July 11th, 2019
Wachiay Aboriginal Multimedia (WaMM), working out of the Wachiay Friendship Centre in Courtenay, BC, is now podcasting!
“We intend to develop and air podcasts devoted to the stories, celebrations, programs, people, culture and goals of the Friendship Centre Movement across Canada.”
A few weeks ago we launched our first in-house produced podcast: ‘What’s Up at Wachiay’ – a weekly chat with our staff about their programs and services. We intend to develop and air podcasts devoted to the stories, celebrations, programs, people, culture and goals of the Friendship Centre Movement across Canada. Our youth, staff and Elders will host podcasts where they speak with their fellow Friendship Centre colleagues across Canada about “What’s Up at Their Friendship Centre”. We want to create a national outlet that represents the voices of Friendship Centres. We’ll even be podcasting live from this summer’s Music Fest here in Courtenay.
So, what is a podcast? Quite simply, it’s a conversation. Like an old school radio talk show, but without rules, restraints or commercials. A host speaks with guests about a topic, story, event, similar interests and an interview or friendly discussion is the end product. We get to listen. And listen we do! The respected publication Fast Company found that in 2018 there were over 525,000 active shows and over 18.5 million podcast episodes!
Podcasts have sky rocketed! So much so that major players like Apple and Soundcloud have jumped into these turbulent waters with both feet.
WaMM intends to take full advantage of this medium with our Community Podcast Centre. When Wachiay purchased our building it came with a fully functioning FM radio station previously known as The JET. Our facilities include a master control room, a professional audio/video production studio, a two person voice-over booth, a five station student work room and a three seated soundproof broadcast room – just like you see on TV! We deliver classes and workshops that cover the full gamut of basic multimedia production including recording, lighting, cameras, mics, editing software and most importantly – writing. Everything starts with a script!
In the planning stages, and soon to go live, will be a podcast series based on the work of a local novelist; a series based on integrating Elders experience and practical advice to youth under duress; a series featuring environmental challenges and changes in our communities; and a podcast devoted to the creative Indigenous arts community here on Vancouver Island. We are even casting for a podcast series featuring traditional children’s stories.
Call or email Rob Crowston at WaMM to talk about what we can create for your Friendship Centre:
Check out our websites: www.wachiay.com , and www.wachiaymultimedia.com to find out more.
Phone: 778-225-0309 Email: rob@wachiay.com
We look forward to talking with you about how multimedia can spread the word about your Friendship Centre.
