About GCM
The Making of Local Media
As commercial cable was growing in the United States, a discussion arose about the benefits of right-of-way: what do people in communities that give over access to telephone poles and other by-ways to cable companies get in return? In part, the answer to this question was given through laws that fund community media organizations, independent of both the cable company and of local government, to foster the community’s ability to “talk” to itself.
Founded as the Northern Berkshire Community Television Corporation in 1996 by the leaders of Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg and North Adams, Gateway Collaborative Media serves as the community media organization for these four communities. Originally NBCTC operated a single cable channel out of its first home at Building 6 in Heritage State Park in North Adams, but has since grown in facilities and in scope.
Now the rebranded Gateway Collaborative Media operates three cable channels, a low-power radio station, a podcasting platform, this comprehensive website, and is developing applications for smart devices like television. We are still committed to the original intention of helping the community speak with itself, while increasing transparency in government and building a community of engaged volunteers and members!
Learn Our Rules
The key to getting the most out of your experience with Gateway Collaborative Media is knowing our rules. Designed to support the learning and productions of our members, these rules will guide you on best practices and guidelines to make your time at GCM a positive one!
Know Our By-Laws
The foundational document that founded Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp. (our original name), these by-laws outline the rules that the organization follows when it comes to our Board, our membership practices and more.
Peruse Our Strategic Plan
Back when we were NBCTC, our Board of Directors set forth on a bold and high-pace strategic plan that outlined the ways that we as an organization would change to serve our communities better. We invite you to learn more about that plan, and about the exciting changes that are still on the way!
“When I first had the idea for a podcast, I honestly didn’t think it was something I could do. I had a vision of spotlighting the people and projects driving real change in North Adams, but I assumed someone else would have to bring it to life. The team at GCM, Executive Director Matt Tucker and Community Coordinator Steven Burgoon, took what was just a dream and turned it into Small City, Big Stories. Steven’s quiet professionalism in the studio gave me the freedom to just have a conversation and forget the microphones were even there. From day one they were patient, encouraging, and endlessly capable, and what struck me most is that their mission genuinely aligns with ours. They believe in this community, and they’ve built a space right here on Union Street where North Adams stories can be heard.
The response to the podcast has exceeded anything I imagined. People are reaching out, asking how they can do it too, and the answer—thanks to GCM—is simply: you can. That’s the kind of ripple effect that happens when the right partners come together around a shared love of place. Their facilities are professional, their staff is talented, and best of all, they make it accessible to anyone who has something to say. The North Adams Partnership is proud to work with Gateway Collaborative Media. They are an irreplaceable community resource, and this city is better because of them.”
— Jenny Wright, Executive Director, North Adams Partnership