Televised coverage on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival will be changing this year after a squabble over funding ended with PBS station WCTE pulling its coverage of the event. Local service provider DTC Communications says it will be stepping up, providing continuous coverage from the morning to evening, including streaming on Facebook and Youtube.
Through a press release, DTC Communications said it is proud to announce plans to air LIVE continuous video coverage of the 52nd annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival exclusively on DTC3, Facebook and YouTube. The Jamboree will begin Friday morning, June 30, 2023, and conclude late Saturday night, July 1. Taking place in the heart of Smithville, this festival brings together talented musicians and dancers for unforgettable performances.
“The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree is one of the most iconic annual events in this area and DTC Communications is excited to provide exclusive coverage,” said Chris Townson, CEO of DTC Communications. “We’re proud to be able to bring the joy and excitement of the festival to a much wider audience.”
“We are excited to welcome back our loyal fans and participants to the 52nd Smithville Jamboree,” said Kim Luton, President of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree. “We are grateful for the support of DTC, who has been a valuable partner in bringing this unique cultural event to a wider audience over many years.”
For years television coverage of the Jamboree had been provided by Cookeville PBS station, WCTE, but demands for funding for the coverage fell through this year, ending with the County Commission voting to not make its annual $5,000 donation to the station.
According to Jamboree President Kim Lutton, WCTE wanted $15,000 to provide coverage of the Jamboree during its prime time slots. That amount did not include the $5,000 annual contribution the county provided the station.
Through State Representative Michael Hale, $7,000 was secured for the broadcast, leaving an $8,000 balance to broadcast the event. Lutton said the non-profit Jamboree eventually negotiated the price down to $12,000, but only one month before the date of the event. “It was just too close to the date,” Lutton said. “We don’t have that kind of money and can’t pay it.”
WCTE announced that they would not be able to broadcast the Smithville Jamboree, leaving DTC to move in and take up the mantle and then some. DTC plans to broadcast and stream the event all day and evening, and said that in the future they might even partner with other companies to get a wider broadcast.
With the announcement that WCTE would not be providing coverage of the Jamboree, some county commissioners questioned why the county was donating $5,000 to a station that was not covering local events. The Budget Committee then voted to remove the donation from the county’s budget, especially in a time when a proposed tax increase is being recommended.
Alongside the live performances and competitions, the Jamboree offers something for the whole family. Explore the charming arts and crafts booths to find a unique treasure, taste delicious local cuisine from savory barbecue to sweet treats, and enjoy hands-on activities and face painting for the kids.
In addition to the live coverage on DTC3 – which is Channel 3 on the DTC TV service – DTC also plans to web-stream the Fiddlers’ Jamboree live at www.DTC3.tv as well as on Facebook and YouTube.
“Viewers from all around the world can watch the entire event, from start to finish, with no interruptions, both on our TV service and via the internet,” added Townson. “It’s an honor for DTC to present this event. It is sure to create lasting memories and new connections within our community.”
For more information on DTC Communications, visit online at www.DTCcom.net. For more information on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival and a complete schedule of events, visit www.smithvillejamboree.com.
