02
Areas of Impact
A Year of Unprecedented Media Impact
and Community Engagement
In 2023, CAN TV not only celebrated its 40th anniversary but also marked the year with significant achievements in media relations, streaming viewership, and community service. With a record-breaking number of live streams, expanded member services, and technological advancements, CAN TV continues to lead the way in community television.
Celebrating 40 Years of Impact
A Year-Long Celebration Marking Four Decades of Community Television
2023 marked a milestone year for CAN TV, as it celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a grand gala that brought together the community, supporters, and leaders in media. The gala, more than just a celebration, was a testament to CAN TV’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping community broadcasting in Chicago. The event was a resounding success, drawing 225 guests and raising $150,000, including a significant $30,000 from a live paddle raise. This remarkable achievement underscores the deep-rooted support and commitment of the community to CAN TV’s mission.
0
Guests
$0
Paddle Raise
$0
Raised In Total
To add to the festivities, the gala was not just a night of remembrance and appreciation but also an opportunity to look forward. The event was filmed for a special one-hour cablecast, aired on December 20th, 2023, allowing the broader community to partake in the celebrations. This special broadcast served as a highlight of CAN TV's programming for the year, bringing the joy and energy of the gala to viewers at home and further solidifying the organization's place in the hearts and minds of its audience.
The 40th Anniversary Gala was more than a celebration; it was a reflection of CAN TV's journey, achievements, and the unwavering support of its community. As CAN TV continues to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing media landscape, the gala stands as a symbol of its resilience, commitment, and the collective effort of all those who have contributed to its success over the past 40 years.
Media Relations Milestones
Expansive Coverage
CAN TV's media relations efforts reached new heights in 2023 with 28 pieces of coverage, influencing an audience of over 58.7 million online readers, 400,000 in print circulation, and 4,800 in radio listenership.
Streaming Success
CAN TV Breaks New Ground with 34.4 Million Live Streams
In a remarkable year of digital transformation, CAN TV shattered records by crossing an astounding 34.4 million live streams, both locally and globally. This impressive achievement is a testament to the organization's strategic focus on streaming, leveraging platforms like CAN TV's website, social media channels including Facebook and YouTube, and the innovative can tv+ app. The move to digital has expanded CAN TV's reach and connected with previously untapped markets and audiences.
Central to this streaming triumph is CAN TV’s dynamic and engaging original programming, documentaries, and special content. These offerings have resonated powerfully with viewers, evidenced by impressive viewership numbers. The monthly streaming average soared to a remarkable 2.5 million, showcasing the consistent and growing interest in CAN TV's content.
Highlighting this success, the December premiere of 'SOL Collective: The Storytellers' captivated audiences with 53,000 live streams, while the August premiere of 'Brother Talking' drew an impressive 36,000 streams. The live premiere of the 'Elma & Company' anniversary show in August also made a significant impact with more than 20,000 live streams. These numbers reflect not just viewership but also the deep connection CAN TV has fostered with its audience through relevant and compelling storytelling.
Moreover, CAN TV’s digital presence has seen remarkable growth, with its YouTube page crossing the 12,000 subscriber mark in 2023, growing by 2,200 since August 2022. This growth is a clear indicator of CAN TV’s expanding influence and its ability to engage with a diverse and global audience through its digital platforms.
CAN TV's strategic emphasis on streaming and digital content distribution has opened new frontiers, allowing it to reach audiences far beyond its traditional local base. As CAN TV continues to innovate and adapt, it stands as a beacon of community television, embracing the digital era and connecting with viewers across the globe.
Nonprofit Services
Record Number of Live Hotline Shows and Significant Membership Growth
2023 was a year of growth for CAN TV’s Nonprofit Services, hosting the most live hotline shows since the pandemic with 271 programs. The year also witnessed a substantial increase in membership, with 15 new members joining, reflecting the growing trust and reliance of nonprofits on CAN TV’s platform.
Program Services
Adapting to Change, Expanding Horizons
CAN TV's program services experienced a transformative year in 2023, marked by adaptability and growth amidst industry shifts. A significant development was the closure of facilities and channels by Comcast for PEGs (Public Educational Governmental) in suburban areas, notably the North Area Public Access and South Area Public Access. This unexpected turn of events led to a strategic opportunity for CAN TV to welcome new talents and voices to its platform.
Two notable additions to the CAN TV family were the Governors State University Student News program, GSUTV, and producer John Honner with his new series, Czech American TV. These new submitters not only brought fresh perspectives and diverse content to the network but also highlighted CAN TV's role as a vital platform for community voices impacted by the broader industry changes.
In total, 2023 saw a remarkable influx of 28 new submitters, doubling the number from 14 in both 2022 and 2021. This surge reflects CAN TV's growing influence and its appeal as a haven for creators and producers seeking a supportive and wide-reaching broadcasting platform.
Further expanding its community engagement, CAN TV proudly served as a Media Sponsor for the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, a celebrated city-wide event. This partnership showcased CAN TV's commitment to community events and its ability to bring such large-scale, festive occasions to a broader audience. CAN TV27 replayed the parade during Thanksgiving weekend, allowing viewers to relive the excitement and joy of this beloved tradition.
