This column was originally published in The Davis Enterprise on Sept. 6, 2019
By Autumn Labbé-Renault
Since the Federal Communications Commission voted to tighten rules governing the franchise fees cable companies pay to cities, people are asking me how will it affect Davis, and the public, education, and government channels here — the first two of these operated by Davis Media Access, the third by the city.
In 2001, Josh Chuck and Greg Louie were roommates and students at UC Davis. Using the facilities at Davis Media Access (then called Davis Community Television), the duo produced 12 episodes of “Davision,” a college variety show.
As the Big Day of Giving – affectionately known as Big DoG—gears up for its sixth year, several local non-profits have teamed up with Sudwerk Brewing Co. to carry on a community event that focuses on fun and philanthropy.
Davis Media Access, Davis Music Festival, Davis Phoenix Coalition, and Soroptimist of Greater Davis are the combined force behind Big Day at the Dock, to be held Thursday, May 2, 2019, from 6-9 p.m. at the Sudwerk Brewing Co. Dock Store, 2001 Second Street in Davis. Davis Media Access and Davis Music Festival began organizing Big DoG events with Sudwerk five years ago, with the event growing and other partners joining over time. This year's event features a record 27 area non-profits participating.
A few months ago, our executive director wrote about some FCC rulemaking that could seriously harm community media centers like DMA. There's an opportunity to reach out to our elected officials on this matter right now, and it takes just a couple minutes. Please join us in advocating for the important role that community media plays in our community.
Petition your congressional leaders today: https://www.petition2congress.com/ctas/stop-fcc-from-defunding-peg-channels
Davis Media Access (DMA) offers a unique opportunity for local non-profits and community-based organizations to create public service announcements. As a fellow non-profit and Yolo County’s only community media center, DMA knows how difficult it can be to get the word out about programs and services—and on a budget, no less! Short, pithy, visual, inexpensive, and available online? DMA can help.
Our Executive Director Autumn Labbe-Renault writes a monthly column on media policy and DMA's work. Check out her latest column here
As of June 30, we have met our $30,000 fundraising goal. Donations, whether by local businesses, donor-advised foundations, or individuals, keep KDRT on the air, and help support DMA's work on local elections & youth media services. We fundraise all year, but conduct our major drive during the spring months, with on-air fundraisers on KDRT in both fall and spring. DMA's donors and supporters make possible a great deal of the work we do. We appreciate you!
$1,000 & Above
Berryessa Brewing Co.
For the second year in a row, a group of local elected officials and community organizers in Davis and Yolo County will come together to generate support for those affected by the devastating fires that tore through Butte County this week.
Spearheaded by Davis City Councilmember Lucas Frerichs and Yolo County Supervisor Don Saylor, the group has organized the Davis/Yolo Fire Relief Benefit, to be held Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Sudwerk Brewing Company, 2001 Second Street in Davis. Mike Blanchard & The Californios will perform from 1-2:30 p.m., and Mumbo Gumbo from 3-4 p.m. Mumbo Gumbo drummer Rick Lotter’s brother, Scott Lotter, is a Davis native and current City Councilmember in Paradise.
The event also features a live broadcast by community radio station KDRT 95.7 FM/, beer by Sudwerk, and food trucks, with a portion of bar and food sales also benefiting the event.
“The devastation in Paradise is unimaginable –they’ve lost nearly the entire city,” Frerichs said. “A year ago we came together and raised $30,000 (in gift cards and monetary donations) in one afternoon for Sonoma/Napa fire victims. I’m confident Davis and Yolo will now help our neighbors to the north in their greatest time of need.”
Saylor added that, “Sadly, we’re getting good at this kind of event. Many of us have friends and family in the areas hit so hard by the current fires, so it’s personal. The people of Paradise are our neighbors, and they face utter devastation where their homes once were. This is what our communities in Yolo do when we learn of this kind of suffering.”
Davis Media Access (DMA) has produced a series of “Meet the Candidates” and Pro/Con statements for local ballot measures for the Nov. 6, 2018 election. Currently celebrating its 30th year, DMA is the non-profit community media & technology center supporting local content creation, archiving and distribution via television, radio and the Internet. DMA operates DCTV Public Access Channel 15, DJUSD Educational Access Channel 17, and KDRT-LP, 95.7 FM.
“Coverage of local elections is core to DMA’s mission of strengthening community through media, and a partnership benefit we offer to our city and community,” said Executive Director Autumn Labbé-Renault. She notes that because DMA is the only media center in Yolo County, they provide this service for contested races countywide when possible.
Under the direction of DMA’s Studio Manager Diane Dedoshka, this election cycle DMA has produced the following:
As resources allow, DMA will also record and air various election forums. Due to the limited amount of local content this cycle, DMA will not produce a program on election night. Labbé-Renault said links to individual segments, as well as a schedule of upcoming airdates are available at https://davismedia.org/election There are easy linkages from each video for sharing the content online.
Beginning later this month, the Yolo County Library is hosting a series of technology focused workshops at three of its branches. Attendees will learn how to use GoPro Hero 6 cameras, how to edit recordings, and add sound tracks to create a short movie. GoPro cameras will be available to Yolo County Library cardholders in good standing for limited borrowing between workshop dates.