Simsbury Community Media asks audience to help replace lost subscription revenue

Representatives of Simsbury Community Media (SCM) closed a community history program at the Simsbury Free Library with a short fundraising appeal, saying subscription declines have reduced the nonprofit's revenue and that donations will help maintain local programming and archives.

"SCM isn't just here to broadcast local events. They're actually preserving Simsbury's history," one SCM speaker said, urging contributions. Multiple SCM voices asked attendees to scan a QR code or visit the SCM website to donate, noting that programming remains freely available online even as subscription revenue falls.

Speakers characterized the shift from traditional television subscriptions to online-only viewing as a challenge for SCM's funding model. "Our funding structure is based on television subscriptions. It's no secret people have been cutting the cord," a representative said, explaining the rationale for the appeal.

Attendees were invited to support SCM so it can continue to broadcast government meetings, local school events and cultural programming, and to preserve recordings and local history resources. The appeal concluded the evening and attendees were invited to remain for informal conversation with presenters.