CAN TV’s strategic response to industry challenges and its active role in celebrating local culture underscore the network's ongoing commitment to being a dynamic, responsive, and inclusive platform. These developments not only strengthen CAN TV’s community ties but also position it as a leading force in community broadcasting, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the evolving media landscape.
Engineering Mastery
Comprehensive Revitalization of Studio A Marks a New Era in Broadcasting Quality
In 2023, CAN TV's engineering prowess was on full display with the complete refurbishment of Studio A, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to technological excellence. The studio was outfitted with state-of-the-art cameras, cutting-edge audio production equipment, and the latest TriCaster switching technology. This overhaul was not just an upgrade but a transformation, ensuring that every production in Studio A would be of the highest possible quality, meeting and exceeding industry standards.
The engineering feats of CAN TV extended beyond just upgrades. Faced with a challenging Comcast outage that disrupted traditional broadcasting, the engineering team demonstrated remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Collaborating closely with Comcast, they developed a temporary solution to restore CAN TV's presence in the cable lineup. This period of adversity also paved the way for a more permanent pathway to normalcy, with the introduction of new and advanced equipment.
During this transitional phase, CAN TV leveraged its robust streaming capabilities to bridge the gap caused by supply chain issues affecting the delivery, installation, and configuration of new equipment. This period, spanning over six months, showcased the agility and resourcefulness of CAN TV in ensuring uninterrupted service and content delivery to its audience. By turning a challenge into an opportunity, CAN TV not only maintained its operations but also strengthened its technological backbone.
The refurbishment of Studio A, coupled with the proactive response to the Comcast outage, represents CAN TV's unwavering dedication to delivering top-notch production quality and reliability. These developments not only reinforce CAN TV's position as a leader in community broadcasting but also affirm its readiness to embrace future advancements in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Revolutionizing Production
Full-Time Staff and Cutting-Edge Technology Transform Production Services
2023 marked a pivotal year for CAN TV's Production Services, characterized by strategic shifts and technological advancements. The transition to a fully full-time staff heralded a new era of professionalism, enhancing the quality and consistency of CAN TV's productions.
This year's technological transformation was nothing short of impressive. Studio A was rejuvenated with the latest cameras, shaders, TriCaster, and a new audio board. The upgrades extended to new editing suites and software, significantly elevating CAN TV's production capabilities.
Responding to community feedback, CAN TV adjusted its Original Programs schedule and increased Studio A's public access, now open every Saturday. This change not only enhanced accessibility but also reflected CAN TV's commitment to community engagement.
Addressing practical needs, CAN TV resolved the microphone shortage for field productions and revamped the Studio A set storage, optimizing space and resources. Furthermore, simplifying access, Production Services introduced email reservations and relaxed editing time restrictions, empowering producers with more flexibility and control.
In 2023, CAN TV's Production Services redefined itself, balancing professional excellence with community responsiveness, thereby reinforcing its position as a leader in community broadcasting.
Training Triumph
Expansive Educational Programs Foster New Talents
CAN TV's 2023 marked a remarkable achievement in educational outreach, doubling in-person student participation from 120 to 238. This growth underscores CAN TV’s commitment to fostering media literacy and digital storytelling skills in the community.
The organization offered an impressive 78 classes, workshops, and orientations, a significant increase from the previous year, catering to a diverse range of interests and skill sets. The Youth Voice Digital Literacy and Storytelling Institute was a standout, engaging young adults and successfully leading to program production and employment opportunities within CAN TV.
Furthermore, CAN TV’s inclusive approach was highlighted through specialized workshops for Special Olympic athletes. These workshops not only equipped participants with field production and editing skills but also actively involved them in covering significant events like the Special Olympics 2023 Spring Games and Gala.
2023 was a pivotal year for CAN TV's training programs, marked by remarkable growth and a deepened impact on nurturing local talent and empowering community voices through education.
0
Classes
0
Students
The CPS-CAN TV Collaboration
Full-Time Staff and Cutting-Edge Technology Transform Production Services
CAN TV's innovative partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set a new standard for media education and community collaboration. Involving 30 CPS schools, this initiative has impacted over 2,000 students and staff, offering them a unique platform to gain Community Producer status. Through this partnership, students and staff received hands-on training in program creation and submission, equipping them with real-world broadcasting skills and nurturing a new generation of media creators.
Week of Giving
A Festive Celebration of Community and Philanthropy
In 2023, we launched the 'Week of Giving,' CAN TV's first year-end giving campaign, which epitomized the spirit of community and philanthropy. Airing from December 18th to 23rd across channels 19, 21, 27, 36, and 42, this campaign featured a rich tapestry of stakeholder testimonials, woven into CAN TV Original Programs and Specials. The programming included impactful shows like 'The Marginalized: Working While Black', 'Brother Talking', and a special retrospective on CAN TV's 40-year journey. These programs not only highlighted social issues but also celebrated the milestones of community television, resonating deeply with the audience. Accompanied by an E-Appeal distributed to all stakeholders and amplified on social media, the Week of Giving successfully blended storytelling, community engagement, and support for CAN TV’s mission.
