Reading Recap does not verify the accuracy of Letters to the Editor, as they represent readers’ viewpoints. Nonetheless, we aim to ensure opinions are not mistaken for facts when public evidence disproves them. In contrast to other outlets that profess to fact-check sources prior to publication but selectively ignore this practice, we prioritize transparency, especially when it involves minor children. Consequently, when we received a Letter to the Editor today citing facts and an unnamed source, we determined it was in the public’s best interest to present the evidence that contradicts their claims.
We are only fact checking the start of this LTE, as that is presented as a fact, not an opinion. The remainder of the LTE is opinion based:
At the June 10 Select Board meeting, the RCTV standard contract renewal was under discussion. Chair Chris Haley has been consistently vocal about his opposition to RCTV leadership. At the end of that discussion, he asserted that in 2021, “The reason that all of this was found out was because of a Killam Elementary School field trip was in Town Hall and then the kids were broadcast down at RCTV.” He went on to say, “So apparently kids being broadcast, we’re okay with that happening for some reason. That’s okay. And not for nothing you know who was here last week? The Killam Elementary School field trip. All of the sudden kids don’t matter here anymore.” Here is a link to his statements.
The truth that residents should know is that children were never recorded without permission by RCTV either at the studio or while visiting Town Hall on a field trip (a former member of the RCTV Board verified this). What Chair Haley said was misleading and insulting to the wonderful staff at RCTV.
❌ Fact Check False:
On page 96 of the June 10, 2025 Select Board packet, available here, there is a letter dated November 9, 2021 from then Town Manager Bob LeLacheur to Phil Rushworth, Executive Director of RCTV, with copies sent to the Superintendent and Town Counsel.
We have highlighted the relevant part where it states: “It has come to light that RCTV has been using this equipment to transmit, record, or broadcast other meetings and events without the Town’s prior approval. The Town is disturbed about these actions given the sensitive nature of various meetings and events occurring in rooms connected to RCTV’s equipment.”
Page 98 of the same packet contains RCTV’s own meeting minutes from January 18, 2021 (which should say 2022), that acknowledges the Town’s letter: “Phil met w/ former Town Manager and other officials who expressed concern over unsecured equipment – wants procedures put in place for mics, recordings, lighting, training for end-of-meetings, etc. Submitted letter from Town implied there was audio captured during filming without their knowledge. Threat of public exposure, but no action taken as of yet. Proposed master power switch to power down and kill the audio).
The letter and minutes clearly refute the claims made by the LTE author and the former RCTV Board member. Additionally, they address the assertion about installing a master power switch to disable broadcasting equipment. As of June 10, 2025, three and a half years later, RCTV’s “master power switch” remained non-functional.
*12:29 PM Edit: Additional evidence is available on the Town of Reading’s Facebook page, showing a field trip from Killam Elementary to Town Hall on October 28, 2021, shortly before the letter dated November 9, 2021, was sent.
