About Open Media Foundation's BTOP Application

In the fall of 2009, The Open Media Foundation, Free Speech TV, and the Alliance for Community Media cooperated in an application for the first round of BTOP Stimulus funds available for Sustainable Broadband Adoption Projects. As of 2010, that application is still pending, but in case it is rejected, we are preparing a proposal for the second round, with its revised guidelines. If our first-round proposal is accepted, second-round applicants will be included as alternates. The original announcement is below.

The Open Media Foundation, Free Speech TV, and the Alliance for Community Media are seeking partners to apply for Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) funding to extend/expand the Open Media Project, a program initially funded by the Knight Foundation and currently in beta test phase.

We are looking for Public Access TV partners from rural communities, or urban areas serving communities with less than 40% broadband adoption, to implement the Open Media tool set in 2010 and 2011. Participating stations will receive in-kind resources, equipment, and services valued at $40,000.  Stations lacking a Drupal website, digital playback server, local webserver, or the capacity to provide all content via their website, will receive all the equipment and support required to implement each feature of the Open Media Project software.

Stations must be able to allocate a $10,000 match, including at least $5,000 to be allocated towards local Drupal support. Matching funds can be related operational costs and/or capital equipment expenses. Stations must demonstrate a capacity to maintain the new equipment and website, whether through direct fund allocation or by re-allocating staff resources freed-up through the automation of the Open Media Project tools.

To apply for the opportunity, please sign up for an account and complete the BTOP application.

All applications should be complete and submitted by March 10, 2010.  Later submissions will be accepted, but stations whose applications are submitted in time to be included in our Phase2 proposal (due March 15) will have the best chances for participation and funding. All first round applicants will automatically be included for consideration.