Student Profiles

Daniel Freshman ’07 a native of Syracuse, New York is working to allow the Yellow Springs masses to make up their own minds, providing access to independent media that counters the ideology of media as business.

Dan’s efforts include his first co-op at AK Press in Oakland, California. AK Press is a radical book publisher and media-arts non-profit organization, and is one of the largest distributors of alterative media in the United States. “AK Press helped me develop a political theory through literature. Working in a non-hierarchal organization where all voices counted helped put my theories into practice,” Dan comments.

Dan and Justin Calta ’06 are coordinating the Antioch Independent Media Arts Collective (AIMAC) as a co-op. AIMAC focuses on the intersection between social justice and media. AIMAC serves as an umbrella heading for the Alternative Library, the Community Recording Studio, the Antioch Motion Picture Arts Collective and the Anti-Net. Their goal is to bring these centers together to increase the quality, quantity and accessibility of alternative media and media tools.

During the last street fair in Yellow Springs, Dan and Justin set up a table selling used books and handing out informational pamphlets about AIMAC. As a result of their efforts, they were able to buy a window and a door for the Community Recording Studio. The studio is located in the student union. “Originally, the studio was constructed for live radio. We have insulated the space to be sound proof, installed a sound retardant door, and built a sound barrier. ” Dan says. However, the studio is far from being complete. “Right now, the facility is equipped with a limited amount of audio equipment: two microphones, a binary-analog tape deck, a mixer (meant for live audio), and a keyboard.” Dan said.

The control room will also host the AIMAC website. The website’s purpose is to facilitate communications between the centers, feature independent group profiles and encourage group collaboration. In addition, the website will be a message board and a forum for the community. “Prospective students will have the chance to learn about the Antioch community. The media center could be an added attraction for prospective students. A healthy media center can renew interest in Antioch and our community’s efforts in the world,” Dan says.

Dan and Justin are expanding their resources to fortify AIMAC. They’re seeking in-kind donations of any type to support Antioch’s alternative media.