WHCA — which stands for Whitman Hanson Community Access — is the nonprofit Community Media Center serving the towns of Whitman and Hanson, Massachusetts. We are an independent 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with both towns but is not a municipal department. Instead, we operate as a mission-driven nonprofit, capturing, creating, and curating local events and stories for distribution on our cable channels and across a growing range of digital platforms.
Our funding is derived primarily from cable franchise fees, which are collected by the towns under state and federal law and then granted to WHCA to carry out our public service mission. We work collaboratively with town government, schools, community organizations, and residents — but as an independent nonprofit, we chart our own course and are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
WHCA’s Mission Statement
Providing content and opportunities which inform, enlighten and entertain members of the Whitman Hanson community through access to modern technology, equipment, facilities, and training.
Our Charge
At its heart, WHCA exists to empower the communities of Whitman and Hanson to share their voices, document their stories, and stay informed. Everything we do — from covering public meetings to producing original programs and helping residents publish their own content — is rooted in that commitment.
Where to watch:
- Public Access – channel 9 (Whitman & Hanson)
- Educational Access – channel 8 (Whitman & Hanson)
- Government Access Whitman – channel 6 (Whitman Only)
- Government Access Hanson – channel 6 (Hanson only)
Our Access Philosophy
Community media was founded on the principle of access, and that philosophy continues to guide our work today. WHCA provides people with the tools, training, and support they need to create and share content across modern platforms. Whether it’s producing a show for cable television, launching a YouTube channel, recording a podcast, or experimenting with new forms of storytelling, our role is to open doors and make the tools available.
While our staff produces many programs in-house, our deeper purpose is to empower the community itself to become the storytellers. As funding models evolve and new technologies emerge, this access-centered approach ensures that local voices remain strong, diverse, and visible — not just on television, but everywhere people are consuming media.
Who’s on the WHCA Team
WHCA’s success depends on many hands working in harmony. Our work is shaped by those who create and collaborate every day — and by those who guide and steward the organization for the long term. Together, these groups ensure that WHCA remains both responsive to the community’s needs today and resilient for tomorrow.
Everything you see on WHCA’s channels and platforms is the result of teamwork. From the first spark of an idea to the final frame on screen, our work is driven by a dedicated group of full- and part-time staff members, supported by talented interns, apprentices, and production crew members who are gaining real-world experience in community media. We also rely on a broader network of volunteers and community partners, whose passion and creativity help bring local stories to life.
Together, this collective effort allows WHCA to fulfill its mission: empowering the communities of Whitman and Hanson to share their voices, document their stories, and stay informed.
Meet Our Team →
Behind the scenes, WHCA’s work is supported by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides oversight, direction, and strategic vision. Their leadership ensures that the organization remains mission-driven, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the evolving needs of the Whitman-Hanson community.
Current Board Members:
- Arlene Dias (Hanson) President
- David Beauvais (Hanson) Vice President
- Marcus Linn (Hanson) Treasurer
- Jason Cook (Whitman) Clerk
- John Galvin (Whitman) Director
Curious about how WHCA’s leadership works — or how you might serve in the future? Explore opportunities on our Volunteer Leadership page.
Annual Reporting & Transparency
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, WHCA files annual reports with the Internal Revenue Service and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These documents are publicly available on the respective agencies’ websites and are also indexed here for easy access.