Accessibility and Captioning Solutions for Community Media Centers
Learn about the latest DOJ, ADA, and FCC rules regarding accessibility and captioning rules, which of those rules apply to PEG access channels, CMC distribution of programming on a variety of platforms, and what you need to do to prepare and comply.
Workshop Facilitator: Mike Wassenaar, President/CEO Alliance for Community Media, Silver Springs, MD.
Speakers: Michael Bradley, Partner, Bradley and Werner, LLC, Minneapolis, MN; Pete Tufigno, VP of Sales at Cablecast/MediaScribe Cablecast; Mike Wassenaar, President/CEO ACM, Silver Springs, MD.
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Accessibility-and-Captioning-Michael-Bradley.pdf, acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Unlocking-Accessibility-Pete-Tufigno.pdf
Grant Writing: Strategies for Securing Grants for Community Media Centers
This panel will focus on strategies for securing grants to support mission-focused activities such as storytelling, training programs, digital and media literacy, partnership development, and project-based initiatives at community media centers. Panelists will share their personal experiences applying for and successfully implementing grant-funded programs, offering valuable insights into the grant-writing process. Topics will include identifying appropriate funding sources, crafting compelling proposals, and managing grant compliance once funding is secured. Attendees will leave with practical advice on leveraging grants to build and sustain impactful programs that provide vital media training and opportunities for underserved communities.
Workshop Facilitator: Chris Miller, COO, Pasadena Media, Pasadena, CA.
Speakers: Bryan Harley, Executive Director, CMAC, Fresno, CA; Autumn Labbe-Renault, Executive Director, Davis Media Access, Davis, CA.
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grant-Strategies-Bryan-Harley.pdf, acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Grant-Strategies-Autumn-Labbe-Renault.pdf
CMCs and the Future of Local News: A Visioning Discussion
Community media centers (CMCs) are essential to sustaining a healthy democratic society and open access to reliable local news and civic information. Growing shortages of local news that are primarily due to market failures, media consolidation, and significant layoffs in the traditional journalism sector have created a ripe opportunity for CMCs to play an even more influential role in local news and information ecosystems. This workshop will expand upon the plenary discussion by focusing on the specifics of CMCs. Participants will engage in a productive visioning exercise and structured group discussion articulating how CMCs can illuminate and serve as stewards in a bright new future for local news. The desired outcomes of this workshop are a collection of ideas, best practices, and anecdotal stories that can support the development of future case study research, narrative-shift campaigns, and fundraising collaborations.
Discussion Leader: Dr. Antoine Haywood, Asst. Professor, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Speakers: This is a discussion workshop with many leaders in the field participating.
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Future-of-Local-News-Antoine-Haywood.pdf
Harnessing AI for Community Media: Enhancing Production and Engagement
Explore the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced workflows in community media centers, and the variety of ways AI tools can streamline production processes, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance audience engagement. This discussion-based workshop will examine practical use cases and survey a range of AI tools for content creation, transcription, social media management, grant writing, organizational reporting, and administrative tasks. We will also discuss the ethical considerations of AI adoption and the importance of stated and understood organizational policies regarding AI usage. Discover new possibilities for creating innovative content, reaching broader audiences and improving operational efficiency at your media center.
Workshop Facilitator/Speaker: Jackie Stevens, Managing Director, Municipal Captioning, Garner, NC
Speakers: Sharon Huang, Studio Coordinator, Pasadena Media, Pasadena, CA. John Hauser, Digital Media Archivist and Founder Community Media Archive, Access Humboldt, Eureka, CA; Jackie Stevens, Managing Director, Municipal Captioning, Garner, NC.
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AI-Sharon-Huang.pdf, acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AI-John-Hauser.pdf
Attracting Young Creators to Community Media
Are you ready to connect with young creators? This panel will delve into the evolving landscape of youth education in community media, focusing on partnerships with educational institutions and youth-centered organizations. Experts will share insights into what CMCs are doing to attract and engage youth, addressing both the successes and challenges of working with young creators. Panelists will explore the structure of various youth programs, highlight best practices, and discuss how to foster long-term engagement and skill development through effective follow-up. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative efforts needed to equip the next generation of storytellers with the tools and resources to thrive in media production.
