LPBN.ORG presents at the Grassroots Radio Coalition�s Tech Talk 27 - 29 June 2004
As described by the Pacifica Foundation: �TECH TALK - Building A Technological Network for Community Media: As the technological environment changes, the operations staff of the Pacifica Foundation, affiliated stations, and other community media organizations are working in partnership. We are focusing on plans for success in community media, discussing what technological choices are appropriate, and looking for ways that we can be helpful to each other.� The Post GRC Tech Talk conference was convened in part as a follow-up to the April 2004 meeting in Albuquerque NM which drafted the following as an ongoing mission statement: "Coming together with Pacifica to plan a technological support network for community media and to strengthen movements for progressive social change and justice; choosing appropriate and diverse technologies, planning collaboration, sharing resources and information, to keep community media relevant and competitive in the face of changing technological environment." LPBN Synopsis: LPBN.ORG, represented by Ray Steding and Joanna Silva, participated in the GRC IX Tech Talk Conference at the Dunn School in Santa Barbara California on Monday 28 June 2004. They were provided three opportunities to present and discuss matters concerning Wireless Technologies and prospects for collaboration between community radio stations, the Pacifica Network and wireless NANs. Brief outlines of these sessions follow. As a result of the combined efforts of this group, LPBN.ORG�s Wireless Venice Neighborhood Area Network will stream directly to the Pacifica/KPFK radio system, covering the LA Sound Posse�s presentation of Robert Jensen at the Venice Center for Peace with Justice and the Arts this Saturday, 10 July 2004 at 7pm. * 9-11am morning Break-out Session Group I - �Wireless; Public Access TV/DISH; LPFM.� Ray Steding introduced the nonprofit media projects of the Linux Public Broadcasting Network. The Venice Neighborhood Area Network and upcoming Southern California Wireless Expo were put forward as catalysts for a partnership between terrestrial radio stations and community sponsored wireless NANs. After Ray�s presentation, the group asked questions and engaged in some debate. Discussion centered around the potential benefits to be had as NANs and multicasted Internet streams make it possible for community radio stations to expand content and multiply broadcasts and thus satisfy the demands of a diverse listener base. Additional time was spent discussing likely opportunities for each media to provide the other with the benefits of a larger audience. There were more than 30 media and communications professionals in attendance including Tim Pozar who also gave a presentation and slideshow wireless technology, Dave Adelson of the LA Sound Posse, and representatives from the Pacifica Foundation, Pacifica Network Affiliates, GRC Stations, Free Speech Radio News, the Prometheus Project, Free Speech TV, and Indy Media among others. * LPBN.ORG Video Presentation in the Dunn School Library: �The Venice and Harvard Heights Wireless Neighborhood Area Networks� The 16 minute video, which was also aired 1 June 2004 on the CBC�s program �First Tuesday,� features a wireless antenna installation by FSS Project- T.E.C.H. followed by LPBN.ORG�s first backbone antenna mounting for VNAN. (View the video stream at http://vnan.org .) * 2:00-4:30pm: Follow up Break-out Session on Wireless & Radio Station Collaboration. A smaller group from among those present at the morning session gathered on the lawn of the Dunn School gardens to consider the relationship between wireless neighborhood area networks and community radio stations in more depth. Technical and social aspects pertaining to existing and future broadcasting methods were identified and discussed as they pertain to wireless communications and networks. Topics arising from the preceding 3 day GRC Conference were also brought taken into account. Again, Tim Pozar and Ray Steding represented the Wireless NAN Technology. In all the group was composed of representatives from Pacifica Network and Affiliates, Free Speech TV, LA Sound Posse and other community radio professionals. A proposal for implementing a partnership through a pilot project was drafted. Dave Adelson of the LA Sound Posse presented the work of the group later that day in the form of a five-minute summary to the GRC Conference. A formal proposal will be presented to the Pacifica Network at their September board meeting. Notes from the follow up Break-out session- Comments seemed to identify three basic themes: (Clearly, however, these categories are subjective and overlapping.) 1. Access & Representation, 2. Reciprocity and Probable mechanics of Partnership (a. Benefits NANs can give to traditional Radio, b. Benefits Radio can give to NANs,) 3. Conclusions and Expectations. 1) Access & Representation - All concurred that there is a need to create complementary systems for connecting with a much larger percentage of the public. There was disagreement as to the exact nature of radio�s institutional shortcomings, mostly having to do with particular regional factors. Still, all accepted that a Radio/NAN relationship would address many of these problems. 