Representatives of Cable Co-op and the Mid-Peninsula Access Corporation, contingent upon review of the available funding, have endorsed the creation of a new community media center, which would eventually replace MPAC and Cable Co-op as they are currently structured.

A new non-profit corporation would serve those who live or work in Atherton, East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Stanford, and unincorporated parts of San Mateo county. The Center will be housed in a new facility and will provide a variety of services to address the following goals:

1. Create and maintain a facility available to all members of the community at which people have access to resources that enable and enhance communication and expression.
2. Generate and maintain a public forum which promotes civic engagement, diversity awareness, a venue for arts and a forum for many voices, adhering to the guarantees of the First Amendment.
3. Produce quality programming of particular local interest, some of which will be produced by center staff and some by individuals and groups assisted by center staff.
4. Enhance access to government and the political process for all members of the community and enhance dialogue between government and members of the public.
5. Provide accessible and affordable training for community members in media production including but not limited to video, radio and website content.
6. Collaborate with schools, local government, non-profits, and local arts organizations to produce and disseminate community communications.
7. Use any number of media as resources allow to accomplish the above goals.

October 1999

The Joint Planning Committee