Columbia Access Television

PITTSBURGH, July 7-10, 2010 - Columbia Access Television recently received the Overall Excellence in Public Access Award during the Alliance for Community Media’s annual international conference and exhibition.

The ACM conference lasted for four days in Pittsburgh, culminating with the Hometown Video Awards ceremony. The ACM received a total of 1,270 entries; 110 awards and 30 honorable mentions were given during the ceremony.

"We are very happy to accept this award on behalf of our members. We thank the city for continuing to support public access television. Everyone in Columbia can be proud of this award,” CAT Program Director Ryan Walker said.

The Hometown Video Awards honors and promotes outstanding locally created, non-commercial programs that are first distributed on Public, Education, and Government access cable television channels. Hometown is regarded as the largest local cable video awards in the United States.

Awards are given to stations that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement and challenge conventional programming. The Overall Excellence in Public Access Award is divided into three sub-categories based on budget. CAT was the winner in the small budget category ($0 to $300,000).

Walker also received the About Access Award. The award is given to the creator of the clip that best informs the viewer about an access center or access channel. Walker represented CAT at the ceremony, accepting both awards.

About Columbia Access Television

Columbia Access Television is an award winning community media center working to educate and empower the people of Boone County to share their voices. CAT is located on the campus of Stephens College and is open to anyone who lives or works in Boone County. CAT provides access to production equipment, hands-on training, as well as cable and internet distribution. Viewers will find locally-produced programs of all types, including coverage of local events, performances, and community forums. Watch Columbia Access Television on demand, via downloadable podcast, or streaming live at www.columbiaaccess.tv. CAT also airs on Mediacom channel 85, Charter 21 and CenturyLink 603.