Recapping Our First Ever Regional Members Network Meet-Up

With the success of our most recent NewTV Members Network Meet-Up in February, we wanted to join forces and share ideas with volunteers, producers, and staff members from some of our neighboring Community Media Centers. Including new perspectives can only lead to positive results, and as they say: The more the merrier!

Expanding the Circle

Barry Mirrer (right) leads the whole group in a discussion about how area media centers can join forces.

NewTV Production Assistant Amelia worked with our three member-elected Board Members - Barry, Elizabeth, and Tod - to brainstorm, plan, and execute our first go at creating a

Regional Members Network for area Community Media Centers. This concept has been in the works for quite some time, but thanks to the efforts of these four individuals, the idea finally became a reality.

We typically hold our Members Network Meet-Ups on a Wednesday evening, but we shifted gears to Saturday morning this time around, in order to accommodate more schedules, and to ensure staff members from other media centers could join us. We swapped our usual free pizza for donuts, bagels, and a Box o' Joe from Dunkin. A full stomach (and maybe some caffeine) makes good conversation with great collaborators even better.

Learning from One Another

We were joined by a great group of collaborators from several of our neighboring media centers.

Our NewTV members were fortunate to have the company of representatives from 1623 Studios (Gloucester), Access Framingham, LexMedia, Watertown Cable Access, and Westwood Media Center: A wonderfully diverse representation of our neighboring cities and towns! The morning began with introductions and a fun ice breaker (If you were a breakfast food, what would you be and why?) in our 42-seat Screening Room. Board members Barry, Elizabeth, and Tod led a discussion for everyone in attendance. We considered how we might pool and share resources, more easily share member shows across stations, and even possibly work together on future productions.

Newton News Director Jenn Adams shared her on-camera interview expertise in a breakout session.

Following this productive conversation, our group separated into two break-out sessions. One of these sessions, led by Newton News Director Jenn Adams, was geared toward volunteers and producers looking to develop or refine their skills in hosting on-camera interviews. The other session, led by our very own Executive Director Bob Kelly, presented ideas on how to maintain a modern and financially sound Community Media Center in 2026 and beyond.

Last, but certainly not least, the whole group reconvened to discuss next steps, actionable items, and hopefully holding another Regional Members Network Meet-Up. We hope that the success of this first regional meeting is a catalyst for even more media centers to join us in the future!

Check out more photos from the event in our photo gallery using the button below!

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