Apply now to the First Voice Media Action Apprenticeship Program

by POCC Minister of Information JR

kpfa1, Apply now to the First Voice Media Action Apprenticeship Program, Local News & Views It’s said, “Political thoughts motivate political actions,” and that’s the reason the POCC: Block Report Radio show and the SF Bay View newspaper are urging our listeners and readers to take advantage of the opportunity to apply to the First Voice Media Action Program, which works in partnership with KPFA.

A lot of the time, when you turn on so-called community radio in the Bay, you hear the same old tired Democrat/Republican-sympathizing talking heads and not new and young voices from people of color, who are involved in social struggles locally and who also live in California.

Why? There are many reasons, like racism and classism, but the one reason that we can control is that there simply are not enough of us who are trained on how to use audio equipment and have access to studio equipment to make good radio.

With all that said, the First Voice Media Action Program is offering an 18-month class that will provide technical and administrative skills training, a collaborative work environment, economic literacy and methods of adapting multi-media and information technology for community expression. They are committed to providing comprehensive media skills training using video, audio and web content and design to politically, creatively and economically empower participants to tell their stories, as well as to pass on their new skills to others in their communities.

Participants in First Voice utilize the First Voice show, Full Circle, broadcast Fridays at 7 p.m. on 94.1FM KPFA to air their pieces, so you will have on-the-job experience. The First Voice Media Action Program is close to free: You have to pay a non-refundable $100 supply fee, and that’s it, over the 18-month period.

The program is also demanding, requiring two night classes a week and one five-hour volunteer work day a week, but it is well worth it if you’re serious, considering that you will have media skills that will last a lifetime, or at least until technology makes another jump.

For more information, you can call (510) 848-6767, ext. 235, email firstvoice1@gmail.com or go to http://firstvoicemedia.wordpress.com/apply/ to download an application. New classes start in February and space is limited, so if you are interested, get in touch with them ASAP. Tell them that Block Report Radio sent you.

Email POCC Minister of Information JR at blockreportradio@gmail.com and visit www.blockreportradio.com.