CMF is a 501c3 non-profit Independently run corporation with 7 appointed board members
Our Mission is to promote Artistry, Freedom of Speech and Civic Engagement
Our studio is open to members and the public Monday through Friday, 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays by appointment
CMF’s Budget is $259K. $210K comes directly from the City of Monrovia. This amount is primarily sourced from Franchise and Public, Education, and Government (PEG) Fees. Cable providers, like Spectrum Cable, collect a small fee from their customers as part of these PEG fees, which are then passed on to the City to partially fund our work
Community Media of the Foothills makes up the budget shortfall by actively raising revenue through contracted services for clients such as the Monrovia Unified School District (MUSD) and the City of Sierra Madre. This effort is supplemented by modest private donations, typically totaling $500 to $1,000 annually
Per the City of Monrovia’s 2025 - 2026 contract, Community Media of the Foothills is responsible for the following key areas:
a. Providing coverage and broadcast of 20 City Council and 8 Planning Commission meetings
b. Produce video coverage for up to 33 city events
c. Facilitate public access services and support for Monrovia residents and non-profits
d. Provide residents with access to the KGEM-TV Studio's production resources, including the soundstage, editing suites, and field equipment. This access is supported by basic equipment training and two dedicated annual training events
e. Manage and program three cable channels—KGEM, KGOV and KMAC
f. Purchasing and maintenance of all production and broadcasting equipment
G. All maintenance and repairs for KGEM-TV building
H. Maintain 7 insurance policies
Beyond our core contract deliverables, CMF actively manages several digital platforms to expand our reach and provide meeting access to more viewers;
a. We use our main digital assets to stream Live events and the Municipal Meetings we cover on our YouTube Channel (KGEM-TV): 2,634 follower and our Website (KGEMTV.com)
b. CMF maintains a robust social media presence across various platforms including Instagram: 967 followers, Facebook Page: 794 followers, Facebook Group: 456 members and recently launched TikTok account
CMF produced 244 videos in 2024 and 272 videos in 2023
Monrovia Cable Usage Corporation, Founding City Council Members
November 1, 1983 - The City of Monrovia Establishes the Monrovia Cable Usage Corporation, Resolution 83-89; signed Mayor Paul A. Stuart, Bob Bartlett, John Nobrega, Mary Wilcox, Ed Zoolalian
December 20, 1983 - Articles of incorporation signed for the Monrovia Cable Usage Corporation
1984 to 1993 - Monrovia Cable Usage Corporation started KGEM-TV from two closet sized rooms in the basement of Monrovia City Hall
July 1, 1992 - The City of Monrovia relinquished control of the Monrovia Cable Usage Corporation to a volunteer board elected from the membership, and established a separate, non-profit entity to manage the PEG channels
March 11, 1993 - The Monrovia Cable Usage Corporation board, Monrovia Unified School District, and the City of Sierra Madre pooled resources to establish a 900-square-foot studio at Clifton Middle School. This studio was ultimately deemed insufficient in size. The associated monthly rent paid to MUSD was $300.00
July 1, 1999 - the Monrovia Cable Usage Corporation’s Articles of incorporation were amended and the name was changed to Community Media of the Foothills
2001 to 2003 - Community Media of the Foothills undertook a major capital campaign to construct a new, larger studio located adjacent to the Armory Building in Recreation Park, at the Mary Wilcox Building. CMF and a grassroots efforts raised over $180,000 of the $456,000 total project cost
September 19, 2003 - Donor Premiere Party to celebrate new 1,900-square-foot studio opening—KGEM-TV Studio
