CharterTV3

Infobox Broadcast
call_letters = WCTR Charter TV3
station_
location = 95 Higgins Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01606
city =
analog = 3, 15 (Shrewsbury)
digital = same
other_chs =
affiliations = Charter Communications, NECN, WTAG, Worcester Telegram and Gazette
network =
owner = Charter Communications
licensee =
founded =
airdate =
callsign_meaning =
sister_stations =
former_callsigns = WGMC
former_channel_numbers =
former_affiliations =
effective_radiated_power =
HAAT =
class =
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coordinates =
homepage = [http://www.chartertv3.com Charter TV3 Website]
telephone = [phone]

Charter TV3* is a local television network located in Worcester, Massachusetts. It is a regional, commercial network provided by Charter Communications that concentrates on local programming for viewers in Central Massachusetts. The television network has been operating for over 23 years and has been provided by Charter Communications since 1999. Charter TV3 broadcasts in 42 towns of the Charter Cable system of about 180,000 homes in Central Massachusetts and part of Southern New Hampshire. The station also broadcasts in the town of Shrewsbury, MA on Shrewsbury Community Cable.

The flagship program, "Worcester News Tonight" broadcasts weeknights on "TV3". "Worcester News Tonight" is the only television news program based primarily in Worcester. The evening show broadcasts live at 5:30 on NECN and rebroadcasts on TV3 at 6:30pm and 9pm. The evening newscast features stories by "Worcester News Tonight" reporters, Jennifer Eagan, Danica Pecirep and Katie Daly, Sports with Kevin Shea and Weather with NECN's Tim Kelley. The show is co-produced by NECN** and anchored by Leslie Gaydos. The "Worcester News Tonight 10pm Update" broadcasts live from the "Charter TV3" studio in Worcester. The show rebroadcasts at 11pm and 7:30am the following morning. The "10pm Update" features a news segment with Jennifer Roy and an extended sports segment with Kevin Shea and Andy Lacombe.

"Charter TV3" also provides local sports coverage. "TV3 Sports" concentrates its coverage on local high school, college and professional athletics. Every weeknight, Kevin Shea and Andy Lacombe report on the latest sports news on "Worcester News Tonight". "TV3 Sports" schedules live, on-location telecasts of sporting events year-round. These live telecasts include high school and Holy Cross football, high school and Holy Cross basketball, Worcester Sharks AHL hockey and Worcester Tornadoes CAN-AM baseball. The network's most popular sports program is the "Friday Night Football Frenzy", a weekly highlight program showcasing Central Mass. high school football. "TV3" is also popular for its high school sports season wrap-up show, "Central Mass Champions". The program airs at the end of each sports season, recapping the Central Mass teams participating in district and state playoffs.

"Charter TV3" also features community-based programming. Every weeknight, "TV3" simulcasts WTAG's, "The Jordan Levy Show" featuring Worcester politico and former mayor, Jordan Levy. "TV3"'s newest local program is "Commonwealth Report" featuring Worcester native, Massachusetts Lt. Governor Tim Murray. "Central Mass. Chronicles" is a round-table discussion show moderated by former "Worcester News Tonight" reporter Ben Dobson. "The Mayor's Forum" features Worcester Mayor Konstantina Lukes. "Worcester: The City that Reads", hosted by radio personality Hank Stolz, addresses the programs and initiatives around the city that promote reading and literacy.

The bulk of TV3's daily schedule consists of out-of-house programs. Producers from around Central Massachusetts purchase air space to broadcast their programs on "Charter TV3". These out-of-house programs focus on various interests including, commercial, religious, community, education and entertainment.

*Charter TV3 is formally known as WCTR-TV3. The name was changed recently to promote the network's owner, Charter Commincations. WCTR are still the call letters for the station, though they are no longer in the network's logo or marketing campaigns. For other stations using these call letters click here.

*Contrary to some claims, NECN does not own or operate Charter TV3. The partnership between the two networks exists with the co-production of "Worcester News Tonight." NECN and Charter TV3 co-produce the show and share video material. NECN broadcasts the evening show live from the NECN studio at 5:30 on NECN on the Central Mass. Charter Cable system. The Charter TV3 news reporters primarily provide the newscast with local content. Charter TV3 rebroadcasts the show at 6:30pm and 9pm.