The Communications & Media Relations Office manages the City's communications and media relations activities, coordinates the emergency public information function during activations of the City's Emergency Operations Center, produces internal and external publications, develops public awareness campaigns, oversees content on the City's website and manages TV Channel 7, the City's Education/Government Channel. Staff works with all City departments and the City Council to provide proactive information to citizens.  

Communications & Media Relations Staff

Lenka Wright

Communications & Media Relations Manager

(325) 676-6677                                                          

Rick Tomlin

Communications Specialist

(325) 437-4520

News Releases
If you would like to receive City of Abilene news releases, subscribe to the news release list here . News releases are also posted regularly on the City Pressroom section of this website. Check back often for the latest information.

Citizen Newsletter

Abilene Roundup is an electronic monthly newsletter for Abilene residents. The e-newsletter for citizens contains general information about City of Abilene events, projects and programs. If you would like to receive the e-newsletter, click here to subscribe to the Abilene Roundup. You can view sample newsletters in this section of the City's website under Citizen Newsletter.

TV Channel 7
TV Channel 7 is your city government and education channel. Anyone who lives in Abilene and has Suddenlink Cable can watch Channel 7 to get the latest city news and information. Most City of Abilene programs are also simulcast on Abilene Christian University’s low-power broadcast Channel 7, KXN, which can be viewed with a basic TV antenna. On TV Channel 7, you'll find coverage of City Council meetings, City Council workshops, Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, special events and original programming such as "Abilene City Magazine", "On The Wild Side", "The Firehouse Chef" and "Your City at Work". Click here to view the Channel 7 Programming Schedule.

You can also watch Channel 7 clips online at www.youtube.com/AbileneTelevision. For the Abilene Zoo program, watch segments online at www.youtube.com/TexasOnTheWildSide.

DVDs of City Council meetings, Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, "Abilene City Magazine", "On The Wild Side" and other original programming are available for check-out at the Abilene Public Library's main branch, located at 202 Cedar Street. DVD copies are also available for purchase.

Annual Report to Citizens

The office produces an Annual Report to Citizens. The publication highlights City goals and major accomplishments over a calendar year. Additional copies are made available for citizens to pick up at City Hall and other City of Abilene facilities. Click here to view the 2008 Annual Report.

Website
The Communications staff, with assistance from all other departments, is responsible for content on the City of Abilene website. If you have suggestions, please e-mail Abilene@abilenetx.com.

Film Productions

The Communications & Media Relations Office processes all requests to film at or on City of Abilene parks, property and streets. Click here for the film production application and here for the release agreement. Both forms are to be forwarded to the Communications & Media Relations Office, 555 Walnut, Suite 203 Abilene, Texas 79601; or fax to (325) 676-6229; or e-mail. Please allow five working days for an application to be reviewed.

Internships

Internships are available to undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in municipal government. The following internship opportunities are offered through this office: public affairs and video production.

Media Links
Links to local media outlets are listed on the Local Links section of this website.