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A DAY FOR COMMUNITY TV -
Report from the Workshop held on 15th November 2002
Friday 15th November 2002 was a very wet day as the
rains had continued nonstop for a few days. Dublin City was flooded and
the traffic was chaotic. It was a day when a 30-minute journey stretched
to over two hours. It was a day for staying indoors. But for some people
it was a day for Community TV. The rains, the flood or the chaotic traffic
situation would not deter them form attending the Dublin Community Television
Workshop held in the Teacher's Club, Parnell Square.
The workshop was sponsored by the Dublin City Community Media Forum, and
supported by the Dublin City Development Board. In it's strategy statement
for the future development of Dublin City (Dublin - A City of Possibilities
2002) it identified the central role of a community television channel
in the development of a more democratic, participative and learning community
in the city.
Over seventy individuals who are committed to making
a positive contribution towards the creation of Dublin Community Television;
people with knowledge, interest and experience of community media initiatives,
gained over many years involvement in the community sector attended the
workshop.
Opening words . . .
Prof. Farrell Corcoran, in his opening address, explained
that the essence of community television and what makes it unique and
distinct from both the commercial and public-service sectors is its inherently
democratic and participative nature. It is based on the enthusiasm and
energy of the voluntary sector, who are not merely consumers, but also
producers of content.
Celene Craig, Secretary of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, outlined
recent developments in broadcasting legislation. The BCI has yet to develop
policy for community television giving effect to the provisions of the
Broadcasting Act 2001. In the absence of stated policy for the granting
of licenses, concern was expressed by participants that BCI may hinder
rather than help in the development and roll-out of community television
channels.
Formal applications for licenses will be invited by early 2003, with licenses
being issued by mid 2003 or early 2004, depending on factors such as the
length of consultation process, and the re-constitution of BCI board late
next year.
While recent legislative developments making provision for a community
television channel (Broadcasting Act 2001) was broadly welcomed, there
was also some frustration expressed at the perceived slow pace by the
Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) in developing policy and initiating
the application process for licenses.
next year.
Panel Discussion
A panel discussion, chaired by Prof. Farrell Corcoran, explored what's
happening around Ireland regarding community television developments.
Sean O'Siochru, chair of Community Media Network (CMN), reported that
there was a high level of interest in community television, with many
projects established throughout the country. However, a key challenge
for the development of a community television channel will be securing
core funding.
Alan Byrne, Dundalk Community Media Centre, is involved in community radio,
which is run as a social economy business. He expressed an interest in
community television and will be making an expression of interest to BCI.
Dr Maria Gibbons, Community Video Activist, Leitrim, in abstencia, reported
through Margaret Gillan that she would be delighted to network with anyone
interested in developing video initiatives.
Emma Bowell, Community Video Activist, Framework, Cork described the extensive
community outreach activities of their group as "sowing seeds in
Cork for community television". In the absence of a Cork community
television channel video productions, commissioned by community groups
or communities of interest, are shown in community centres. There is a
strong need for a Cork community television channel and Framework intend
to make an expression of interest.
Dave Hydman, Northern Visions, Belfast, reported on developments in Northern
Ireland. Opening up Irish airwaves to local communities is now seen as
promoting identity, local citizenship, social cohesion and democratic
participation. Northern Visions currently holds a community radio license,
but wants to secure a community television license.
Ollie McGlinchey, Ballymun Communications, described how their group offers
training / education in video production. This training is provided in
collaboration with Dublin City University and Ballymun College.
Seamus McGreanery, Big River TV, Open Channel, outlined how with access
to training and modern technology, it is now possible for community groups
to produce high quality content suitable for TV broadcasting. In contrast
with Ireland, other countries have seen significant growth in community
television. Legislative changes are necessary to promote such developments
in Ireland.
Ken Lynam, Fairview Productions, Dublin described how his group is heavily
involved with youth and community groups engaged in video and photography
work.
