YouTube = Public Access?

I’ve created a new page on the wiki, titled “YouTube = Public Access?” to investigate the online narratives surrounding the YouTube/PEG TV debate.

There’s a lot to parse here. On the one hand, local authorities are claiming that YouTube eliminates the need for public access TV. On the other, networked activity is contributing to the mis-understanding between the two.

How does the YouTube viewing public understand PEG TV (see Public Access Guy)? What are the implications of sharing public access TV programming on YouTube or other video sharing sites? How can PEG TV stay relevant on the web next to “user-generated content“?

And as Rik points out

“Activist groups pushing for greater government support for access to the public airwaves need to be alarmed by and prepared for arguments like these. Because as YouTube, vlogging and podcasting become more and more a part of everyday life, groups arguing that the public need their own programming on traditional television and radio are going to have to show why the internet is not the answer. Or at least not the full answer.”