About Amherst Media
Amherst Media was founded as the Center of Community Access Television (CCATV) in 1976, became Amherst Community Television (ACTV) in 1989, and is now known as Amherst Media.
Since 1976, Amherst Media has been a dynamic, community-driven communication and technology center in Amherst, MA, making it the oldest, continuously-operating nonprofit, Cable Access Center in the country.
While providing the Amherst community with traditional Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Access, Amherst Media has led the way in introducing new media technologies through trainings and opening its venues to non-traditional media entities and ventures. This allows citizens to be active participants, producers, and savvy consumers of information.
Amherst Media is dedicated to closing the digital divide and providing opportunities for everyone to experience the precious commodity known as "Free Speech". Amherst Media ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the ever-growing use of media and technology as a means of discourse in our world. Emerging media and the evolving use of technology and digital content enhance all facets of our lives, from work to play, and from learning to community service.
Staff
Rachel Figurasmith
Executive Director
Ask me about:
- Amherst Media's mission & vision
- Volunteering & board engagement
- How we work with the town of Amherst
- Non-profit management
Dave Sondrini
Director of Production
Ask me about:
- How to plan a production
- Getting trained on equipment
- Creating short-form narratives
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Editing and digital hygiene
- Planning a Podcast
Board of Directors
Amherst Media has bylaws and a Board of Directors. We maintain a calendar of board and committee meetings. Regular meetings are on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30pm, but please check the calendar for changes. The meetings, located at Amherst Media, are open to the public with a public comment period at the start of the meeting.
Jennifer Shiao
President
Jennifer previously served four years on the Amherst and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees, where she focused on thoughtful policy-making and public accountability.
Jennifer brings many years of experience on nonprofit boards, including the Northampton Community Music Center, Motherwoman, Inc., and the Executive Council of the Professional Staff Union (PSU) of UMass Amherst and UMass Boston. She believes strongly in good nonprofit governance and in transparency as essential to building public trust.
Matthew Watkins
Vice President
Matthew is a lifelong creative, independent creative director, and business owner. He began his professional career as a motion design and video director, and has worked on everything from broadcast commercials to sold-out stadium concerts.
He spent a decade in tech, working on integrated marketing campaigns, web design, events, and media strategy.
Michael Burkhart
Treasurer
Michael has lived in Amherst since 1991. He believes Amherst Media is important because it empowers all people to understand and produce media.
Michael says: "the organization has a long track record of reaching out to segments of our town that traditionally are ignored due to their race, age, and economic status. It is an honor to serve on an organization that truly serves our community."
Marita Banda
Board Member
- Amherst Regional High School Special Education
- Best Buddies Club
- Banda Bola Sports Foundation/Chituka Village Project
- Local Spiritual Assembly of Amherst
- Race Amity Day
Jamahl Jackson
Board Member
- MahlG-FM and the Real Hip-Hop is Alive podcast
- Amherst Regional Public Schools Athletics Department
Allison Wright
Board Member
Allison is a Civil Rights Attorney and Professor with over a decade of experience litigating discrimination cases, criminal defense,
educating the community about their legal rights, and teaching students to think critically about legal theory and it’s intersection with race and gender.
Originally from Southern California, Allison has come to call Western Massachusetts home. Allison enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, and spending time with her beloved pets.
Robert Haygood
Tim Lovett
Board Member
