With more than 40 boards, departments, and offices in the Dartmouth municipal government, changing to virtual meetings in just a couple of weeks could have been a nightmare.

But Dartmouth Community Media had it covered.

The town department normally creates video content for Dartmouth Community TV and a variety of media platforms, funded through fees paid by cable companies. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, DCTV staff not only trained town employees and board members to use virtual meeting software, but they’ve also offered support every step of the way.

They’ve helped with public hearings and board meetings as well as interdepartmental meetings and video conferences with state officials.

“We’ve been hosting every meeting,” said Director of Media Dr. Cynthia Marland. “It’s new to a lot of people.”

Public meetings are also recorded and broadcast on DCTV’s cable access channel as well as on the DCTV website and YouTube.

But making sure the town government keeps running smoothly isn’t their only job in these strange new times. 

Two of the five staff members have been helping with outreach and food delivery at the Council on Aging alongside video production duties, Marland said.

The other three — Marland, Peter Chasse, and Mike Moniz — have been working in a Covid-19 task force with Public Information Officer Det. Kyle Costa six days a week to keep the public informed on the outbreak.

“They never ask for anything,” Costa said. “They’re the hidden gem of media for the town of Dartmouth.”

Costa noted that the staff have “put their personal lives to the side and are working to make sure we get the best information out.”

“They probably could have done what other departments have done and furloughed people, but they’ve been straight out working — not for me, but with me,” he said. “All hands are on deck right now.”

Marland said that one of her favorite recent moments they’ve covered during the pandemic included video of vehicles from police, fire, and members of the public giving thanks to STAT ambulance services first responders.  

“Upon arrival, everyone got out of their cars and clapped, it was spontaneous,” she said. “It was just a feel-good moment, something we need a lot more of right now.”

But all the extra work isn’t easy.

“It’s been a challenge,” she admitted. “There’s been a lot of additional meetings that we normally wouldn’t do…[Our days are] pretty full. Every day there’s more than enough to do.”

And according to Marland, running the meetings has been “interesting.”

“People still don’t know how to use their mute button,” she said with a smile. “It’s a learning curve.”