News Summary
As Knoxville Community Media (KCM) approaches its 50th anniversary, it grapples with significant funding cuts and legislative threats. Once enjoying annual funding of $1.4 million, KCM now operates on approximately $645,000 due to declining cable franchise fees influenced by cord-cutting trends. KCM’s Executive Director expresses concerns over the diminishing presence of local media as the organization adapts through various initiatives, including youth programs and partnerships, aiming to sustain its mission of community storytelling and expression amid these challenges.
Knoxville is facing potential challenges as it approaches the 50th anniversary of Knoxville Community Media (KCM), a platform crucial for local storytelling and community access to media. KCM, formerly known as Community Television of Knoxville (CTV), has been a staple in the area since it began cablecasting from the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral on December 24, 1975. The organization is recognized as the second oldest public access station in the United States.
Within the past decade, KCM has seen a significant decline in funding, shrinking from approximately $1.4 million to around $645,000 annually. This drastic decrease stems from reductions in cable franchise fees, largely due to the growing trend of cord-cutting among consumers. The impact of such revenue losses has raised concerns among the KCM leadership regarding the station’s sustainability and the continuation of its mission to empower community voices.
Amos Oaks, KCM’s Executive and Creative Director, has voiced worries about the diminishing presence of local media outlets, which he believes is integral to maintaining a vibrant community identity. KCM aims to counter this trend by fostering community storytelling, promoting free thought and expression, and upholding localism, all of which are foundational to its mission.
The challenges facing KCM are not solely financial; legislative threats also loom large. Proposed legislation like the American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 3557) poses a risk to public access stations nationwide by potentially further decreasing funding sources. Concurrently, the Protecting Community Television Act (S340) seeks to address funding vulnerabilities for public access, presenting a competing narrative in the discourse surrounding community media support.
KCM has adapted to changing media landscapes by introducing various initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing local engagement and skill development. The organization offers training in video production, editing, and other essential media skills, which are accessible through a membership fee of $25 annually. Members benefit from access to production equipment and workshops, empowering them to create their own media content.
To broaden its audience and community reach, KCM broadcasts on multiple platforms, including Xfinity, Charter, Knology, and AT&T U-Verse. The station has also embraced digital transformation by streaming content on its website and platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire. Recent expansions include live radio content and over 70 original programs and music blocks, particularly from former WUTK DJs, reflecting the station’s commitment to diversifying its offerings.
Youth engagement has become a focal point for KCM, with programs centered around hands-on storytelling, such as zine making, photography, and experimental film workshops. This initiative represents an investment in future generations, aiming to cultivate new storytellers that enrich the community dialogue.
Looking ahead, KCM is organizing the inaugural Knoxville Storytelling Festival, scheduled for June 2026. This event aims to celebrate local stories and amplify the voices of the community, further embedding KCM within the cultural fabric of Knoxville.
In an effort to navigate these challenges, KCM is actively forging partnerships with local nonprofits and seeking financial support through various events and grants. The organization is emphasizing the importance of community advocacy for local media access and transparency, aiming to galvanize public interest and support as it progresses toward this significant milestone in its history.
The upcoming 50th anniversary of KCM serves as a pivotal moment to reflect on its legacy while addressing the critical concerns of funding and legislative challenges that threaten its future. KCM’s resilience and adaptability, combined with community involvement, are essential to ensuring that Knoxville continues to have a platform for local storytelling and diverse voices.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Funding Cuts and Legislation
- Inside of Knoxville: Knoxville Community Media Anniversary
- Knox News: New Knoxville Radio Station
- WBIR: Waynestock Music Festival
- Knox Focus: The Knoxville Focus April 2025
- Wikipedia: Community Media
- Google Search: Knoxville Community Media
- Google Scholar: Local Media Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Media
- Google News: Knoxville
