DMA's Work Rooted in Free Expression

Regardless of how one feels about the outcome of the election, it’s clear we’re a nation deeply divided. At such a time, Davis Media Access (DMA) reaffirms its commitment to providing platforms for the diverse voices in our community and beyond. Our work is rooted in protecting and promoting access to media tools and training, and to ensuring that all people have options for expressing themselves freely. In many ways, every day, we help boost the signal of what’s happening in our community.

My early career included stints as a newspaper reporter and editor. I loved going to cover lectures, protests, and other events that opened my eyes to new information. It was my job to ask hard questions and look for more than one viewpoint or source. Newsrooms were very different places back then, and news outlets were owned by many hundreds of corporations. Since I’ve been working in non-commercial community media—20 years this month—commercial media in this country has endured consolidation and a loosening of restrictions on media cross-ownership, to the point where 90 percent of major media are owned by just six corporations. I’ve written reams about these issues, and about the dangers of watering down and homogenizing the Fourth Estate. In lieu of actual news, we’ve become a nation of news-feed junkies reinforcing our own stereotypes via the echo chamber that is social media.

Boost the Signal - Fall Fundraiser

While there are many reasons to support KDRT and Davis Media Access, our mission to amplify community voices is vital at this time. We've talked to listeners, we've tallied survey results, and we know some of you can't hear us very well! We have a plan, and now we’re asking you to Signal Your Support.

KDRT’s very first Fall Fundraiser aims to raise $5,200 for a new antenna to Boost the Signal across Davis. Jeff Shaw, who serves both as DMA’s production manager and KDT’s general manager, explains. "Our antenna was hastily installed in 2008 when we had to change frequencies, and it’s less than ideal –we've found our signal reach is not ideal for many listeners in Davis. We want to improve our signal so everyone in Davis can hear KDRT 95.7 FM clearly."

To donate, visit here. The fundraiser kicks off Nov. 28, but early-bird donations are welcome, too, of course! Please help us increase our reach across Davis: Boost the Signal! Don't miss the selection of thank-you gifts available on the donation page.

KDRT’s programmers and volunteer Management Team invite you to tune in for some special fundraiser programming starting at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 28, and running through Dec. 5. We hope to celebrate our success at DMA’s Holiday Open House on Dec. 5. Thank you!

You’re Invited! Holiday Open House Dec. 5

Our DMA community celebrates the winter holidays in many ways, pulling from many traditions. However you celebrate, we hope you’ll join us on Monday, Dec. 5 between 6-8:30 p.m for our Annual Holiday Open House. If you’ve been before, you know it’s a jam-packed celebration of everything DMA, with abundant food and drink, and lots of fun folk. If you haven’t been, it’s a great time to learn more about DMA’s work, and meet some of the vibrant people who participate here. All are welcome; no RSVP necessary. Please drop by any time during the evening!

Fragrance Policy

Did you know? Allergies to fragrance or multiple chemical sensitivities can be classified as disabilities under ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are a number of people within the DMA community for whom artificial fragrance is not just unappealing, but constitutes a health hazard. This includes perfume and cologne, scented soaps, heavily scented deodorants, etc. Please help us make DMA a fragrance-free zone, and leave the fragranced products behind when you participate here. Thank you!

Save the Date - General Orientation Jan. 18

Curious about KDRT, DCTV or DJUSD Channel 17, and want to learn how Davis Media Access can help you? Plan to attend one of our General Orientations! We take a break from orientations in December, but return Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Any potential volunteers should attend one of these, held monthly. They last about an hour and include the history of Davis Media Access, a tour of the facilities, and information on how to get involved. Anybody is welcome to attend an Orientation, but to use the facility for your own productions you have to live, go to school, or volunteer at an organization in Davis, California. Davis Media Access does not charge for the use of our equipment and facilities and attending a General Orientation is the first step for getting involved. Register now.

Election Coverage

Later this month, DMA will begin recording “Meet the Candidates” statements for contested offices affecting Davis. They’ll be edited and on line by month’s end. We also partner with local groups holding candidates’ forums, such as The Davis Vanguard’s Sept. 18 school board candidate forum at the Davis Senior Center from 6-8 p.m. Programming will air on DCTV Channel 15 on Comcast in Davis, and at Menu 99 on U-verse, and will be available at dctv.davismedia.org.

A note from the Director

You’re Invited! Season’s End BBQ & Volunteer Recognition

We’re saying farewell to summer and ushering in the busy fall season. The board and staff at Davis Media Access are hitting the pause button to share a little fun with some of our favorite folks before things get too crazy. Volunteers, donors, friends—you are invited! Here are the details: Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, 4-7ish DMA’s Backlot & Facility, 1623 Fifth Street We will provide: burgers and dogs, including veggie options, fixins’, chips, and cold drinks. We’ll have the paper goods and such, too. You provide: Your good company. Drop by at any point in the evening. There will also be cake in recognition of KDRT's birthday and a few others. We look forward to seeing you! If you can, please RSVP. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events

DMA General Orientation: Curious about KDRT, DCTV or DJUSD Channel 17? Would you like to learn how Davis Media Access could help you? If you want to get involved, volunteer, or use equipment, you must first attend a general orientation. The next one is scheduled for Wed. Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The orientation includes the history of Davis Media Access, a tour of the facilities, and information on the many aspects and opportunities provided by DMA. Free & open to anyone who lives, works, studies or volunteers in Davis.

Davis Teen Animators’ Club has space for a couple more members. The club meets two Fridays a month from 4-5 p.m. at DMA. Members must be between 13-17 years old, live or go to school in Davis, and be interested in hands-on traditional or computer animation projects. Email agsilva@davismedia.org if interested. Read more about the club at the Davis Enterprise

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Fall internships begin

Available to DJUSD students, DMA’s internship provides hands-on experience and exposure to many aspects of community television production. The internship focuses on coverage of DJSUD sporting and performing arts events, as a component of DMA’s partnership with DJUSD Educational Access Television Channel 17.  Interns must be at least 16 years old and able to work 3-6 hours per week, generally between 5-10 p.m. Additionally, they must be self-motivated, good communicators, and able to work well with a diverse group of people. Training is provided, and academic credit is available when possible.

Please see the internship description for more information and to apply. Interested applicants may submit a resume or brief letter describing their skills and any personal goals related to the internship. Please submit to DMA Production Manager Jeff Shaw at info@davismedia.org.

“What’s Going On" Marks 30 years of production

In 1986, Davis Community Television was not yet in existence, but local programming was produced under the auspices of the Davis Community Cable Co-Op. A volunteer producer then and now, Jon Li shares the following:

We did a city council election show live at The Palms, beginning at 8 pm. I was the host. We had six bands play, with each of the four candidates for two seats having their turn to talk between the bands.

That September, I started interviewing the hundreds of interesting people in Davis, beginning with Mayor Dave Rosenberg. I read a 15-minute argument about the new General Plan process, and lawyer Dave refuted each of my points. Maybe my best show was Ken Watt, the evolutionary ecologist: I spent an hour in his office the day before trying to get in a word edgewise; on camera, Ken spoke for 15 minutes, and I asked if he had anything else he wanted to say, and he said no, so I had to think of something: “What do you think about the future of computers?” Ken said, “You know I love computers,” and he filled the air with the future.

“What’s Going On” kicks off its 30th year of productoon with Mayor Robb Davis, and then Terry Whittier, former Davis planning commissioner and current planning commissioner from Sunnyvale, a charter city. We are talking about making Davis a charter city.