WHEREAS, On October 23, 2009, PhillyCAM’s public access cable channel went live after a 27-year campaign led by a grassroots coalition to get public access television in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Currently, PhillyCAM produces nearly 100 hours of local programming each week on television and the radio station it launched three years ago, WPPM 106.5 FM. The non-profit currently has more than 800 members made up of an engaged constituency of people of color, working people, women, sexual minorities, people with disabilities, activists, educators, artists, seniors, returning citizens, and young people. The majority of members are people of color representing neighborhoods from across the City; and
WHEREAS, On October 20 PhillyCAM will present the Cammy Awards
which celebrate producers whose television and radio content bring together the people of Philadelphia to make and share media that promotes creative expression, democratic values, and civic participation. The Cammys recognize the creativity and commitment of its volunteer producers whose programming exemplifies values of inclusion, collaboration, discovery, learning, local focus, and quality; and
WHEREAS, The Cammy Awards take place on national Community Media Day 2019, a celebration of voices that bring awareness to the importance of free speech and accessible media for all individuals to have their voices heard. Taking a page from Hollywood-style awards shows, the Cammy Awards event is a glamorous affair, featuring a red-carpet entrance, celebratory cocktail reception, and formal awards ceremony. Hosted by Cherri Gregg, community affairs reporter at KYW Newsradio. It will be broadcast live on PhillyCAM (Comcast 66/966HD/967 and Verizon 29/30) and live streamed at www.phillycam.org/watch; and
WHEREAS, PhillyCAM is the non-profit designated by the City of Philadelphia to operate its public access television network. PhillyCAM content also airs on WPPM-FM’s 90-watt signal that reaches about 800,000 people throughout the Philadelphia Region. It’s a community media center that brings together the people of Philadelphia to make and share media that promotes creative expression, democratic values and civic participation. PhillyCAM teaches people to create high-quality, non-commercial media. PhillyCAM distributes nearly 100 hours of local radio and television programming each week on radio and television; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate PhillyCAM on the occasion of their 10th Anniversary and wish them continued success in the area of free public access media.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Gretjen Clausing, Executive Director of PhillyCAM as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End