Keep Us Connected!
“Keep Us Connected”
With media consolidation, the further commercialization of media and a reduction of public affairs programming and independent voices on commercial television, the role of community media is more valuable today than ever.
Over the past several years, community media has faced many challenges including state franchising bills that, in many instances, have resulted in significant reductions to PEG funding and support. New entrants to the multi-channel video marketplace are attempting to offer PEG channels to their viewers in a substandard format and means of carriage. Local and State Governments are facing economic challenges which may ultimately impact support available for valuable community programming. Without active community media operations, many citizens will loose their connection to the voices in their local community, their connection to educational opportunities, and their connection to their elected officials. We can not allow for people to become disconnected.
To address these issues, the Alliance for Community Media is launching our “Keep Us Connected” Campaign. On behalf of the Alliance for Community Media Board of Directors, I am encouraging all of you to become fully engaged to “Keep Us Connected”.
By keeping us connected, the Alliance for Community Media wants our voices heard on a national level. We want decision-makers to understand the harm being done to community media organizations through poor public policy. We want to showcase your efforts in your communities and the people that you are serving. We want to further raise the profile of PEG channels and community media on the national level. And we want to create a proactive environment on the Hill to further the principles of community media through legislative cures within the first 100 days of the next Congress.
“Keep Us Connected” starts now and leads up to activity on the Hill as part of this year’s National Conference in Washington D.C. The ACM is returning to D.C. for this year’s conference so you have an opportunity to meet with your representatives and tell your story. The ACM will assist you in your visits, with materials, training, and coordination. PEG gained strong visibility this year on the hill with the Congressional Hearing on PEG in the Digital Age. Let’s capitalize on this exposure and the significant support expressed at the hearing to move our issues forward.
Watch for more information on how to become further involved and contribute to the campaign. I look forward to seeing all of you at this year’s National Conference in Washington D.C. as we gather to learn about the best practices in our industry, share our stories, and most importantly, “Keep Us Connected”.
Matt Schuster
Chair, ACM Board of Directors
