trash and refurbish churches and warehouses destroyed in the storm.  The documentary also features interviews with New Orleans residents who voice opinions about the condition of their community and their hopes for the future.  

This documentary is important to watch because it shows the residents of Prince George’s County another perspective of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, different from most coverage seen on television. “This documentary shows Prince George’s County residents that the devastation in New Orleans is still rampant, but that there are great citizens like the Fort Foote Baptist Church congregation that are helping to make a much needed difference,” said Sherry Byrne, CTV Channel 76 Executive Director.

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.




September 1, 2006

CTV Anchor Participates in Local Fellowship


Largo, Md.—CTV Veteran Reporter/Anchor Patricia Villone Garcia was selected to participate in the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism Fellowship in September.  The four-day seminar will be held at the University of Maryland and will give journalists in-depth discussions and activities with other reporters, editors and opinions editors from around the country.  The fellowship will focus on Energy, Cost and Crisis.  Participants will be exposed to several experts from top research institutions, government and business leaders and the media.  The seminar also includes field trips outside of the classroom to local energy and gas facilities.

Villone also participated in another fellowship in May with the Scripps Howard Institute on the Environment. The fellowship was held at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida and focused on deepening journalists' understanding of important and complicated environmental issues.  Fellowship participants studied in an unconventional classroom, examining key natural features of the South Florida region, such as the Everglades, Kissimmee River and the Indian River Lagoon.  From that experience, Villone completed a week-long series on South Florida’s water flow, which aired August 21-25, 2006.  She is currently developing an hour-long series on the same issue and believes that the fellowships have allowed her to practice a different kind of reporting.  “The opportunities have given me the tools to investigate complicated issues and do more in-depth reporting.”

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.




August 15, 2006

Lights, Camera…Action
CTV Channel 76 Celebrates the 11th Annual Community Access Magic (CAM) Awards and Scholarship Presentation

Largo--Step into the light, pose for the camera and get ready for action as CTV Channel 76 presents the 11th Annual Community Access Magic (CAM) Awards and Scholarship Presentation.  This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, August, 23, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD and will feature a string quartet, live sculptures, an art gallery, magician and mime as entertainment.

The annual celebration rewards the community access producers, volunteers and interns who dedicate tireless hours of hard work to CTV Channel 76.  The programs produced by local residents, government agencies and community organizations in cooperation with CTV Channel 76 provides a great source of information and entertainment that is a true representation of Prince George’s County.

CTV Channel 76 will also honor four college bound and continuing education students with scholarship awards.  These four students completed internships at CTV Channel 76 and are pursuing a college education.  CTV Channel 76 Executive Director, Sherry Byrne thanks everyone that contributes to the daily operation of CTV.  “Our devoted Community Access producers, interns, and volunteers give us a reason to continue to host the CAM Awards.  They make outstanding contributions throughout the year and their accomplishments should be honored.  The CAM Awards is our way of saying thank you for doing what you do.”

The names of all winners and scholarship recipients will appear on our website, www.ctv76.com at a later date.  The press is strongly encouraged to cover this event.  If you would like additional information, please contact Shannon Smith at (301) 773-0900, ext. 233. 

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website, at www.ctv76.com.



August 9, 2006


CTV Channel 76 provides a platform for the PGCPS board candidates

Watch CTV News for candidate panel discussions

 
Largo, Md.—Tune into CTV News on CTV Channel 76 starting August 9, 2006, as the award winning news program features the Prince George’s County Public School Board (PGCPS) member candidates for the upcoming elections.  CTV News is dedicating
15-minutes from each newscast to allow each candidate to introduce themselves, their platforms and to discuss pertinent issues affecting the county school system.

CTV News Director, Curtis Crutchfield and Reporter/Producer, Nicki Mayo, will lead 15-minute panel discussions with the school board members.  Candidates will discuss and tackle issues such as campaign platforms, views on the present PGCPS Board, The prior Superintendent search, teacher certifications and school changes and improvements. 

“It’s an excellent opportunity for our viewers to get an in depth look at the 40+ school board candidates,” says Mayo.  “We are providing a platform for the voters to really get a thorough grasp on the candidates’ point of view on issues ranging from the No Child Left Behind Act to charter schools.”

CTV News airs live daily at 4:30 p.m. with repeat airings at 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.  For more information regarding
CTV News
and the PGCPS board candidates, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.



June 19, 2006

CTV honored at the 27th annual Telly Awards

Largo, Md.-- The accolades continue to pour in as CTV Channel 76 is recognized at the 27th annual Telly Awards with three wins.  Program winners included: Keeping it Livable, Teen Focus and CTV News.  

Keeping it Livable, a public affairs talk show produced by the County Executive’s Office and hosted by Dr. Jacqueline Brown was honored with a Bronze Telly Award.  Keeping it Livable is a popular program that highlights the best of Prince George’s County and addresses pertinent issues that affect the community.  Teen Focus, a program that tackles topics that make a big impact in the lives of young adults, was also honored with a Bronze Telly Award.  Teen Focus is produced by County resident, Deloris Smith and hosted by young adults in the community.  The show features a wide array of interesting guests and great tips teens can use.  CTV News was also recognized with a Bronze Telly Award.  The news program is the only one of its kind in Prince George’s County that reports on a variety of diverse issues, information and entertainment.  The CTV News team serves the community by covering stories relevant to County residents that other news organizations often neglect to report.

The Telly Awards is the premier award, honoring outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials, programs, video and film productions.  The Telly Awards annually showcases the best work of the most respected media companies in the nation.  The award competition is widely known, highly respected and receives over 12,000 entries annually from the United States and many foreign countries.

CTV Executive Director, Sherry Byrne was pleased with the honor.  “The Telly Awards is a reputable organization.  We have received numerous awards and the list keeps growing.  I recognize the hard work our staff and access producers contribute to CTV, but it is truly gratifying to know, the Telly Awards recognizes their efforts as well.”

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.




 May 16, 2006 

CTV wins big at the Videographer Awards


Largo, Md.—CTV Channel 76 can add five additional awards to their abundant accolades list, as they were recently honored at the 2006 Videographer Awards.  Program winners included:  Keeping it Livable, Postcard from Senegal, Destinations Miami, Sideline Report and Uptown Bakery, a CTV News feature story. 

Keeping It Livable, a public affairs talk show, produced by the County Executive’s Office, hosted by Dr. Jacqueline Brown and Postcard from Senegal, a documentary chronicling County Executive Jack Johnson’s trip to Senegal, produced by CTV News director Curtis Crutchfield and videographer Ian McAllister were recognized with the Award of Distinction. 

Sideline Report, a community access produced program which highlights the Washington Redskins weekly football stats, produced by Marvin Jackson and David Barnes and Uptown Bakery, a CTV News feature story were recognized with Honorable Mention in the Community Access and News/News Story categories, respectively.  Additionally, Destinations Miami, a community access program produced and hosted by Marvin Jackson, brought the music, history, food and entertainment of Miami to Prince George’s County residents and was honored with the Award of Excellence in this year’s competition.

The Videographer Awards is a national awards organization that helps set the standards for the video production industry.  This year’s competition garnered 2,237 entries from the United States and several foreign countries.  CTV Channel 76 Executive Director Sherry Byrne was delighted upon hearing about CTV Channel 76’s latest honors. “The Videographer Awards validate the creativity and talent behind the CTV staff and Community Access producers.  We are grateful to have been recognized for such prestigious awards.”

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.





                                                                                                            April 1, 2006

CTV staffers invited to attend AMBER Alert training session

Largo, Md.—CTV reporter Nicole Mayo and Public Information Officer Shannon Smith will attend the AMBER Alert training session held at Newsplex, a state-of-the-art news facility on the campus of the University of South Carolina.  The training session, scheduled to take place in April, offers hands-on experience for broadcasters responsible for issuing and maintaining AMBER Alerts.  All costs and logistics for the conference are covered through a grant from the Department of Justice, including flight and hotel arrangements.  The University of South Carolina was awarded the grant to develop and present training sessions about how to protect and recover missing children. 

