Letter from the Executive Director


[let-er] –noun


The Open Media Foundation (OMF) is working to change what we think of when we say, “media”. At OMF, we define media as the collective conversation that reflects and shapes our collective aware- ness. It’s a conversation that impacts and represents us all, and for the first time in human history, the opportunity is here for everyone to represent their own views and values in the social dialogue.


OMF is focused on creating a future where everyone is able to actively engage with their commu- nity and bring about the change they wish to see in the world. We’re working towards a new model for mass communications: engaging and participatory (not passive), based on social interests (not commercial interests), and accessible to everyone (not reserved for an elite few). 2010 saw each of our three main program areas making great strides towards this vision.


VIDEO PRODUCTION & WEB DEVELOPMENT SERVICES: Each year, more nonprofit and public-sector clients hire OMF to provide high-quality, affordable communica- tions services. In 2010, OMF expanded our work with the Colorado Channel to include daily coverage of the Colo- rado State Senate, and launched coloradochannel.net, a new website where every meeting of the State House of Representatives and State Senate can be viewed since our work with them began in 2008.


Looking forward


GRANTS: In 2010, OMF formalized our grant program that provides a 50% match- ing grant to cover half of the cost for any video production or web development ser- vice. We also launched a pro-bono grants program, which provides 100% of the costs for a website and/or video project for two nonprofits each year, beginning in 2011.


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EDUCATION: Modern media and technology training programs are key to building a future where everyone has the skills they need to engage in the social conversation of the media. In 2010, we part- nered with the Denver Department of Human Services and Denver Child Support to train over 20 teen parents to use media and tech- nology tools at Denver Open Media. Over two dozen videos were produced by the youth, including PSA’s, Live Studio Productions, and personal videos.


TOOLS: The final step in empowering our community is ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and resources required to create cutting-edge media content. 2010 saw a major upgrade of the Denver Open Media stu- dios, with all new High Definition cameras and switchers, and the addition of HD field production equipment.


Tony Shawcross Executive Director, Open Media Foundation


Looking forward


OMF LEARNING LAB: OMF is launching a major expansion of our education programs, with a new lab, new classes, and new partnerships.


Looking forward


INCLUSIVENESS: Without operating support from the City or Comcast, OMF has always struggled to outreach to the communities who are most in need of the resources provided through DOM. In 2010 OMF embarked on a long-term inclusiveness effort with support from the Denver Foundation to help identify the best ways for OMF to ensure that we are serving communities who have traditionally lacked access to media and technology tools.

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