Simsbury Community Media urges donations as cable subscription revenue falls

Representatives of Simsbury Community Media (SCM) appealed to the community for financial support during the Simsbury Center event, saying the station's funding model based on television subscriptions has been eroded by viewers shifting to internet‑only services.

"We need your support," SCM presenters said repeatedly during a recorded appeal, stressing that subscription declines have reduced the station's revenue even though programming remains freely available online. Presenters said donations would help SCM continue live local programming, preserve recordings of town meetings and support educational offerings for students.

An SCM presenter described the station as "the voice of our town," and urged donations via a QR code shown on screen or through the SCM website. The appeal emphasized SCM's role in broadcasting local government meetings and community events and asked listeners to contribute to ensure the station can continue serving schools, local organizations and civic life.

SCM did not provide specific budget figures or exact targets for the fundraising drive during the presentation; presenters instead focused on the general decline in subscription revenue tied to the move away from cable packages and on the value of local programming. The appeal closed with a request that listeners visit SCM’s website or scan the on‑screen QR code to donate.