Blogs

25 Years of Creating Community Through Media

Within a one–week span, DMA just celebrated the 9th anniversary of KDRT’s launch, and kicked off a yearlong celebration of 25 years building community through media here in Davis, CA.

A decade ago, the board and staff of what was then called Davis Community Television, along with a group of community volunteers known as the KDRT Working Group, was hip-deep in engineering specs, Federal Communications Commission jargon, and community ascertainment. I will never forget the 18 months we spent building a station and bringing it to life. We were the first public access channel in the nation to launch a Low-power FM station, a new class of radio designed to provide hyper-local broadcast radio to a specific community. There was no road map, and we were in uncharted territory. It was a nail-biting, endorphin-producing wild ride.

News & Notes

A big thank you to Craig & Darien Blomberg, who hosted a wonderful get-together for the KDRT community on Aug. 3. Craig serves as chairperson of the KDRT Steering Committee and is instrumental in KDRT’s operations & well-being.

We give a fond farewell to DCTV intern Bryce Parker, who’s been a veritable fixture here for two years. Bryce is headed to Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Massachusetts, where he’ll be studying film.

You Inspire Us...

You Inspire Us…

Welcome to the dog days of summer! It’s that funny time in Davis when things are relatively quiet, yet hovering just on the horizon is September, otherwise known as the Time When All Things Begin. We’ll be starting fall internships, firing up partnerships and trainings, planning for election coverage, and getting ready for another whirlwind year.

Memorial For Bill Smith

Longtime DMA friend and supporter Bill Smith passed away July 19. A memorial for him will take place Sunday, Aug. 18 from 2-4 p.m. at Symposium Restaurant in Davis.

Bill, who was also a KDVS DJ for many years, was deeply involved with DMA, having served by turns on our board, as a member of the KDRT Working Group that helped to launch the station, and later, a member of the KDRT Steering Committee.  He was also a prolific producer.

Facility Updates

Curious about KDRT, DCTV or DJUSD Channel 17, and want to learn about the amazing umbrella organization of these community media outlets?  Plan to attend the next Davis Media Access General Orientation on August 20 at 7 p.m. Sign up online here.·

Effective beginning the week of Aug. 19, DMA’s Tuesday hours revert to closure at 6 p.m. We will remain open till 8 p.m. on Thursdays in order to accommodate evening productions.

In the Studio Serves Up Episodes

Featured currently on “In the Studio” are the Davis Music Festival; Davis AYSO; Anarchy Roller Derby, and the Davis Vanguard.

“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 segments of ITS each month, using the recording sessions as a hands-on learning lab for local residents interested in media production. “In the Studio” airs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7 p.m. on DCTV, Comcast Channel 15, and on demand at Menu 99 on AT&T's U-verse.