In a surprise announcement on Monday, LTV, which operates East Hampton Town’s public access channel, announced that Michael Clark, its executive director since October 2019, has resigned. Jonathan Olken, chairman of LTV’s board of directors, has also resigned, and Ellen Watson, LTV’s longtime operations manager, is soon to retire.
Josh Gladstone, LTV’s creative director, has been named interim executive director while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted. LTV’s board of directors was to formally vote on Mr. Gladstone’s interim appointment this week.
J.P. Foster, who has been on LTV’s board for some three and a half years and served as its secretary until January, has assumed chairmanship of the board. Christina DeSanti is now its vice chairwoman, Jerry Kennell is its treasurer, and Thomas Crouch is the new secretary.
“LTV remains dedicated to providing an open platform for free speech, public discourse, education, and creative expression,” according to a statement provided by the WordHampton public relations firm. “The station continues to broadcast live local government meetings on Channel 22 in the Town of East Hampton and via livestream on its website, ensuring continued transparency and community engagement.”
Mr. Clark said on Monday that he has left for personal reasons. “I just figured it was the right time,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a whole different phase of my life. It was an excellent six years, and I think we made a difference.”
Staff learned of Mr. Clark’s resignation on July 18, Mr. Gladstone said. “It was a bit of a surprise for everyone,” he said. “The timing for us is a challenge, but we’re excited to go forward. We’ve got a really good team in place, a lot of talent, a lot of young people on staff who are really game and doing amazing work.”
Mr. Clark succeeded Eric Glandbard in the executive director’s role. Prior to joining LTV, he was the proprietor of Crossroads Music in East Hampton and later at Amagansett Square. He also served for 20 years in a management capacity with Verizon, in Manhattan.
At LTV, he created and produced many episodes of “East End Underground,” a music program, and oversaw a significant expansion of activities and offerings at the public-access broadcaster. Under his stewardship, LTV’s studios in Wainscott hosted concerts, plays, art exhibitions, and lectures. It is now hosting Hamptons Jazzfest and Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea concerts. From Friday, Aug. 8, to Aug. 10, LTV will present the Hamptons Dance Project at Fireplace Lodge in Springs.
LTV is funded with the franchise fee Cablevision pays to East Hampton Town and Village. Cablevision also grants LTV an annual fee for equipment upgrades. Additional funding comes from contributors, underwriters, grants, production services, and membership fees.
