By Autumn Labbe-Renault, Executive Director
Published originally in The Davis Enterprise, Sept. 30, 2012
Seems just yesterday it was June and I was writing about election coverage. Though the importance of Nov. 6 is known nationally, I’m focused closer to home.
As the non-profit community media center serving Davis and Yolo County, Davis Media Access (DMA) has produced local election coverage since the mid 1980s, and considers voter education and community coverage core to our mission of creating community through media. This election season, The Davis Vanguard & Davis Media Access (DMA) will co-host a school board candidate forum, to be held in the Harper Junior High Multipurpose room on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012.
When Patrick Shearer and his wife Danielle moved to Davis earlier this year, he found himself with time on his hands and a need to explore his new town. Native to Australia, Shearer had established himself as a veterinarian in his homeland. He’d built up an impressive resume, working for private practices Down Under and completing an internship here in the States.
Information about a video project happening at DMA this Thursday, July 12:
In mid-June, the community was rattled by a noose left hanging on the Davis High School football field. In response to hate acts like this and others that have occurred in the Davis community in the past, the city’s Human Relations Commission is working in partnership with Davis Media Access, the community media center serving Davis and surrounding areas, to create a video collage focused on tolerance. The piece, entitled “Speak Out for Tolerance,” will reflect on experiences and viewpoints held by Davis community members.
The Commission is inviting interested community members to participate in initial filming on Thursday, July 12, at Davis Media Access (1623 5th Street between Redwood Barn Nursery and the City’s Corp Yard). Filming will take place between 7pm and 9pm, and will
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Valuing an idea, lest it disappear
"KDRT doesn't happen without community support. It can't. It's that simple."
I'm mentoring a public relations intern this summer. Dan Dedoshka is a University of Oregon student who has committed his time to learning whatever I can teach him about writing press releases, branding, social media engagement, and more. While thumbing through one of his textbooks on PR yesterday, I commented that most of what he's being taught in school is likely geared at promoting products, versus ideas, and that sometimes in the non-profit world, what we're "selling" is just that--an idea, a philosophy, a credo, if you will.
KDRT and Davis Media Access are in the final week of our annual fund raising, and donations are very slow this year. We're taking it live to the Farmers' Market this Wednesday and hoping the community will show us some love!
In partnership with the Davis Farmers' Market and its Wednesday-night Picnic in the Park, KDRT 95.7 FM will broadcast live at the market from 4-8 p.m. this Wednesday, June 27. The broadcast booth will be located at the top of the concrete steps adjoining the picnic area.
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Featured this month on “In the Studio” are Peregrine School; Garden Vision 2012; Egyptian Uprising update; and Food Scrap Composting.
“In the Studio” is produced at Davis Media Access (DMA), the non-profit community media center serving Yolo County. The program provides local newsmakers and community organizations with easy ways to promote their activities and events. DMA produces four
Studio Host Intern Description
Company: Davis Media Access
Address: 1623 Fifth Street, Suite A, Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (530) 757-2419, Ext. 14 - 757-2938 fax
Contact: Jeff Shaw (e-mail: jeff@davismedia.org) Production Manager
Calendar Period: January-April 2014
Background:
DMA is the community media center for Davis and surrounding areas. DMA operates DCTV public access channel 15 and Educational Access Channel 17 (in partnership with the Davis Joint Unified School District), and low-power community radio station KDRT 95.7 FM. info@davismedia.org or (530) 757-2419 for more info. DMA is located at 1623 Fifth Street in Davis.
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A note from the Executive Director
My mantra as I talk to folks about Davis Media Access is "DMA builds community." The more we know about each other, the better informed and more compassionate we'll be. It's the touchstone I return to, and it's what keeps me doing this work. This newsletter brings you information about local election coverage; digital literacy opportunities for kids; capacity-building grants for our community; and a host of programs designed to educate, entertain and connect us. Thank you for reading, and for your participation and support. Please help spread the word about the good news that's DMA!
