Classical 91.5 Presents
WXXI Public Broadcasting - Classical 91.5
Year submitted: 2019
WXXI’s “Classical 91.5 Presents” is an annual film series that exemplifies the power of music to enhance a story’s narrative. Each year Classical 91.5 presents a series of four films that are related to classical music in some way. Each film session includes film-related live music in The Little Theatre Café in Rochester and a lively panel discussion with WXXI hosts, as they explore the significance and unique use of music in each film.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mona Seghatoleslami, mseghatoleslami@wxxi.org
NewsNight
WUCF
Year submitted: 2019
News Night Orlando, launched in April 2019, provides a once-a-week deep dive into complicated issues facing Central Florida. The show is hosted by an anchor/reporter at the local ABC affiliate. She and a WUCF producer pick the topics and the panel of reporters, who give viewers a sense of the real story behind the headlines they may see and hear about day after day. News Night Orlando enables WUCF to collaborate with news media across all platforms in the Central Florida market.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Jennifer Cook, jennifer.cook@wucf.org
Playtime Pad Research Project
WKAR Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
The Playtime Pad Research Project investigates the effectiveness of tablet-based learning initiatives in early childhood math literacy, while providing access to the latest digital learning tools for students, teachers, and parents. Initiated by the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University, the Playtime Pad Research Project is a unique partnership connecting PBS KIDS, the College of Education at MSU, and the Lansing School District.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Julie Sochay, jsochay@wkar.org
Holocaust Symposium Archive Project
WVIA Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
A recent survey showed 22% of Millennials “haven’t heard or are not sure if they have heard of the Holocaust.” Fifghty-eight percent of Americans believe “something like the Holocaust could happen again.” Working with the Holocaust Education Resource Center, WVIA filmed the stories and recorded the voices of Holocaust survivors to share their stories with children in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the hope that “Never Again” will be a life-long reality for all.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kirsten Smith, Kirstensmith@wvia.org
Finding Home
KUAT/Arizona Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
In the summer of 2019, Arizona Public Media published “Finding Home,” a radio news series focused on housing and issues of access, affordability, discrimination, cultural identity, and the changing neighborhoods of Tucson. Content included multiple episodes of our half-hour radio programs, a slate of feature radio news stories, a dedicated web page, and a live community conversation. At a public event, held a month after the series aired, the show host moderated a discussion between panelists representing development, fair housing, and neighborhood associations.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Ariana Brocious, Senior Reporter and Producer for The Buzz, abrocious@azpm.org
HPM Young Leaders Council
Houston Public Media (KUHT / KUHF)
Year submitted: 2019
In May 2018, Houston Public Media launched the Young Leaders Council with one overarching goal in mind: creating lifelong public media ambassadors. A nominating committee selected an inaugural class of 16 members following interviews with candidates. Ultimately, 30-35 young professionals will represent a cross section of the many communities Houston Public Media now serves and actively encourage others to engage with the station's content.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Victoria Cordova, vcordova@houstonpublicmedia.org
The Mister Rogers Challenge
KUHT/KUHF - Houston Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
Won’t You Be My Neighbor, the Mister Rogers documentary, was a national common carriage PBS program that aired in February 2019. The Mister Rogers Challenge was Houston Public Media’s local pledge effort that included targeted email promotion to 130,000 people, a major donor matching challenge, and local pledge break after the program.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Anessa Rios, arios@houstonpublicmedia.org
Ross Fest
WNIN Tri State Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
Ross Fest was organized by WNIN to celebrate painter and art instructor Robert Ross, the creator of The Joy of Painting. The station asked a certified Bob Ross landscape instructor to help create an experience that would give participants a certified Bob Ross painting to take home and enjoy forever. WNIN added a light wall to play a Joy of Painting episode, threw in some music, food trucks, a bar trailer and a Bob Ross costume contest… attracting hundreds of people to a made-for-social-media engagement event.
Type of content: TV In-person Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Natalie Wade , nwade@wnin.org
MindShift
KQED
Year submitted: 2019
KQED's MindShift newsletter reaches more than 100,000 teachers, principals, learning coaches, librarians and others in the education profession. In the spring of 2019, MindShift began asking newsletter subscribers to submit questions via Google Form to ask other 100,000 subscribers. MindShift editors selected questions every 1-2 weeks, enabling readers to share tips in a tightly moderated way about thorny issues in education.
