Airflash Transcript

Airflash Issue 82, January 2004

Richard Higgs

Bristol Wireless was formed in 2002. In 2003 we became a community co-operative. Our aim is to empower the locals of Easton, Bristol, with the communal benefits of wireless networking technology and open source software; fostering local creative talent to work with new technology and open source software; fostering local creative talent to work with new technology. As well as building a wireless network, we have recycled and given away over 100 fully operational computers, and trained novice users.

We believe that it is impractical to separate 'community media' from the IT platform it exists on and the pool of artistic talent from which it is derived. Through the technology, we hope in the long term to provide an environment for Easton's people to learn new skills, and express themselves artistically while capturing local knowledge.

We feel that it is vital for any community to own a means of production (computers, software and network). Otherwise, communities will remain in debt to a proprietary software or hardware supplier. Unless you can predict costs, any development plan and related artistic output will be vulnerable to market forces. This weakness can be avoided with a sustainable philosophy of recycling computers and running open source software.

In addition to the IT focus, we are partners with Firstborn Creative, a local media production team, to develop community media skills. A hardware donation from the University of West England has enabled us to install a fully equipped video studio in the Easton Community Centre for local use.

Firstborn Creative run a series of media training events where participants set their own news agenda focusing on issues and stories from their own communities, which they want to explore. The participants devise, script, present, and record the productions themselves in their own journalistic voices (with professional mentors).

At the end of the courses, the work is presented. Some previous work has been played on a local independent radio station (Star FM), but crucially, the showcases are played to their own community. This opens up much debate about issues on their own doorsteps. As well as the training, the medium is working with the message to inspire debate and encourage participation.

Therefore, between all of us, we have created a community-owned studio and network to create, store and disseminate locally relevant issues and art. We also hope that our independence and team-work will inspire more people to create, and participate in this process, building artistic and professional talent, and helping build community spirit in a productive and rewarding self-fulfilling prophecy.

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