Nā Leo TV

What Nā Leo TV does

Nā Leo TV is a Hawai'i Island community access television station founded in 1993 and headquartered at 91 Mohouli Street, Hilo, with a second production studio in Kailua-Kona. It operates three cable channels — Public 53 (community access), Educational 54, and Governmental 55 — and distributes content via video-on-demand streaming and live streaming on naleo.tv. Core operations combine linear broadcast, original video production, a certified Community Creator program that grants trained residents access to equipment and studios, and a youth-media development pipeline including the Youth Media Challenge, Ho'olono Scholarship, Production Assistant Bootcamp, and NLTV Monthlies. The organization is structured as a private nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors and led by President & CEO Ashley Kierkiewicz and Executive Vice-President Kyle Kawano, with roughly 15–20 staff across production, technology, programming, and client relations.

The business is sustained by a hybrid revenue model: earned income from program sales (USB/DVD recordings of graduations, sports, and cultural events priced at $20–$50 per unit), workshop fees ($15–$125 per participant for productions such as lauhala weaving and the PA Bootcamp), and physical media for series such as Culture Corner; recurring grants and sponsorships from county agencies (Department of Water Supply, Civil Defense, DOT, Police/Fire), utility companies (Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom), private businesses (KTA Super Stores, Hawai'i Community FCU), and nonprofit partners (Rotary Clubs, HOPE Services Hawai'i, Vibrant Hawai'i); and in-kind broadcast access backed by its public-access designation. Customers and constituents include Hawai'i Island youth (ages 11–24) and schools (24 participating in the 2024 Youth Media Challenge), Hawai'i County government and agencies, certified Community Creator producers, and the broader Hawai'i Island viewing audience across three broadcast channels plus digital/streaming.

Underlying technology is conventional broadcast and video-production infrastructure (cameras, editing, studios, channel playout) with a Squarespace-hosted web/streaming front-end; the website hosts program information, VOD catalogs, an online store, and certification intake. The organization has no documented proprietary software, AI/ML components, SDK/API surface, or patents/trademarks; differentiation rests on regulatory access to cable channel capacity, a multi-decade content library, and an embedded community trust and creator pipeline rather than on technology IP.

Name

Nā Leo TV

Legal name

Nā Leo TV

Website

https://naleo.tv

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Nā Leo TV is a Hawai'i Island nonprofit community access television station (founded 1993) operating Public, Educational, and Governmental cable channels plus streaming, running youth media programs, scholarships, and a certified Community Creator training pipeline for local residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Access Television Services

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Multicultural/Language Broadcasters (Spanish/Asian/Other Local Markets) (MPABACAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

National General-Entertainment Broadcast Networks (MPABAAAA), National & Regional Sports TV Networks (Linear) (MPABAJAA), Educational/Instructional Public Media Services (Schools, Distance Learning) (MPABADAH)

Keywords

• Community access television
• Public access broadcasting
• Video production services
• Youth media education
• Local content streaming

Headquarters

HQ city

Hilo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Program Sales: Sale of recorded content including graduations, sports events, cultural festivals, and workshops on USB thumb drives or DVDs
2. Workshop Fees: Fees for educational workshops including Production Assistant Bootcamp ($125) and cultural workshops like lauhala weaving
3. Sponsorships and Grants: Funding from community organizations and government sponsors for youth programs, media challenges, and educational initiatives

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Nā Leo TV is a nonprofit community access television station that broadcasts local content across three cable channels (Public 53, Educational 54, Governmental 55) and distributes original programming via video-on-demand. The organization produces NLTV Exclusives content series, runs a Community Creators certification program providing studio and equipment access, offers educational workshops (PA Bootcamp, cultural workshops), sells recorded programs on USB/DVD, and operates youth development programs including the Youth Media Challenge and Ho'olono Scholarship.

