Behind the Scenes at Community Focus: A Visit with Executive Director Mary Kidd

Today I had the opportunity to meet with Mary Kidd, Executive Director of Community Focus on Spectrum Channel 1021. As someone with a background in media, I truly appreciate the vital role this local channel plays in connecting our residents to the heart of Twinsburg — from our schools and parks to city events and civic organizations.

Community Focus has been a cornerstone of local media since its early days in 1982, when it aired its very first high school football game. Originally founded as Cable 9 through the Western Reserve Cable Consortium, the station has grown far beyond its original scope. Today, under the Community Focus name, it reaches audiences across social media, on-demand platforms, and of course, traditional cable.

What makes Community Focus so special is not just its programming — it's the people. The station is run by professionals who live in the communities they serve. Students and volunteers who intern here don’t just observe — they contribute from day one. Many have gone on to careers in media and often return to give back, reinforcing the strong sense of community that drives the station forward.

During my visit, Mary graciously gave me a tour of the studio and shared the channel’s deep commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive programming — nearly 117 hours of local content each week. From local government updates to school programs and special events, Community Focus truly brings Twinsburg to life on screen.

As I continue my campaign for Twinsburg City Council, this visit reaffirmed something I strongly believe in: transparency and communication are key to our city’s success. I’d love to see Council take a more active role in engaging with Community Focus — highlighting our wards, sharing updates, and making our work more accessible to residents.

Thank you again to Mary Kidd and the entire Community Focus team for your hospitality and for all the work you do to keep Twinsburg informed and connected. Let’s keep building a city where everyone has access to what matters most.