Thanks to the efforts of others around the country, and certainly here in Maryland, there is certainly no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes
to a Public Access facility being established here in Wicomico County.  Examples of these outstanding Publically Accessible facilities exist in literally every state and of course right here in Maryland.

A shining example of such a facility exists in Carroll County Maryland. Their Community Media Center opened in 2003 and consists of approximately 9,000 square feet of studio, edit, production and office space. Many Maryland counties have well established Public Access facilities with long history of service to their communities as well.

                                    
In Nov. 2009 members of the PAC 14 Inc. Board of Directors visited the Carroll facility at the invitation of CCTV. Executive Director Marion Ware (top left of picture), along with Operations Mgr. Tony Hooper (top center) and Accountant Betty Haber (top right) provided a wealth of information to our Board members. The initial meeting was held in their professionally designed conference / meeting room.

CCTV is located directly between Carroll Community College & a local
Vo-Tech high school. During the tour we met with a group of Vo-Tech students and their high school instructor, the feedback was very positive.
 

Certainly PAC 14 Inc. has a similar vision for our community, and a conceptual plan as well. Our facility would be the video equivalent of  a public library. Citizens could use our facility to produce local community based programs. Our Media Center would provide studios, many edit  suites, a conference and training room, and services similar to other Access facilities; and CCTV's.

Comparing PAC & CCTV, we currently occupy some 900 sq. ft. of space provided by Salisbury University. We're grateful to SU for their unwavering support. Our space is however limited, as it simply was not designed for our specific needs. While PAC 14 has done well over the last decade, with no room larger than 10x10, space & funding are growing concerns.

As illustrated in this picture of one of our four publically accessible edit suites (left), all four must accommodate more than one purpose. This is a view of Edit Room #3, which holds two AVID editors. PAC 14 Prod. Mgr. Creig Twilley is shown 'squeezing-in' to provide instruction to one of our local producers.

This Edit Suite is exactly the same size as our video studio. As "One On One" host Phil Tilghman humorously states to his guest upon entering the studio - "this is why we call it ONE ON ONE!". While PAC 14's decade of success is clearly evident our current model is simply not sustainable. The issues regarding PEG and PEG funding are well documented and defined by Congress. Our future relies on this funding and your support.

Wicomico County is certainly a growing, vibrant community with a rich heritage and unique traditons. Since March 1999 PAC 14 has served as the 'sole source' of truly 'local' TV  showcasing our people, places, history and traditions. Yet with all the success to date, there is a deep desire and need to provide and accomplish more!

This is Lillian Smullen, a local lady who agrred to help us showcase the tradition of making Easter Egg Candy. This picture certainly illustrates what PAC 14 is all about, people and a uniquley local mission. PAC 14, 'is' Government meetings, it 'is' Educational programs, but moreover we 'are' uniquely hometown. Our very big world gets bigger every minute, but as long as Community Access TV survives and thrives, there will be a
place for Lillian, and our citizens, to showcase their interests and talents.

If you support PAC 14 Inc. and share our vision for the future...if you believe like we do that community isn't just a word - then please join us! Public Access and Community Media services are 'powered by people', average everyday people just like you and me. The more citizen volunteers we have with us the stronger the service becomes. Here's how you can get involved. First, become a member, it's free! Your signature is extremely valuable and officially establishes your support for PAC 14. Second, take the challange and become a local citizen producer. Attend our FREE, easy and fast workshop and qualify to use the PAC 14 cameras, editors and services. Third, voice your opinion. Support PAC 14 both verbally and publically. Talk to local elected officials, write a letter to the editor, ask friends family and co-workers to as well. Anything you can do to help achieve our most pressing goal - a Community Media Center - would be appreciated.