To the Editor:

I am writing on behalf of Princeton Community TV as a former intern. Without my experiences at PCTV, I wouldn’t have made it to my current position as a producer for CBS News in the top media market of New York City.

Working at PCTV not only introduced me to what it takes to produce high-quality television programming, but also taught he how vital the service is to the growing and diverse Princeton community. I’ve met and worked with several passionate and hardworking staff members at the station. Their dedication to telling stories and producing quality content with limited resources showed me the power of how the television medium can greatly benefit the community. These members come in on their own accord and share their knowledge for the benefit of others. Cutting resources to an effort like this is antithetical to the Princeton I know.

As a graduate from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University, I learned how important it is to keep diverse voices on the air, especially in a time where media companies and towns are looking to cut corners to save money. While this might seem like a possible benefit now, I can assure you, silencing voices and limiting this mighty group’s capabilities will end up hurting the community in the long run. Princeton is a town that values education and new ideas. This is exactly what viewers gain when consuming PCTV content.

PCTV gave me an internship opportunity when I didn’t have any prior experience. In turn, what I received was an unquantifiable experience that launched my career in journalism. It’s time the Princeton Council invests in and supports PCTV the same way the station invests in this rich and respected community.

Thank you for the support. I hope you will visit PCTV and discover for yourself the benefits it provides to a countless numbers of Princeton community members.

Stephen Konowitz
Perrine Path, Princeton Junction

Editor’s Note: While we’ve been unable to run all the letters we’ve received on this subject and although the municipality’s decision appears to be unequivocal, we have continued to run a limited number as testimonials to what has been a valuable community resource.