Amherst Media Celebrates 50 Years of Community Media Leadership

Source: Amherst Media

Amherst Media will celebrate a major milestone—its 50th anniversary—with a Gala event at the UMass Campus Center Auditorium on On Saturday, May 2, 2026,. The evening will honor Jim McGovern with the Jean Haggerty Award for Community Service. Representative McGovern will be in attendance, alongside event host Monte Belmonte, and local performers from Amherst.

Founded in 1976, Amherst Media has long served as a vital hub for public, educational, and government access media in the Pioneer Valley. For five decades, the organization has empowered residents, students, and community groups to tell their stories, access media tools, and engage in civic life through television, radio, and digital platforms. From local journalism and cultural programming to youth training initiatives and community storytelling, Amherst Media has remained committed to amplifying diverse voices and strengthening democratic participation.

Representative McGovern’s service to Amherst and surrounding communities exemplifies the spirit of engagement that Amherst Media has championed for the last half-century. Throughout his tenure, McGovern has been a leading advocate for housing access and anti-hunger initiatives at the national level, which has directly supported our neighbors here in Amherst. He has also worked closely with local institutions, including universities and labor organizations, and has consistently prioritized policies that uplift working families and underserved populations.

“Amherst Media is at a critical juncture point,” says Executive Director Rachel Figurasmith. “We are launching incredible new programs, welcoming dynamic new staff, interns and board members, and looking ahead with a refreshed vision for the future of community media. Knowing that Representative McGovern values work like ours during this time is absolutely essential to our growth and progress. We are thrilled to honor him with the Jean Haggerty Award for Community Service.”

Established in 2009, the Jean Haggerty Award commemorates the legacy of Jean Haggerty, a beloved Amherst Media producer and board member whose work embodied a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community voice. Haggerty was known for her advocacy on behalf of those often unheard, using media as a tool for social change and civic connection. Each year, Amherst Media’s Board of Directors presents this award to an individual or organization that reflects those same values, demonstrating leadership, compassion, and a dedication to community engagement.

As Amherst Media celebrates its 50th anniversary, the organization is also looking forward. With renewed partnerships, Amherst Media is investing in media education, the organization is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of the community while staying true to its founding mission: ensuring that everyone has access to the tools and platforms needed to share their voice.

Community members are warmly invited to join this special evening of celebration, reflection, and inspiration this coming May. Together, the event will honor Representative Jim McGovern’s contributions and mark fifty years of Amherst Media’s enduring impact on the region.