ABOUT · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions?
We’ve got answers.
Watching, making, hiring, giving, or pitching in, here’s how WilliNet works.
ABOUT
About WilliNet
What is WilliNet?
WilliNet is Williamstown’s community media hub, a place where neighbors tell their own stories, follow local government, and learn the tools to share what matters to them. We started as a public-access TV station, and we still air on Spectrum channels 1302 and 1303 and stream on YouTube, Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV. Today we’re growing into much more: a studio and training center where anyone, from first-time storytellers to local nonprofits, can learn to record, edit, archive and share their work. WilliNet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our training and equipment are free for Williamstown residents.
Who runs WilliNet?
WilliNet was founded in 1994 by a group of committed citizens, led by Russ Carpenter. They saw community TV as a way for Williamstown to connect with itself civically, creatively and culturally. Today we’re governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and run by a small, dedicated staff at our studio on Spring Street.
How many people watch WilliNet?
More every year, and in more ways. You can find us on cable, on our website, on YouTube and on streaming apps. From January through October 2026, our online viewers watched more than 550 hours of programming. They watched 43% more hours of town meetings, Town Meeting and candidate forums than in all of 2025. Live-stream viewers now stay with us 12 minutes on average, nearly half again as long as last year.
WATCHING
Watching WilliNet
How do I watch WilliNet?
You can watch us on Spectrum channels 1302 and 1303 in Williamstown, on the live stream at willinet.org, or on YouTube, Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV. Past programs are in our online archive any time.
What’s the difference between channels 1302 and 1303?
Channel 1303 carries live town meetings and community programs. Channel 1302 airs replays of municipal meetings and other civic-related content so you can catch up on what you missed.
Where can I find the monthly TV schedule?
Spectrum subscribers can see what’s airing on 1302 and 1303 at willinet.org/events/tv-schedule. The schedule updates automatically, so it always shows what’s on now and coming up. Prefer paper? Call us at (413) 252-2200 and we’ll tell you what’s on.
Can I watch a meeting I missed?
Yes. Most town meetings are posted online within the third business day. Go to Civic Meetings, then Meeting archive, and search by board or date.
MAKE SOMETHING
Making something
I’ve never used a camera. Can I still make a show?
Absolutely. Most of our producers started with no experience. We’ll teach you everything from setting up a shot to editing, and the training is free.
How do I get started?
- Take a free intro workshop (see the calendar under Make Something).
- Become a WilliNet member [and complete the producer agreement].
- Borrow equipment or book the studio, and start telling your story.
Questions first? Email info@willinet.org or stop by 34 Spring St.
What workshops do you offer?
Our free workshops include:
- Intro to Digital Literacy Basics
- Find Your Story
- Capture It
- Save It Right
- Share It
- Make TV
See dates and sign up at willinet.org/make-something/workshops.
Can I borrow equipment?
Yes. Trained members can borrow cameras, microphones, lights and tripods for free. Email us at info@willinet.org to make a request.
Does it cost anything?
Training, equipment loans and airtime are free for Williamstown residents and Berkshire non-profits. All others should contact us at info@willinet.org for rate inquiries.
Will my show air on TV?
Yes. Programs made by community members air on our channels and the live stream, as long as they follow our programming guidelines.
Are there any rules about what I can air?
Very few. WilliNet is an avenue for free speech, so we don’t judge content by viewpoint. Programs can’t include:
- Commercials or advertising
- Libel or slander
- Obscenity or pornography
- Copyright violations, or violations of anyone’s privacy or publicity rights
- Violations of FCC regulations or any local, state or federal law
Not sure about something? Ask us before you shoot, and we’ll help.
PRODUCTION SERVICES
Hiring WilliNet
Can I hire WilliNet to record my event?
Yes. Our crew records and livestreams lectures, concerts, ceremonies, panels and more. We also make short promo and mission videos and offer editing and studio time.
How much does it cost?
Download our rate card at willinet.org/hire-us for starting prices. Every project is different, so we’ll send you a custom quote. Nonprofit rates are available.
How do I request a quote?
Fill out the Request a Quote form at willinet.org/hire-us with your date, venue and what you need. We’ll get back to you within 3 business days. You can also call (413) 252-2200.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend at least 3-4 weeks ahead, especially for spring events and graduation season.
Will my event air on TV too?
It can. With your permission, we’ll air it on our channels so even more neighbors can see it.
EVENTS
Events
How do I get my event promoted by WilliNet?
Submit it at willinet.org/events/promote at least two weeks ahead. Promotion is free for Williamstown and Berkshire nonprofits. We’ll add it to our calendar and may feature it on our community bulletin board, Instagram (@willinettv) and newsletter.
What’s the difference between promoting and recording an event?
Promotion means we help spread the word, and it’s free for nonprofits. Recording means our crew films or livestreams it, which is a paid service. See Hiring WilliNet.
SUPPORT
Donating & supporting
How is WilliNet funded?
About 75% of our funding comes from a cable access fee that Spectrum collects from Williamstown cable subscribers. Federal law requires cable companies to compensate towns for using public rights-of-way, and Williamstown directs that money to local public, educational and government access TV through its agreement with WilliNet.
The other 25% comes from our community: individual donors, our annual campaign (including the WilliNet Challenge), local business underwriters, and grants from organizations such as the Williamstown Community Chest, the Fund for Williamstown and the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire. As cable subscriptions decline nationwide, community support matters more every year.
Do my tax dollars support WilliNet?
No. WilliNet is an independent nonprofit, not a town department, and there’s no line for WilliNet in the town budget.
How can I support WilliNet?
Donate online at willinet.org/donate. Every gift helps keep local meetings on the air and our training free for everyone.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
WilliNet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. You’ll receive an emailed receipt right away, and a year-end giving summary. Our EIN is 04-3253056.
Can I give monthly?
Yes. Choose “monthly” on the donation form. Monthly gifts give us steady support we can plan around.
Can my business underwrite a program?
Yes. Underwriting puts your business in front of local viewers while supporting community TV. Contact info@willinet.org for options.
Do you have merchandise?
Yes. Visit our shop for totes, tees, mugs and more. Every purchase supports WilliNet.
GET INVOLVED
Getting involved
How can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers to help run cameras at town meetings, assist at events, help in the studio and more. No experience needed, we’ll train you. Sign up at willinet.org/get-involved or email info@willinet.org.
Do you offer internships?
Yes, for high school and college students interested in media, journalism or production. Email us at info@willinet.org to express an interest.
How do I become a member?
WilliNet does not currently offer membership, but we are in the process of evaluating that as a community benefit.
Are you hiring?
Job openings are posted at willinet.org/news under Hiring. We currently don’t have any paid positions open but always welcome volunteers.
CONTACT
Contact
Where are you located?
34 Spring St, Williamstown, MA 01267.
How do I reach you?
Call (413) 252-2200, email info@willinet.org, or follow us on Instagram @willinettv.
I’m a reporter. Who do I contact?
Email info@willinet.org. Logos, photos and a fact sheet are in our press kit at willinet.org/news/press-kit.
Still have a question?
We’re your neighbors on Spring Street. Just ask.