Product overview

Nā Leo TV is Hawai'i Island's community access television station established in 1993, operating as a multi-channel broadcast platform with Public Access (Channel 53), Educational (Channel 54), and Governmental (Channel 55) channels. The organization functions as both a storytelling agency and community media hub, offering Video On-Demand streaming, NLTV Exclusives original productions, and a Community Creators certification program. The product portfolio includes original series (Culture Corner, Disaster Preparedness, Beyond the Mic, Dive In, NLTV F.I.T., Council Podcasts 2026), youth development initiatives (Youth Media Challenge, Ho'olono Scholarship, PA Bootcamp, NLTV Monthlies), community access broadcasting, and studio rental facilities in Hilo and Kona. The integrated offering combines linear TV broadcasting, streaming VOD, educational programming, community content creation tools, and youth media training to serve the diverse voices and perspectives of Hawai'i Island.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Culture Corner: A 15-minute series highlighting unique stories, performances, festivals, and special celebrations of art, history, culture, and heritage throughout Hawai'i Island.
• Hawai'i Island Speaks Out (HISO)
• Dive In
• Disaster Preparedness
• NLTV Monthlies
• Ho'o Lono Scholarship
• Youth Media Challenge
• Production Assistant (PA) Bootcamp

Products and services

• Community Access Television Broadcasting Three-channel cable television broadcasting service providing Public, Educational, and Governmental programming across Hawai'i Island, serving as the island's home of community media from 'Upolu to Kalae and Kumukahi to Keahole.
• NLTV Exclusives Original Programming Original video-on-demand programming featuring Hawai'i Island's people, stories, culture, and community events. Available for streaming at naleo.tv with content available for 90 days after release.
• Community Creators Certification Program Certification program enabling Hawai'i Island community members to access Nā Leo TV's professional equipment and studios for content creation, with online training modules, proficiency testing, and PSA production requirements.
• Studio Rental and Production Facilities Equipment and studio rental facilities at Hilo (East Hawai'i Studio) and Kona (West Hawai'i Studio) locations for certified Community Creators to plan, shoot, and edit programs.
• Video On-Demand Streaming Platform Online streaming platform providing on-demand access to NLTV Exclusives original series, Community Creators productions, live stream archives, and special project content, accessible via naleo.tv.
• Production Assistant (PA) Bootcamp Full-day hands-on training workshop preparing aspiring media professionals for work on film, television, and digital production sets, including mentorship from industry professionals and guidance on joining the IATSE Local 665 union. Priced at $125 per person.
• Youth Media Challenge Annual media competition for Hawai'i Island youth ages 11-24 featuring themed categories including short films, PSAs, and digital art. Sponsored by community partners across 13 themed categories with prizes totaling nearly $20,000.
• Ho'olono Scholarship Semiannual scholarship program supporting Hawai'i Island youth pursuing careers in broadcast, journalism, digital and creative media. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 and are presented twice yearly for Fall and Spring semesters.
• NLTV Monthlies Monthly content creation challenge inviting Hawai'i Island youth, families, and Community Creators to produce short 1-5 minute videos in response to monthly theme prompts, with broadcast showcase opportunities.
• Program Recording Sales Sale of recorded broadcast content including graduation ceremonies, sports events, cultural festivals, and workshop recordings delivered on USB thumb drives or DVDs through the online store.
• Cultural Workshops Educational cultural workshops including lauhala weaving sessions (Holiday Wreath $15, Bracelet Weaving $30) teaching traditional Hawaiian cultural arts and crafts.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 250 youth participated in inaugural 2024 Youth Media Challenge across 24 schools
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered title sponsor, core and minor.

