NCTV Volunteer Spotlight

NCTV – Where Community Involvement Takes Center Stage!

This is the first in a series of volunteer spotlights. Subjects will rotate periodically to showcase a variety of contributors.

Meet NCTV Volunteer Jim Klusek

Early Beginnings at NCTV

Jim has always called Newington “home.” Born and raised in town, he became deeply involved in the Audio/Visual Department while he attended Newington High School (shout out to Mr. Gordes!) His journey into the world of A/V continued after high school when he joined NCTV in the mid 1990’s. 

The Parallels Between Theater and NCTV

He has always been interested in theater and he points out the many parallels between it and NCTV. “I’ve always been fascinated by the technical side of theater.  I loved it so much, I earned a degree in it! Theater has a place for everyone-the extroverts shine on stage and the introverts make it all possible behind the scenes.  You need both.  It’s the same thing at NCTV.  Some people are comfortable in front of the camera interviewing someone or interacting with a co-host, and others are more interested in operating a camera, directing the show, or spending time on a computer editing and creating the finished product”, he explained.

Key Highlights of Jim’s Volunteer Career

Since joining NCTV, some of the highlights of his volunteer career include a key role in the restoration of a used ambulance that was turned into a mobile production truck. “It was a lot of work, but it was also very satisfying”, he said. Another highlight for him was working on the two ‘Newington’s Got Talent’ shows that NCTV did that raised money for the town Social Services Department. His favorite event is the annual Memorial Day parade. “I enjoy the set-up, production, and strike.  Being on location and not in the studio is more work, but it’s also more fun!,” Jim said.

The Rewards of Volunteering at NCTV

He also likes the perks that volunteering for an organization that deals with all aspects of the community provides. “I’ve met some very interesting people while at NCTV.  The person who first introduced me to NCTV was a neighbor (Claire Lear Brown), who was Norman Lear’s sister.  I’ve met local business people such as lawyers, accountants, and people I’ve known from high school.  It’s been a great way to network”, he said. “You’ll not only meet local officials, but some of our fellow volunteers are also involved in the broadcasting industry.  You just might see one of them on other TV networks or hear them on the radio! 

Encouraging Student Involvement

A firm believer in involving students, Jim envisions NCTV expanding its volunteer base to nurture young talent. “I feel it’s important for local high school and college students to become involved in NCTV.  We are based in the Town Hall, where you will meet and work with the local elected officials from time to time.  It’s important to know who runs your town and what the local issues are,” he said 

Jim fully understands the value of volunteers and enjoys giving back to the community. In addition to his work with NCTV, he has also volunteered for the Newington Emergency Medical Service, the Red Cross and various theater groups. What keeps him coming back to NCTV? The free cookies at the meetings, he says with a laugh.   

Embracing Change and Innovation

Jim takes pride in NCTV’s ability to respond to changing times. “The way people receive content has changed drastically..back when I started with NCTV, the only way to see our shows over cable TV.  Now many are streaming online.  We have evolved over the years and we continue to update equipment and the ways we distribute our content”, he said.

Looking Towards the Future

Jim has been thinking about future shows, the future of NCTV and what he would like to do next. “ I would like to do a show where we would travel to interesting places around town or nearby towns and highlight interesting places to visit and things to see that are less known, maybe have it hosted by local middle and/or high school students.  This would be a great way to get students interested in video production and become more involved in NCTV and the local community.” He added, “I hope that community TV continues well into the future.  Unlike social media where much material is misleading, false, and may even be generated from some not-human AI bot, community TV is local information and entertainment produced by real local residents.  We need to keep that going as a source that can be trusted”, he stated.

Joining NCTV: A Call to Action

Thinking about joining NCTV? Take the leap in 2025! Jim says: “Come join us!  Get involved!  Show up to a meeting!  Bring cookies!”