What exactly is DATV? What do you do?
DATV is Dracut’s designated non-profit Community Television and Media Center equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Our staff conducts workshops to volunteers on all aspects of television/video production. Staff and Volunteers produce hundreds of hours of local Dracut programming every year that goes on our three (3) Comcast cable television channels: Public (ch. 8), Education (ch. 22), and Government (ch. 99). We also live stream our 3 channels on our website www.dracuttv.org as well as make much of this programming available via video-on-demand.
How do I get involved?
Whether you want to become a volunteer to just help out at productions or become a DATV member we’d love to chat! DATV Membership does have its privileges and is the key to getting the full benefits that we offer including unlimited training on our various technologies. Once certified DATV Members can book studio time and or check out field equipment and your programming will then receive channel time at DATV. It also gives you a vote at our annual meeting. Membership is open to anyone that lives or works in the town of Dracut, MA. Annual Membership Fees: Individual = $10, Family = $20, Organization = $30. Once you become a member you can sign up for training classes and have access to all of DATV’s equipment and resources.
How do I produce my own TV Show?
It’s easy! You simply need to become a member and then sign up for our 2-session Beginner’s Production Workshop. Once you have completed these sessions, staff will guide you through all the steps needed to turn your vision into a reality as programming on our channels!
How can I get a message on your Electronic Bulletin Board?
DATV will only post messages from non-profit, community organizations or businesses supporting a non-profit event. Ideally, you provide us with a JPEG image that is in the landscape (16:9) orientation. You can e-mail the JPEG file or ask any related questions to Nate at [email protected]
Can I get my old VHS tapes transferred to DVD or to a digital file at DATV?
Yes! We can transfer your VHS tapes and some other videotape formats to a DVD or to a thumb drive. Give us a call to discuss what you need to have transferred.
If I use DATV equipment to create content does it have to be shown on any of your channels? Can I use DATV equipment for personal use?
Use of DATV resources must result in a programming that goes on at least one of our 3 PEG channels. Our resources cannot be used simply for private/personal use unless you enter into a rental agreement.
I see you cover a lot of sports. Can I volunteer to come and run a camera and help out?
Yes! We love Volunteers and welcome anybody who would like to be involved with sports or any other kind of production. We’ll provide the training!
Can I take DATV equipment out to record a town event?
Yes! DATV members who have successfully completed a certification course may check out equipment to cover an event that results in a program that is cablecast on one of our 3 channels
Do you accept interns or provide community service opportunities for Dracut residents?
Yes, we do accept interns and provide community service opportunities for Dracut residents and High School students. Interns do not necessarily need to be from Dracut. The DATV Internship program is unpaid. Please reach out to Ron Zimmerman at [email protected] for more info.
How can my children be involved with DATV?
Every summer and during school vacation weeks, DATV offers a TV Camp for Kids for ages 10-13. These are week long, two hour sessions, that offer kids the opportunity to learn the basics of video production and create their own short programs which will air on DATV.
If there is an event I need covered, will DATV send someone to capture it?
We always encourage residents of Dracut to become involved as a member so they can learn how to tape events they may be interested in. However, we understand that folks have busy schedules and lives, so we will do our best to find a volunteer to cover the event. DATV will be happy to have you as a member and provide you with training.
My friend owns a local business and I’d like to use DATV equipment to create a commercial to put on DATV channel 8 is this okay?
No! Any programming on the 3 DATV PEG channels 8, 22, and 99 must be non-commercial and cannot be designed to promote or encourage people to do business anywhere.
Where does DATV get its funding from?
As the town of Dracut’s designated public access non-profit organization we receive the vast majority of our funding through funds that the town receives from Comcast.
Can I get a copy of a show, event or meeting that I viewed on DATV?
Yes…DVD dubs of any programming produced by DATV staff or members can be purchased for $10 each.
Contact Us
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Hours of Operation
Monday: 11am-8pm
Tuesday: 11am-8pm
Wednesday: 11am-8pm
Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-1pm