Elevating Tradition with Broadcast Announcements

Location: Charlottesville, VA
Partner: Hill & Wood Funeral Service
Broadcast Partner: 29News WVIR

Hill & Wood Funeral Service has supported Charlottesville families for generations. Known for dignified care and deep community roots, their team has built long-standing trust by honoring tradition with grace. As families began seeking more flexible, modern ways to connect and remember, Hill & Wood saw an opportunity to enhance their offerings without disrupting what they do best.

They partnered with Chptr to include broadcast announcements in every service package. This gives families a powerful way to share memories and reach their wider circle while keeping the process seamless for staff.

“We offer Chptr to every family through our professional services charge with an opt-out option,” said Tess Willets, Vice President of Finance. “We’ve received a good bit of positive feedback from both families and viewers alike.”

A Valuable Addition for Families and the Brand

Chptr transforms submitted photos and memories into broadcast-ready announcements. These memorials air on 29News WVIR, are shared online, and live permanently on the funeral home’s website. The Chptr team handles the production and scheduling, allowing funeral directors to focus on care while giving families something meaningful and easy to share.

Each broadcast announcement generates an estimated $2,250 in earned media value. This helps Hill & Wood grow their presence across the region without increasing advertising costs or staff workload.

“Knowing that Chptr is as equally invested in our families’ memorialization is what sets them apart,” Tess shared. “They’ve helped us meet last-minute requests and unique needs without hesitation. That level of partnership really matters.”

Results That Resonate

• 90% family adoption rate
  
  
• $2,250+ in media value per announcement
  
  
• Stronger community recognition and word-of-mouth
  
  
• Differentiation in a competitive market
  
  
• Positive family feedback and long-term goodwill
  
  

This is what families see on local television, a dignified tribute that reflects Hill & Wood’s legacy of care.

Families often express how moving it is to see their loved one remembered on television and how meaningful it is to be able to share that moment widely.

Why It Works for Today’s Funeral Homes

• Offers families a dignified and sharable way to celebrate a life
  
  
• Adds value to existing packages without operational strain
  
  
• Expands brand reach through trusted local broadcast
  
  
• Enhances perception without needing to sell anything new
  
  

A Thoughtful Upgrade with Lasting Impact

Chptr helped Hill & Wood reinforce their legacy of service while introducing something modern and memorable. The process is simple. The result is lasting. And the alignment with the funeral home’s values is clear.

This is not a tech tool. It is a partnership that extends the care families already feel and the reputation Hill & Wood has earned.