Philadelphia Community Access Media (PhillyCAM)

The mission of the PhillyCAM is to provide Philadelphia residents and organizations with the opportunity to communicate with each other through the creation and distribution of non-commercial media. PhillyCAM provides residents and community organizations access to media-making tools and training and opportunities for interaction between diverse communities. PhillyCAM’s intent is to operate a vibrant community media center which is accessible and welcoming to all and provides a valuable means for people to gain access to and training in the use of new digital media technologies, including computers, Internet, radio, video, and television, that enable people to address the diverse social and cultural needs of their communities. All Philadelphians, not just the influential, will have the opportunity to make and watch programs about themselves, their lives, and interests, as well as utilize other new technologies. PhillyCAM will provide training not only in television production but also assist producers in the production of videos for the Internet and the creation of websites, video blogs, podcasts and other platforms. The trainings offered by the PhillyCAM will develop the technological capabilities of the participants so they would be able to take full advantage of the tools the Access Center provides to tell their own stories. Specialized trainings would also be available for youth, non-native English speakers, people with disabilities and other identified groups who could most benefit from specialized instruction. Philadelphia is the last major US city to get public access television, which means that many residents are unaware of the opportunities public access offers, its relevance and importance as a communications and community-building tool. PhillyCAM must build public awareness of its vision and the availability of its services with particular emphasis in underserved communities with limited access to the Internet. PhillyCAM will dedicate significant staff outreach efforts to promote public awareness and use of the access system. A lot of our outreach work will focus on in-person, off-line campaigns and events where we will work with community partners to promote public access. We will also: -Advertise on our channels and create a “How to Get Access to TV & the Internet” program on Comcast’s “Get Local” Video on Demand channel -Advertise in community newspapers and on community radio stations. Table and cover local events, community fairs and events -Distribute printed materials (cards, stickers, posters) as part of a grassroots street outreach campaign & possibly extend this to include ads on public transit -Generate local media coverage including print, television, radio and Internet coverage