The last PEG or community media 2.0? Negotiating place and placelessness at PhillyCAM. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ali, Christopher
• Is Part Of: Media, culture, and society. Volume 36:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 69
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: community media -- community television -- liveness -- PEG -- place -- public access; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Wireless communication systems -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 302.2305
• DOI: 10.1177/0163443713507815
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4437

Abstract

This article investigates the changes, challenges and opportunities present in American community media through a case study of PhillyCAM, a community television/media center in Philadelphia, PA. From this ethnographic study, it is suggested that community media navigate the tensions between television and digital media/user-generated content through reliance on place and liveness. In shifting from 'community television' to 'community media' these organizations are able to situate themselves as dynamic components in a local and participatory media ecosystem, develop new programs and strategic partnerships, and differentiate themselves from other organizations, while remaining consistent with their original mandates.