MEASURE U SPOTLIGHT: MAMMOTH CHANNEL
This month we are checking back in with the Mammoth Channel who is using Measure U Funds to complete a digitization project of old Mammoth Channel footage, preserving a visual glimpse into the history of Mammoth Lakes and what life was like in the Eastern Sierra.
Spearheading the project, Dan McConnell sat down with us to talk about the “History of the Cable System in Mammoth”.
HOW DID THE IDEA OF THE MAMMOTH CHANNEL GET STARTED?
In the 1970’s, Jim Warta, a local electrician, knew a little about TV broadcast signals and found a signal from KCRA Sacramento on Mammoth’s Lincoln Mountain. He got permission, put up an antenna, ran a line to the top of Davison Road, then to their home on Lupin Street. He also hooked up his neighbor Joe and Bonnie Zwart.
The word was out, TV in Mammoth!
According to Joe Zwart, he put a coffee can out on his step and started taking donations from those who wanted TV service…he called his new business Mammoth Electric/Cable TV.
HISTORY OF THE MAMMOTH CHANNEL
The Mammoth Channel began in 1980 and was operated by Mammoth Electric/Cable TV. I (Dan McConnell) was one of two employees that began programming on Channel 5/The Mammoth Channel. We covered High School sports and began a News/Magazine show called Sierra Magazine.
At that time, we shot on ¾” video tape, then VHS and Hi8 tape. Then Mini DV tape format, and now, The Mammoth Channel runs digitally off “The Cloud.”
My project involves digitizing and reformatting analog video, and loading them into the cloud. Many of the archive Sierra Magazine stories are “Evergreen” or ageless and don’t need editing. The other footage is raw and needs to be edited.
WHY IS THIS PROJECT SO IMPORTANT?
The benefit of preserving and archiving these videos is sentimental and nostalgic. Without funding from Measure U, the video would be lost. Viewers of the The Mammoth Channel builds an emotional attachment and respect of the area. And, it’s fun to watch.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE MAMMOTH CHANNEL AND THIS PROJECT?
The next big thing that could happen is to work with The Mammoth Lakes Foundation and start a video journalism program at Cerro Coso Community College.
MEASURE U PROGRAMMING GRANTS….THUMBS UP OR THUMBS DOWN?
Thumbs Up for sure! Measure U guidelines and the application process is not complicated. If you have an idea for a program that would benefit the community and is a passion that you have, I encourage you to look into Measure U.
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.