Type of content: Online Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Ki Sung, ksung@kqed.orf
¿Qué Pasa, Midwest?
WNIN
Year submitted: 2019
¿Qué Pasa, Midwest? is a bilingual podcast that tells the stories of Latinx in the Midwest. Funded with support from CPB, the podcast facilitates difficult conversations and explores policy issues, such as immigration and the U.S. Census. WNIN reaches out to educational institutions to host listening parties share these stories with students. ¿Qué Pasa, Midwest? gives voice to the the region's growing Latino community and fosters greater knowledge, connection and understanding.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Paola Marizan, pmarizan@wnin.org
The Rapidian
Grand Rapids Community Media Center
Year submitted: 2019
The Rapidian is an online platform for citizen journalism, where community members can share positive stories about their neighborhoods and post calendar listings of events in Western Michigan. The Rapidian aims to fill the void in a local "news desert" that lacks daily newspaper. A collaboration between Grand Rapids Television (GRTV), WCYE-FM and The Wealthy Theater, The Rapidian offers media literacy and community journalism training to individuals and nonprofits, in order to foster local pride and civic engagement, and unify a diverse community.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Deisy, deisy@grcmc.org
Illinois Public Media's Democracy Series
WILL, Illinois Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
Ahead of Illinois’ April 2019 municipal elections WILL worked with three high school classrooms and 80 adult community members to develop local candidate questionnaires that met the specific needs of municipalities in our listening area. IIllinois Public Media (IPM) partnered with community organizations on events that facilitated civil discourse, increased media literacy, democratized editorial decision-making, inspired civic action, and educated young Illinoisans. This “Democracy Series” was designed to demonstrate that public media is uniquely equipped to facilitate dialog about local concerns.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kristin Walters, kwaltrs2@illinois.edu
Only Here
Vito Di Stefano
Claudia Rodriguez Biezunski, a seamstress in San Diego, was featured in KPBS' "Only Here" podcast for her work building community in a Latino neighborhood being hit hard by gentrification.
KPBS
Year submitted: 2019
The "Only Here" podcast provides an intimate look at one of the world’s busiest border crossings, where San Diego and Tijuana meet. Over time, the podcase has attracted an audience on both sides of the border with stories about the culture and creativity forged in this tense region. Hosted by a member of a bilingual hip-hop band in Tijuana, the podcast deepens understanding and connection between listeners on both sides of the border.
Type of content: Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kinsee Morlan, kmorlan@kpbs.org
Catalyst Radio
Grand Rapids Community Media Center
Year submitted: 2019
Catalyst Radio is a weekly public affairs program produced by Grand Rapids (MI) Community Media Center. CMC’s Catalyst Radio features interviews with organizations and people working on social change, community support, and media issues. This effort is a partnership between The Rapidian, an online platform for community journalism and WYCE, an independent, community radio station in Grand Rapids.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Deisy, deisy@grcmc.org
Eye on the Arts
WYIN / Lakeshore Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
"Eye on the Arts" is a half hour TV series that showcases a diverse range of local artists, artistic organizations, events and stories, demonstrating the power of arts in people's lives. The series draws attention to regional artists and cultural programs across the entire Chicagoland area, including many of Northwest Indiana's under-served populations, people who often feel that the arts are inaccessible. "Eye on the Arts" also retains a radio presence through weekly segments on Lakeshore Public Radio.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Matt Franklin, mfranklin@lakeshorepublicmedia.org
Small Studio Sessions
90.1 WFYI, WFYI -1, -2, -3
Year submitted: 2019
Modeled after NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts and KLRU/PBS's Austin City Limits, Small Studio showcases some of the best bands in Indianapolis, giving local and regional talent a chance to shine. National and regional artists have also performed in WFYI's Small Studio, with an emphasis on bands and musicians with a connection to public media and/or the Hoosier state. The series is WFYI's inaugural digital-first program.
Type of content: Radio TV Online Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Melissa Davis, mdavis@wfyi.org
Working Together
Rashah McChesney/KTOO
A June 2016 KTOO Celebration Sessions Red Carpet Concert in Juneau, Alaska, featured Kindeshaun Austin with the Woosh.ji.een Dance Group demonstrating the funk style of dancing called “popping to drumming.”
