Frequently Asked Questions

Sun Prairie Media Center is the organization that houses two cable access stations, KIDS-4 and KSUN. The purpose of cable access television is to serve community members by training those interested in video production and providing a forum for their programs. As a grass roots organization, our mandate is to create a communication link between individuals, groups, and the Sun Prairie community at large. Visit our website for more information.

Sun Prairie Media Center houses 2 cable access channels, KSUN and KIDS-4. The programming feeds into the Sun Prairie area on charter cable. KSUN is Sun Prairie's public, education, and government access channel, and is similar to public access channels in other cities.

KIDS-4 is a channel unique to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Unlike other regular cable access channels, KIDS-4 is designated to provide programming that is both for and created by children. With 2 channels Sun Prairie Media Center (SPMC) services the needs of the Sun Prairie community and fosters media literacy in Sun Prairie's youth

Sun Prairie Media Center (SPMC) provides a window into the community for all non-profit groups or individuals who are interested in sharing their message with their neighbors. SPMC is not a news gathering service, which means its employees do not seek out stories, but rather facilitate the creation of stories and programs by the citizens of Sun Prairie.

Though SPMC is affiliated with the City of Sun Prairie, it does not receive taxpayer money to fund its programs. Sun Prairie Media Center is funded by a portion of the cable bill paid by cable subscribers in Sun Prairie.

The label KIDS-4 denotes 2 things First, it is the call letters for the cable channel.

Second, KIDS-4 is the name of an after-school program run by Sun Prairie Media Center. The program consists of about 50 to 70 children per year divided into groups of 5 to 8 kids. The groups meet 1 time per week for 1 hour to design, create, and produce their own programs. Though each crew of kids is assigned an adult crew leader and high school-aged crew assistant, the work they do is entirely their own. The kids in KIDS-4 write, tape, produce, direct, and edit their own programs. Using this hands-on approach KIDS-4 hopes to teach children about the power of the television medium. KIDS-4 also promotes volunteerism in the Sun Prairie community, working with the kids in KIDS-4 to tape events around the community. KIDS-4 empowers the children of Sun Prairie, giving them a voice on cable TV in Sun Prairie.

The KIDS-4 after-school program has historically been comprised of children in 4th through 8th grade, ages 9 to 14.

When cable access was introduced to Sun Prairie in 1976, a section of the franchise agreement provided for public access. At that time a separate channel on the cable system was designated for the use of children. This channel was to promote media literacy by involving children in every aspect of television production, creating television for children by children.

Sun Prairie Media Center is located at:
1350 Linnerud Drive
Suite 2
Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Sun Prairie Media Center sells dubs of its programs for $15 per copy. The cost covers the price of the media, labor, and wear and tear on Sun Prairie Media Center equipment. To request a dub simply call our staff at 608-837-4193 or send us an email.