MVTV is an organization created by members of the community and the Cable Advisory Board (CAB) from 1999. The six member CAB negotiated a 10-year cable franchise license with Adelphia Cable Corporation.

Shortly after the franchise license was signed, there were several public meetings held at the Oak Bluffs Public School. Islanders expressed their interest in having PEG Access and a representative of the Massachusetts chapter of the Alliance For Community Media came to speak with them about the steps necessary in getting the endeavor off the ground. Out of these public meetings, a core group of individuals emerged who carried the project forward.

A 501©3 non-profit organization was formed and received official status of incorporation  in August 2002 with the name Martha’s Vineyard Community Television, Inc. better  known today as MVTV. Many meetings were held as to how the company should be  structured. It was decided to create a Board of thirteen members, one each from the six  towns and appointed by the Board of Selectmen, six elected by members who later  joined MVTV and one appointed by the Superintendent of Schools making for a total of  thirteen. A presentation of the concept was presented at an All Island Selectmen’s  meeting and met with good enthusiasm.

The first programs were aired on MVTV in July of 2003. The board hired Stephen  Warriner as Station Manager and he along with Melissa Carelli, MVTV’s first Training  and Operations Manager worked tirelessly to get MVTV up and running and to get many  Island residents involved in becoming members. They also worked with several  teachers at the MVRHS to get students involved in learning television production.  MVTV is a well-managed organization overseen by a 13-member board of directors. In  addition to producing and scheduling programming, MVTV also provided training  classes and access to digital video production equipment for use by members of the  public.  

MVTV membership is open to all individuals who are members of the Martha’s Vineyard  community and to all organized groups on Martha’s Vineyard including: schools,  government agencies, hospitals, fraternal groups as well as social service, arts,  environmental, science, religious political and business groups.  
Prospective members begin with an Orientation where they are introduced to MVTV’s  mission, history, policies and procedures. They are given a tour of the facility and, after  becoming members, are offered the opportunity to sign up for classes. Most members  begin with a camera class and move onto editing, where they package their  programming and prepare if for cablecast on MVTV Channel 13.  
Members are also eligible to attend our Studio Production class where they learn about  the operation of professional studio production equipment, as well as the successful  planning of their productions. Instruction in the Studio Production class includes camera  operation, audio operation, directing and technical directing, lighting and graphics.