Say “media,” and what comes to mind? The word encompasses so much, and all of it at risk. News outlets are struggling, public broadcasting is under attack, a free and open Internet is imperiled, and community media centers much like Davis Media Access (DMA) are closing their doors across the country.
DMA’s doors are, thankfully, open and accessible to all, but—we need you to help us keep them open with your support of DMA’s annual fund raising campaign. Between now and June 30, our fund-raising goal is $25k in support of DMA's many programs and services.
Whether you participate, watch, listen or just value the fact that non-commercial community media exists in Davis, please contribute today.
Here's some food for thought: what sets DMA apart and makes it such a valuable community resource, one worthy of your support?
* Non-commercial: DMA’s media outlets (DCTV, DJUSD Television, KDRT 95.7 FM, and a total of four websites) reflect what’s important to our community. Whether it’s programming created by community volunteers, coverage of public meetings and events, or syndicated programming sponsored by community members, DMA is your citizen-driven media center.
* Hands-on: commercial and public media outlets provide few opportunities for average citizens to get hands-on training and build their own skills. Through regular workshops, media literacy development, youth media programs, radio production training and ongoing technical assistance, community members have ample opportunity to hone technical and outreach skills. DMA helps build valuable skills.
* Capacity building: DMA partners with and provides support for a wide range of non-profits, public sector entities and community-based groups. Whether documenting important moments in our area’s history, airing public meetings, giving valuable exposure to local musicians or helping other non-profits get word out about valuable services, DMA connects us.
* Infrastructure: Our facility at 1623 Fifth Street houses two television channels, a radio station and a growing collection of media tools & equipment, all of it built and maintained for community use. DMA helped develop the open-source tools that drive the online archives at dctv.davismedia.org and kdrt.org. DMA helps build our community.
* Local content: Local election coverage. Sporting events and performing arts in our schools. In-depth interviews with the movers and shakers in our town, as well as those who challenge conventions. On KDRT alone, 15 local public affairs programs and 22 local music programs air each week. TV programs are available on demand and permanently archived. DMA is the only community media center in Yolo County, and we’re looking towards a future in which we expand our service area. DMA highlights local voices.
* Advocacy: Board and staff are accessible, involved and committed to our community. DMA’s staff works regionally and nationally to advocate for and advance community media. DMA fosters the free and open exchange of information.
Our staff of 5.75 FTE works with more than 200 active and committed volunteers to leverage these valuable community resources. DMA enjoys long-standing community support and if you’ve been a part of that, THANK YOU. You’ve helped carry on a tradition that began in the mid 1980s and is still going strong.
Just click on the link to the right of this article to make a donation by credit card (via Paypal), or you may mail a check to DMA at 1623 Fifth Street, Suite A, Davis, CA 95616.
Thank you for your support!
Warmest Regards,
Autumn Labbé-Renault
Executive Director