2) Reciprocity and Probable mechanics of Partnership a. Benefits Neighborhood Area Networks could give to traditional radio: - NANs will �plug� the radio stations by including them as prominent links placed on the �Portal� online network access page as well as within audio and video streams. - NANs will offer an audience to the overflow programming of the radio stations. - Radio stations may use the networks to stream programming in multiple languages. - Programming developed as a result of �Radio Apprenticeship Programs� which might not be up to traditional broadcasting standards, or which are simply too numerous to be included in a 24 hour, single broadcast schedule, could be aired over the NANs. - NANs will make it possible for stations to produce video to accompany audio programming when desired. - Radio station pledge drives could use NAN development for targeted funding requests. - As radio stations participate in the promotion of NANs, (for example through the production and streaming on a regularly scheduled basis, by sponsoring local events, and by funding network expansion) the stations will be recognized by a new audience. - Some of those who became acquainted with the radio stations through the NANs will be motivated to also tune in to terrestrial radio broadcasts. - The community centered NANs, many of which are themselves based upon principles of social equity and democratic involvement, will facilitate opportunities for bringing a diverse population of future radio professionals into the station�s training programs. b. Benefits Radio could give to Neighborhood Area Networks: - There are many options for radio stations to participate in the building out of NANs and thus avoid the more costly ISDN connections usually necessary for live on-site events, for example, by contributing some of the hardware, funding, and/or manpower needed to install wireless access points. - Radio stations will announce affiliated NAN domain names and streaming content. - A listing of NANs along with �how to� guides for becoming involved in the wireless networks could be placed on the Radio Stations websites. - Associated community radio/ media advocacy groups will likely publicize their NAN hubs locally and nationally. - Many of the potential reciprocal benefits, such as �Cross Plugs� will require the cooperation of several individuals from all organizational levels. 3) LPBN.ORG Conclusions and Projections - Radio stations that are ready to engage directly in the build-out of neighborhood networks will be extending their media distribution system to meet their listener�s methods of receiving information and thereby avoid the loss of viewership now being experienced by other non-adaptable forms of media. - The GRC delegates agreed that one way to further empower communities is to �demystify technology.� Thus, they are eager to settle upon strategies for radio/NAN collaboration. - As of now LPBN is embarking on projects in collaboration with Pacifica, LA Sound Posse and other terrestrial community radio stations through the wireless Venice Neighborhood Area Network. * * * * * * * * * * * * "Weaving the spirit of open source throughout the social fabric." The Linux Public Broadcasting Network, a 501(c)3 public benefit media nonprofit, provides free public access to technology, education, community and arts services and content. ~ VNAN.ORG ~ SOCALWIRELESS.ORG ~ COLO.LPBN.ORG ~ ARCHIVES.LPBN.ORG ~ ~ MUSIC.LPBN.ORG ~ RADIO.LPBN.ORG ~ ARTS.LPBN.ORG ~ STORE.LPBN.ORG ~ * * * * * * * * * * * * http://COLO.LPBN.ORG: Data Services, Video & Audio Streaming, Video Conferencing, Offsite Data Storage; Webhosting, Group Management Reliable, Secure, Convenient Colocation Services. The Linux Public Broadcasting Network Colocation services are available at cost to qualifying individuals, nonprofit organizations and other public benefit projects and institutions. Other individuals, groups and for-profit business may also apply to receive discounted rates. All proceeds support the nonprofit public access, public benefit community media projects of the Linux Public Broadcasting Network. No commercial advertising, no hidden charges. * * * * * * * * * * * * LINUX PUBLIC BROADCASTING NETWORK 2210 Lincoln Blvd. Suite #12 Venice, CA 90291 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 310-636-1815 * * * * * * * * * * * * "Weaving the spirit of open source throughout the social fabric." The Linux Public Broadcasting Network, a 501(c)3 public benefit media nonprofit, provides free public access to technology, education, community and arts services and content. ~ VNAN.ORG ~ SOCALWIRELESS.ORG ~ COLO.LPBN.ORG ~ ~ MUSIC.LPBN.ORG ~ RADIO.LPBN.ORG ~ ARTS.LPBN.ORG ~ * * * * * * * * * * * * http://COLO.LPBN.ORG: Data Services, Video & Audio Streaming, Video Conferencing, Offsite Data Storage; Webhosting, Group Management Reliable, Secure, Convenient Colocation Services. The Linux Public Broadcasting Network Colocation services are available at cost to qualifying individuals, nonprofit organizations and other public benefit projects and institutions. Other individuals, groups and for-profit business may also apply to receive discounted rates. All proceeds support the nonprofit public access, public benefit community media projects of the Linux Public Broadcasting Network. No commercial advertising, no hidden charges. * * * * * * * * * * * * LINUX PUBLIC BROADCASTING NETWORK 2210 Lincoln Blvd. Suite #12 Venice, CA 90291 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 310-636-1815
