The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will consider discontinuing a free television service that has benefited both Eastern Shore counties for more than 45 years as part of the county’s fiscal year 2027 budget negotiations.
Shore residents would lose access to Hampton Roads television channels accessed via the Translator Television service, including WHRO. Other affected channels include WVEC, WTKR and WAVY. All four stations run national or local news shows.
If passed, programming would end on Jan. 1, 2027.
The move would save Accomack County just over $20,000 annually, but the system also needs a complete overhaul to remain fully functional.
“Multiple pieces of equipment are at, or approaching, the end of their operational life,” said Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason.
“Continuing to use this outdated equipment will likely lead to longer outages, assuming we can even source the replacement parts.”
Mason added the manufacturer can only guarantee availability for the parts through 2028.
To fully update the equipment would cost an estimated $130,000.
The county has prioritized in the proposed budget $130,000 for a new roof for the health department building and $125,000 for a septic system replacement at the former library building that will soon house county employees.
The Translator Television (TTV) service became available in the county in 1979 after its approval in a voter referendum. It was initially designed to provide access to residents living in remote areas on the Shore.
Translator television systems retransmit signals from other stations, usually to help expand service to rural areas. In some places, translator television systems are the only way people can access terrestrial TV.
With improvements in technology since TTV’s inception, some county leaders said it begs the question of the service’s continued relevance.
“We don’t know for sure how many people this impacts,” said supervisor Jeff Parks.
This was precisely the issue more than twenty years ago, when former Accomack supervisor Ron Wolff prompted the board to discontinue TTV to see whether it would be missed.
Citizens noticed and spoke up. The board quickly reinstated the service.
Now, despite technology updates, TTV access has become a financial choice for some.
“Today, our citizens have turned back to the translator because of the high cost of satellite or streaming services,” Wolff said.
He added that the translator service provides important weather updates and is an essential lifeline during emergencies. Even when an area loses internet and cellular coverage, Wolff said, the translator service will work as long as there is power.
“We need to ensure that the Translator TV Service remains in operation for citizens who rely on it,” he said.
Northampton County residents using the service would also be affected by the cut.
“Everybody should have open access to important local news, weather and educational television without signing up with their credit card,” said Felicity Stokes, who lives in Birdnest.
Former Accomack supervisor Grayson Chesser said the service is also important to people in outlying areas who still don’t have access to broadband or reliable cell or internet services.
He understands firsthand the challenges in a tight budget year, but would hate to see the county lose this service.
“It’s hard to balance needs during budget time,” said Chesser. “You’re trying to save every penny you can and this is what they’re facing.”
Current county board member Roger DeGeorges understands that residents depend on the service, but said the county has no money available to continue it.
That doesn’t sit well with some residents.
“The county made a promise and commitment to maintain it as a service to residents,” said Onancock resident Miriam Riggs. “They shouldn’t discontinue it without making a clear assessment of its benefits to citizens in both counties.”
Supporters of the Translator Television service will have an opportunity to sign a petition from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, in front of Jaxon’s Department Store in Parksley.
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the 2027 fiscal year budget and proposed property tax increase at 6 p.m. on March 30 at Metompkin Elementary School, 24501 Parksley Rd. in Parksley. The county will also take feedback on the budget via telephone at 757.787.5704 or 757.787.5700 (choose option 5), or residents can send an email to administration@co.accomack.va.us.
WHRO journalists refer to the newsroom's Standards of Journalism document when reporting on stories that involve the station, which says stories should "seek to cover WHRO as they would any other entity." Read more about WHRO News' Standards of Journalism here.
