Facing Budget Woes, ECTV Board Lets Executive Director Go

In another move to cut costs amidst major financial woes, Evanston Community Media Center (ECTV) announced Friday that it would not renew the contract of its executive director.

"While we have made many belt tightening moves over the last several months, including the reduction of full and part-time staff, limited service hours, and greater reliance upon volunteers, we continue to face financial hardships," the public access TV station said in a press release. "It was a difficult decision for the Board to decide not to renew the contract that keeps him at the helm at ECTV."

Bartlebaugh has worked at ECTV since 1994, and has been executive director for the past 13 years. He recently helped the struggling organization move to the City Service Center, a move that will save money on rent and utilities.

ECTV stated that the organization would be "going through a transition phase" in the next several months. 

"The board and current staff will continue to handle the day to day operations and will complete the build-out of the new offices and studio at the new location," the release said. "Our goal is to have a state of the art community facility for our members, partners and the city."

ECTV will hold a celebration recognizing Bartlebaugh's years of service at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in the lagoon pavilion near Dawes Park.