Neepawa keeps its ‘access to the airwaves’

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Published on Thursday, November 3, 2016

Photo by Eoin Devereux. The camera rolled at the Neepawa Library on Tuesday, Nov. 1, as local residents gathered for Neepawa Access Television’s (NACTV) annual general meeting.  

NACTV holds annual general meeting

By Banner Staff

Neepawa Banner

Massive changes have been made at Neepawa Access Television (NACTV). Just under 30 people attended the non-profit organization’s annual general meeting at the Neepawa Library on Tuesday, Nov. 1. Perhaps some of them were simply there hoping to see fireworks similar to those that occurred during the 2015 AGM, when the board chair was ousted during what turned into a very combustable get-together. While there were no such theatrics this year, that doesn’t mean that there were not some dramatic decisions made on the future of the station.

NACTV’s financials were presented at the AGM.  It was a tough year for the station, as it registered a $12,430 loss on operations.  The loss was driven by both lower than budgeted income, including donations, as well as higher expenses.

As well during the meeting, outgoing CEO and general manager Ivan Traill announced that the NACTV board of directors had entered into a management agreement with the Neepawa Banner. This agreement was needed due to Traill’s recent decision to step down from his position as board chair and CEO. 

Traill noted that there had been three interested parties who had recently come forward, looking to step into the managerial position. He said the board felt that the Banner provided the best long term plan to keep the station operational, while also keeping it local.

“Basically, this keeps the station running. There were concerns that we’d have to shut it down, but this will keep the doors open,” noted Traill.

During the meeting, Traill also spotlighted that with this deal, the Banner does not own NACTV. He stressed that it is still a not-for-profit organization operated by a volunteer board and that the agreement will focus on the day-to-day operations. Existing staff, including office manager Jackie Snider, will remain with the station. Board member Don Walmsley added that the station’s mandate won’t change, but that the new management will look after businesses operations, including advertising.

The contract is for three years and can be ended either by mutual agreement or with 90 days notice.  The Banner will be paid $500 per month and retain 20 per cent of any profit realized by the station.  Traill noted that this will be a savings to the station, as they were paying about $1,400 per month to outside contractors for editing and technical work. 

Traill said that the board’s decision was unanimous and they felt that the Banner’s proposal had the best chance of success.

“For the board, the priority was keeping the station operating and making use of its license. If we lose [the license], it’s gone… We won’t get it back,” said Traill.  He added that a decade ago, there were 109 community access stations, that number has now fallen to seven, of which Neepawa is the smallest community.

Photo by Diane Ruzycki. The new board members for NACTV (left to right) Pauline Zygadlo, Alvin Borchardt, Jean Borchardt, Dave Bennet, Myra Bennet, Jodie Byram, Don Walmsley and Richard Knechtel. 

In his comments to the assembled group during the meeting, Neepawa Banner owner and publisher Ken Waddell explained that it would be the Banner and not him personally, taking on the task. He added that no big changes are planned for the near future, saying, “We don’t want to rock too many boats,” but added that the station shows “tremendous potential.” He also outlined a plan to stay in better contact with volunteers and supporters, including sending out weekly or bi-weekly updates.

Traill has been with the station since it first opened in 1977 and the inaugural meeting was in his living room. He noted that things have changed a lot since then and that the new management could be the best option for moving the station forward with the times.

“For me, it’s time to step down. Technology has continued to advance. The station could be run far more efficiently than what I can do at this time. I’m not into that [advanced technology]. I’m hoping that [the management group with the Banner] will keep the good stuff. The programs that have proven to be favourites for viewers. But, the technical part of it and how the programs are made and stuff like that can change immensely.”

Near the end of the meeting, board member Jean Borchardt thanked both Ivan, and his wife Pat, for their tireless work for the station. “We can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done,” she said. 

Photo by Diane Ruzycki. NACTV’s outgoing CEO and general manager Ivan Traill.

Traill will remain on board with the station until the Rotary TV Auction on Wednesday, Nov. 9, then will step back into an advisory role. As Traill closed out the AGM, he offered these parting words, “Just keep the damn thing alive, we need to keep a station where people have access to the airwaves.”