It’s often said that life is a journey. On her path, Heather Adams has a thirst for adventure. The executive director and managing editor for BCTV has crafted a stellar career based on her talents, vanguard vision and a drive to participate in efforts to keep our community evolving. Born in Wisconsin, Adams was a self-described military brat until — when she was in third grade — her parents returned to their Berks roots in the Oley area. These days, she and her boyfriend Chris live (with felines Boo and Bandit) in Stony Creek Mills with a lust for life and plans on living it to the fullest.
Q: You joined BCTV in 2014 after working for the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center and Clear Channel Radio. Did you always want go into media?
I had no idea what I wanted to get into. [laughs] I went to York College as a speech communications major and I just took classes that interested me. My trajectory wasn’t really clear; I didn’t have a specific plan. After graduation I got an administrative job but had an interview at Y102 to be a board operator – a behind-the-scenes audio production job. They hired me for the sales department. I had never sold anything, but I worked for six years in sales and event planning and learned a lot. That’s how it started.
Q: Things are exciting at BCTV; it’s more than just television, isn’t it?
It is, although we have 117 programs currently – all as diverse as our community and produced by volunteers passionate about their subject matter and educating others. But you’re right; rather than solely TV, we’re a distribution hub for local information via cable, the website, our daily email blast or our new custom mobile app. It’s called So-Lo for “social local” and is designed to activate people as citizen journalists to generate content, launch video or upload photos.
Q: So there is something for everyone at BCTV?
Yes, people pick what they need; for some it's TV, while others like the mobile app. We’re very inclusive and provide full access to the community at large. As media changes, we want to honor our 40 years of public information, to preserve that legacy while moving forward.
Q: So, if I’m a fly on the wall and you’re at home, what would I find you doing?
I could be reading or trying to become a better cook. We used to dine out frequently but have been making a concerted effort to eat at home and be healthy. And Chris hunts, so I’m working on being a home chef, experimenting. I’m also a serial crafter; I have lots of fabric and supplies, so I’m always working on something. I also like to travel. We kayak; we go to concerts or car shows or out with friends, so I might not be home. Again, I don’t plan too much.My philosophy is to enjoy life, to go where it takes me and just really have fun.
by Michelle E. Biggerstaff | photo by John A. Secoges, Secoges Photographics