KTOO Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
In Tlingit, the Alaska Native language, the phrase “Wooch een yéi jidané” means “cooperation, working together.” Over the last three years, KTOO has used documentary film, conferences, radio, and engagement events, organized in cooperation with the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples of Southeast Alaska, to deepen a collective understanding of Native culture, values and traditions. KTOO broadcases a daily interview program entirely in Tlingit.
Type of content: Radio TV Online In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Bill Legere, bill@ktoo.org
Deep Dive
WMEA Maine Public
Year submitted: 2019
Maine Public's Deep Dive is a space for complex, in-depth, high impact reporting. The first edition focused on childcare issues in the state, and utilized the entire 18-member news team to create web, radio and TV stories. Maine Calling, the local talk show, broadcast two editions that opened and closed the series. The station developed a communications plan to inform the audience, politicians and other stakeholders. The capstone moment was a public event at Portland Public Library where reporters discussed their work and took questions from the public.
Type of content: Radio TV Online In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mark Simpson, msimpson@mainepublic.org
KPBS Explore Local Content Project
Courtesy Outco
San Diegan Allison Justice is applying her green thumb to a very green enterprise.
KPBS
Year submitted: 2019
KPBS launched the “Explore” program in 2012 as an experiment to grow the station’s library of local programs while cultivating new, young and diverse talent. Every two years, KPBS opens a community-wide call for content ideas and offers seed funding to create local TV shows, web series and podcasts. The producers retain ownership of their project and are responsible for raising the extra funds needed to stay afloat. The program has spawned four podcasts and more than a dozen TV and web series.
Type of content: Radio TV Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kinsee Morlan, kmorlan@kpbs.org
The Bay
KQED
Year submitted: 2019
The Bay podcast is a space for local news to breathe. The Bay offers voices and perspectives rarely heard inmedia, and engages listeners through callouts, voice memos, phone calls and social media. The Bay has hosted several well-attended live events, including a storytelling event on California wildfires (with Snap Judgment); a live podcast taping about housing in the Bay Area; and two happy hours with listeners in San Francisco and Oakland. Since its February 2018 launch, the Bay has had more than 2 million downloads.
Type of content: Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Devin Katayama, dkatayama@kqed.org
KQED Media Literacy Educator Academy
KQED
Year submitted: 2019
The KQED Media Literacy Academy program supports educators and students in building media literacy skills and practices. The Academy offers teachers a year-long learning experience or self-paced courses to get media literacy credentials and earn PBS Media Literacy certification. KQED Teach is a collection of free, hands-on professional learning opportunities focused on digital media. KQED Learn platform empowers students to make their voices heard, share their perspectives and learn from others’ points of view. The program prioritizes teachers of English Language Learners and STEM.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Almetria Vaba, avaba@kqed.org
Shaping Narratives
WGVU
Year submitted: 2019
WGVU’s “Shaping Narratives” partners with community organizations to recruit and engage leaders of color in West Michigan to tell their own stories. The station's "inclusion reporter" created and led three ten-week training modules on decolonizing media, video and audio production, and reaching target audiences through various media platforms. Each participant crafted a TV episode for broadcast as part of season of local narratives. The net result is that participants now know how to produce a cinematic TV show, create a podcast, mount an influencer campaign, and design events and community structures around their work.
Type of content: Radio TV Online Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mariano Avila , avilama@gvsu.edu
Living on the Edge
The Highlands Current
Year submitted: 2019
Living on the Edge is a special, two-part feature series, published by the Highlands Current, focused on people and families living on "survival budgets" in the MidHudson Valley in New York. The series was inspired by the "ALICE Report" (asset-limited, income-restrained, employed), a United Way study that showed many people in thisregion cannot come up with $400 for an emergency expenses. The Highlands Current decided to try to put the story of real people behind those statistics.
Type of content:Online
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Chip Rowe, editor@highlandscurrent.org
Inclusion X Project
BenitoLink.com
Year submitted: 2019
BenitoLink is a hyperlocal nonprofit news organization launched by two young Latino staff members with support from a local United Way grant. In 2018, BenitoLink expanded coverage of the local Latino community with funds from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm. In summer 2019, BenitoLink brought on five interns for graphic arts, copy writing, computer applications, and marketing. Our computer science intern was funded largely by the Emma Bowen Foundation.
