We’ve got big ideas for what public media should look like in 2010 and beyond. And one of the greatest challenges ahead is to transform the existing model that revolves almost exclusively around public broadcasting stations into something broader and more inclusive that connects the many individuals and institutions across the country that are creating media in the public interest.
Community media – those locally owned radio stations, public access television channels, neighborhood nonprofit Web sites – are an essential resource. To better understand their strengths and needs in our ever changing media environment, Free Press is conducting an informal survey of community media makers. Given the troubling lack of localism and diversity in the mainstream media, community media makers become all the more important.
But the obstacles community media face – from funding problems to battles to secure more space on the broadcast dial – are unique and need to be better understood. And the successes they have – from training young journalists to uncovering major stories that the big media missed – often go unreported.
Our goal is to better comprehend the challenges that community media makers are grappling with, and the kinds of work that individuals and organizations are doing today. We hope that those engaged in this crucial media work – regardless of medium, size or focus – will weigh in.
We will be updating this blog with insights and information as the results start rolling in. And if you are a community media maker, please share your input with us. Some of the most innovative and interesting media projects going on today are being created by community organizations. We look forward to hearing from you and to sharing some of these stories here over the coming weeks.
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