Roundtable: The Future of Austin Public Access

It's perhaps an apocryphal story that filmmaker Robert Rodriguez developed his skills using public access television facilities in Austin. It is, however, completely believable that some next-generation filmmakers could develop their talents using the state-of-the-art, high-definition digital facilities at Austin's public access community media center.

City officials are preparing for the current franchise with Time Warner Cable to expire in 2011, with the next one to be administered by the state under a new law. The changes are expected to have a significant impact on funding for public access operations.

On July 14, the City of Austin Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission will sponsor a roundtable discussion on the future of public access community media in Austin. The roundtable event will feature four panels of experts and community activists -- including people from the local film community -- examining the issues that public access television faces.

Discussion will focus on the role public access television can play in the community while staying relevant in the face of media and technological changes. The goal of the discussion is to provide ideas and information for shaping a new business model for public access in Austin that can be incorporated into the next public access contract.

The event will be televised live on cable Channel 6, the City government access channel. Viewers may submit questions using any of several available interactive capabilities: call or text (512) 539-0070; chat live at http://cityofaustin.org/webcast.htm; or email publicaccess [at] ci [dot] austin [dot] tx [dot] us. You also can attend the panels in person at Austin City Hall, in the Boards and Commissions room.

[Photo credit: "Final Cut Pro in Edit Room #2" by ChannelAustin. Used by permission.]