Since 1987, WCTV (Wilmington Community Television) has been a vital part of Wilmington. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’ve connected, informed, and uplifted our community for nearly 40 years.

Over the last three years, WCTV has reinvented itself to thrive in the digital age—and today, we are more essential than ever.

The Biggest Marketer for Wilmington

WCTV is Wilmington’s largest marketing engine—for both the public schools and the town as a whole.

- Wilmington Public Schools face declining enrollment, and WCTV has stepped up. Last year, we produced 500+ videos for the schools, the equivalent of $1.2 million in marketing value through highlights, features, and social campaigns.

- For the town overall, Wilmington is working to attract new families and businesses to grow its tax base. WCTV is leading that effort. In 2024, our videos promoting Wilmington generated 5 million+ views online.

- If WCTV were a private company, our total work for Wilmington last year alone would be valued at $3.2 million.

We don’t just connect Wilmington to itself—we connect Wilmington to the outside world.

Youth: The Heart of WCTV

Our youth program is the flagship of everything we do.

- 100+ students each year gain hands-on training in videography, digital marketing, and podcasting.

- In a town with no rec center, youth center, or community center, WCTV has become that hub: a safe space where students create, collaborate, study, and build lifelong friendships.

- Past strategic plans once suggested cutting youth programming—but we’ve grown it instead, because we believe it is essential.

What We’ve Accomplished—Even With Less

Despite shrinking revenue, WCTV has never cut back. In fact, we’ve done more:

- 1,100+ videos in 2024 (historically, WCTV never produced more than 300 in-house in a single year).

- On pace for 1,200+ videos in 2025.

- Award-winning sports coverage reached 5.4 million online views, including 4 million football views.

We’ve also pushed harder than ever on fundraising:

- Generated $40,000+ in 2024 from sponsorships and paid productions (WCTV had never made more than $2,000 from sponsorships in the past).

- Projecting another $40,000+ in 2025.

But no matter how hard we push, we cannot keep pace with the collapse of cable franchise fees.

The Broken Funding Model

- WCTV is not taxpayer funded and receives no direct town support.

- Our only revenue comes from Comcast and Verizon cable sales in Wilmington.

- In the last 10 years, WCTV has lost the equivalent of 40% of its revenue once inflation is factored in.

- In the last five years alone, revenue dropped from $560,000 to $448,000.

- Meanwhile, rent and utilities have soared (utilities have tripled in 10 years), and equipment costs have skyrocketed nearly 10x. A broadcast server that cost $29,000 in 2016 now costs $59,000.

If we leaned even more heavily on sponsorships and commercial production, WCTV would start to lose the community-driven heart and soul that makes it unique.

Our Plan

We are not standing still. WCTV is actively working with the Town of Wilmington and other partners on a long-term stability plan. That includes:

- Exploring a move to a smaller or town-owned space

- Aggressive cost-saving measures

- Expanding diverse revenue streams

- Pursuing new funding opportunities

But while those long-term plans take shape, we face an immediate short-term gap.

Our Goal: $10,000

This GoFundMe aims to raise $10,000 to help us bridge the gap this year.

Your support will allow us to:

- Keep youth programs running at full strength

- Continue school, sports, government, and community coverage without cuts

- Offset rising operational costs (rent, utilities, equipment)

- Begin replacing failing infrastructure like our broadcast server

How You Can Help

- Donate if you are able.

- Share this campaign with friends, family, alumni, and local businesses.

- Spread the word: WCTV matters, and Wilmington cannot afford to lose it.

WCTV has been part of Wilmington for nearly 40 years. We’ve grown, evolved, and proven that local media can thrive in the modern age.

With your help, we can continue serving Wilmington for decades to come.

Please donate and help us reach our $10,000 goal.

Thank you for supporting youth, schools, and community.