Sean McLaughlin

Sean McLaughlin is an educator, media access advocate and non-profit executive. He is known for his tendency to live in proximity with spectacular natural environments, an affinity for diverse multi-cultural engagement, a reputation for fearless innovation and a dry eclectic sense of humor. Born in the Year of the Fire Rooster, he is a Libra with four siblings – an older sister and brother and a younger sister and brother – some would say he’s a natural diplomat with trickster tendencies.

In July 2006, Sean McLaughlin became the first executive director for Access Humboldt (accesshumboldt.net) a community media organization providing local access channels, broadband network connections, digital media production resources, training and support for local governments, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and residents of Humboldt County, California USA.

McLaughlin is a policy wonk – currently serving as public policy work group chair for the Alliance for Community Media (alliancecm.org) as a Board member for the Alliance for Communications Democracy (theacd.org), and an active member of the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (natoa.org). He has published articles, provided expert testimony before legislative and regulatory agencies, and participated in international conferences around the world – including India, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Favorite cities: Lana’i City, Eureka, Paris & Hong Kong.

Previously, McLaughlin was the first chief executive officer for Akaku: Maui Community Television, providing media access for the Hawaiian islands of Maui, Moloka'i and Lana'i. During his tenure, Akaku grew to include five cable TV channels, low power FM radio and online media services. After serving as vice chair of Maui County's Charter Commission, McLaughlin was named Maui's outstanding non-profit executive director for 2004. He founded and serves as spokesperson for Hawaii Consumers. And he is a founding member of Haoles Against Haoles (HAH). Favorite Hawaiian word: ha’aha’a – which means “humility.”

Educated at Dartmouth College, McLaughlin taught "Politics of Media" in the 1980’s at the University of Hawai’i (UH-Manoa) and served on the University of Hawaii’s Broadcast Communications Authority as vice chair. Vox clamantis in paradise.

McLaughlin started a successful broadcast media design, production, and consulting firm based in Honolulu. He also served as director of telecommunications for the Honolulu City Council. Many of McLaughlin’s media projects have received national recognition, including: ACE Awards for Cable Excellence; Broadcast Media Awards; an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties - NACo; and, numerous other awards and festival showings. He later developed projects as an international news consultant for Hawaii Public Television and the Hawaii based co-production (with NHK-Japan and KCTS-Seattle) Asia Now. Favorite color: Green.