Community Media Access Partnership
Media Skills for the Digital World
The mission of CMAP is to empower community members and organizations to thrive in our digital world by providing access to media tools , training , and television distribution on local cable channels . In doing so , CMAP helps to promote civic engagement and creative self-expression as well as valuable life and career skills for youth and adults .
At its core , CMAP is a program mandated by the Federal Communications Commission . Because of the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 , cities can require local cable operators to set aside a certain number of channels for public , educational , or governmental use . CMAP exists as a result of this requirement . Over the years , the level and focus of program funding has changed and now funds must be used for capital and equipment purchases . For CMAP this meant finding other means of funding support to maintain staff and operate a variety of programs in pursuit of its mission .
CMAP Programs and Services
CMAP ’ s Board of Directors is made up of community members and representatives of participating local city governments . Management , some staffing , and certain resources of CMAP are shared with CTV , the community media access program of Santa Cruz and Watsonville . Becca Reed King serves as the Executive Director of both CMAP and CTV .
Classes and training programs are fundamental components of a community media program . With this in mind , CMAP provides a variety of services focused on learning about , creating , and watching video media . CMAP ’ s memberproduced videos are broadcast on one of four local cable channels , 17-20 , and on the CMAP website . CMAP provides several no-fee Youth Media programs annually . Many graduates go on to paid and unpaid internships .
CMAP also provides fee-based professional services including video production , A / V Services , Equipment Rental , Training , and Consulting . Fees from these services help cover media center operating costs .
New Location
CMAP is now located at 7500 Monterey Road in downtown Gilroy . Previously , operations were based at Christopher High School , and before that at Gavilan College . CMAP ’ s new 5,500-square-foot facility includes offices , a production studio and editing rooms .
New Partnership
CMAP has developed a new source of funding through a partnership with Greenhouse Coworking , a cooperative that has set up its operations in CMAP ’ s new building . Greenhouse Coworking provides private offices , workstations , executive suites , and conference rooms for use by nonprofits , entrepreneurs , and independent contractors .
Greenhouse Coworking is a “ just in time ” office space with office support for people or businesses that do not want or need their own full-time building lease . Space and support can be leased for long or short term needs with 24 / 7 access . Amenities include a professional copier , high speed internet , free coffee , a kitchen , and rest rooms as well as access to the digital media suites and studios of CMAP . Participants are encouraged to to take advantage of the common areas … thus the Coworking name . Private offices are also available . Income from these leases helps to offset the costs of supporting CMAP staff and activities .
CMAP TV 7500 Monterey Road • Gilroy CA ( 408 ) 722-9144 • info @ cmap . tv • cmaptv . com
Morgan Hill ’ s community media access program , MHAT , is operated by Media Access Coalition of Central California , Inc . Contact : Larry Talbot 408.782.8086 • mhat . tv
The Satellite Centers • 888.379.2865 admin @ thesatelliteinc . com • thesatellitecenters . com
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN MAY / JUNE 2017 gmhtoday . com
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