If you ever needed proof that storytelling still matters—and that some of the most powerful stories are being told right here in Fresno—look no further than CMAC. Our city’s very own Community Media Access Collaborative just crushed it at the 2025 Western Access Video Excellence (WAVE) Awa rds, taking home an impressive 11 wins. That’s not just a local headline—that’s a regional triumph, with CMAC competing against media creators from across Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico. Hosted right here in Fresno at the DoubleTree Hotel earlier this month, the WAVE Awards celebrate the best in community-driven storytelling—and this year, CMAC showed up and showed out. From high school students to seasoned producers, our local creators proved that when you give people the tools, the training, and a platform—magic happens. And the real beauty? Seven of the eleven awards went to students who came up through CMAC’s programs like Youth Voices, CMAC Sports, and film challenges like The Big Tell and the 72-Hour Film Race. Here are a few of the standout wins: Yaddah Rashad won for Time to Break the Ice, a student documentary exploring youth involvement in politics. Ana Cirilo received top honors for Fields of Labor, a moving spotlight on Central Valley farm workers. The Edison student crew brought home a win for their live sports coverage of Edison vs. Justin Garza. CMAC’s Kyle Lowe was awarded for Death of ArtHop, a professional-level documentary on the shifting arts scene in Fresno. And longtime Fresno arts journalist Donald Munro and CMAC volunteers earned a WAVE for The Munro Review: Holiday Special. This kind of recognition doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of years of community commitment, support, and belief in the power of media to uplift and empower. CMAC Executive Director Bryan Harley said it best: “These awards are a testament to the passion and creativity of our community.” We couldn’t agree more. For those who don’t know, CMAC is a nonprofit media center located in the historic Fresno Bee building, and it’s so much more than a studio space. It’s a launchpad. A creative hub. A place where anyone—from a high school student with a voice to share, to a local advocate with a story to tell—can access professional equipment, training, and the chance to be heard on cable TV and streaming platforms. You can check out the full list of winners and learn more at CMAC.tv. At FresYes, we’re always cheering for those who lift up our community—and this is a win we’re all proud to celebrate. Congrats to CMAC and all the local storytellers who brought these honors home. Keep creating. Keep inspiring. Keep telling the stories only you can tell. – The FresYes Insider Team ...read more read less