PCTV Welcomes New Digital Navigator To Empower Community

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Community Television (PCTV) announced the hiring of Samuel Pascual, who will serve as the organization's new Digital Navigator.

His role is a one-year, grant-funded position designed to promote digital equity through community media centers. In this role, Pascual will help bridge the digital divide in the Pittsfield area by providing hands-on assistance and education to community members seeking to enhance their digital literacy and access vital online resources.

Funding to hire the Digital Navigator position at PCTV was provided by the Alliance for Digital Equity, which serves four western Massachusetts counties, facilitating solutions to ensure everyone has equal access to digital equity.  Having digital equity means that all people have access to the skills, computer equipment, and reliable high-speed internet needed to operate in the digital world.  

As the Digital Navigator, Pascual will work closely with individuals and organizations throughout Pittsfield and Berkshire County to address digital inequities in these areas. Through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and community outreach, PCTV plans to empower residents to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape confidently and effectively.

Pascual will also broaden the reach of digital equity by hosting 'train the trainer' programs and workshops, whereby staff in key non-profit organizations throughout the Berkshires are provided resources and skills to reach their affected communities.

"We are excited to welcome Samuel to the PCTV team," said Shawn Serre, Executive Director of Pittsfield Community Television. "Digital literacy is more important than ever, and having a dedicated Digital Navigator ensures we can support our community in accessing the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in today's digital world." 

Serre added that the new Digital Navigator position aligns well with the nonprofit's mission of empowering residents through technology. 

"We are grateful to the Alliance for Digital Equity for this funding and for partnering with PCTV to reach even more people in our community with these services," he said.   

Pittsfield Community Television has long provided a platform for local voices and stories to be shared. The addition of the Digital Navigator role underscores PCTV's commitment to evolving with the needs of its audience and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age, noted a press release.

Pascual brings a background in cyber-security and cyber-hygiene training and town planning with contractors for Spectrum and Cox Internet throughout the New England area. Their passion for community engagement and technology makes them an ideal fit for this role.

"I'm excited to join PCTV as the new Digital Navigator," said Pascual. "I look forward to working with the Pittsfield and greater Berkshire community to ensure everyone has the tools and confidence to access opportunities and resources online."

An hour-long interview with Samuel Pascual hosted by Shawn Serre on WTBR's 'Morning Drive' radio show can be watched on PCTV Select and at https://pittsfieldtv.org/program/?id=51943

Community members interested in learning more about digital literacy resources or scheduling a consultation with the Digital Navigator can contact PCTV at navigator@pittsfieldtv.org or 413-445-4234 ext.0121 for those uncomfortable with email.

Further information on Digital Navigation services provided by PCTV, as well as other organizations, can be found at: https://www.413cares.org/digital-equity.

Pittsfield Honors Disability Pride Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:13AM / Saturday, July 11, 2026

Catherine Carchedi, chair of the Commission on Disabilities, speaks to how the Americans with Disabilities Act has allowed people with disabilities to function and enjoy everyday things like going to the movies. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city marked Disability Pride Month with a flag raising on Thursday, recognizing the right of every person to be seen, valued, and included exactly as they are.

Catherine Carchedi, chair of the Commission on Disabilities, pointed out that it has been 36 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

"The ADA is really a civil rights movement, and I want to remind people that," she said. 

"… It's a civil rights law, and it needs to be protected, especially during these times." 

The historic legislation made it illegal to discriminate based on disability in employment, education, transportation, and public spaces. Disability Pride Month was first celebrated in 2015. 

Carchedi used the movie theater as an example of how, decades ago, she wouldn't have been able to enjoy a night out with friends who use a wheelchair or require assistive devices. 

She said they can now catch a ride to the movies with the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority because all buses now need to be accessible, and find a good place to sit in the theater with seating that meets their needs. 

Carchedi's friend with a guide dog can also go to the movies and use a visual descriptive device, and another friend who is hard of hearing can watch the movie with closed captioning or with an assistive listening device.