• KTA Super Storestitle sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor for Youth Media Challenge supporting Hawai'i Island youth in media creation. Also sponsors NLTV Monthlies program.
• Dept. of Water Supplytitle sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor for Youth Media Challenge with theme 'Water, Our Most Precious Resource' category.
• Hawai'i Police DepartmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Community Safety' theme. Also partner for Safe Hawaii program.
• Hawaiian ElectriccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Energy Resilience' theme and supporter of local media.
• Hawai'i Community FCUcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Financial Literacy' theme.
• HOPE Services Hawai'icoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Homeless Awareness' theme.
• Hawai'i Department of TransportationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Safe Transportation' theme.
• Hawai'i Island Fentanyl Task ForcecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Fentanyl Awareness' theme.
• Civil Defense AgencycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Disaster Preparedness' theme.
• Hawai'i Tourism AuthoritycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Visit with Respect' theme.
• Division of Aquatic ResourcescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Ocean Preservation' theme.
• Rotary Clubs of Hilo, South Hilo, and Hilo BaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Creating Peace' theme.
• Hawaiian TelcomcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge 'Digital Equity' theme.
• Vibrant Hawai'iminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCategory sponsor for Youth Media Challenge.
• Dept. of Research & DevelopmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for Youth Media Challenge supporting research and development themes.
• Hawai'i Fire DepartmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for Youth Media Challenge.
• The Sunderland Familytitle sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerMade Beyond the Mic 2025 series possible through generous support.
• Zonta Club of HilocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Fashion Frenzy Series and That's Sew Hilo production documenting local garment makers.
• Pāhoa High School (Kealaula Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork-based learning partnership for media production training during 2024-25 school year.
• Kealakehe High School (Waveriders Program)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork-based learning partnership for media production training during 2024-25 school year.
• IATSE Local 665coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnion partnership for PA Bootcamp with guest speaker Tui Scanlan, President of IATSE Local 665. Provides guidance on breaking into the industry and joining the union.
• Hawai'i Kupuna Hula FestivalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresented by Hawai'i County Department of Parks & Recreation's Elderly Activities Division. Nā Leo TV records and sells festival performances.
• Temple ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Re:Create community healing workshops supporting domestic violence survivors.
• Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Hawai'i CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Re:Create project documenting community healing workshops for domestic violence survivors.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Honolulu Civil Beat: Honolulu Civil Beat is a nonprofit investigative news organization serving Hawaii with civic and government coverage. Comparable in its nonprofit, Hawaii-focused, civic-information mission, though it operates in digital journalism rather than broadcast television.

Broad incumbents

• PBS Hawaii: PBS Hawaii is the statewide public television broadcaster and PBS member station, producing local programming and distributing national PBS content. While larger and statewide, it shares the nonprofit public-media mission and educational/community programming mandate that defines Nā Leo TV.

Direct peers

• Pacific Islanders in Communications: Pacific Islanders in Communications is a nonprofit media organization funding and producing content by and about Pacific Islanders. Comparable cultural-community media mission and grant-funding model, with focus on amplifying indigenous Pacific voices similar to Nā Leo TV's Hawaiian cultural programming.
• Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN): MNN is one of the largest community access media centers in the United States, operating PEG channels and community-creator certification in New York City. It mirrors Nā Leo TV's core model of certified community members producing local content for public broadcast channels.
• Cambridge Community Television (CCTV): CCTV operates community access television channels serving Cambridge, Massachusetts with community-creator training and local programming. Directly comparable PEG-channel operator with a similar nonprofit, training-focused, community-media production model.
• Akakū Maui Community Media: Akakū operates community access television channels serving Maui County. It mirrors Nā Leo TV's PEG-channel structure, community-creator certification model, and youth media training focus on a different Hawaiian island.
• 'Ōlelo Community Media: 'Ōlelo is Oahu's community access television station, operating the same PEG (Public, Educational, Governmental) channel model on a neighboring Hawaiian island. It is the most direct functional peer—same mission, same regulatory designation, same multi-channel structure.
• Hawaii Public Radio: Hawaii Public Radio is a statewide nonprofit public-media organization serving Hawaiian communities with news, cultural, and music programming. Comparable to Nā Leo TV as a Hawaii-focused nonprofit broadcaster with member-supported, grant-funded operations and local-content emphasis.
• Open Signal (Portland Community Media): Open Signal is Portland's community media center operating PEG channels with community-creator certification, youth media programs, and original local productions. Shares the same nonprofit, training-and-broadcast hybrid model that defines Nā Leo TV's operations.

Others

• Alliance for Community Media: The Alliance for Community Media is the national trade association representing PEG access channels and community media centers across the United States. Relevant as the industry-association counterpart that advocates for the regulatory framework supporting organizations like Nā Leo TV.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/results?search_query=N%C4%81+Leo+TV
• Xx.com/naleotv
• Facebookfacebook.com/naleotv

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nā Leo TV