Type of content: In-person Online
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Leslie David , lesliedavid@benitolink.com
A Parent's Guide to Public Schools
Voice of San Diego
Year submitted: 2019
A Parent’s Guide to Public Schools is a free “consumer report” tool, distributed to 50,000 families to aid parents in making decisions about their childrens' education. The Guide, produced in English and Spanish, provides an overview of every local public school’s performance in easy-to-read charts, with answers to basic questions about public school options. VOSD works UC San Diego to analyze the school performance data and with the San Diego Workforce Partnership to cover topics like vocational training.
Type of content: In-person Podcast Online
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Julianne Markow, julianne.markow@voiceofsandiego.org
Seeking Conviction
Melissa Sue Gerrits/The Fayetteville Observer
Samantha White survived a sexual assault when she was 16. White now works as a life coach and finds she is able to identify with her clients in a uniquely empathetic way.
Carolina Public Press
Year submitted: 2019
Carolina Public Press led a first-of-its-kind statewide investigative reporting collaboration in North Carolina including 11 news organizations Over six and a half months, journalists analyzed statewide court data and conducted extensive interviews with sexual assault survivors, victim advocates, medical professionals, law enforcement, prosecutors and state officials across North Carolina. The investigation revealed that one in four sexual assault cases result in a conviction, and in 30 of the state's 100 counties, there were no convictions at all in four and a half years.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Angie Newsome, anewsome@carolinapublicpress.org
Politifest
Voice of San Diego
Year submitted: 2019
Even though San Diego is full of festivals and street fairs, in 2011 Voice of San Diego decided to create a new festival about local politics. Politifest featured a dunk tank, a mayoral debate, a tug of war and an “idea tournament.” Now eight years old, Politifest includes debates, panels, and interviews with experts. It’s a platform for residents to raise their voices, ask tough questions, and get a crash course that provides insights on local issues and into how local government works.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Julianne Markow, julianne@voiceofsandiego.org
Polling Appalachian High Schoolers Ahead of the 2018 Midterm Election
100 Days in Appalachia
Year submitted: 2019
Using GroundSource text messaging technology, 100 Days in Appalachia conducted a poll of voting age high school students ahead of the 2018 mid-term election. The project asked about their stances on some of the most hot button political issues, including immigration, gun control, abortion, LGBTQ rights, etc. The results were shared openly with local, regional and national media outlets to inform their reporting about the politics of this group in our region, while also engaging with young people and hopefully rebuilding their trust in journalism by proving that we care about what they have to say.
Type of content: In-person Online
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Jake Lynch, lynch.jake.a@gmail.com
Next City Seminars
Next City
Year submitted: 2019
Next City is a nonprofit news organization, founded in 2003, that believes in the power of journalism to amplify solutions from one city to the next city. Next City hosts live seminars, free hour-long webinars in which we ask practitioners to share lessons from successful projects in a 30-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of moderated questions. Access is "pay what you wish;" the highest response has been 539 registrants contributing $3,500.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Lucas Grindley, lucas@nextcity.org
In-Depth Reporting Series
The Highlands Current
Year submitted: 2019
Highlands Current Inc. is a nonprofit corporation begun in 2010 created to provide balanced reporting of news and events for the Hudson Valley communities of Cold Spring, Garrison, Nelsonville and Philipstown, N.Y. This special series took a deeper look at likely impact of climate change on the region, the challenges facing local farmers, “living on the edge” and the growing opioid crisis.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Chip Rowe, editor@highlandscurrent.org
Young Voices Media Project
Voices of Monterey Bay
Year submitted: 2019
Each summer, the Young Voices Media Project teaches teens in the Salinas Valley the essentials of media literacy, critical thinking, journalism, writing and news reporting. Students pitch story ideas, conduct interviews, develop sources and write/produce their own news stories while they develop the confidence and skills for civic involvement. Young Voices is a project of Voices of Monterey Bay, a non-profit news magazine that publishes local stories for Monterey and Santa Cruz counties in California's Central Coast.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Claudia Melendez Salinas, claudia@vomb.org
Matter Mobile
Matter News
Year submitted: 2019
Matter Mobile is a portable, pop-up studio taken to different community events to conduct high quality audio and video interviews about thorny issues like urban development. The collapsible studio is constructed of wood, soundproofing foam, and windows made out of acrylic sheets. This structure offers interviewees more privacy than recording vox pops openly in the field.
