We live in a world in which we’re continuously overwhelmed with advertising campaigns that tell us what to desire. We know hundreds of brands and slogans but often not even our direct neighbours. “tune-in” is a concept that replaces TV-ads with user-generated news episodes about the community and its shared garden. A TV programme produced by community members to promote engagement in local life. If our food and energy production has to become more local, so has the news.

In my “tune-in” concept, every community member is a contributor to the local TV show by the use of Smartphones. A nominated group of inspiring people selects and edits the collected footage and turns it into short episodes that are broadcasted instead of commercials during primetime. The episode’s topics can range from waste, gardening, energy, to general local news. Wouldn’t it be exciting to meet the lady you’ve seen on television last night while you visit the shop around the corner?

Moreover, the concept allows school classes and socially disadvantaged people to learn how to use up-to-date digital technology and acquired valuable skills while helping to form the community’s shared identity. At the same time you can catch-up with local life after a day at work. The episodes inform you about the current state of the community’s energy production, waste treatment or what’s ready for harvest in the garden and encourage you to get up from your sofa and discuss the reported issues with your neighbours in person.