Somerville Media Center is celebrating all aspects of community media locally with Community Media Week, October 20 through October 27. Community Media Week is a new fundraising endeavor where SMC television, radio and podcast producers will include special messaging in their programs (some even doing special episodes) in an effort to raise awareness and encourage donating funds toward media education activities at Somerville Media Center.

Community Media Day is an annual celebration of voices that bring awareness to the importance of free speech and accessible media for all individuals to have their voices heard.

In 2017, the Somerville City Council passed a proclamation to designate October 20 officially as Community Media Day and is meant to ensure that the media landscape remains inclusive for all artists, across all forms of media.

Traditionally, SMC receives the majority of its funding from the city through contributions from cable franchise fees. The past several years have reflected a decline in cable viewership, and consequently SMC’s funding. In addition to the cord cutting phenomenon, SMC (and all Public, Education and Government Media) funding is further threatened by a new FCC rule. This weeklong fundraising endeavor aims to increase the amount that we receive from donors made up of people who know the benefits of community media in Somerville.

The full schedule of events for the community to participate:

Sunday, 10/20 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.: Video Launch with members and supporters at City of Somerville Monster Mashed Up event

Monday, 10/21 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.: SMC go LIVE from Somerville Public Library with special guests

Tuesday, 10/22 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.: SMC in partnership with The Somerville Line a panel on “The Importance of Community Media with Communities of Color” and Underserved Voices”. The public is welcome to be part of the studio audience.

Wednesday, 10/23 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.: Come enjoy a stroll down memory lane with the special throwback SCATV screening, Way Back Wednesday: The Wonderful World of Public Access TV hosted at the Armory Cafe.

Sunday, 10/27 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.: Comedy Benefit Show at Comedy Studio at Bow Market

The finale event will bring together Boston-area comedians for a Comedy Benefit Show at The Comedy Studio in Bow Market on Sunday, October 27 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This fundraiser is to help raise funds for youth programs, digital literacy workshops and community journalism programs at SMC.  Get tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-comedy-benefit-show-tickets-73370827119.

Contact Erica Jones at ejones@somervillemedia.org with any questions.