Fayetteville expands public access TV services to Washington, Benton counties

Residents and non-profit organizations in Washington and Benton counties can now take advantage of the Fayetteville Television Center’s full selection of resources.

The services were previously only available to those living in Fayetteville. City Council members earlier this month voted unanimously to open the center to non-Fayetteville residents and organizations for a $50 annual fee. The resources will remain free for Fayetteville residents.

The center, located at 101 W. Rock Street, offers basic and advanced classes in field production, studio production, and editing. Students can learn how to use video equipment and proper shooting, lighting, and audio techniques. Once students have completed required courses, equipment is made available for checkout along with use of the studio or editing rooms.

The center allows participants to create their own original locally produced programs. Some examples include a cooking show called “Rooted in the Ozarks” produced in partnership with Ozark Natural Foods, yoga shows featuring local yoga instructors, and “The Interview” show that highlights regional community members. The center also produces “Later with Jason Suel,” a regional variety show that now airs on Fox 24 every Saturday night at 9:30 p.m.

“The goal is to create a window into our community and culture,” said Dan Robinson, executive director of nonprofit Your Media, the city’s contracted third-party service provider for public access operation. “With the interconnectivity of Northwest Arkansas, we now have the opportunity to empower people in Washington and Benton Counties to get involved.”

The center’s TV programs are broadcast locally on Cox channel 218 and on AT&T U-verse channel 99. The station reaches national audiences through online streaming at Livestream, and offers video-on-demand content on the center’s YouTube channel.

Later with Jason Suel – Season 4, Episode 10