COOKEVILLE – For the first time in 38 years, WCTE’s Great TV Auction will be both an online auction and on-air showcase. The hybrid version of the Great TV Auction has been designed to ensure that no matter the impact of COVID-19, WCTE’s longest running and single largest fundraiser will continue. This year’s new online bidding starts Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m.
“It’s important to the station that the Auction continue to generate vital revenue for our operations,” said Avery Hutchins, director of development.
The new format provides shoppers with the flexibility to shop anytime and from anywhere. Patrons have the time to explore the items and to enter minimum and maximum bids that can improve their chances of winning. The on-air showcases will feature all items selling that night and give buyers a last chance to bid, while also, giving a spotlight to the many businesses that donate and support the WCTE fundraiser.
If patrons have questions about online bidding, need help setting up your account or even assistance with placing a bid, just contact WCTE by email at auction@wcte.org or call 931-528-2222.
The showcase will feature items in 30-minute increments. Online Items will close as they are showcased. The nightly showcases will air each night June 3-7 from 7 to 10 p.m. Each winning bidder will be notified by an email confirmation. All won items will be prepared, and a drive-up pick up at the WCTE offices will be scheduled. Items can be mailed for an additional shipping and handling fee. Certificates will be mailed at no cost to the buyer.
WCTE is interested in seeing how patrons have celebrated the Auction. Send in photos from past auction watch parties or email WCTE with your favorite auction story. These are the memories and traditions that WCTE wants to keep alive.
For 37+ years WCTE’s Great TV Auction has been a tradition in many families, and WCTE feels that shouldn’t change. That’s one reason they are continuing to host the on-air Showcase nights.
WCTE encourages its viewers to get online and tune-in for the much-anticipated Great TV Auction 2020. Now more than ever, WCTE PBS is playing a crucial role in supporting our communities.
The station has long been committed to its public service mission of providing quality programming, educational resources and trusted programming to everyone. WCTE is offering a safe haven for families during the COVID-19. Anytime and anywhere, teachers, parents and children have access to online distant learning tools and its daytime broadcast is being used to deliver at-home learning through programming that inspires, educates and engages.
WCTE has served the Upper Cumberland for more than 40 years as the region’s premier storyteller and is the only television station in a 75-mile radius of Cookeville, making it a strategic partner in education, health services, government, arts and music. WCTE is a 501(c) 3 and is owned and operated by the Upper Cumberland Broadcast Council. WCTE is one of only 350 PBS member stations nationwide.
