Is Public Access TV really relevant today? This is a question that we hear often when discussing the future of community TV.  Please allow me to provide my thoughts on this topic. For those who argue that Public Access TV is irrelevant given the many opportunities that exist on the Internet to communicate and be heard, I would answer this way.

Public Access TV gave voice to the people long before the Internet was even invented. Not only is it still relevant, but it can, and should be used, along with “new media” (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), as yet another way to reach out. Think about this. When putting something out on the Internet, the information reaches out to a vast universe of information that can only be found, either by accident, or when looking for a specific item or news via a search engine. When putting something out on your local community TV channels, the information reaches members of the community you live in.  Viewers of Public Access TV get to know more about their city government, school district and the hear of new interests and stories from their friends and neighbors.  It’s local and it’s relevant!

Most interesting is how Public Access TV stations all over the country are now emerging as “Media Centers”, providing training in video, audio, editing, lighting, etc. to those that want to use the technology on the Internet. ConcordTV’s training opportunities are becoming more popular than ever before as a result of the increased demand. So one could make the argument that Public Access TV not only complements the Internet, but supports it. Now that’s relevant!

Find out more about “Your Community Channels”. Call us today at 226-8872 or check us out on this website. See how relevant we really are at ConcordTV.

Doris Ballard, Community Facilitator

p.s. Follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and find some of our programs on our website if you do not live in Concord, or do not get our channels.