Host Your Own TV Program
Community media is created by you! If you, your organization, community group, or company are interested in using the Berks Community Television platform to spread your message and tell your story – we want to meet you!
BCTV programming broadcasts on our local cable channels and streams 24/7 on bctv.org and YouTube. Programs are also uploaded to the BCTV YouTube channel for convenient on-demand viewing and sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. BCTV features a wide variety of community produced programming. Programs on BCTV should be produced and/or hosted by Berks County citizens and/or be germane to Berks County communities. Programs may not include any political campaigning, commercial advertising, obscene content, or religious proselytizing.
A. BCTV offers a fully operational television studio and staff for producers to book and take advantage of – including multiple cameras, microphones, green screen capabilities, and more. If equipped to do so, producers can also create their own programming outside of our studio and submit it to BCTV for platforming.
A. TV programs and podcasts share similar production processes and platforming options, but differ in key ways. Podcasts are audio-focused, using visible tabletop mics and headsets, even if video is included. In contrast, TV programs emphasize visuals—using hidden clip-on mics and offering additional opportunities such as green screens and the inclusion of visual aids like images and video clips.
A. There are two types of TV programs currently offered by BCTV – regularly scheduled and one-time specials. One-time specials are single programs that only require one taping session and are not episodic. Regularly scheduled programs are episodic and require the producer to meet a consistent production schedule which they can choose while proposing their program (quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly).
A. Typical BCTV programs are up to 28 minutes in length, and we will give you time cues in studio to keep you on track. If you are interested in producing shorter length episodes, series, clips, or you have other ideas please talk to us! We love to brainstorm.
A. Our Programming Director will provide you with the airtimes and dates for your program as well as viewing and channel information, and we will promote the program in our newsletter and provide you with a link to the video to make sharing easy. If the information you are sharing is time sensitive, please let us know in advance.
A. Programs created in our studio are recorded in one ‘take’ as though they are airing live. We typically do not offer post-production services for episodes, but we strive to make sure you have everything you need to be successful when you are recording with us. We will tell you exactly what to expect during your taping, where to look, etc. Just be yourself!
A. As a community media organization, we want to ensure that cost is never a barrier to having a program with us. For this reason, there is no “fee” associated with producing a program. We do encourage those participating with us to become donors to BCTV. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on contributions from supporters like you to help to defray our costs and keep us thriving in service to our community. We suggest a $75 donation per studio taping and offer program underwriting sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations that want to support BCTV programming. Learn more about underwriting sponsorship here.
A. The BCTV studio is located in beautiful downtown Reading at 401 Penn Street, Reading, PA inside the Alvernia University John R. Post Center, CollegeTowne campus. Enter CollegeTowne at the building’s main entrance on Penn Street, sign in at the front desk, and BCTV is located on the first floor in Suite 162.
A. Guests of BCTV may park in the Chiarelli Garage (69 N. 3rd Street, Reading). We can validate your parking for this garage only. Please know your vehicle’s license plate number so that BCTV staff can assist you with validation. Paid parking is also available at meters, other garages, and on the street locally at your own expense. Parking locations, meter times, and pricing can be found at www.readingparking.com.
A. If you need assistance or additional information about programming at BCTV, please contact our Programming Director, John Furdyna.
Getting Started
So you’ve got an idea for a program on BCTV and you’re ready to start production. Great! The first step is to propose your program by clicking the button below. Once submitted, your program proposal will be received by our Programming Director and reviewed internally by a volunteer committee. Once your request has been reviewed, you will be contacted with any further questions and to schedule the necessary dates and times for production.
