News

Program News & Updates

What’s Playing?

Over the past 30 years, our talented producers have always strived to bring interesting and unique programming into the homes of Winthrop residents. There have been animal shows like “Paws and Think” and “Animal Talk”, talk formatted programs like “Chamber Chat”, “Think About It” and local history series specials like “Edward Rowe Snow’s New England”.
Politics, children’s shows, comedies, holiday classics, health programs, and music. Lots of great music. Every genre has been covered here at WCAT.

Some of our longest running programs continue still today. Kathy Driscoll still delights us with “Shelter Tales”, her monthly preview of the newest cats and dogs up for adoption at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA. Producer Ron Vecchia continues his informative “Community Forum”, keeping residents abreast of local current issues like politics and important town events. Judie Vankooiman produces “Life Issues”, bringing awareness to social issues such as homelessness, obesity, domestic violence and substance abuse. And long-time producer Barbara Bishop continues to entertain us with her music concerts, town events and nature programs.

WCAT has some great new programming as well, thanks to our many talented producers. If music is your thing, check out Acoustic Sessions. Co-produced by Cathy Stacy and Matt Rodes, this monthly program features some of the newest local musicians, playing live in WCAT’s Studio A. Cathy and Matt also collaborate with “On the Bookshelf”. Hosted by Peter Solomon, this newest edition to our weekly line-up features local authors discussing their latest books. “Checking In With Amy”, highlights health issues effecting adults over 55, with medical experts from East Boston Neighborhood Health Center.
These are just a few of the wide range of programming you will find throughout the day on WCAT channel 3. We are proud of all our producers who volunteer their time and hard work to bring these important programs to the homes of Winthrop. We encourage you to do the same. WCAT is a volunteer based TV station, relying solely on talented individuals like you to produce programming that will benefit and entertain residents for generations to come.

Scary Movies Aren’t Just For Halloween Anymore! . . . . WCAT presents “Penny Dreadful’s Shilling Shockers”. . . . ‘Shilling Shockers’ features classic horror and suspense films, hosted by the witch Penny Dreadful XIII, her werewolf husband Garou and semi-retired monster hunter Dr. Manfred Von Bulow. ‘Shilling Shockers is featured in 42 townships in New England, including Winthrop. Dare you behold the terror which awaits you? If so, tune in and have a hex-cellent evening. For lots more on Penny Dreadful and her ‘Shilling Shockers’, visit: www.shillingshockers.com. And don’t miss ‘Shilling Shockers’ on WCAT 3 – Friday nights at 10 PM.

The WCAT Bulletin Board

If you are a non-profit organization and you need to get the word out about a fundraiser or other company event, consider the WCAT Community Bulletin Board. It’s a great way to let people know about you r event, and best of all it’s FREE. Just fill out the required form (which you can find on this website) and then email it directly to our staff. We’ll make sure the information gets on the Board ASAP and we’ll run it until the date of your event. Fast, easy, and convenient.

Video Production 101

Are you interested in learning the basics of video production? Ever wanted to have your own television show? WCAT offers a basic video production course that will allow you the opportunity. Become a WCAT producer and learn how to create your own programs: from camera, to directing, to production, to editing … If you are a Winthrop resident, 17 years and older, you can register for the next WCAT Basic Production Course. This six-week hands-on course will teach you basic camera and tripod operation, studio production and direction, audio, and editing. The next course begins soon, so sign up now and become a WCAT producer. Meet other Winthrop producers, have fun, and learn an exciting and valuable skill. For complete information call WCAT at 617-846-3400. Don’t just watch TV, make it!!

Interested In Becoming A WCAT Teen TV Producer?

WCAT’s next Teen TV Production course is getting ready to start, and as always, the list is long. We are looking forward to seeing the newest Teen TV students create exciting programming for WCAT channel 3. If you are a Winthrop resident and/or student between the ages of 12 and 16, and you’re interested in video production, WCAT encourages you to sign up for this exciting course. The course runs for approximately 6 weeks, one day a week, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Learn how to operate professional video equipment, how to produce, direct and edit studio productions, as well as basic audio and lighting techniques. This hands-on course is free to any Winthrop student. Meet other students with the same interests, and learn a fun and valuable skill. To learn more, or to sign up for the next class, visit us at the WCAT studio at 165 Winthrop Street, or call Kurt at 617-846-3400.  Don’t just watch TV, make it!!

WCAT’s “Studio A” . . . .

Studio A and control room is available to all WCAT producers and Winthrop residents with an interest in television production.

The new facilities are now located on the main floor and include a handicapped chairlift from the parking lot, brand new handicapped accessible washrooms, 2 new editing suites, a sitting room for guests, a sound proof control room, and the main studio. A new entrance and reception area complete this long over due facelift. Future WCAT producers are out there, just waiting for their chance to learn the ropes and create their own tv programs. And WCAT can certainly use their creativity and talent. You can easily learn all about television production, using video and audio equipment, editing with Adobe Premier Pro, and directing with the new Broadcast Pix Studio 2000 video production switcher in our new studio control room. If any of this sounds exciting to you, please give us a call.
Our staff will fill you in on all the details, and let you know when classes will begin. WCAT is beginning a new chapter and we want you to be part of it. Don’t just watch TV, make it!!