Workshop Facilitator: Shelley Wolfe, Executive Director, PSTV, Philadelphia Public School District, Philadelphia, PA
Speakers: Davey Rameriez, Education Coordinator, CMAC, Fresno, CA; Shelley Wolfe, Executive Director, PSTV, Philadelphia Public School District, Philadelphia, PA
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Attracting-Young-Creators-to-Community-Media.pdf
Fun Tools and Platforms for Video Creation and Community Engagement
This interactive panel will connect you with various platforms for quick video creation on a desktop or mobile phone! Learn how platforms like Canva and other creative tools can foster collaboration, networking, and engagement with the community. Attendees will experience live walk-throughs of these platforms, practical tips for maximizing their use, and open sharing about what has worked in their organizations. Experience how to use these creative tools for in-house marketing needs or as part of your workshop offerings for the community.
Workshop Facilitator: Laureen Fallahay, Operations Director, Access Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
Speakers: Olivia Franco, Social Media Manager/County Producer, Hoike, Kauai; Angela Harrer, Media Production Specialist, Pasadena Media, Pasadena, CA
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fun-Tools.pdf
Evaluating and Rebuilding Community Media Center Membership Programs
CMCs often struggle with how to define a “member.” Is or should there be a difference between a member and a producer? Can someone who wishes to support the CMC but not produce be a member? Paid or unpaid memberships? Does it matter? Let’s look at various membership programs at a variety of CMCs and see how they are working or not working.
Workshop Facilitator: Kat Tracy, Director of Education, Akakū Maui Community Media – Kahului, HI.
Speakers: Zac Zachou, Community Media Coordinator, CreaTV San Jose, San Jose, CA.; Christina Marie Jeffers, Executive Director, Access Humboldt, Eureka, CA.; Kat Tracy, Director of Education, Akakū Maui Community Media – Kahului, HI.
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Building Apprenticeship and Internship Programs
This panel will focus on successful models for building internship and apprentice programs. Learn how to develop ongoing partnerships with local high schools and colleges. See how high school and college interns have gained hands-on experience in different areas such as community outreach, video production, cable programming, and marketing. These internships and apprenticeships offer invaluable real-world experience in media, fostering creativity and professional growth in students while strengthening connections between the media and the local community.
Workshop Facilitator: Candice Neu, Executive Director, Katharsis Media, Albuquerque, NM
Speakers: Kyle Lowe, Operations Manager, CMAC, Fresno, CA; Candice Neu, Executive Director, Katharsis Media, Albuquerque, NM. Cheryl Gardner, Assistant Professor, Media, Communications & Journalism, Cal. State University, Fresno, CA,
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Consolidating Streaming and Simulcast Workflows in Community Media
Take a deep dive into your options to automate and schedule a cable channel, launch a streaming app on OTT and mobile, or share live and on-demand video across multiple websites and social media platforms.
Workshop Facilitator: Justin Cowgill, Chief Technology Officer, CreaTV, San Jose, CA
Speakers: Dom Zamora, Media and Distribution Coordinator, CMAC, Fresno, CA; Justin Cowgill, Chief Technology Officer, CreaTV, San Jose, CA; Jesse Lerman, President & CEO, TelVue Corporation, Mt. Laurel, NJ
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Crafting Change: Developing State Legislation to Support Community Media
In the face of declining cable fees, securing state-level support for community media is more crucial than ever. This workshop will update the status of: (1) pending legislation in a variety of states; and (2) the ongoing rulemaking process regarding cable TV at the California Public Utilities Commission. This workshop will guide you through the process of developing, organizing, and advancing model state legislation designed to bolster community media funding and support. Learn how to draft effective legislation that addresses current challenges and promotes sustainable funding alternatives. We’ll cover strategies for building coalitions, engaging with policymakers, and mobilizing community advocates to champion your cause. Discover best practices for navigating the legislative process and crafting persuasive arguments to win support. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to influence policy, ensure continued funding, and secure a stronger future for community media in your state.
