Digital Localism: Understanding Needs of Local Publics in the Transition

Abstract

Through a multi-methods approach to the analysis of limitations of and incentives for public participation in channel Austin, one of the oldest and most active public access communities in the country, this study proposes and tests a model to evaluate policy and practice in support of media localism in the digital transition. Results suggest that digital community broadcasting offers a great potential to function as a community broadband hub with the ability to serve diverse and economically challenged local publics, supporting inclusion and growth of local creative cultures. However, more attention should be paid to archiving, curation and public networking activities if these organizations are to fully realize their social mediation role, integrating localities into regional, national and global dynamics.