Margaret Gillan, Manager CMN, stressed the importance of the first three
months after launch of DCTV to create favourable public perception of
channel. Must get it right first time - there will be no second chance
to make a favourable first impression. Diverse groups must co-operate
and work closely in partnership to ensure success of channel.
In summary, Farrell Corcoran highlighted the significant amount of activity
at local and national level. A co-ordinating mechanism needs to be created
for continued generation of ideas and networking, leading to the implementation
of DCTV. This concluded the panel discussion deliberations.
Presentations from the Irish Deaf Society and Pavee Point
Two case studies were presented which explored the importance
of community organisations to community media. The Irish Deaf Society
(IDS) has a long history of involvement in community media, using it as
a means to communicate with its members throughout Ireland. To date it
has produced documentaries, videos and other educational material, but
has experienced considerable difficulty getting this material broadcast,
either by the public service or commercial sector operators.
The IDS, according to, Kevin Stanley, Chair, Irish Deaf Society, is strongly
committed to developing and using community media for the benefits of
its members. It considers community television to be the natural medium
through which it can achieve its objectives for the benefit of its members.
The IDS would also like Dublin Community TV to also use sign language
or subtitles in most of their programmes.
Pavee Point, a representative group of the travelling
community in Ireland, also has considerable experience of involvement
with community media. Using independent production companies they have
produced documentaries and videocassettes aimed at diverse groups within
the travelling community. Pavee Point considers community television to
be an ideal medium for achieving its objectives of development and community
building within the travelling community and are strongly supportive of
the community television project.
Content Group Workshops
The afternoon slot was given to workshops, which were organised around
two themes - funding and licensing issues, and content issues.
The report from the group discussing funding and licensing highlighted
a number of important factors relevant to the success of community television.
International experience shows that secure core funding is critical to
the long-term viability of community television. The capacity of the community
sector to produce quality content over the long-term is directly linked
to adequate funding. In the short-term a sum of approximately ?250,000
is required to fund the application for license stage.
Funding may come through two strands:core funding may be sourced +
through license fee, or local authority, and additional funding, through
a foundation, may come from advertising, sponsorship or sales.
Criteria for granting of a licence, as outlined by BCI, includes the active
participation of the community in the production of programme content.
Content must reflect and be responsive to community needs. The core principles
of empowerment, participation and diversity, must underpin any application
for a community television license.
Recent changes in the Broadcasting Act (2001) makes provision on the cable
network through the 'must-carry' clause. NTL, the cable carrier, would
welcome community television on condition it can deliver viewing numbers.
However, without the capacity in the community to produce consistent,
quality content for itself, access to the cable network and a license
to broadcast will be of little value.
Action Plan
Following from this workshop a plan of action was developed.
Among the key decisions made and targets set were:
- To set up a lobby group to support, co-ordinate and monitor the on-going
work of establishing Dublin Community Television. This group would also
lobby and liase with BCI on an ongoing basis, particularly in relation
to issues relating to expression of interest and application for license
submissions.
- Community Media Network are willing to facilitate the work of lobby
group by offering space on their web page.
- Groups formed at the workshop will continue to work together in partnership,
generating ideas and implementing their plans.
- Expression of interest submissions to be with BCI by 25th November 2002.
The workshop concluded with Margaret Gillan thanking
the Dublin City Development Board, the Community Forum, and the participating
community groups for their support, commitment and energy in helping to
make the day a meaningful one which will bring us closer to realising
the vision of a vibrant and exciting Dublin Community Television channel.
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Tracking
Magazine
Winter
'02/03
EDITORIAL
A
Day For Community TV
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A Useful Resource
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DCTV
Dublin Community TV
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Access Stations
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No Articles for this Section
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New and Recent Videos
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Communication
Rights:
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WSIS;
UNESCO; Civil Society Plenary Group
Communications
issues reports
News
Bites
Northern visions
update News
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World Development
Centre
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Resources available
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Genoa Theatre piece
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