AOTV, WVAO mark anniversaries with live show

ATHOL- On Sunday, Aug. 17, Athol Orange Community Television (AOTV) and its sister radio station, WVAO 105.9 FM, marked milestone anniversaries with an open house celebration.

AOTV commemorated 30 years on the air, while WVAO marked 10 years. The afternoon featured refreshments, live programming streamed on AOTV, and a video presentation on the two stations’ history.

Guests were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the control room and watched a live production in action. Visitors could create their own radio ID, learn how to dub VHS tapes and DVDs, or record a video message.

Inside the studio, AOTV Board of Directors President Bonnie Benjamin conducted live interviews with past and present staff, volunteers and board members, reflecting on memorable moments and their journeys at the station.

Shane Brown, who worked at AOTV for nearly 10 years, highlighted some of his most memorable projects.

“War of the Worlds in 2017 was a lot of fun,” he said. “We rewrote the script for Massachusetts and eventually performed it live.”

Brown also recalled the award-winning show “A Christmas Carol,” featuring a chorus and elaborate sound effects.

“The talent, everyone, was just phenomenal,” he added. “I’ve worked at quite a few studios, and this is one of the biggest and best facilities.”

Radio hosts Michael Young and Jamie J shared their experiences as well. Young, whose meditation show airs multiple times a week, began as a producer and praised the patience of staff as he learned the technical skills needed. Jamie, who hosts a rock music show, described the supportive environment.

“The talent, everyone, was just phenomenal. I’ve worked at quite a few studios, and this is one of the biggest and best facilities.”

Shane Brown

“Everybody here is beautiful, many great mentors that have taught me so much,” Jamie said.

Benjamin reflected on her 20-year journey at AOTV, from her first role as the ‘parking elf’ to becoming president just a year later.

“The staff here makes visions happen,” she said. “Carol’s culture as executive director ensures everyone can be included. No matter your age or talent, there’s a place for you.”

After the live interviews, AOTV aired a video documenting the station’s 30-year history, from its beginnings in 1993, when local residents collaborated with Time Warner Cable to bring public access to Athol and Orange, to its first live broadcast in March 1995.

According to the video, the station grew quickly, building a new studio in 1996, launching its first auction fundraiser that same year, and later creating the annual Food-a-Thon, which has raised more than $600,000 to fight food insecurity. In 2015, AOTV integrated WVAO 105.9 FM and during the COVID-19 pandemic, they adapted to produce virtual graduations, auctions and parades.

Executive Director Carol Courville, who has been with AOTV since its founding and managed the station alone for its first five years, was praised throughout the celebration for her leadership and drive.

State Rep. Susannah Whipps, I-Athol, presented Courville with a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for “30 years of quality programming, access to local government and community involvement.”

“There is so much that AOTV offers, and it’s an incredible staple,” Whipps said. Community members also paid tribute to Courville’s impact on the station’s success.

“It’s her intelligence, creativity, and her heart that has guided everything that’s happened here in the last 30 years,” said Mitch Grosky, a member of the Athol Selectboard.

Courville thanked everyone for coming and for supporting the station over the years. Staff and volunteers gathered at the podium to show their appreciation, surprising her with flowers and small gifts.

“Thank you to our staff,” Courville said. “I heard my name a lot today, but it’s the board and staff that makes this happen.” 

To stream AOTV or learn more visit https://www.aotv13.org/.