Founder Terry Kelliher explains how the Public Access Media Network will help local political candidates with their campaigns and their communities
Peter Mingils and Terry Kelliher talk weekly about the Public Access Media Network. The Public Access Media project will be launching in second quarter of 2026.
Harnessing Local Access Media: A Game-Changer for New and Underfunded Political Candidates In the high-stakes world of politics, new and underfunded candidates often face an uphill battle against well-financed incumbents with massive ad budgets. But there’s a powerful, underutilized tool right in your backyard: local access media. This includes public, educational, and governmental (PEG) access channels, think community cable TV, local radio stations, and even online streaming platforms provided by municipalities or non-profits. These outlets are designed for public use, often free or low-cost, and mandated by law in many areas to give everyday citizens a voice. For aspiring politicians, they offer a dual benefit: genuinely serving your community while subtly building your campaign’s momentum. Here’s how to make it work.First, understand the basics. Local access media operates under FCC guidelines, emphasizing non-commercial content. You can’t run overt campaign ads, but you can produce educational or informational programming that highlights your expertise and values. Start by contacting your local PEG center—search for “public access TV [your city]” or check cable providers like Comcast or Spectrum for access info. Many offer free training, equipment loans, and airtime slots. As a candidate, frame your involvement as community service, not self-promotion, to comply with rules.One key strategy is creating content that addresses local needs. Host a weekly show discussing pressing issues like affordable housing, school funding, or small business challenges. Invite community leaders, residents, and experts for panel discussions. As the moderator, you’ll position yourself as a thoughtful problem-solver. For example, a new candidate in a small town could produce segments on environmental concerns, interviewing locals affected by pollution. This not only educates viewers but also fosters genuine connections, turning passive audiences into engaged supporters. Share clips on social media or your campaign website to amplify reach—PEG content is often shareable with proper credits.Another tactic is leveraging media for grassroots organizing. Use airtime to promote town halls or volunteer events disguised as community forums. Announce free workshops on topics like voter registration or civic education, where you facilitate without hard-selling your candidacy. This builds name recognition organically; viewers see you as accessible and committed, not just another politician. Underfunded campaigns benefit immensely here—while opponents spend thousands on ads, you’re getting prime exposure for pennies. Plus, it helps with fundraising: Impressed viewers might donate or volunteer after seeing your dedication.Don’t overlook digital extensions. Many PEG stations now stream online via YouTube or apps, expanding your audience beyond cable subscribers. Collaborate with local podcasters or bloggers for cross-promotion. Track engagement through viewer feedback forms or social metrics to refine your approach. Remember, authenticity is key—focus on service first. A 2023 study by the Alliance for Community Media showed that PEG users reported higher civic involvement, proving its community impact.In essence, local access media levels the playing field. It empowers you to serve by amplifying underrepresented voices, solving real problems, and educating the public. For your campaign, it cultivates loyalty, boosts visibility, and demonstrates leadership without breaking the bank. New candidates: Dive in, produce meaningful content, and watch your community.
We discuss the Public Access Media Network project and how it will serve people in everyday challenges, like elections and food programs.
Make sure you check out previous shows for some of the background of the Chat feature.
Terry Kelliher has done a great presentation on the Chat functions and meaning on Terry Kelliher’s new platform on a previous show.
Continuing from last week’s episode, Peter Mingils and Terry Kelliher talk about the new .chat domain names being available and how he is using them in local, state and nationwide aspects of his Public Access Media Network. Terry has been working on this platform architecture for decades and his persistence is paying off with the help of advanced programming and AI.
This is one of the domains that explain some of the ideas as well as the others on Kell.News https://publicaccess.blog.news/
We are always updating the Kell News site with the Kell News Radio shows.
https://kell.news
You can also find Kell News shows on the Youmongus Radio Network as well.
