Cable access reaches out across the ‘digital divide’

PHOTO BY BREATHINGPLANET FROM FLICKR

Most commonly associated with programs found on cable access, Portland Community Media partners with local nonprofits and community-based organizations in Portland to bring media access to local neighborhoods, produce local programming, and offer media education opportunities.

Now PCM is using the digital media realms of Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube to encourage the public to share stories about the community. Winning a recent matching grant from Mount Hood Cable Regulatory Commission for more than $300,000 and partnering with Central Northeast Neighbors are just the first steps PCM is taking toward expanding its reach. PCM’s new project, SmartAccess, will launch six centers offering classes to the community on emerging social media platforms and how to produce and share videos. In this way, multimedia community content can by delivered beyond PCM’s six cable access channels, reaching underserved people throughout the city.