Akron Community Studios is a non-profit organization, registered with the State of Ohio and 501(c)(3) status approved by the IRS. The primary mission is to help individuals find their voice and learn how to create content that elevates Akron.
WAOH Television, in partnership with Mosher Media and Jumpstart Video, is launching a non-profit entity that will own and operate a content creation media studio specifically for use by Akron area non-profits, students, citizen journalists, community activists and aspiring creators. This 501(c)(3) has been established as “Akron Community Studios”. Its mission will be to provide studio recording time and media training to individuals and organizations for the purpose of creating content that serves the Akron community. Through a membership program, participating content creators will receive free training on the operation of the studio equipment. New members will be supported by experienced media professionals and local media students. Members will work with professionals, volunteers and stakeholders to create content that educates, enlightens and amplifies the voice of Akronites who are passionate about building up our community. All viewpoints and voices will be welcomed and included. All members will work to advance the skills of all participants with the shared goal of elevating voices for community education, enlightenment and attention to issues members and content creators deem worthy. Akron Community Studios will help individuals find their voice and create inspiring content for the benefit of the entire Akron community.
Akron Community Studios will offer programs and services that benefit Akron including:
Photography and video production workshops for aspiring journalists and storytellers.
Simplified video production studio facilities to allow non-profit and community organizations to create broadcast quality content themselves, allowing for use on local television and other professional media outlets.
A multi-camera podcast video recording studio maintained for use by members of the program for community content creation.
Introduction to media production workshops for individuals considering a career in media, journalism or communications.
Advanced writing workshops for aspiring content creators with a desire to learn AP style and effective social media post writing.
Free training programs and learning opportunities for individuals seeking entry in to the media industry who are financially disadvantaged, including providing access to camera equipment, computers, editing software and media techniques training they would not otherwise have access to.
Akron Community Studios will partner with local school districts that do not have a media training program or broadcast video production classes to offer students workshops and learning opportunities in media production.
Presentation skills and broadcast voice workshops for individuals who want to be effective in communicating on podcasts or radio and television interviews.
WAOH Television will initially provide space for Akron Community Studios to operate until permanent studios can be built. Mosher Media and Jumpstart Video will donate cameras and computers. Volunteers and staff from WAOH Television along with media partners and industry professionals will lead workshops and training sessions.
WAOH Television will donate airtime to Akron Community Studios and air programs that meet broadcast standards.
Akron Community Studios use of donations
Mosher Media made an initial donation to cover the cost of establishing and registering the non-profit. A bank account has been established so the entity can accept and deposit checks made out to Akron Community Studios. Special thanks to Aaron Yeager, a consultant with expertise in non-profit work and a background in grant writing. Aaron was instrumental in registering Akron Community Studios and getting the 501(c)(3) status approved with the IRS. As we begin operating our programs and seeking donations Aaron will be working to secure funding through grants from organizations that would support a non-profit community studio. Funds raised to launch Akron Community Studios through this initial appeal will be used to build out studios in a space easily accessible to members and guests. Other costs will include media supplies and software subscriptions for media training and general operating expenses such as office supplies, utilities and internet. There is an immediate need to fund the creation of a website. The URL akroncommunitystudios.org has been acquired and a website is in the initial layout phase.
Donation methods
Donations of any amount would be gladly accepted. Checks can be made payable to “Akron Community Studios”
Akron Community Studios
540 South Main Street
Suite 962
Akron, Ohio 44311
Akron Community Studios is set up on Zelle using the name Akron Community Studios and the email producer@waoh.tv
For more information please contact Dan Mosher at 330-357-4925 or dan@moshermedia.com
Thank you for your support as we work to help those in our community find their voice and use it to elevate Akron.