The rigorous one-day session will include scenarios produced from actual AMBER Alert situations.  Participants will be expected to make critical decisions in these cases from the information presented.  “This conference will help determine the proper protocol to follow, if an AMBER Alert situation ever arises in the County.  This is such a great service to offer, because the skills learned could potentially save lives,” Smith said.

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.




March 14, 2006

CTV celebrates the 900th episode of Inside Sports

Largo, Md.—CTV Channel 76 congratulates host Bill McCaffrey on the 900th episode of Inside Sports, one of the longest running shows in CTV history.  The show, which highlights various local teams, coaches and athletes, is a quality program that community residents have watched for over 17 years.  McCaffrey’s passion for sports keeps viewers faithful and guests eager to visit the set. 

Inside Sports provides Prince George’s County residents with an in-depth look into athletic programs, sports figures and the recreational activity that flourish throughout the community.  McCaffrey possesses a great knowledge about sports of all kinds and his hearty attitude makes him a fan favorite.  Inside Sports is an entertaining talk show that draws attention to sports news that is not always covered in mainstream media.  “We make it a point to highlight all kinds of sports on all levels, including professional, high school, college and amateur,” said David Barnes, director of Inside Sports.  “Bill has been a lifelong fan and supporter of local athletes and he’s been actively involved with sports in Southern Maryland for nearly 40 years, so he has a great knowledge of coaches and athletes from this area.  He grew up in Washington, D.C., too and his life stories are often as interesting as his sports stories.”

The 900th episode of Inside Sports will be taped this Friday in the CTV studio at 1:00 p.m.  Preceding the taping will be a reception for invited guests, which will include special guests and long time supporters of the show.  The monumental episode will include highlights of previous shows.  Inside Sports airs every Friday at 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  Check local listings for additional air times.  For more detailed information, please contact Shannon Smith at (301) 773-0900 ext. 233.

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for Prince George’s County.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.



                                                                                                                            
March 7, 2006

 CTV mourns the loss of long-time staffer Chris Basileo

Largo, Md.--After a long six-year battle with brain cancer, CTV Channel 76 says good-bye to Chris “Cool-Breeze” Basileo.  Chris had not only been a dedicated employee to CTV for the last 16 years, he was also a loving son and brother.  Most remembered for his soft voice and warm smile, Chris joined the CTV family in 1991 as an intern through a program with Prince George’s Community College.  In 1992, he became a part-time employee as the production/playback technician.  Always the avid sports fan, Chris also became a lovable unofficial sports personality for the CTV sports report on CTV News with his popular sports quiz.  CTV News viewers will remember his tough sports history questions and the bright smile he flashed when revealing the answer to each question. 

Chris learned that he had cancer in the year of 2000.  He was subjected to a series of surgeries, but even throughout his battle Chris always remained in the best of spirits and was a true inspiration to many.  He always had a great attitude, even during the toughest times and could always be counted on to crack a smile and let out a laugh.  “CTV has definitely suffered a great loss.  We not only lost a great friend in Chris Basileo, we lost a son.  He was a true inspiration and will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched,” said Sherry Byrne, Executive Director of CTV Channel 76.

The entire CTV Channel 76 family salutes a true hero, extraordinary friend and remarkable person.  Chris Basileo leaves behind a great body of work that truly exemplifies the light-hearted person he was.  At this time, funeral arrangements have not been determined.    CTV will establish a scholarship in his honor.  For more information, please call 301-773-0900 ext. 233.
 


October 25, 2005

CTV Channel 76 wins at the NATOA Government Programming Awards


Largo, Md.---CTV News was recently recognized with an Honorable Mention Award by the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) at the 20th Annual NATOA Government Programming Awards.  The award recognizes excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming.

