Community Media Day

Community Media Day is an annual celebration held on October 20 each year. It is a day dedicated to promoting free speech, accessible media, and giving voice to local communities by highlighting the role of community media in sharing stories, fostering dialogue, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard.

History of Community Media Day

Community Media Day was founded by Alease Annan as part of media activism to support local, inclusive broadcasting. The first observances began around 2016, with community TV stations and public media organizations joining in. Over time it has grown, connecting with Free Speech Week and gaining participation from community media outlets across the United States.

The day is aimed at drawing attention to the importance of community media—television, radio, online platforms—that serve neighborhoods, towns, and underrepresented groups. It underscores how media access and local storytelling are critical to democracy, civic engagement, and social inclusion.

Why Community Media Day matters

In a media environment dominated by large corporations, community media offers a counterbalance. It gives ordinary people the tools and platforms to tell their own stories—about local culture, local politics, and local challenges—that might otherwise be ignored. Community media amplifies voices that are underrepresented and helps communities maintain control over how they are portrayed and understood.

Moreover, it strengthens democracy at the grassroots. When people can see their neighbors on air, attend local studio sessions, or engage in producing content, the sense of ownership and connection to public affairs deepens. Community media builds technical skills, encourages civic participation, and fosters transparency in local institutions. In many places, it’s a training ground for new voices and a safety net for true representation.

• It champions free speech and inclusive media access
• It supports local storytelling and cultural expression
• It nurtures media literacy and technical skills in communities
• It strengthens civic engagement and participation
• It helps ensure that underserved and marginalized groups are represented

How to Celebrate or Observe Community Media Day

If you’re near a community media station (TV, radio, digital), drop by for an open house or studio tour. Attend events or workshops they host, or encourage them to open their doors for your local community to explore how media production works. You could invite friends, students, or neighbors to see behind the scenes and demystify how broadcasting and content creation are done.

You can also create and share your own media: record a short story, a local interview, or a message about your community, and promote it with the hashtag #CommunityMediaDay. Volunteer at or donate to community media centers. If you’re involved in local government or advocacy, you might propose a proclamation recognizing the day in your city or state to highlight the importance of public access media.

Some practical ideas:

• Visit a local community media studio or station
• Host a community media open house or workshop
• Produce and share a short local media piece
• Volunteer or donate to community media organizations
• Advocate for official recognition in your city or region

Community Media Day Dates Table