Thesis: Phase II
It’s a new year and my last semester, and another chapter (not quite literally . . . yet) begins for this project.
Lots has changed since my initial explorations began in earnest last semester. Most notably, I began to shift my thinking from broadcast cable access television and Internet video distribution to the role of the community media center in Public Access Television (found here and here, for example) and the people involved. While video distribution and related web technologies are still a major consideration in this study, I’ve also shifted my thinking towards a more integrated approach involving the role of and relationship between community technology (or community informatics) and PEG Access TV.
My conversation with Felicia on the topic played a large role in this transition. Her terrific article, “Community Technology and Public Discourse” (PDF download) also got me thinking more along these lines. But I also know I’m running a slight risk of misrepresenting this intersection of computers, networked technology and PEG Access TV. It’s certainly not a universal trend, particularly at a time when many access centers are just struggling to keep their doors open as a result of state legislation and other oppositional forces. But it is really interesting to me, particularly in thinking about current trends and potential future directions in community media as the Internet collides with cable access TV (that is to say, where it is taking place).
The other problem with this study is there is little to no scholarship on this intersection. These are issues taking place right now. To do it justice would be to apply for a grant to study what’s happening in access over a much longer period of time. Unfortunately, I will not be able to do that. A draft of my thesis needs to be completed in just a few months. But, what I hope to do is study what has been written on these topics and contribute my observations to this much larger discussion.
In addition, I hope my new role as Community Media Coordinator at Cambridge Community Television (a new job I’m starting this week) will also help to shape the content of this paper based on my direct experience as a community media worker. I’ll be spending my time in the computer lab at CCTV and on a number of exciting community media and technology initiatives with the purpose of connecting more Cambridge residents to the technology tools, skills, and knowledge that I take for granted everyday.
The most immediate next steps for this project is a literature review and a thesis outline - both due asap. Before the semester starts up again later this month, I’ll be plugging away on both and continuing to share my process here along the way.
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