CTV News was honored in the NEWS SERIES category.  The news program is the only one of its kind in Prince George’s County that reports on a variety of diverse issues, information and entertainment.  CTV News serves the community by covering stories
relevant to County residents.  CTV News presents a sensitive approach to controversial issues affecting the County.  The News team fills a void left by other news organizations that often neglects to cover stories that focus on community issues.

CTV Executive Director, Sherry Byrne was elated upon receiving this award.  “It is great to be recognized by such a prestigious award.  The hard work and dedication from our News department has not gone unnoticed and garnering such recognition is such an
honor.  We will continue in our efforts to bring to the forefront stories and information for our viewers.”

CTV Channel 76 is an award winning non-profit cable access facility, which is the hub of information for our community.  CTV operates two access channels highlighting community and government affairs.  Our aim is to support the various media needs of
residents, schools, civic groups, faith based and non-profit organizations as well as the County government.  CTV offers a progressive venue for community access demands, as well as comprehensive training courses.  For more information about CTV Channel 76, please visit our website at www.ctv76.com.



January 8, 2003

Award of Distinction presented to CTV Channel 76 by the Communicator Awards

Largo, Md. -- Two programs produced by CTV Channel 76, "9-1-1 News Special" and "Sideline Report" have received the Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards 2002 competition in the Programs/Entertainment and Cable News/Newscast category. The Communicator Awards is an international awards organization that recognizes outstanding work in the communications field. There were 3,401 entries from the United States and several foreign countries. The Award of Distinction was received by only 18 percent of the entries for projects that clearly exceeded the industry standards.

The CTV76 News team was honored for its "9-1-1 News Special" which emphasized the effects of September 11, 2001. The hour long program captured the American Hero theme here in Prince George's County.

"The Sideline Report" was awarded in the Cable TV/Community Access category. The sports commentary show features the Washington Redskins. Volunteer producers Marvin Jackson and David Barnes produced the popular gridiron talk show.

In addition to the aforementioned, CTV also received two Honorable Mention awards. In the Cable News/Newscast category, "CTV News" was recognized for its November 8, 2002 program which covered local and national election results. CTV's "Metro Scene-Travel" was also an honorable mention winner in the Broadcast News/News Story category. Marvin Jackson and David Barnes, longtime CTV volunteer producers are in the acceptance lineup again for this one.

CTV Executive Director, Sherry Byrne, was encouraged upon receiving the awards. "The Communicator Awards competition has been around for many years, and the judging is very tough," said Byrne. "Earning this award is a reflection of CTV's commitment to providing top quality programming to the Prince George's County community."


September 20, 2000

Second place award presented to CTV Channel 15 by NATOA

Largo -- CTV’S interview/ talk show “Dollars & $ense” has received a second place award from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) 2000 Annual Programming Awards. The Awards recognize excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming. According to NATOA officials, 934 entries were received for 68 categories of programming.

In the Interview/Talk Show category, CTV’s “Dollars & $ense” segment on investing earned a second place award. The show’s aggressive approach to an array of money matters, keeps CTV’S diverse community informed on the pertinent trends in today’s economy.

CTV Executive Director Sherry Byrne was encouraged upon receiving the award. “The NATOA competition has been around for many years, and the judging is very tough,” said Byrne. “Earning this award is a reflection of CTV’s commitment to providing top quality programming to the Prince George’s County community.”


June 18, 1999

CTV Channel 15 announces 1999 CAM Award Winners

Largo --- Community Television of Prince George’s (CTV) proudly announces the winners of our 1999 Community Access Magic (CAM) Awards. The CAM Awards honor producers of some of CTV’s best programs. This year’s CAM Awards categories were: 5 Minute Profile, Health & Fitness, Informational, Public Affairs, Entertainment, Religious, Sports, Outside Programming.

