Reinvestment Act

Community Media is any form of media that is created and controlled by a community, either a geographic community or a community of identity or interest. Community Media is separate from commercial media, state run media, or public broadcasting.

Community Media (Public Access Television) was developed by Congress in the early 1970s to ensure that local communities would have access to the burgeoning cable networks so they could provide local programming within the global system. Anyone, anywhere in the world can apply for free channel time on Brooklyn Free Speech TV and cablecast shows of their own making to a mass audience— as long as they are non-commercial in nature. In addition, local viewers will be provided with programming created mainly for local residents. In many locales, Public Access Television stations also provide television production training and equipment.

Cities generally have three kinds of access channels: public access, education, and government or PEG (Public, Education, and Government). Brooklyn Free Speech’s four channels are Public Access programming.

OWNERSHIP & CONTROL

• Commercial Media: Commercial media outlets are typically owned and operated by corporations or conglomerates. They are profit-driven entities with centralized control over content production, distribution, and advertising. Decisions regarding programming and editorial content are often influenced by financial considerations and market interests.
• BRIC Media: We are a local, community organization founded on wanting to do good and help open the doors of media possibility for the people of New York. As a Raised by Brooklyn nonprofit, we prioritize community interests and possibility over financial gain. Open to all and free of charge, Brooklyn Free Speech TV (BCAT) has aired thousands of hours of programming since its founding in 1988. Our showrunners control what airs on the five-channel TV network and maintain full ownership of their content.

FOCUS & CONTENT

• Commercial Media: Commercial media outlets often prioritize content that appeals to mass audiences and generates advertising revenue. They may focus on national or global news, entertainment, and popular culture, with less emphasis on hyper-local or niche topics. Content selection is guided by audience ratings, market trends, and profitability.
• BRIC Media: We prioritize content that reflects you – the interests, concerns, hopes, and dreams of the local community. Brooklyn Free Speech TV (BCAT) is a free, open-to-all community media network for makers to create and share content on topics such as local news, events, culture, sports, fashion, beauty, travel, health, wellness, and activism.

AUDIENCE & PARTICIPATION

• Commercial Media: Access to commercial media platforms is often limited to those with financial resources or connections. Audience participation is typically limited to consumer choices such as cable or satellite channel selection or subscription options (Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube TV, Max).
• BRIC Media: We believe media is FOR ALL and prioritize accessibility and participation. This is done by providing opportunities for makers near and far to actively engage in content creation, production, and distribution. BRIC Media offers training, equipment, resources, and support so that media makers feel empowered to share their voices and perspectives with the world. We are a locally sourced, globally shared media network.

FUNDING & REVENUE MODEL

• Commercial Media: Commercial media outlets primarily rely on advertising revenue, subscriptions, and other commercial sources of income to sustain operations. Profitability is a key concern, driving decisions related to content selection, programming, and audience engagement.
• BRIC Media: We focus on serving the community rather than maximizing profits, with funding directed towards supporting community-driven programming and initiatives like:
  • Free and affordable media education
  • Free access to a 9,000 square foot media house
  • Free access to gear like cameras, audio equipment, and the Adobe Suite

The lion share of BRIC Media’s funding comes from our cable franchise agreements.

We’re going to level with you, the situation is dire. Over the last 10 years, community media stations across the country have been shutting their doors in droves. Local journalism and local stories are the lifeblood and the critical connection for communities. If passed, we estimate that the Community Media Reinvestment Act will generate $250 – $500 million annually in new tax revenue for New York State, which will in turn be allocated to various municipalities and Media Centers like BRIC.