Community Media 2.0 and Leveraging Existing Resources

In the Spring 2007 Issue of CMR, Alliance for Community Media Executive Director, Anthony Riddle writes

“Look at the wonderful opportunities presented by the technologies in this issue of Community Media Review. The presentations only scratch the surface of the possibilities for your PEG community. The truth is, however wonderful each is on its own, none can find its true potential unless integrated into your existing resources.

How does a cable-based live program drive an audience to your blog?

How can a blog be used to add to your viewership?

Can a website offer in-depth materials to viewers who became interested in a topic?

Can we share program materials electronically, quickly between producers and PEG centers?

Can these tools organize our communities politically?”

Felicia Sullivan has mentioned that community media centers should at least try integrating new media tools into existing resources. But, she’s also said that a center shouldn’t worry about using all tools - only those that best serve the needs of a community.

For example, a PEG TV center may use Blogger and blip.tv to distribute videos using an RSS feed and tags. But the same center may not feel that Drupal is right for them. Using a video blog alongside an existing website might just be the answer based on available resources and community needs.