Workshop Facilitator: Sue Buske, President, The Buske Group, Alliance for Communication Democracy, Sacramento, CA
Speakers: Jeff Bayne, Partner Spiegel & McDiarmid, Washington, DC; Michael Bradley, Partner, Bradley and Werner, LLC, Minneapolis, MN; Tracy Rosenberg, Executive Director, Media Alliance, San Francisco, CA
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Building Long-Term Financial Sustainability for a Community Media Center
In today’s world, community media centers must identify and implement a variety of revenue streams to supplement decreasing cable company funding. We must change how we talk about our organizations to garner community support. We’re not access TV stations anymore. We are community media centers that offer workforce development opportunities, STEM and youth education, and much more.
Workshop Facilitator: JK Perry, Executive Director, High Five Access Media, Avon, CO
Speakers; Richard Turner Executive Director, Community Media of Carroll County, Westminster, MD; Christina Jeffers, Executive Director, Access Humboldt, Eureka, CA; JK Perry, Executive Director, High Five Access Media, Avon, CO
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/AltFinance-Christina-Jeffers.pdf
Supporting Underrepresented Communities Through Media Storytelling
This panel will explore the vital role of media storytelling in amplifying under-represented voices, focusing on how CMCs can create pathways for marginalized groups to tell their own stories. By utilizing programs such as production cohorts, targeted workshops, and mentorship opportunities, community media spaces empower individuals from diverse backgrounds with hands-on training in media production. Panelists will discuss the impact of these initiatives on fostering inclusivity, building media literacy, and giving a platform to those whose stories are often overlooked, ensuring that underrepresented communities have the tools to create and share their content.
Facilitator: Matt Schuster, Executive Director, Public Media Network, Kalamazoo, MI
Speakers: Johnny Pecina, Community Media Manager, CMAC, Fresno, CA; Matt Schuster, Executive Director, Public Media Network, Kalamazoo, MI.; Omid Shamsapour, Director of Operations, Community Media Center of Marin, San Rafael, CA.
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Enhancing Outreach and Community Engagement
This panel discussion will explore effective outreach strategies for CMCs, focusing on engaging members and the broader community. Panelists will share best practices for outreach, including innovative approaches to attract volunteers and build lasting relationships with local organizations. Topics will cover the importance of networking events, social media engagement, and community partnerships that foster a sense of belonging and collaboration. Attendees will gain actionable insights and tips to enhance their outreach efforts, ensuring their CMCs become vibrant hubs for creativity and community involvement.
Workshop Facilitator: Jasiri Jenkins-Glenn, Director of Community Engagement, Pasadena Media, Pasadena, CA
Speakers: Becca King-Reed, Executive Director, Community Television of Santa Cruz, CA; Maricela Hernandez, Marketing and Development Coordinator, CMAC, Fresno, CA; Jasiri Jenkins-Glenn, Director of Community Engagement, Pasadena Media, Pasadena, CA
Presentation Materials: acmwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Enhancing-Outreach-Community-Engagement.pdf
Remote Production Systems for Council Chambers and Local Events
Local governments and CMCs must often handle video production at multiple city council chambers. Typically, a full production equipment package is installed at each council chamber and the CMC must send staff to each site to manage the production. This can put a strain on the CMC’s human resources, especially when multiple meetings happen at the same time. Another challenge is staff getting to a meeting on time, due to traffic or the distance to be traveled.This workshop will present a technological solution to this problem: Remote control of each location’s PTZ cameras and production of the telecast from the CMC facility. This solution might also be used for other applications (e.g., at HS gymnasiums, lecture halls, etc.).
Workshop Facilitator: Randy VanDalsen, Vice President, The Buske Group, Sacramento, CA
Speakers: Oliver Breidenback, CEO, Boinx Software International; Justin Cowgill, Chief Technology Officer, CreaTV, San Jose, CA.; Scott Brosious, Broadcast Production Supervisor, Rialto Network, Rialto, CA.
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Hosting a Film Creation Competition
Let’s explore successful CMC film competitions that will boost your community’s creative energy, provide good content for your channels, and generate great publicity and awareness of the CMC. Learn about the work involved and pitfalls to avoid to make your community competition successful. Speakers will share documents and templates so CMCs don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Workshop Facilitator: Donna Girot, Executive Director, Access Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
Speakers: Ben Cruz, Production Specialist, CMAC, Fresno, CA; Donna Girot, Executive Director, Access Sacramento, Sacramento, CA.
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