CTV’s 1999 CAM Awards winners:

Sean Adkins.......5 Minute Profile: Columbia Park Elementary School
LaVita Weaver...Health & Fitness: Eternally Fit
Jerome Tucker...Informational: The Spirit that Awakens Me
Roland Nelson...Public Affairs: Catholic Business Network/Gala Kickoff Breakfast
Chris Haley...Entertainment: Interview with a Vampire Too
Roland Nelson...Religious: New Liberation A.M.E. Church “Harvest Homecoming”
Rudy Childs...Sports: Annual Trip to Redskins Park
Ruth DeVoe...Outside Programming: Deliteful Cooking

CTV’s CAM Awards/Volunteer Recognition Ceremony will be held at BET Soundstage Restaurant in Largo on Saturday, June 26, 1999 from 8:30 am -10:30 am. Other honorees at the ceremony include:

Volunteers of the Year

Solomon Hamilton......Studio Production
Barbara Tate...............Administrative
David Barnes...............Field Production
Ayana May..................News

CTV Awards of Distinction

Andrew Dyer......Roundball Report
Christy Winters....Roundball Report
Bill McCaffrey....Inside Sports


June 25, 1998

CTV's daily newscast restored

Largo -- Community Television of Prince George’s (CTV) newscast, CTV News, which was cancelled in April 1998 due to budget cuts, has been restored. Along with other operational cut-backs, the 30-minute live newscast was reduced to a 30-minute weekly news magazine program as a result of a funding shortfall for community access operations.

According to Executive Director Sherry Byrne, a groundswell of support was initiated by access producers, community groups and many longtime viewers, who brought CTV’s plight to the attention of the Prince George’s County Council. As a result, the County Council and County Executive have restored a small portion of CTV’s funding for the purpose of reinstating a daily news show. Although the level of late-breaking news coverage will not be quite the same as before the cuts, CTV’s news show will again be taped daily and will have a renewed commitment to covering local stories not covered by the network newscasts.

The modified daily news show, which will keep the name CTV News, will begin Monday, July 6, 1998, and will be aired on Channel 15 weekdays at 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. Viewers can expect quality coverage of local news, sports and community events as well as special segments such as “Crime Solvers,” “Consumer Tips,” “Pet of the Week,” “Arts & Entertainment,” “Good Neighbor,” and more.


April 3, 1998

CTV News Cancelled

Largo -- Community Television of Prince George’s (CTV) announced today that its Channel 15 live newscast, CTV News, has been cancelled. According to Executive Director Sherry Byrne, the lengthy negotiations of a new cable franchise agreement between Prince George’s County and Jones Communications have resulted in a funding shortfall for community access operations. “Unfortunately, CTV’s diminished funding level cannot support a live, daily newscast,” says Byrne.

CTV News evolved out of a 15-minute daily newscast called Prince George’s Today which began airing in late 1990. The show was expanded to 30 minutes and renamed CTV News in November 1995 as part of CTV’s continuing commitment to provide Prince Georgians with up-to-date local news, sports, and a variety of special segments including “Crimesolvers,” “Good Neighbor,” “Pet of the Week,” “Consumer Tips,” and “Arts & Entertainment.”

“We’ve received a lot of favorable comments from the community about CTV News over the past several years, and we are sorry to see this award-winning program go off the air,” says Byrne. Although a daily live newscast will not be possible, CTV will continue to provide coverage of local news and events by means of a weekly 30-minute news magazine-type show that is scheduled to premier Monday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 15. According to News Director Curtis Crutchfield, the new weekly show will include the special segments listed previously.


March 16, 1998

Prince Georgians tune in to CTV Channel 15

Largo -- A survey conducted by Community Television of Prince George’s (CTV) reveals that 81,000 viewers tuned in to its Channel 15 programming during the month of February 1998. “Eighty-one thousand viewers is a 62% increase over the 1997 figure and equals nearly one half of the total number of cable subscribers in Prince George’s County,” says CTV Executive Director Sherry Byrne. “The interest in our programming is a testament to its informational value to the community,” she said.

