Author | Lightnews

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 23h

We’re throwing it back to the 90s as we celebrate #FreeSpeechWeek . Check out this 1995 PMN promo, highlighting the power of local media as a way to protect our right to free speech. Back then our mission was the same as it is now: keeping #OpenMedia in the hands of our community! #CommunityPowered

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 1d

Ever wondered how elections really work in Kalamazoo County? Today for #FreeSpeechWeek, we’re remembering our chat with Kalamazoo County Clerk Meredith Place about how elections work in our county. PMN gives you an insider’s look to YOUR local government. #OpenMedia #CommunityPowered #Kalamazoo

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 2d

Rooted is a visual poem by Kehinde Oladeji, a recent Frank Jamison Fellow at PMN. This poem was her biggest project here. We’re continuing to celebrate #FreeSpeech week by sharing some of our favorite #CommunityPowered stories. We believe media is for all. #OpenMedia #Kalamazoo #Poetry #VisualPoem

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 3d

No better way to start your morning than with a SWMI First Chamber event, especially one in a place as cool as the Air Zoo! Snacks, new connections, and trying our hand at the flight simulator, too - don't worry, we didn't crash. We love our community! #Kalamazoo #SWMIFirstChamber #AirZoo

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 4d

Today is #CommunityMediaDay and also marks the beginning of #FreeSpeechWeek. We’re also working on launching a new campaign: #Community-Powered, #OpenMedia. All week long we’ll share some of our favorite community stories we’ve covered in the past. #Kalamazoo

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 7d

Our own Cody and Kristen attended the @disabilitynetworksouthwest Breaking Barriers Breakfast this morning! The event featured many touching stories of resilience and inclusion, and we are proud to support the mission to advance accessibility and justice for those who are disabled in our area!

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 8d

Join us for one of Kzoo’s most exciting traditions: the Holiday Parade & Live Broadcast! This is your chance to gain hands-on experience in live event production and contribute to a joyful broadcast that celebrates the spirit of Kalamazoo. More info here: vist.ly/4akci #Kalamazoo #HolidayParade

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 11d

NEW PMN Production: In #HispanicHeritageMonth we honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Hear from local leaders about what they love about their culture, background, and hopes for their community. ¡Vamos! vist.ly/4aab4
#Kalamazoo #LatinxHeritageMonth #Latino #Latina #Hispanic

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 13d

Thanks to your support, PMN expanded community access to storytelling and digital media in 2025! We launched new workshops, worked with new community partners, and supported content creation across Kalamazoo. Donate to build on our impact: vist.ly/4a55n #Kalamazoo #LocalMedia #MediaArts

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 14d

#HispanicHeritageMonth is celebrated every year from Sept 15-Oct 15 to honor the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latinx Americans in the USA. PMN collaborated with local leaders to hear what they love about their culture, background, and hopes for their community. #LatinxHeritageMonth

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 14d

Want to see stronger local coverage of the issues that matter to you? Here’s your chance to help shape it.

Ask questions. Share ideas. Connect with the people behind the headlines.

Thursday, Oct. 16 | 6–7:30 PM
Kalamazoo Public Library (Central)

(RSVP link in comments)

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 16d

Thanks to the support of our community, people like Joy and Aerick are able to share their authentic stories at PMN — genuine, welcoming, and true to who they are.

Check out the story here: vist.ly/49qnm

#MoveWithJoy #Kalamazoo #Nonprofit #LocalNews #GoodNews

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 17d

Say hi to Devon! He's working hard to bring you a new show at PMN - Growing Up Comics. This podcast will focus on the local comics scene. Keep an eye out for this fun show!

#Kalamazoo #Podcast #Comics #Art #GrowingUpComics

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 19d

Is one form of free speech more important than another?
From theater to journalism to religion, every form of expression matters. But all depend on one bedrock freedom: the right of every individual to speak.

Read our latest piece on why defending free speech today is more urgent than ever.

Is One Form of Free Speech More Important Than Another?, Public Media Network

I was recently at an event where a speaker declared that art is the most important form of free speech. That caught my attention

publicmedianet.org

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 20d

It's #HispanicHeritageMonth! We've been kicking off the month strong and attending community events – like the Unidos fiesta at Woods Lake Elementary– and documenting Hispanic Heritage stories from community members. Stay tuned for some of our community's Hispanic Heritage stories, coming next week!

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · 27d

This fall, we have instructors lined up, studios reserved, and participants ready to learn. What we need now is you - Your donation will cover the cost of mentorship, equipment upkeep, and public access for residents of all ages. vist.ly/48bju
#PublicAccess #Kalamazoo #Podcast

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 23

Many people attended the Kalamazoo Progressive Call to Action that occurred on September 13th, but what is it all about? PMN intern Joshua spoke with Samantha about the energy behind our area's community efforts for this cause. Watch the full story here: vist.ly/47v9k

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 23

Last week you joined us for a special Open Studio with local artist Kris Walker! Kris gave an awesome presentation on "Thinking Around the Corners," and it was a crowd favorite! We hope you'll join us again next time– stay tuned for more info on our next Open House!

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 22

PMN is committed to raising awareness of independent media in our community. From instructing courses for local students, to bringing concrete involvement opportunities straight to community events– you'd be hard-pressed to find another media environment where everyday voices can shine like this.

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 21

https://publicmedianet.org/general/pmn-featured-in-telvue-case-study-making-civic-engagement-more-accessible-with-smartcaption-ai/

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 21

PMN is featured by @TelVue for using SmartCaption™ AI to make local gov more transparent & accessible 🎥

Real-time captions

Searchable transcripts

Quick summaries

Read more - link in comments

#CivicTech #Accessibility #OpenGov

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Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 20

Your support empowers local voices! PMN is gearing up for new media classes and workshops. Help us provide resources to those eager to share their stories. Donate today to keep our media spaces open and accessible.
vist.ly/47iv8
#Kalamazoo #MakeaDifference #SupportLocalNonprofits #MediaArts

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 19

The sight of studios and cameras at PMN rekindled Tina's childhood fascination with public television. Her journey wasn't just about mastering technical skills; it was about "helping our community grow," she says. #Kalamazoo #MediaArts #Nonprofit

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 18

TONIGHT! Special Guest Speaker Kris Walker will speak in an Open Studio setting! Gain insight into the creative process, establishing yourself as an artist professional, and more! Join us at 7:00 PM! RSVP: vist.ly/47abj

Public Media Network @publicmedianet.bsky.social · Sep 17

Join us TOMORROW for Open Studio with commercial artist Kris Walker as he shares techniques for expanding creativity in his talk “Thinking Around the Corners.” Enjoy a guided tour of our facility. Rediscover the art of storytelling and bring your ideas into focus!
➡️ vist.ly/476yc