So Q-TV has been saved. Let’s use this opportunity—now that people are talking about Delta’s public broadcasting station—to think about the future. When the Tri-Cities came out to support Q-TV there was a conspicuous lack of people below the age of 40. If local television and public broadcasting is going to survive, it’s going to need the support of young people.
“Downton Abbey” won’t last forever, and looking at the station’s current demographics doesn’t bode well for its future. The station is in desperate need of fresh blood. When was the last time a millennial appeared on Q-TV? “Currently Speaking” is great and “Dateline Delta” is a must watch for all fans of the college. But frankly, these programs aren’t appealing to most young viewers.
How is Q-TV supposed to stay relevant in the age of Twitter and YouTube? By thinking outside the box, and embracing experimental ideas that utilize the advantages that public broadcasting offers. There’s an entire population of students of all ages here at Delta, and the station will have to reach out to that diverse group to find out what the Tri-Cities wants.
If Q-TV is going to continue, they are going to have to grow. And of course, this starts with building a new audience. The station’s audience is older, and as a result has to appeal to those people in order to receive pledges. That strategy might work now, but in the long term the station is doomed to a slow death if it doesn’t attract people from a younger generation.
There’s no reason Q-TV can’t embrace talent in the Tri-Cities. There’s a variety of local bands, not to mention theatres, that would love the exposure of a television showcase. People like music and plays, especially when their friends are the ones performing. These are acts with a built-in audience that appeal to young and old alike.
Our community came out in support of Q-TV, and now it’s time for them to return the favor. For some reason, the station doesn’t like to include local businesses. Why? It’s public broadcasting—the station doesn’t need to worry about advertisements—highlighting local businesses will not only attract viewers, but will also foster a feeling of community that Q-TV desperately lacks.
Public broadcasting requires public participation. By reaching out to the local area, Q-TV can improve its standing in the region. There are passionate young people who genuinely love PBS and its mission. It’s up to Q-TV to use that passion to build a brand that can stand the test of time.
Yes, fewer and fewer people are watching cable television, let alone local broadcasting. But, that’s what’s great about PBS: the station doesn’t need record breaking numbers to air. As long as it maintains a solid base of supporters, Q-TV will survive. At least with community-based, quality television, Delta’s public broadcasting provider can proudly say that audiences are missing out.
If Q-TV is going to survive in the 21st century, they’re going to at least have to pretend to embrace the technology of the day. Social media is a useful tool for broadcasters to build an audience and foster a feeling of dialogue with viewers. Does the station have anyone in charge of social media? The interactivity of Facebook and Twitter could help Q-TV build its popularity with young people who have never experienced PBS and local television.
Change is never easy. People get comfortable and they fall into ruts. But, change is inevitable. These are the conversations that Q-TV needs to have. If the station genuinely wants to act as a public broadcaster, then it’s going to have to reach out to the people of the community: young and old, black and white.
The board has given Q-TV a new lease on life—good for them. But, if the station is going to last another 50 years. It’s going to need more than just the support of a few board members and outspoken faculty. It needs the community.