Simsbury Community Media asks residents to donate as subscription revenue falls

Simsbury Community Media (SCM) appealed to viewers for donations on Tuesday, saying the nonprofit that broadcasts local events and school programming has seen subscription revenue decline as more households cut traditional cable and move to internet-only services.

An unidentified SCM speaker said the organization has been "the voice of our town" for more than 40 years and emphasized its role in bringing the community together through local programming, education and live broadcasts. "Our funding structure is based on television subscriptions," a speaker said. "And it's no secret people have been cutting the cord."

Speakers told viewers that despite making programming available online, reduced subscription income has decreased SCM's revenue and that donations will help keep the nonprofit operating, supporting local school events, government meetings and community milestones such as high school graduations.

The segment asked viewers to visit SCM's website or scan an on-screen QR code to make a donation. One speaker described how SCM helped them "hone creative skills" and work toward a college degree and said SCM plays a role in preserving local history. The appeal did not specify fundraising targets, current budget shortfalls, or whether the organization has applied for alternative funding streams; those details were not specified in the segment.

Speakers closed by thanking viewers for their support and repeating SCM's tagline about bringing together town, schools and government.