autumn's blog

Registration is now open for DMA's popular summer camps for kids aged 10-13. In the production camps, participants will learn how to produce a program in DMA's television studio, including storyboarding, operating cameras and sound equipment, and media literacy training.  New this summer, campers will be able to take advantage of DMA's brand-new HD Field Cameras. They will also get an introduction to the radio booth at KDRT 95.7 FM, DMA's low-power community radio station.

Underwriters promote their businesses via brief announcements on KDRT. This is a vital form of community support, and we appreciate our underwriters! Please thank these fine local businesses for sponsoring KDRT next time you stop in:

DMA congratulates Randy Van Dalsen, a Sacramento-area producer who produces “Media Edge,” a video magazine series presented on many cable access channels in the United States. Most of its episodes since 2009 can also be watched online.

Cool Davis invites the public to hear Kathleen Dean Moore on The Moral Urgency of Climate Action…Because It’s Wrong to Wreck the World.”

In a talk that is equal parts anger and love, Writer/philosopher Kathleen Dean Moore speaks about the nature of change and calls us to radical truth-telling and courageous citizenship. Friday, March 6, 2015, Reception - 6:30 pm, Program at 7:15 p. Veterans Memorial Theater (203 E. 14^th St. in Davis). Fee; Suggested donation of $5-10 includes reception.

Some days I pause and think, “10 years? Has it been 10 years?” It has been 10 years! In September, Davis Media Access (DMA) kicked off a yearlong celebration of KDRT-LP 95.7 FM’s 10^th year on the air. That decade has brought much growth and change, and some growing pains. These days, there’s a renewed spirit of excitement about radio in general, and KDRT specifically. We’re pleased to welcome a new batch of programmers, thrilled about the growing collaboration between the KDRT and DCTV studios, community programmers and local musicians, and bouncing around ideas for some benefit concerts to properly celebrate this milestone. Looking forward to sharing specifics next month.

Tuesday, May 5 is the BIG Day of Giving in the Sacramento Region. DMA will once again participate in this 24-hour geared at growing online philanthropic giving. We learned quite a bit through our participation last year, and are hard at work on ways to make this year even more fun and engaging. You can find out more about the overall effort at http://www.givelocalnow.org, and we’ll be posting regular updates as well.

Orientation: DMA asks all new participants to attend a General Orientation.   These 1 hour sessions happen the third Tuesday of every month, and include some history and background, examples of media produced, and a tour of the facilities. The date for March is the 17th, from 6:30-8pm. Anybody is welcome to attend an Orientation, but to use the facility regularly, you need to live, go to school, or volunteer at an organization in Davis, California.   DMA does not charge for the use of our equipment and facilities and attending a General Orientation is the first step for getting involved.  Sign up for the next General Orientation here.

Andrew Montano produces “KID Perfect,” a show about three kids who perform “amazing and awesome trick shots." Airs Tuesday nights at 6 p.m.


Sam Hawk and Pieter Pastoor bring us “Artist Connection,” a monthly series hosted by journalist and singer-songwriter Kevin Fagan. The program features topic-driven interviews of artists, with each show featuring three artists at different stages of a career: Green, Experienced and Seasoned. Tues night at 9pm, Thurs at 7pm, Sat at 5pm, Mon at 3pm.

DMA's latest release “From the Vault” provides a poignant memoir of noted veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin, who passed away in Sept. 2014.

Long before she developed a professional website highlighting her work, Yin  produced videos through the facilities at Davis Community Television, the original name for DMA. Most of the videos date from the late ‘90s-2000, and occupy the Non-Profit/Activist subsection of DMA’s archives.

“Some of the value of a community archive dwells in its ability to remind us of those who are no longer here,” said Autumn Labbe-Renault, DMA’s executive director. “We share these videos with respect for Dr. Yin’s work and life, and fond memories of her time with us here at the media center.”

Where the Grassroots Grow is not only KDRT’s slogan, but also an apt metaphor for the fertility of the radio medium in Davis. This month KDRT welcomes five new shows into the fold. Ways to listen: tune in locally to 95.7 FM; search kdrt.org by show name or click on Archives to listen to past shows. Click the Schedule link to find show names and times by day or week-at-a-glance.

We air live and archive all the DJUSD Board of Education meetings. You can find this content here

Since I wrote Davis Media Access's (DMA) first Annual Report in 2008, I've struggled with the format. Yes, annual reports are important, as they provide an in-depth look at a non-profit's impact and accountability. But how many people actually read a heavily formatted document?

With the blessing of DMA's board, I took things in a completely different direction this year and am proud to present "DMA's Year-End Report - A Look Back at 2014." It's a short video that highlights DMA's projects, people and impact. It's rich with the voices of community members, and visually presents what a dynamic organization DMA has become over the past 25 years. I hope you will take a few minutes to check it out. 

General Orientation February 18th at 6:30pm 

Please thank these fine local businesses for sponsoring KDRT next time you stop in:

    Brian Pakpour Family Law
    Casa Verde Designs
    Cloverleaf Farm
    The Davis Dirt
    Davis Food Co-op
    Davis Live Music Collective
    Davis Music Festival
    John Lescroart
    Om Networks
    The Pepper Peddler
    Redwood Barn Nursery
    Sutter Center for Integrative Health
    Varsity Theater
    The Wardrobe
    Woodstock's Pizza
    Yolo Federal Credit Union

Soroptimist International of Davis presents its annual Texas’ Hold ‘Em Night, to benefit programs for local emancipated foster youth. This event is SI Davis' biggest fundraiser of the year and western wear is encouraged.  Saturday, March 14.