Type of content: Radio TV In-person Online Podcast
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Jaelynn Grisso, jaelynn@matternews.org
Georgia News Lab
Georgia News Lab (partners with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB TV and Georgia Public Broadcasting)
Year submitted: 2019
The Georgia News Lab is an award-winning investigative reporting collaborative. It’s mission is to train the next generation of investigative reporters, make the vital work of watchdog journalism affordable for local news organizations and increase diversity in professional newsrooms. The News Lab is a partnership between the top college journalism programs in Georgia, including historically black colleges (HBCUs), along with the leading news outlets in the Southeast, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, WSB-TV and Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Type of content: Radio TV Online Podcast
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: David Armstrong, darmstrong@csjournalism.org
Citizens Journalism Workshop
Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism
Year submitted: 2019
The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, which runs IowaWatch.org, hosted a workshop in Iowa City in April 2019 to inform the public about behind-the-scenes practices used to tell a truthful news story. The workshop, “Creative Minds: Journalism Workshop Engaging Citizens In the News,” fostered two-way communication between participating newsroom journalists and 15 local residents. This was a pilot project to determine public interest in such a workshop and to see whether ICPAJ could pull it off. The answer to both was: yes.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Lyle Muller, lyle-muller@iowawatch.org
Developing Local Podcasters for Public Radio
KCPK-LP, licensee Center of the World Festival, Inc.
Year submitted: 2019
KCPK-LP is conducting local podcast and broadcast training sessions to educate community members. This nonprofit media organization received its license for low power radio station and went on air in February, 2017. With the recent launch of a simulcast online radio stream, KCPK is now reaching beyond its 5 mile rural mountainous signal area to engage a larger "community" through self-directed training videos in podcasting and copyright laws.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Shelia Clark, SheliaClark@centeroftheworldfestival.org
Local Switchboard NYC
Local Switchboard NYC
Year submitted: 2019
Local Switchboard NYC is a collective of women who produce multimedia content for and by the communities of New York City’s varied boroughs. Local journalists and community members are trained in audio production so they can cover their own neighborhoods and tell stories often overlooked and underreported by larger media organizations. This new initiative was piloted at WBAI-FM.
Type of content: Radio In-person Podcast Online
Type of organization: Nonprofit/Other
Contact: Jordan Gass-Poore', jgasspoore@gmail.com
American Experience: Chasing the Moon Week
Rocky Mountain PBS - KRMJ
Year submitted: 2019
American Experience: Chasing the Moon Week was a partnership of five local organizations, nonprofits and businesses, organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing and draw greater audience to the special PBS national broadcast.
Type of content: Radio TV In-person Online Podcast
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Hillary Daniels, hillarydaniels@rmpbs.org
Giving Tuesday
Boise State Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Beginning in 2017 Boise State Radio decided to take a different spin on Giving Tuesday. Instead of focusing on the station, they decided to celebrate other local nonprofits. Local Citizens nominated their favorite local nonprofits, and then the station awarded a $1,000 underwriting package to randomly selected winners.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kristin Jackson, kristinjackson2@boisestate.edu
Classics for Kids
Cincinnati Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Classics for Kids, launched at WGUC in 1998, provides an educational and entertaining classical music experience for children. 23 stations now carry the Classics for Kids program; people all over the world use the website materials (570,000 uniques/ 5 million pvs in 2018). The Classics for Kids podcast is CPR’s most listened-to podcast (75,000+ downloads/mo). It provides education materials based on national and state standards, Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and Critical Thinking skills based on Bloom's Taxonomy.
Type of content: Radio Podcast In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sherri Mancini, smancini@cinradio.org
Democracy & Me
Cincinnati Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Democracy & Me is an educational outreach program of Cincinnati Public Radio aimed “increasing students' civic participation as they become adults.” The program provides social studies teachers with tools, learning experiences, lesson plans, news stories and a blog focused on the American electoral process and the roles of citizens and the media. The fall teacher training session focused on problem-based learning; the spring sessions focused on podcasting project for the classroom, with 29 teachers (reaching 2,330 students) registered for the D&M workshops.
