Every community needs spaces where local voices can be heard, where stories can be told authentically, and where creativity isn't limited by access to equipment. Fort Collins Public Media quietly fills this vital role from the basement of the Center for Creativity Building on Matthew Street.

Katrina Pfannkuch (fan-cook), board member and creative consultant, reveals how this volunteer-run nonprofit has been serving the Fort Collins community since 2004 with surprisingly little recognition. The organization provides an impressive array of resources: a full production studio, editing bays, podcast facilities, and classes—all designed to put professional media creation within reach for everyone. Most impressively, content created there gets broadcast on actual television channels (Comcast 97 and Connection 22) and streams on their website, giving local creators both tools and distribution.

What makes Fort Collins Public Media truly special is how it democratizes media production through affordable membership options. Students get discounts. Different tiers accommodate various needs and budgets. The highest membership level grants unlimited access to equipment that would normally be financially out of reach—cameras, lighting, audio gear, and technical guidance from volunteers who know how to use it all. In a media landscape increasingly controlled by large corporations with specific agendas, this nonprofit creates space for unbiased, locally-focused content creation.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, podcast creator, or someone with a story to tell, Fort Collins Public Media offers the technical resources and supportive community to make it happen. Check out their website at fcpublicmedia.org, follow them on social media, or better yet—become a member or volunteer to support this unique community resource that's elevating local voices when we need them most.