Access San Francisco is an award-wining community media organization with a 20-year track record. The mission of Access San Francisco is to strengthen the fabric of community life by enabling open communication through public access television and other electronic media. Through a contract with the City, we manage San Francisco's public access television operation and take an active role in advocating for public interest communications policy in San Francisco. We provide San Francisco's diverse local communities and the nonprofit sector with access to electronic communication tools, distribution systems and training in their use.

Access SF's key activities include the following:

∑ Media Access - providing the public with access to television production equipment for the creation of community-based programming that is local and relevant to citizens concerns.
∑ Media Education - providing the public with training in television production and media literacy, including hands-on experience with studio, field and editing equipment.
∑ Media Distribution - making public access channel time available to individuals and community groups. Scheduling a diverse array of local programming on the public access channels and managing these resources in an equitable and professional manner.
∑ Media Production - collaborating with community-based organizations and other partners to develop programming that encourages civic dialogue, cultural expression, and increased awareness of important community issues.

Description:
Located at 1720 Market Street (at Valencia), the 4,400 square foot facility is exclusively focused on community media that serves local citizens and nonprofits. Through active membership and partnership programs, Access SF provides low cost access to some of the City's finest broadcast quality video and television training, equipment, facilities, and channel time. In 2004, Access SF receives original series programming submissions from over 225 community TV producers, totaling over 8,000 combined hours of programming annually. During peek viewing hours, Cable Channel 29 reaches upwards of 564,000 local viewers in San Francisco through Comcast's basic and digital cable service.

History:
As background, from 1993-1999, the organization was contracted to build and manage CITYWATCH, San Francisco's premiere government access channel and operations (now called SFGTV.) As managers for public access since 1999, Access SF was responsible for overseeing the build out of an entirely new, 1.75 million dollar, state-of-the art television and production facility - opening date: April 27, 2002. The station has a staff of thirteen, 10FTE, and operates on 878K annnually.

Contact person: Bobby Watts, (phone), (email)
Main office number: (415) 575-4949
Office fax number: (415) 575-4945

Address:

1720 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.accessf.org

Directions:

Located at the intersection of Market and Valencia Streets, between Octavia & Gough Streets. Parking is metered on Market Street, (2) hour residential on surrounding streets. Please note there are tow-away restrictions on Market Mon-Fri from 4pm-6pm.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Van Ness (MUNI & BART),   Walk distance (in minutes): 5-7   Nearest Bus Stop: F-Line, 71-Haight, 6-Parnassus, 0 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes