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Areas of Impact
"With Emmy recognition, expanded digital reach, and deepened community partnerships, CAN TV's impact extends far beyond the screen – touching hearts, changing minds, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard."
Impact That Transforms and Validates
In 2025, CAN TV reached a historic milestone: Emmy recognition for our groundbreaking journalism and storytelling. But the true measure of our impact goes far beyond accolades. From record-breaking digital growth to 400 Chicagoans trained in media literacy, from 311 nonprofit shows to the expansion of our board and infrastructure, 2025 demonstrated that our commitment to centering marginalized voices and creating platforms for healing and empowerment is resonating across our entire community. These achievements reflect meaningful progress in our mission to amplify community voices and create lasting change – validated not just by our audiences, but by the industry itself.
EMMY RECOGNITION: A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR CAN TV
First Emmy Nominations in 42 Years
In 2025, CAN TV achieved a milestone that validates everything we do: Emmy recognition. For the first time in our organization's 42-year history, two of our programs earned nominations from the Chicago chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
Outstanding Magazine Program
Outstanding Documentary – Topical
These nominations represent validation that our commitment to bold storytelling, authentic community voices, and meaningful journalism has reached the highest standards of the industry. More importantly, they affirm that the stories we tell – stories often untold by mainstream media – deserve to be heard and celebrated.
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DIGITAL GROWTH & VIEWERSHIP
Reaching More People, More Often
2025 was a breakthrough year for CAN TV's digital presence and audience engagement:
YouTube
47,000
Viewing Hours
15,200
Total Subscribers
2,100
New subscribers
Website & Cross-Platform Reach
41,000
Active
Web Users
278,000
Viewing
Sessions
2,500
Newsletter Subscribers
These metrics demonstrate that Chicagoans are increasingly turning to CAN TV for news, programming, and community connection that reflects their lived experiences and values.
CHI CONNECTS 21: AMPLIFYING NONPROFIT VOICES
Supporting Chicago's Change Makers
Chi Connects 21 (formerly Nonprofit Services) expanded its reach and impact in 2025, broadcasting a record 311 shows totaling 133 hours of dynamic programming.
Nonprofit Partners: Growing from 24 to 25
We welcomed 9 new nonprofit partners to our platform, including:
This expansion reflects the deepening trust of Chicago's nonprofit community in CAN TV as a vital platform for advocacy, education, and civic engagement. Each partnership represents organizations working to create meaningful change – and we're honored to amplify their vital work.
TRAINING & EDUCATION: BUILDING TOMORROW'S STORYTELLERS
Growing Impact on Chicago's Media Literacy
2025 saw significant expansion in our educational programming and community training:
Community Training
- 400 Chicagoans trained in media production and digital literacy (up from 388 in 2024)
- 13 summer interns brought into the program
- Expanded workshop offerings in partnership with community organizations
Community Producers Program
- 101 Community Producers actively creating content for CAN TV
- Direct pathways to on-air opportunities and ongoing skill development
These numbers represent more than statistics – they represent 400 community members with new tools to tell their stories, advocate for change, and participate in the media landscape that shapes our city.
PARTNERSHIPS
Strategic Investment in CAN TV's Mission
2025 demonstrated strong support for our work:
Key Partnerships Included:
