Our History
Community Media of Union City was built by neighbors, for neighbors. Here's the story of how a shared belief in local voices became a lasting institution.
Born from a Belief in Local Voices
Community Media of Union City began with a simple but powerful conviction: that the people of this region deserved a media organization that truly reflected their lives, concerns, and aspirations — not just the stories told by outlets far removed from our community.
In the early 2000s, a group of Union City residents, educators, and civic leaders began gathering to discuss a gap they all felt. Local news was shrinking. Community events went uncovered. Residents had no outlet for their perspectives, no training to create their own content, and no platform to reach their neighbors.
From those conversations grew Community Media of Union City — a nonprofit grounded in the belief that media access is a civic right. With donated equipment, volunteer hours, and a borrowed meeting room, the organization held its first media literacy workshop, produced its first community program, and set a course that would shape the region's media landscape for decades to come.
Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Jason McCray, CMUC continues to grow its reach, deepen its programs, and remain faithful to its founding purpose: giving every voice in Union City the tools and platform it deserves.
Community-Founded
Started by Union City residents who believed local media should serve local people — not outside interests.
Nonprofit Since Day One
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization, ensuring our work always serves the public good over profit.
Volunteer-Powered
Built on the dedication of community members who gave their time, talent, and energy to make local media possible.
Rooted in Union City
From Lincolnville Road to every corner of Erie County — this community is our home and our purpose.
Milestones & Moments
From our founding conversations to the programs we run today — a look at the moments that shaped Community Media of Union City.
The First Conversations
A group of Union City residents, educators, and civic leaders begin meeting to discuss the need for a community media organization in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Community Media of Union City Founded
Officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The first media literacy workshop draws over 40 residents eager to learn the basics of video production and storytelling.
First Public Access Broadcast
CMUC produces and airs its first community television program, covering a local town hall meeting. The response from residents is overwhelming — they had never seen themselves on screen before.
School Partnerships Launch
CMUC partners with Union City Area School District to bring media literacy curriculum into classrooms, reaching hundreds of students and planting seeds for the next generation of community storytellers.
Youth Media Lab Opens
With a grant from a regional foundation, CMUC opens the Youth Media Lab — a dedicated space where young people ages 12–22 can access professional equipment and receive hands-on training.
Home on Lincolnville Road
CMUC moves to its permanent home at 17051 Lincolnville Rd, Union City — a dedicated space for production, training, and community gatherings that serves as the organization's hub to this day.
Adapting Through the Pandemic
When COVID-19 forced closures, CMUC pivoted rapidly to digital programming — launching the Community Voices Podcast and offering virtual media training, reaching more residents than ever before.
15+ Years & Growing
Community Media of Union City celebrates over 15 years of service, 500+ programs produced, and a community of thousands who have learned, created, and connected through the power of local media.
The Story Continues — With You
Every resident who learns a new skill, produces a program, or tunes in to community content adds a chapter to our history. We invite you to be part of what comes next.
Write the Next Chapter