This past basketball season wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about connection.

Across 100 broadcasts, thousands of viewers, and over a thousand hours watched, something special happened. From opening tip-off to the final buzzer, our community showed up—not just in the stands, but in living rooms, on phones, and across the region—supporting our student-athletes everystep of the way. Games like Bellows Falls vs. Hartford, Springfield, Windsor, and White River didn’t just draw attention—they became shared moments. Moments where families who couldn’t make it to the gym could still feel like they were there. Moments where our community stayed connected. And that’s what this season was really about. Because what we’re building together isn’t just coverage—it’s access. It’s opportunity. It’s community.

This year, I was deeply honored to be named Media Person of the Year by the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association.

This recognition means more than I can fully express—not because of the title, but because of what it represents. It represents the belief that local stories matter.nIt represents the importance of showing up for our schools, our athletes, and our communities.
And it reflects the incredible support behind everything we do. But this season—and this recognition—would not be what it is without the people who bring these broadcasts to life. I want to take a moment to recognize Joe Brooks.

 

Special Thanks to Joe Brooks our Announcer!

Joe didn’t just call games—he transformed them. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, Joe brought a level of professionalism, energy, and storytelling that elevated every single broadcast. He didn’t just describe what was happening—he gave it meaning. He built tension in big moments, brought clarity to the chaos, and made every viewer feel like they had the best seat in the house.

But what truly set Joe apart—and what made this season special—was his commitment to the student-athletes. Game after game, Joe made it a priority to put the spotlight where it belongs: on the players. Through thoughtful, respectful, and engaging interviews, he gave students the opportunity to speak, to reflect, and to be seen. He created moments where young athletes could share their stories, their hard work, and their pride—not just as players, but as individuals.He treated every student with professionalism and respect, giving them the kind of platform usually reserved for the highest levels of sport.And in doing so, he didn’t just elevate the broadcast—he elevated the entire experience of being a student-athlete in our community.

Joe helped turn games into events.
He helped turn players into voices.
And he helped turn a season into something people will remember.

For that, I am incredibly grateful.

This award does not belong to me alone.

It belongs to:

The students who gave everything on the court
The coaches who built these programs
The families who supported every game
The volunteers and crew who made each broadcast possible

Will Simoneau and Techgym sports for covering games for FACT TV when we couldn’t and producing a high quality broadcast.
And the entire community that tuned in, shared, and believed in what we’re doing

And most importantly, I want to thank Bellows Falls Union High School for trusting FACT TV to tell these stories, and for continuing to support local media as part of the student experience.

This season proved something important:

Local sports matter.
Community media matters.
And when we invest in both, something powerful happens.

From packed gyms to quiet living rooms, this season brought us together.
Every game, every moment, every story—shared by a community that showed up.

This recognition isn’t just an award.
It’s a reflection of what we’ve built together.

And we’re just getting started.

Thank you for being part of it.

– Alex Stradling
Executive Director, FACT TV