Oxford Community Television (OCTV)

For decades, Oxford Community Television has documented the life of the community it serves. Station Manager Teri Stiles has worked at OCTV for decades and shared the station’s long history in the community, dating back to the mid-1980s. She described OCTV as more than a television station. “I’ve always said OCTV is the front porch of the community,” she said. “We receive and give information where it’s needed.” From Friday night football and school concerts to parades, ribbon cuttings, and township meetings, OCTV captures moments that connect residents to each other and to local government, schools, and events.

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Much of that work happens behind the camera. Daniel Zwiez is one of the staff members responsible for filming and editing a wide range of OCTV content, with a strong focus on local sports and community meetings. “Mostly sports. I film sports. I edit sports,” Zwiez said. He also covers ribbon cuttings, parades, and promotional content, helping ensure that events large and small are preserved and shared. Like everyone at OCTV, Zwiez’s role extends beyond filming. From preparing equipment to maintaining the studio, the work is hands-on and collaborative.

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That team-based approach defines OCTV’s small staff. Joseph Calhoun, a videographer, editor, and producer, explained that the team works from a shared calendar that is often booked months in advance. In addition to community event coverage, OCTV provides a platform for local voices through various programming. Current productions include podcasts, studio shows, cooking programs, and specialty content created by community members. “We’re a soapbox for people who don’t have a platform,” Calhoun said.

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Despite the volume of programming, OCTV operates with limited resources. The station has three full-time staff members and relies on part-time staff and volunteers for additional coverage. “We all wear multiple hats,” Calhoun said. “We’re very lucky to be able to work in the arts and do what we love.”

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That passion is challenged by ongoing funding issues. OCTV is supported through cable franchise fees, a small portion of residents’ cable bills distributed by local municipalities. As streaming replaces traditional cable, that funding has steadily declined. According to Stiles, OCTV now loses approximately $20,000 each year. Due to funding uncertainty and pending state legislation, OCTV may be forced to reduce programming to only school and municipal coverage. While those obligations will remain, many community-focused programs could be eliminated. “We’re asking for help now,” Stiles said. “Not all communities have a television station, and people don’t always realize how lucky we are to have one.”

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The impact of OCTV’s work reaches far beyond Oxford. OCTV has helped students create demo reels for college recruitment, and live-streamed games allow family members across the country to watch local athletes compete. Stiles also shared stories of individuals whose lives changed after OCTV coverage helped their work reach a broader audience. She spoke about a veteran’s story that reached the shores of Ireland and helped amplify efforts to name the USS Patrick Gallagher for Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher (1944-1967), an Irish-born Marine who earned the Navy Cross during the Vietnam War. Another example was an engineer with a passion for history. Following OCTV coverage, he was able to pursue his dream of traveling to schools across Michigan, which eventually led him and his wife to relocate to Gettysburg, where he became a licensed guide.

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“One of the most rewarding things is when people tell us they were able to watch from out of state,” Calhoun said. “Knowing our work directly affected someone’s life in a positive way is priceless.”

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The station is also open to the community in a hands-on way. Residents of Oxford, Addison, and Leonard are invited to tour the studio, learn to use the equipment, and even produce their own programming. OCTV is actively seeking interns, students, and volunteers interested in media production. “This is your television station,” Stiles said. “You pay for this equipment. Come in, learn how to use it, and we’ll help you put your content on TV.”

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Despite financial challenges, the staff remains committed to the work and the community they serve. “None of us feel like we have a job,” Stiles said. “We get up every day excited to do what we do.”

With a small staff, limited funding, and a wide reach, Oxford Community Television continues to inform, connect, and uplift the community it calls home.

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Additional OCTV staff not listed above include:

Producers: Kyle Snage & Marissa Hruska

Talent: Chuck Cameron & Jim Hughes

Programmer: Connie Miller

Office Manager: Dave Kenny

Cameramen: William Julian and Jebediah Calhoun

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OCTV programming is available on Charter Channel 191 and AT&T Channel 99, as well as streaming on YouTube, Facebook, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and smart TV apps. “If you want to watch us, you can find us,” Stiles said. Past programming can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@OCTVMichigan.