PANEL PRESENTATION: MODELS FOR ACCESS
Saturday, March 28, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

SPEAKERS: ANTHONY RIDDLE, Executive Director, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, and STEVE SNOW, Executive Director, Charlotte’s Web (Charlotte, NC) By: Al Berr

This panel covered issues in public access television, including resources for community communications and content development. Riddle discussed the importance of helping people control their own image, especially with regard to developing structures that ensure the perpetuation of both system and resources in the community after mentors leave.

Steve Snow discussed ways in which his organization – which is a 501 C-3 – creates opportunities for people to share, and aids in the creation of worthwhile content. He stressed the economic development element of community media, reminding the attendees the target audience for the network is those people who are otherwise underserved or unable to share or network.

Some questions after the presentations focused on the economic business of community media. Charlotte’s Web’s operating budget, Snow explained, comes half from earned income and half from grants (nonprofit and government). Manhattan Neighborhood Network operates mostly on donations from foundations. Riddle pointed out that the cost per person is low because the potential is for many users, and the cost is spread widely. Riddle, who formerly was the director of a public access organization in Minneapolis, noted its expansion of services as an Internet service provider and web site host.

In answer to a question about maintenance, Snow said he doesn’t usually require the most current hardware, choosing instead to upgrade on an as-needed basis. He advised attendees to explore their communities for goods and services, since many local organizations are willing to help.

The answer to the question, “What can we do?” was: If you don’t have a community network now, start one. Technical expertise isn’t necessary – community networks are not about technology, they are about people sharing. If you do have a community network, join it. The network is driven by the community.