CTV’s viewership statistics are based on criteria set forth in “Strategic Communications for Nonprofits,” a study published by the Benton Foundation and the Center for Strategic Communications. The publication states that according to research conducted by The Video Project in Oakland, California, it can be estimated that for every viewer who responds to a cable access program, at least 500 others watched. The research study was conducted in an effort to assist cable access facilities with determining viewership statistics, since ratings services are prohibitively expensive for most access centers. All responses recorded by CTV, which came in the form of correspondence and phone calls, were unsolicited.

As the “information hub” of Prince George’s County, CTV strives to collect and disseminate pertinent, informative and useful programming to its community. “Prince George’s County cable subscribers who tune in to Channel 15 will find a wide range of programming that embodies this ethnically rich and culturally diverse community,” says Byrne. CTV’s programming schedules can be found in the Sunday edition of The Washington Post, in the Friday edition of the Prince George’s Journal, or by visiting CTV’s web site at www.access.digex.net/~ctv15.


March 6, 1998

CTV announces 1st annual Golf Tournament

Community Television of Prince George’s (CTV) announces its first annual golf tournament fund raiser. The tournament will be held the morning of Tuesday, May 19, 1998, at the Lake Arbor Golf Club in Mitchellville, Maryland. An awards ceremony and luncheon will be held immediately following tournament play. Registration is currently underway for golfers and business sponsors. For details, call Dianne Williams at 301-773-0900, extension 237.

CTV is the non-profit, charitable cable access center that serves as a training facility and production house for Prince George’s County residents and community and religious groups. Programs produced by the community, as well as staff-produced programs, are aired daily on CTV - Channel 15. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to replace aging and failing equipment and to retain staff, thereby allowing CTV to maintain its current level of services to the community.


August 18, 1997

CTV earns recognition from three national competitions

Largo -- Community Television of Prince George's (CTV) was named as a finalist in the 18th Annual Telly Awards Competition. The award-winning program, Prince George's County Then & Now, was produced in cooperation with the Prince George's County Council. Over 9,200 entries were received for the 1997 Telly Awards, with approximately 16% being named as finalists. The program has since been renamed Celebrating Prince George's and is hosted by the council's current chair, Dorothy Bailey. It can be seen on CTV's Government and Public Affairs Channel 18 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

County cable subscribers should also tune in to CTV's award-winning newscast, CTV News, which airs weekdays live at 5:30 p.m. and repeats at 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. on Channel 15*. The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) recently announced CTV's newscast and its public affairs program, "Cross Talk," as finalists in its 1997 programming competition. According to NATOA officials, the competition attracted 584 entries from over 95 jurisdictions.

In addition to the Telly and NATOA awards, CTV learned that it is the recipient of the Alliance for Community Media 1997 Community Service Merit Award. The award recognizes commendable service in supporting and expanding community access to electronic media. CTV was sited for excellence in the services it offers to the community such as its bulletin board scrolls, community event coverage, training, public access operations and variety of programming. CTV Executive Director Sherry Byrne said, "CTV is known as the media hub of information for the county. Despite funding cuts, we have and will continue to strive to maintain our high quality and level of services that community residents have come to rely on."

# # #

March 25, 1997

CTV Channel 15 earns recognition from National Academy of Cable Programming

Largo -- A Different Look, a program produced at Community Television of Prince George's (CTV), was nominated to receive a Local CableACE Award in the "Single Program: Talk Show" category. A Different Look is produced and hosted by CTV Reporter/Co-Anchor Stacey Cohan. The nominated episode is a touching profile of a young boy with a rare disease. The program aired on CTV - Channel 15 last summer and received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from viewers.

"To be nominated for a CableACE Award is an extraordinary honor for CTV," said Executive Director Sherry Byrne. "Although the award was given to Cox Communications in Phoenix, Arizona, CTV is extremely proud to have been named as a finalist in this prestigious competition."

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