Watertown Cable Access Celebrates 20 Years, Warns Declining Cable Revenue Threatens Community Coverage

WATERTOWN – Watertown Cable Access marked its 20th anniversary on December 4 with an event that combined a celebration of local community media with a fundraiser aimed at supporting the station’s long-term future. Organizers said the station is facing financial pressure as cable subscriptions continue to decline, reducing revenue that helps fund local programming and operations.

The anniversary event drew city officials, municipal employees, residents, and supporters, who toured the station’s studios and equipment and viewed displays of archival footage dating back to the 1980s. Guests also met staff members, longtime public-access contributors, and board members who help sustain the organization’s work in Watertown.

Fundraising activities included donations, raffle ticket sales, and a silent auction. The evening also featured a community meet-and-greet with members of the Boston Gold Kings hockey team.

The night concluded with the first-ever Watertown Trivia Showdown, a city-themed competition featuring City Council President Mark Sideris, local artist Archy LaSalle, Watertown Community Foundation Executive Director Tia Tilson, and board member David Stokes. Sideris won the inaugural Cable Cup as organizers reported they had reached roughly 12 percent of their fundraising goal and would continue accepting contributions.

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