Auburn Regional Media Access (ARMA) is expanding its community media offerings after receiving a grant from the Skaneateles Area Arts Council to build a new podcasting and audio recording suite.
The nonprofit organization announced the grant will allow it to create a dedicated space where Auburn-area residents can record, edit, and produce podcasts and other audio programming.
ARMA Board President Joe Salzone said the project will help the organization continue to expand access to community media.
“ARMA is poised to grow, and the SKARTS grant allows us to move forward and make public access even more accessible to the public,” Salzone said.
The new studio supports ARMA’s mission of providing residents with opportunities to inform the community, discuss local issues, and showcase local talent.
Station Manager Ed Vivenzio said podcasting has become an increasingly popular way to share information and tell stories, but many people lack the equipment or technical expertise needed to get started.
“Podcasts are becoming more and more popular, but not everyone has the money to purchase the necessary equipment or has the technical skills to use it,” Vivenzio said. “Thanks to the generous support of SKARTS, ARMA will be able to help make sure Auburnians’ voices are heard.”
In addition to audio recording and editing, the new suite will allow users to incorporate video using ARMA’s existing production equipment, giving creators the ability to produce multimedia content.
Once the studio is complete, ARMA plans to offer free training sessions to teach community members how to use the equipment and produce their own podcasts.
The organization said updates on the project and training opportunities will be posted on its website and social media pages.
ARMA is an independent nonprofit organization that operates Auburn’s public access television channels on Spectrum and Verizon FiOS, providing residents and community organizations with opportunities to create and share local programming.
