Nā Leo TV raises over $58,000 following historic 16-hour broadcast

For Nā Leo TV, this year’s celebration of National Community Media Day marked an important step toward building a more community-supported media organization.

Nā Leo TV commemorated National Community Media Day with the largest and most technically complex live production in its history. Its first live TV fund drive raised more than $58,000 in community contributions and brought together local talent, volunteers, and storytellers for an unprecedented 16-hour broadcast from Oct. 8 to 9.

Co-hosted by Nā Leo President and CEO Ashley Kierkiewicz and local comedian Heston Kaʻauhue, the event involved 18 staff and casual hires, more than 20 volunteers, and 55 volunteer performers and community guests.

Community Media Day highlights the significance of local voices, civic engagement, cultural expression, and public access to media technology.

Behind the scenes, Nā Leo’s production team transformed its Hilo facility into a fully connected television operation. More than 3,000 feet of audio, video, and network cabling linked multiple studios, podcast spaces, and a kitchen, integrating 18 video feeds, four video switchers, and two 32-channel audio mixers. Programming was broadcast simultaneously on television and online.

“I’m so proud of what our team accomplished,” Kierkiewicz said. “There was so much planning, problem-solving, and technical coordination behind those 16 hours. We had people new to live production working alongside experienced crew members, learning and figuring things out on the fly. And that’s what we want Nā Leo to be—a place where people can gain real experience, build confidence, and develop skills that open doors to new opportunities.”

The fund drive also marked the launch of Friends of Nā Leo TV, a membership program inviting the community to help sustain and expand media education, original programming, creative workforce development, and local storytelling.

“What meant the most was seeing how many people wanted to be part of this,” Kierkiewicz said. “People showed up to perform, volunteer, share their stories, donate, and cheer us on. Raising more than $58,000 during our first fund drive is a tremendous start, but just as important are the relationships we built and the excitement about what comes next.

“Community media is about giving people the tools, skills, and platforms to tell their own stories,” Kierkiewicz said. “We want to keep building on that momentum and creating more ways for our community to learn, connect, and create right here at home.”

To watch or revisit highlights from the fund drive, become a Friend of Nā Leo TV, or make a contribution, visit naleo.tv/friend.contribution, visit naleo.tv/friend.