“Community exists when a group of people share geography, values, experiences, expectations or beliefs. Their connection may be voluntary or involuntary. Sometimes we are simply born into a community. A person can be a member of many different communities.” David Diamond.

I don’t usually join things, but VIPA is one of those groups that I have begun to feel pretty strongly about. Strongly enough, about, in fact, to officially “join.”

Advertisement

What is VIPA?

Well, a few years ago – way back in the 20th Century – some producers at Fayetteville’s Community Access Television got together and formed the Video Independent Producers Association.

Advertisement

Not quite a union, but still, the members try to look out for each other, and to keep track of the ongoing events at public access Television, and stay informed.

VIPA members had a hand when the PEG (Public, Education and Government) Center formed an “Equipment Committee” some years back. After all, who knows more about equipment than those who use it on a regular basis?

Advertisement

Occasionally they have informal pot-lucks when folks with an interest in video and public access (and it’s surprising how often the two meet!) can get together and just enjoy other’s company and share ideas.

This Saturday, from 10am – 1pm (rough estimate) there will be a VIPA potluck at Fayetteville Public Access Television (101 W. Rock – corner of Rock and Block) in the studio. Feel free to bring a dish and an insane idea or two.

Advertisement

It’s sort of amazing that VIPA has lasted so long; when stations across the country attempt to form such groups on a more formal basis they usually peter out after a while.

******

Advertisement

Even after 30 years, public access can still be threatened

In recent days Albuquerque’s public access TV channels went off the air after 30 years – ironically, the same amount of time that we have enjoyed public access in Fayetteville.

Advertisement

Fortunately, in Fayetteville, community support for public access has always been high, and people have long recognized its value to the community. When funding is threatened, one thing can be counted on – aldermen will get lots of phone calls and emails.

*****

This is when things get scary at public access

Listening to board members who don’t actually watch the channel very much start talking about “improving quality” is sort of like watching a shark’s fin in the water – a very dim-witted shark, at that.

Advertisement

These sort of people don’t understand what public access is, for one, and two, well, they should actually watch the channel, and appreciate the hard work that people do, considering the resources they have.

And sometimes you have board members who take up the “quality” banner, not realizing that the name of the game is free speech, and giving everyone access to the airwaves.

As a former board member at Community Access Television, I have seen these individuals come and go, and have seen these board members destroy morale faster than any city budget cuts ever could.

*****

Quote of the Day

A citizen of America will cross the ocean to fight for democracy, but won’t cross the street to vote in a national election. – — Bill Vaughan

rsdrake@cox.net

Arkansas Times: Your voice in the fight

Are you tired of watered-down news and biased reporting? The Arkansas Times has been fighting for truth and justice for 50 years. As an alternative newspaper in Little Rock, we are tough, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, we are making a difference. But we can't do it without you. Join the 3,400 paid subscribers who support our great journalism and help us hire more writers. Sign up for a subscription today or make a donation of as little as $1 and help keep the Arkansas Times feisty for years to come.

Previous article Ken Aden fires back on military record Next article Little Rock metro area dead last in recovery ranking