Type of content: Radio Online In-person Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sherri Mancini, smancini@cinradio.org
WBGO Media Fellows
WBGO Newark Public Radio, Inc
Year submitted: 2019
WBGO Media Fellows is a paid fellowship program that opens the door for a public broadcasting employment experience members of our local community. Each year two students from Newark are given a "hands on" opportunity to be mentored by our station news team and our Jazz Night in America production team for 8 weeks during the summer. Fellows learn first hand everything from pro tools to podcasting; meeting etiquette to interviewing techniques. They have real time deliverables and are paid a realistic working wage.
Type of content: Radio Online Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Anna Irizarri , airizarri@wbgo.org
Curiosity Club
KUOW FM
Year submitted: 2019
KUOW's Curiosity Club is a nerdy supper club exploring the possibility that great food and compelling storytelling can turn a group of strangers into a community. Ten diverse community members, selected by an application process meet for a series of dinners. A month before each dinner, members are assigned five multimedia KUOW stories as “homework,” where the homework seeds the dinner conversations, which are both 1:1 and whole-group discussions. Afterwards, participants complete a survey, and some write thoughtful, surprising reflections posted to KUOW.org/curiosityclub.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kristin Leong, kleong@kuow.org
You Know The Place
KBSX Boise State Public Radio
Co-hosts Joel Wayne and Lacey Daley
Year submitted: 2019
You Know the Place (YKTP) is a podcast that examines the small local businesses most of us never enter or even notice. YKTP gos to the stores overlooked by any form of media to ask: What do you sell or make? Who’s your customer? How long have you been in business? How do you compete with Walmart and Amazon? Hosted by two local writers, YKTP will enter its fourth season with 18,000 loyal users and more than 33,000 regular downloads.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Lacey Daley, laceydaley@boisestate.edu
Strike a Chord
WFUV
Year submitted: 2019
Strike a Chord is a public service awareness campaign designed to draw attention to vital community issues in the New York area. WFUV has explored subjects ranging from veterans returning home to the healing power of the arts, sharing content through on-air public service announcements, news features, the WFUV e-newsletter, community events, and public affairs programming. Strike a Chord is produced in partnership with BronxNet Television, local cable access center.
Type of content: Radio TV In-person Podcast Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: George Bodarky, gbodarky@wfuv.org
Engage ICT
KMUW, Wichita's NPR station
Year submitted: 2019
Engage ICT is an ongoing community conversation project that has evolved into a popular monthly event that allows local citizens to explore the most important issues facing people in and around Wichita, Kansas. Launched with support from the Knight Foundation, Engage ICT has developed a multimedia format, including audio, video, audience interaction and refreshments. Engage ICT sessions are streamed via Facebook Live, giving those unable to physically attend a chance to join the conversation.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sarah Jane Crespo, crespo@kmuw.org
Bluegrass Monday
Mike Chojnacki, Mike's Music News
Breaking Grass performs at a Bluegrass Monday concert.
KASU, 91.9 FM and kasu.org, public radio
Year submitted: 2019
On the fourth Monday night of each month, KASU presents "Bluegrass Monday," a concert series in its 17th year, bringing professional bluegrass musicians to Paragould, Arkansas, for affordable, family-friendly concerts. Admission is always free. KASU feels presenting these concerts not only promotes its radio broadcasts of bluegrass music, but the concerts also help to promote the culture of the region that includes the nearby Ozark Mountains. All concerts are recorded for broadcast on KASU at a later date.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Marty Scarbrough, mscarbro@astate.edu
RadioActive Youth Media
KUOW 94.9 Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
RadioActive, now in its 16th year, is an award-winning youth journalism and radio storytelling workshop at KUOW. Last year RadioActive served 900 teenagers at 25 schools and community organizations. Teens apply for the program; once selected, they are paid for their 6-week session, as they study journalism, sound recording, editing, interviewing, script writing and speaking on the air. The initiative actively recruit participants who are underserved by high quality arts programs, including incarcerated youth, refugees youth, youth in low-income housing.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Lila Kitaeff, lila@kuow.org
Promise of Paradise: Back to the Land Oral Histories of Mendocino County
KZYX Mendocino County Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2019
“Promise of Paradise” is a sense of place interview series, launched in June 2018 at KZYX, with members of the “Back to the Earth” movement and their children about their lives and experiences of 20th century homesteaders who arrived in Mendocino County, California, as college-educated hippies were streaming away from the cities to rural areas to re-learn ancient homesteading skills and to reject the cultural norms of post-World War II America.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sarah Reith, sreith@kzyx.org
