September 9, 2025 Submitted by Harbor Media
Strong Leadership and Production Classes for South Shore Residents Lead the Way for Continued Growth and Service
Harbor Media, Hingham’s community media nonprofit providing hyperlocal television and video services since 2011, today announced the appointment of Mary Ann Blackmur as Board President as well as the line up of new fall production classes.
Succeeding Margie Sullivan who has served on the board of directors since its 2011 inception, Mary Ann Blackmur is a longtime supporter and public programming producer of Harbor Media and has served on its board for three years. Professionally, she is Program Director at The Nimble Group, curators of HR events and previously served in community engagement for Mass General Brigham. In addition, Mary Ann and her husband Stan, a lifelong Hingham resident, publish The South Shore Magazine and are Realtors with Jack Conway. She blends her professional expertise with her passion for community service, currently serving on the Road to Responsibility Board and consulting with local nonprofits.
“I am honored to continue Margie’s legacy of leadership and to support the evolving expansion of Harbor Media’s mission to connect our community with dynamic public, education and government TV programming,” said Blackmur.
Margie Sullivan, who has served on the Harbor Media Board since its founding 14 years ago, steps down after more than three years as board president. A seasoned business professional with deep experience in video and commercial production, advertising, and creative management, Sullivan played a pivotal role in guiding Harbor Media through industry shifts, cable funding challenges and growing local partnerships.
“Margie has been a leader from day one, helping to shape the Harbor Media organization as well as the design of our dynamic TV studio,” said Michelle Balconi, Executive Director of Harbor Media. “Her service has been invaluable, and we are grateful for her continued support of our mission and thrilled that she will remain actively producing local TV programming; check out her food truck series debuting on our channels this month.”
The official change of stewardship will take place during Harbor Media’s upcoming annual meeting at 7:30 AM Friday, October 10th with both in-person and online options. Click HERE for attendance details and to RSVP.
HARBOR MEDIA UNIVERSITY FALL CLASS LINE UP
South Shore residents no longer need to brave the Boston commute to get the personal and professional benefits of video production and promotion classes. Harbor Media has partnered with experienced professionals to offer classes in its Hingham TV studio. Upcoming classes include:
Video Promotion for non-profits and small businesses
September 23 at 3:30 PM, ages 18+ taught by Emmy-nominated producer, writer and director Julie Singer.
Documentary Producing
Oct 11th & 25th at 10 AM, ages 18+ taught by John Rice, Executive writer/producer/director with cable & broadcast TV programming series and specials that have aired on PBS, ABC, Fox, CBS, HGTV, NBC, ESPN, Cox Sports and others.
Green Screen Tips & Tricks
Oct 16th at 3:30 PM, ages 11-14 taught by everyone’s favorite weatherman and Hingham resident Michael Page.
Improv Level 2
Oct 28th – Dec 16th at 6 PM, ages 18+ with Hingham resident Matt Griffin and Boston-based Improv Asylum
“The launch of Harbor Media University in our local TV studio exemplifies how we can offer professional assets while teaching new skills to members of the community,” said Michelle Balconi, Harbor Media’s Executive Director.
Classes offered fill a growing need on the South Shore while also providing meaningful support to Harbor Media, serving the Hingham community for local public access television for nearly 15 years. As cable subscriptions continue to decline statewide — with Hingham’s numbers dropping nearly 30% over the past five years — community media organizations like Harbor Media are facing loss of revenue amid growing demand for local public, education and government TV coverage.
Registration Information
Participants of all experience levels are welcome. Harbor Media offers a full slate of performance and production related classes via Harbor Media University “HMU” offering best in class instruction with industry professionals. Key partnerships with Boston-based Improv Asylum along with TV writer David Punch, producer/director John Rice, video producer Julie Singer and everyone’s favorite weatherman Michael Page are instrumental in bringing next-level instruction to Hingham and the surrounding South Shore community. Visit the HMU webpage to see the full list of courses with registration information.