November 28, 2011

Essex Community Futures Development Corporation, Essex

When a group of volunteers planned to launch a non-profit community based television station, it was their determination to broadcast the various enriching cultures, languages and customs that impressed Essex CFDC.  In partnership with the municipality of Leamington, Essex CFDC supported their CRTC licencing application.

In 2006, CFTV 34, operated by South Shore Broadcasting, went on the air.  Essex CFDC later assisted with the development of a software system to monitor their program schedule and provided capital for the purchase of equipment and connectivity infrastructure.  Using Canada’s Economic Action Plan, interns were hired, and in 2011, an engineering study was completed to help convert their analog signal to digital.  As a bilingual office, Essex CFDC also assisted with a local French series currently being televised. 

“It’s hard to believe we came this far but we know that without the help of Essex CFDC, CFTV would not be here today,” says Tony Vidal, President and CEO, CFTV 34.

Photo:  CFTV 34 mobile reporting