Student Phenology
KAXE/KBXE - Northern Community Radio
Year submitted: 2019
This program, aired Tuesday mornings to KAXE/KBXE, features local people from the KAXE region reporting on the biological events related to seasonal change throughout the calendar year. Host of “Phenology,” John Latimer, works with 15 different schools around the state to broadcast and podcast their nature reports once a week. Hearing kids voices just falling in love with nature brightens even a -40 degree Farenheit day in northern MN.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Heidi Holtan, heidi@kaxe.org
Wicked Good Festival
WERS
Year submitted: 2019
Today, WERS stands alone as Boston’s home for music discovery. A small but mighty staff of students and professionals carry the torch on the only radio station dedicated to featuring local artists. This is done on a daily basis through conscientious programming, but also through special features like “Wicked Local Wednesday.” In 2018, WERS launched its first (and totally free) Wicked Good Festival on Boston Common featuring a national touring act as well as local favorites.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kevin Cooney, Kevin_Cooney@emerson.edu
@myVPM on Instagram
VPM
Year submitted: 2019
VPM's Instagram is a social media strategy that provides a platform to highlight Virginians who educate, entertain and inspire. This strategy has manifest itself through quality and expressive portrait photography, intimate first-person story telling and remarkable community building. VPM's Instagram gained over 4,000 followers since taking on this strategy, increased our engagement and built new collaborations with local organizations.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Louise Keeton, lkeeton@vpm.org
Understanding 1898: America's Only Coup D'état
WHQR
Year submitted: 2019
On November 10, 1898, white supremacists forcefully removed black politicians from the Wilmington, DE city government, killing as many as 300 people in the nation’s only coup d’etat. WQHR's project documents that event, creating an educational resource for the community to explore an under-documented aspect of the city’s and nation's history. And interactive map follows the arc of the coup with historical photos, documents, and video interviews embedded at key points.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Rachel Lewis Hilburn, newsdirector@whqr.com
Remembering Flight 232-The Exchange
KWIT KOJI Siouxland Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
This program was remembrance of the valor of those who helped rescue victims of the crash of United Flight 232 in 1989 at the Sioux Gateway Airport. Also, it was a way to remember the 120 people who died in the crash.
Type of content: Radio Podcast In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Mary Hartnett, mhartnett@kwit.org
Radio Fest
WFCL 91Classical - Nashville Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Radio Fest is a showcase of local classical music in Nashville. For a full day in November, WFCL broadcasts a live performance every hour, on the hour. Leading up to each Radio Fest, the 91Classical team asks listeners to call in and tell them about particular pieces that are special to them and why.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kat Drinkwater, kat@wpln.org
Another Round
Boise State Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Another Round is a community engagement series that allows Boise Public Radio to get outside of the metro region and into areas of southern and central Idaho and eastern Oregon. Three out of four quarterly events take place outside of Boise. In each, the station learns about topics listeners would like to hear covered more on air. Boise Public Radio partners with a local brewery/restaurant/coffee shop and charge $5. Participants get a stainless steel NPR/BSPR logo's tumbler with a ticket redeemable for one free beer.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Bethany Taylor, bethanytaylor1@boisestate.edu
Hive
88.5 WFDD - Public Radio for the Piedmont
Year submitted: 2019
Hive is WFDD’s multi-tiered education program that, through storytelling, empowers young people (and some grown-ups!) to ask questions, think critically, and care about their community. It provides both content and revenue for WFDD. Though primarily youth-focused, Hive serves people ages 10 - 65+, through a variety of programs, including a summer student Radio Camp and Radio 101 classes embedded in local schools and colleges during the school year.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Gabriel Maisonnave, gabriel_maisonnave@wfu.edu
KVMR - Ready to Respond
KVMR - Nevada City Broadcast Group
Year submitted: 2019
In November of 2018, KVMR raised over $43,000 dollars in just one day for the survivors of the catastrophic Camp Fire in Paradise, CA located just an hour and a half away from the station. In addition to KVMR’s commitment to supporting their neighbors through efforts like this, the station is also the official Emergency Broadcaster in the region. During summer 2019, a team of 10 broadcasters were trained to take the lead in case of emergency.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Cynthia Tweed, development@kvmr.org
Young Artists Spotlight
