GREENFIELD — After nearly two decades on its board of directors, Greenfield Community Television’s newest director is looking to build on the station’s role as a community resource.

Since his Jan. 16 start date, Drew Hutchison has been busy reacquainting himself with GCTV’s Main Street office as he continues bringing locally produced content — whether it’s city government meetings, musical performances or sporting events — onto residents’ TV and computer screens.

“The mission remains the same,” he said. “But it’s now more important than ever.”

Hutchison first began working with GCTV in 2001 with his music-centric program “Homegrown,” and worked on and off on different productions over the years. More recently, while still serving on the board of directors, Hutchison worked as Hadley Media’s director before taking a few years off to work in home care. He resigned from the GCTV board in December so he could take on the director role because the station’s bylaws do not allow employees to serve on the board.

“Even though I’m new, it feels like this is where I’ve been,” he said. “This is home. It feels natural to be here.”

As he takes the reins of the TV station, as well as its radio station, WMCB, 107.9 FM, Hutchison said his top priority is to further extend GCTV’s reach into the community and expand on its role as a resource. With editing software, camera equipment and professional staff available to help train folks, he said a local cable access channel can provide all sorts of services to residents and the city.

“If someone comes in with an idea, it is our job to empower them,” Hutchison said, adding that GCTV is “volunteer-driven” and people are always welcome to stop by. “We do a lot of the same things a library does. … We’re here to help the public.”

Even if your editing skills are not top-notch, GCTV can act as an educational resource for people to learn, which Hutchison described as a “win-win” for the creator and the community. And with easily accessible editing tools and cellphones making it possible for there to be a camera in every person’s pocket, “we can do less with more” in 2024.

“It was so empowering for us to make mistakes. It was mixed results, but the process engendered so many great relationships and so many great memories,” he said, adding that no production is ever perfect and GCTV can help work out the kinks. “If they film something, we can edit it. … We are a career development shop in some way.”

While he gets settled in, Hutchison said he welcomes the public to stop by the station if they have an idea or a proposal as GCTV looks to enter what he calls a period of “rebirth” with new equipment and programs.

“We’re already doing spring cleaning in a way,” he said. “We are primed for a Renaissance.”

For more information about GCTV, visit its website at gctv.org or stop by its 393 Main St. office.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or
413-930-4081.