Perhaps nothing underscores the importance of localism in programming so well as local election coverage. Though we are located in a major media market, mainstream television and radio give only passing mention to Davis politics. DMA devotes significant time to helping candidates and campaigns gain access to community media, and educating the Davis electorate, free of charge. It’s a community service we’ve been proud to present for more than 20 years. Each local election season, DMA presents a variety of voter education programming. Programs range from “Meet the Candidates”— unedited five-minute statements by can- didates for offices ranging from the Board of Education to Congress—to candidate forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters and various voter coalitions. In addition to airing on Channel 15, many of these programs air on KDRT and are available on DMA’s website. DMA caps each election season with a live, election-night program. Local personalities host a program that features candidates, campaign workers, elected officials and more. Viewers are invited to phone the studio with questions and comments. Volunteers crew for the program. It’s always a lively evening, and in a politically savvy community like Davis, it is widely watched. The program is also simulcast on KDRT and via streaming video at the DMA website. Major support for our election streaming comes from the staff at City Government Channel 16, and from Omsoft Technologies. We provide results to viewers thanks to a partnership between DMA, Davis Community Network, Omsoft Technologies and the Yolo County Elections Office. Major support in promoting these efforts is provided by The Davis Enterprise.
