PITTSFIELD COMMUNITY TELEVISION WELCOMES NEW DIGITAL NAVIGATOR TO EMPOWER LOCAL COMMUNITY

PITTSFIELD MA, January 13, 2025 – Pittsfield Community Television (PCTV) announces the hiring of Samuel Pascual, who will serve as the organization’s new Digital Navigator. His role is a one-year, grant-funded position designed to promote digital equity through community media centers. In this role, Pascual will help bridge the digital divide in the Pittsfield area by providing hands-on assistance and education to community members seeking to enhance their digital literacy and access vital online resources.

Funding to hire the Digital Navigator position at PCTV was provided by the Alliance for Digital Equity, which serves four western Massachusetts counties, facilitating solutions to ensure everyone has equal access to digital equity.  Having digital equity means that all people have access to the skills, computer equipment, and reliable high-speed internet needed to operate in the digital world.

As the Digital Navigator, Pascual will work closely with individuals and organizations throughout Pittsfield and Berkshire County to address digital inequities in these areas. Through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and community outreach, PCTV plans to empower residents to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape confidently and effectively.

Pascual will also broaden the reach of digital equity by hosting ‘train the trainer’ programs and workshops, whereby staff in key non-profit organizations throughout the Berkshires are provided resources and skills to reach their affected communities.

“We are excited to welcome Samuel to the PCTV team,” said Shawn Serre, Executive Director of Pittsfield Community Television. “Digital literacy is more important than ever, and having a dedicated Digital Navigator ensures we can support our community in accessing the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s digital world,”  Serre added that the new Digital Navigator position aligns well with the nonprofit’s mission of empowering residents through technology.  “We are grateful to the Alliance for Digital Equity for this funding and for partnering with PCTV to reach even more people in our community with these services,” he said.

Pittsfield Community Television has long been a cornerstone of community connection, providing a platform for local voices and stories to be shared. The addition of the Digital Navigator role underscores PCTV’s commitment to evolving with the needs of its audience and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Pascual brings a wealth of experience to the position, including a background in cyber-security and cyber-hygiene training and town planning with contractors for Spectrum and Cox Internet throughout the New England area. Their passion for community engagement and technology makes them an ideal fit for this role.

“I’m excited to join PCTV as the new Digital Navigator,” said Pascual. “I look forward to working with the Pittsfield and greater Berkshire community to ensure everyone has the tools and confidence to access opportunities and resources online.”

An hour-long interview with Samuel Pascual hosted by Shawn Serre on WTBR’s ‘Morning Drive’ radio show can be watched on PCTV Select and at https://pittsfieldtv.org/program/?id=51943

Community members interested in learning more about digital literacy resources or scheduling a consultation with the Digital Navigator can contact PCTV at navigator@pittsfieldtv.org or 413-445-4234 ext.0121 for those uncomfortable with email. Further information on Digital Navigation services provided by PCTV, as well as other organizations, can be found at: https://www.413cares.org/digital-equity.

Pittsfield Community Television is Pittsfield’s community media organization.  A 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization serving the region since its founding in 1986, PCTV’s mission is to empower our community to create media and amplify diverse voices through the best technology and wide-reaching platforms, and its vision is that everyone in our area should have access to shared media experiences which inform, educate, engage, and entertain; foster civic and community engagement; and promote transparency in local government.  PCTV also manages and operates WTBR-FM, also known as Pittsfield Community Radio, a full power non-commercial educational radio station broadcasting on 89.7 FM.  Information on PCTV and WTBR-FM can be found at PittsfieldTV.org and at WTBRFM.com.

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Shawn Serre

Shawn Serre

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