SPEAK MPLS

SPEAK MPLS is the member-powered community media center and public access television steward serving Minneapolis, Minnesota. It operates Minneapolis public access channels 16, 17, 798 HD, and 75 on Comcast, streams online 24/7, and provides community members with access to studios, equipment, classes, channel time, and media support.

SPEAK MPLS represents a newer chapter in a longer Minneapolis public access story. For decades, the city’s public access service was known as MTN. In 2020, BFRESH Productions was selected as the new steward of Minneapolis public access television and launched SPEAK MPLS with a broader community media center model, focused not only on cablecasting, but also on creative opportunity, media education, storytelling, and local representation.

The organization operates two media spaces, including a Northeast studio and a South studio, giving Minneapolis residents access to production studios, edit labs, podcasting tools, field equipment, and hands-on classes. Its public access model includes free channel time for members, non-commercial programming, no pre-screening of content, and creator ownership of submitted work.

SPEAK MPLS reflects how public access continues to evolve in a digital media environment while holding onto the core idea that local people deserve a place to speak for themselves. Through programs such as AMPLIFY MPLS, ELECT MPLS, LOVE MPLS, Twin Cities Pride storytelling, and the RYSE MPLS youth media program, the organization connects public access television with community journalism, civic participation, youth storytelling, cultural visibility, and the everyday voices of Minneapolis.