I would also like to announce that Ron Clement has been seated as the new Chair of the DMA Board of Directors. Ron has served on the board for two years and brings with him a wealth of experience in non-profit and foundation management. We thank him very much for taking up this mantle.
--Autumn Labbe-Renault
Davis Media Access (DMA) invited the Yes on Measure C and the No on Measure C campaigns into the studio in January to record brief campaign statements. The resulting short programs are airing on DCTV Channel 15 on the Comcast system, on Menu 99 on AT&T’s U-verse system, on KDRT 95.7 FM and online at http://dctv.davismedia.org through March 5th. DMA does not take a position on any election and offers its services free of charge to local candidates and campaigns in a fair and balanced manner.
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Ah, December--one of those months in Davis where our community life overflows and everyone is intensely busy. That's certainly been the case at Davis Media Access. December has seen us finalize the new TV studio and begin to resume training and schedule productions; record winter performances in the schools, as well as a variety of community events; ramp up for grant-related outreach; and apply for new grants.
It was lovely to see some of you at our holiday mixer on Dec. 1, and if we missed you then, we promise many more opportunities for participation in 2012. Please note that DMA is closed from Friday Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.
In the meantime, and in the midst of holiday chaos, I always try to create a quiet, still space where ideas can germinate, and dreams, incubate. I'm looking forward to resting and recharging for the work that lies ahead in January, and on behalf of all of us here, send warm wishes and gratitude to all of you, DMA's friends and supporters. -
-Autumn Labbe-Renault, Executive Director
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Right now the question DMA’s staff is hearing most often is: “when will the new studio be ready for me to produce shows?”
Thank you to the many businesses and individuals who made Sept. 17's "On the Backlot" celebration at Davis Media Access successful. We had a wonderful time unveiling our newly revamped community TV studio, celebrating KDRT's seventh birthday and highlighting local musicians. We also dedicated our recently built ramp to the memory of longtime volunteer George Moore.
Nat Lefkoff, Tha Dirt Feelin', Belle Francisco, Hardwater and special surprise guest Dave Nachmanoff all graced the stage. We thank them for their generous donation of time and talent. Thank you also to the Fire Performers of Davis for their impromptu performance.
Thanks to our generous business sponsors: Foley Jones & Associates; Strelitzia Flower Company; Chamberlain Farms; Linda Liu at Noodle City; and Soroptimist International of Davis. We'd like to give a nod to Carlos Barajas at Hibbert Lumber for his problem-solving skills and willingness to help. Thanks also to Watermelon Music, Redwood Barn Nursery, Kimo at A Grand Affair, Cleaning Pros, the Department of Motor Vehicles in Davis, and Hsui Young for generously helping us out.
Thanks to Mayor Joe Krovoza for performing the ribbon-cutting for the new studio, and for richly summarizing how communities with community media are more connected than those without.
Thank you to recent UC Davis grad Emily Miller for her donation of graphic design services.
Finally, DMA's many volunteers and supporters, and its wonderful board and staff, showed up in force to help, to experience and to enjoy. Former DMA Board President Andrea Jones co-chaired and should take a bow. Her leadership these past many years has been remarkable. We look forward to next year's event!
And finally, our closing band On the Backlot is Hardwater. Hardwater's practically family, at this point. They played at benefits during our Save KDRT campaign, and closed out the show at DMA's 20th anniversary party in 2008. They've been incredible boosters of KDRT and DMA, and we're grateful they're coming back to play for the Backlot crowd. Hardwater's a fixture around town, playing at many community events. We thank them for their generous spirits.
Hardwater mixes original music with covers from Grateful Dead to Dave Matthews Band, playing a melange of folk rock, blues, jazz, reggae and Cajun, with some North English, Irish and Canadian folk tunes blended in. Bob Lindley plays violin/baritone violin/electric mandolin; John Swann provides vocals and plays acoustic guitar. Eve West Bessier handles vocals/Word/percussion, with Rob Gonzales on bass and Johnny Flores on drums and hand percussion. They'll play during the 9-10:00 hour, wrapping up what is sure to be a stellar evening...On the Backlot.
You can find more info here, and here's a clip to get you started