Under the shade of pop-up tents, a crowd gathered in Myrtle Street just outside the Seven Gables Monrovia office, where cameras and microphones were set up for KGEM-TV’s 40th Anniversary Pledge Drive. Community Media of the Foothills operates KGEM-TV, a non-profit public access TV studio. For over 40 years, KGEM-TV has provided local civic news, coverage of city meetings, and informational segments for Monrovia residents. On August 11th, they celebrated their 40th anniversary with a six-hour pledge drive.
In the thick of it was Seven Gables advisor Rena Delgado, who has been a long-term supporter and volunteer director of the organization for the last 15 years. Rena said she began her involvement with KGEM-TV while taking a video-making class at their TV studio.
“It was exciting to see the soundstage, video cameras, editing bays, and most of all meeting the on-air citizen journalists,” Rena said.
This class sparked a passion for the studio, and in 2009 she volunteered as board director. She served in this position for 14 years; today, she holds the title of director emeritus and citizen journalist.
For KGEM’s anniversary, Rena helped organize this event at the Seven Gables Monrovia office, providing microphones, a sound system, and a place to host. The office served as the central hub of his event by housing the equipment, staff, and volunteers.
With a run time of over 6 hours, the Pledge Drive had a packed schedule of musical artists, local businesses, and non-profit leaders. Civic members like Mayor Becky Shevlin of Monrovia, Councilwoman Dr. Tamala Kelly, and Councilman Sergio Jimenez were also in attendance.
When asked why KGEM is so important to the community, she reflected on the empowerment that public access TV provides.
“By virtue of its platform, it allows and encourages ordinary citizens to give a voice to local and universal perspectives that encourage collaborative solutions, innovative outcomes, and citizen-driven engagement that promotes a healthy community culture and lifestyle,” said Rena.
You can watch the entire Pledge Drive here.
