WCTE gearing up for its 43rd annual Great TV Auction to raise operational funds that support early childhood literacy programs and other programming.
President and CEO Avery Hutchins said the fundraiser has evolved from an in-person event to an online auction and television showcase to reach a broader audience through changing technology. Hutchins said the money raised directly supports the station’s ability to provide local storytelling and family engagement.
“It raises money for the station to be able to operate and provide the services like the local storytelling, the cultural you know capturing the cultural storytelling, being able to work with young children, getting them school ready,” Hutchins said. “And also public safety is a big thing.”
Hutchins said the station serves as a primary television source of emergency information for residents in rural or isolated areas who rely on over-the-air broadcasts. Hutchins said WCTE transmits essential alerts regarding weather, fires, and AMBER alerts to ensure public awareness during emergencies.
“If you live in a rural part of Tennessee you are in a rural part of the Upper Cumberland, all children don’t have Pre-K access and it’s critically important that when those children begin kindergarten that they’re school ready,” Hutchins said. “And sometimes the only learning that they will receive prior to entering kindergarten is the fact that they get the Sesame Street and the PBS kids content which is all you know trusted programming that children can learn from.”
Bidding open Saturday. Hutchins said the auction features more than 600 items donated from across the 14-county region, ranging from international trips to local services.
Hutchins said the station provides four distinct channels, including a 24/7 PBS kids channel, which are available for free to anyone with an antenna. Hutchins said this free access is vital for community equity because it ensures that residents who cannot afford internet or fiber services still have access to educational resources and news.
Hutchins said the event has maintained its longevity because of the deep investment from community members who volunteer, donate, and bid to ensure the station’s long-term stability.
“It’s a way for the for all 14 counties to really see their part in helping WCTE you know stay healthy maintain the services that it provides and they can do that when we all come together with the donations that we have collected,” Hutchins said.
With the auction going on 43 years since its inception, Hutchins said the event has become a “beloved tradition” and a community staple event.
“There’s only 150 PBS stations across the whole country and it’s unique that a small area like like the Upper Cumberland would have its very own local television station,” Hutchins said. “We bring voice to our community through the local storytelling, through family engagement and the workshops that we do with boots on the ground.”
From local shows like Wish You Were Here and Waterfalls For All to live productions like Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s music festival and the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, Hutchins said WCTE strives to provide local content to the UC.
“We live in a great community and, you know, we all make up this community and I think that’s what makes it so wonderful and such a great place to live,” Hutchins said.