TVS open for donations

It’s tough in Commercial TV. But it’s tougher in Community TV. Sydney’s TVS has announced the establishment of the Television Sydney Foundation.

The Foundation will seek donations from companies and individuals to support locally made programs. Donations will be used to subsidise the hiring of equipment or for training. It will also fund mentors to work with emerging producers.

“When TVS began just three years ago many predicted that the channel would struggle to find people willing to make programs,” Chief Executive Laurie Patton said. “On the contrary, every week we take calls from community groups and individuals with really great ideas but, alas, no money”.

TVS provides free airtime to not-for-profit community groups but currently it does not fund program production.

Community television continues to travel into unchartered waters, with no clarity on the transition to digital. Adding further insult, they can’t even get  considered for Logie nominations, despite being the starting point for many future stars.

“We see ourselves as a great place for people to try new ideas,” says Patton, “an incubator for new talent and innovative program formats. But until we can generate more funds we are sadly limited is what we can achieve.”

An on-air campaign will invite viewers to log on to www.tvs.tv where they will be able to donate.