New York’s public access TV—first in U.S.—turns 35 years. MNN marks anniversary with a screening in East Harlem, August 3rd.

August 3rd - To mark the 35th anniversary of public access TV, Manhattan Neighborhood Network will host a community celebration and video screening in East Harlem.

The anniversary celebration will feature live performance, free food, and a screening of videos from 35 years of access. The celebration will take place at the White Playground Basketball Court, on E. 106th Street, between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, at 7pm. All are welcome!

Public access TV was created in the 1970s to allow ordinary members of the public to make and air their own TV shows—and thereby exercise their free speech. It was first launched in the U.S. in Manhattan July 1st 1971, on the Teleprompter and Sterling Cable systems, now Time Warner Cable.

A sampling of shows airing on MNN by East Harlem based organizations includes; Chica Luna Productions—who train local women of color to make their own media; Picture the Homeless—an advocacy organization for homeless New Yorkers and producer of a TV show made by homeless New Yorkers; Esperanza del Barrio— who assist the self-empowerment of low-income Latina immigrants and their families through grassroots organizing, political/legal education, and leadership development; Justice Works Community— who organize and mobilize a partnership of concerned citizens and organizations to advocate for just, humane and effective criminal justice policies; and Community Voices Heard—a grassroots organization stressing community self-empowerment. Other co-sponsors include Movimiento Por Justicia del Barrio, Association of Hispanic Arts, BronxNet Public Access, Brooklyn Community Access Television, along with other community-based organizations.

“Thousands of New Yorkers watch public access TV everyday, but for others public access is like a hidden treasure—our anniversary will be a celebration for those who know us, and a way of reaching out to new people, maybe recent immigrants or people new to NYC, so they too can learn about what we do”, said Ivettza Sanchez of MNN’s community outreach department and an organizer of the event.

Today Manhattan Neighborhood Network airs over 500 hours of programming each week—shows made by individuals and community organizations from throughout Manhattan. Committed to the airing of local viewpoints, MNN supports the making and airing of shows that foster community empowerment and social justice among NYC’s communities—programs unseen elsewhere in the mass media.

The event will also feature hands-on demonstrations of MNN's cutting-edge digital camera and field production equipment, and information booths on MNN's free classes and how the public can start their own TV show.