PhillyCAM celebrates 15 years of creative community this fall

Next month holds a special anniversary for PhillyCAM.

The local creative center trains Philadelphians in media production and airs original content on the city’s public access television (and WPPM 106.5 FM), and in October, the organization will be celebrating 15 years. To commemorate, the 4th annual People Power Media (PPM) Fest will be in full swing from Oct. 19 to 26. The experience is a yearly convening of innovative media creators, activists, and industry professionals participating in panels, workshops, and special programs, a release notes.

They highlight the idea that community media is a powerful tool when in the hands of everyday people, and ultimately, the People Power Media Fest is a platform for the work and ideas of the movers and makers across the Philadelphia region.

“PPM Fest celebrates PhillyCAM’s radio and television producers for how they are enriching local media by lifting up under-represented voices from Philly’s neighborhoods,” explains PhillyCAM Executive Director, Gretjen Clausing in a statement. “This year PhillyCAM’s 15th anniversary of going on the air falls during the Fest. While we take time to celebrate and look back—the real focus of the Fest will be on the work of our amazing member producers and the future role community media will play in Philadelphia and beyond.”

In 2024, PPM is focusing on lifting up grassroots organizations in the city including media makers, activists, and organizers through different hands-on workshops and creative pop-ups.

The Festival kicks off on Oct. 19 with the 15th Anniversary Dance Party Fundraiser, aka an event inspired by classic Philly dance TV shows like ‘American Bandstand’, ‘Dancin’ on Air’, ‘Salt N’ Pepper Memories’ and ‘Dance Connections’. The pay-what-you-wish event (with a minimum $15 entry) acts as a fundraiser for the organization. It will take place at Asian Arts Initiative (1219 Vine St.,) from 7 to 11 p.m.

The next day (Oct. 20), PPM will continue with the premiere of Community Media Today at noon on PhillyCAM TV (Fios 29/30 and Xfinity 66/966). As a release notes, the premiere episode highlights diverse expressions of collaborative media making through the lens of Philly’s impactful local organizations Scribe Video Center, Little Filmmakers, Resolve Philly, Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and Gtown Radio.

Locals can learn more on PhillyCAM’s history through a new exhibit coming to City Hall as well. Titled ‘Telling Our Stories: Celebrating 15 Years of Public Access Television’  this curated collection of still and moving images tells the story of the people who came together to make PhillyCAM what it is today in the community.

The exhibit, located in display cases on the fourth floor of City Hall near City Council shows how Philadelphia-based media makers have used PhillyCAM’s noncommercial, community-funded resources to represent diverse perspectives, build community power, address social problems, explore imaginative visions, and pursue professional careers in media. The opening of the showcase will be marked with a panel discussion featuring its artist on Oct. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Another highlight during PPM is the People Power Forum. This series of panels and workshops—which include a masterclass on narrative storytelling with Aidan Guynes, pitching your news story with Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative, bridging the gap between media makers and activists with the Leeway Foundation and much more—will be in full swing on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at PhillyCAM (699 Ranstead St.)

As a whole, according to the official site, whether you’re a broadcaster, media artist, audio creator, visual storyteller, or digital visionary, this Festival will inspire a new connection to community, media, and your own innovation. All you have to do is show up.

A full list of events and a detailed schedule of everything happening to celebrate PhillyCAM’s 15th Anniversary season can be found online at phillycam.org