Event Recap: The First Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards Celebration, February 2024

Last month we launched our Lifetime Achievement Awards, an annual celebration honoring producers who have made a significant, longtime contribution to community media here in Portland, Oregon. We were able to show our gratitude for longtime producers and toast their important work!

Our community media center opened its doors in 1982 as Portland Cable Access, part of a movement to democratize media by providing resources for local voices to access the airwaves. In the years since, thousands of Portlanders have passed through our doors — producing shows, volunteering, and building community knowledge. 

This award recognizes producers who exemplify the spirit of independent media through their work. In honor of Black History Month, we honored producers who have established the vibrant and prolific landscape in which Open Signal exists. These media makers are part of a rich legacy of Black creativity, storytelling and collaboration in Northeast Portland.

Our inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award went to Bishop Rose E. Franks, host of Rose E. Franks Ministries, a live studio series. Franks has been part of the Open Signal community since 1996!

Other awards presented at this event included:

• Excellence in Civic Engagement, Bruce Broussard
• Excellence in Community Engagement, Von Bailey
• Excellence in Community Advocacy, Reverend Regena Williams
• Excellence in Documentary, Jack Tooson
• Prolific Community Producer, Pastor Daniel E. Hayes
• Commitment to Community Media Advocacy, PC Peri
• Excellence in the Industry, Bianca Cha-Camp
• Commitment to Building Community, Daniel Haile

Check out some photos from this event below, and keep an ear out for updates about how you can take part in nominating next year's honorees.