Why Siskiyou County Needs a Strong, Local Media Platform
For nearly 50 years, public access media has helped Siskiyou County stay informed and connected. Yreka Community Television (YCTV4) began in 1978 as one of the nation’s first public access stations. In 1998, Mountain Community Television (MCTV15) launched on the College of the Siskiyous (COS) campus and became a nonprofit in 2001. In 2007, the two merged to form the Siskiyou Media Council (SMC)—a single, locally controlled platform for community storytelling.
This history reflects something important about our county:
Siskiyou has always believed in controlling its own story.
Why Local Media Matters More Today
For decades, public access TV was funded through cable franchise fees. But as cable subscriptions declined and telecom companies grew, those funds dropped sharply. At the same time, social media began controlling what people see through algorithms—not community needs. Local news, nonprofit messages, and county updates often get buried or overlooked.
A local, nonprofit media platform solves this by ensuring Siskiyou voices are not lost in the noise of national content.
Resilience Through Challenge
In 2016, SMC lost its space on the COS campus and operated without a permanent home for two years. In 2018, SMC began rebuilding with a small off-campus studio, only to be hit by the pandemic. Despite restrictions, SMC continued producing meaningful local content:
SMC also worked to regain a permanent home at COS Yreka, creating stability for future growth.
A Renewed Vision for a Stronger Siskiyou
In 2022, SMC returned to the COS campus and began modernizing its entire broadcast system.
Modern Broadcast Infrastructure
With support from The Community Foundation of the North State and The Ford Family Foundation, SMC replaced outdated equipment with modern, professional-grade systems. This upgrade dramatically expands what we can offer the county:
SMC can now broadcast live events across multiple platforms at the same time.
With the right stream signal, we can deliver:
…to television, websites, mobile devices, YouTube, Facebook, and future OTT apps—ensuring all residents, even in remote areas, can participate in county life.
These upgrades also strengthen emergency communication, giving local agencies more reliable ways to reach the public during fires, weather events, and public safety incidents.
Building the Next Generation
SMC is working with high schools, COS, and adult education programs to create a career pathway in media, digital storytelling, and broadcasting. This effort aims to:
How Local Media Supports Nonprofits
Every nonprofit in Siskiyou County faces the same challenge: reaching the people who need their services. SMC—and eventually Radio SisQ—provide what corporate platforms cannot:
When SMC thrives, every nonprofit gains a stronger voice, helping the entire county stay informed and connected.
Reclaiming Local Control of Our Information
Today’s information systems are dominated by corporations far from Siskiyou County. If we don’t tell our own stories, no one else will.
SMC ensures that:
A strong, locally controlled media platform is essential for a healthy, connected, and resilient Siskiyou County. Together, we can build a future where every community is seen and every voice is heard.
Organization name
Siskiyou Media Council Inc
Tax id (EIN)
68-0472204
Organization Categories
Community Enrichment, Emergency Services
County Served
Siskiyou
Address
2001 COLLEGE Dr