KVPR - Valley Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Every spring, Valley Public Radio partners with local youth orchestras and symphony to host a 12-week-long series featuring live performances from talented student musicians from throughout the San Joaquin Valley. The performances are largely classical music,with some exceptions. Host David Aus interviews students in between their performances, and also serves as program producer. KVPR serves a wide and diverse region covering two markets (Fresno and Bakersfield) and Young Artists Spotlight is an opportunity to bring together our communities and celebrate the unique platform that Valley Public Radio brings our region.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joe Moore, jmoore@kvpr.org
Donate a Recorder
WDAV 89.9 Classical Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Donate a Recorder is a “give back” initiative that tackles a genuine need in our region while embracing the mission of WDAV – to build a community focused on classical music. Donate a Recorder combines fundraising, education, musical discovery and community engagement all in one initiative. When people make a membership gift on air or in renewal mailins, instead of receiving a CD, coffee mug, or baseball cap, they can choose the “Donate a Recorder” option as a benefit at the $100 level.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sarah Demarest and Kendra Intihar, sademarest@wdav.org
Delaware Public Media's Generation Voice Program
WDDE, Delaware Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
In partnership with two public high schools, Delaware Public Media’s Generation Voice program provides innovative career-building opportunities for students interested in digital media. Students work with professional journalists to learn the highest standards of news gathering and reporting. In the past year, participants have written and produced features on colorism, teen vaping, youth immigration, and gun violence; they produced creative storytelling podcasts and a series of parent/grandparent interviews done in the manner of the StoryCorps.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Tom Byrne, tbyrne@delawarepublic.org
Issues & Ale
Michigan Radio (WUOM)
Year submitted: 2019
Issues & Ale is Michigan Radio’s ongoing community engagement event series that provides people a chance to discuss important issues…in a fun, informal setting. The public is invited to learn more about a specific topic from a panel of experts and then join in with their questions and comments. Issues & Ale discussions are hosted by Michigan Radio on-air anchors or reporters, and held in brew pubs, sports bars and taverns across Michigan. These events are free and open to the public.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Steve Chrypinski, steveski@umich.edu
The Howl Story Slam
North Country Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Howl Story Slam is an on-going, live storytelling competition developed by North Country Public Radio to connect the people and communities of the “North County,” the area of New York State in and above the Adirondacks. Each event involves local businesses and community members, with much of the publicity driven by Facebook posts. Individual storytellers of all ages compete in local events with the winners of local story slams advancing to a “Grand Slam” finale. Audio and video of the slams are posted on NCPR.org.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Jessica Lawrence, jessica@ncpr.org
North Shore Morning — a community radio model
Rhonda Silence
Volunteers Roger, Jane and Eero assist with a "North Shore Morning" broadcast with producer CJ Heithoff behind the control board.
WTIP
Year submitted: 2019
North Shore Morning is a daily, two-hour morning news and information program that connects residents of remote Lake Superior communities with the people, culture and events of their region. Daily content includes live interviews, local news, weather updates, event announcements, music, school news, a daily Pop Quiz and features on the area’s arts, culture and history, all geared toward creating a sense of place and a spirit of community.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Matthew Brown, executive director, matthew@wtip.org
CoastLine - Beneath the Surface
WHQR
Year submitted: 2019
Beneath the Surface is a 12-month series on WHQR's locally produced program CoastLine focusing on civil discourse. Members of the community engage in a roundtable style conversation, one that is lively and respectful, and explores a range of topics. The program focuses on understanding how lived experiences shape people's views and, hopefully helps participants become better listeners who are more comfortable spending time with people with different perspectives.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Rachel Lewis Hilburn , newsdirector@whqr.org
Where Radio Is Real
WRIR 97.3 FM, Richmond Independent Radio
Year submitted: 2019
WRIR 97.3 FM, Richmond Independent Radio, Project ”Where Radio Is Real” addresses the lack of diversity of voices heard on Richmond’s public airwaves by giving the community themselves the tools and experience to share their own stories on the radio. WRIR show producers collaborated with local nonprofits that serve African-American youth, LGBTQ and teen girls to teach them the ins and out (and science!) of audio engineering, storytelling and sound art.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: C. Hull, admin@wrir.org
Valley Sounds
WLRH Huntsville Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
Valley Sounds is an all-local show featuring original music from classical to rap to punk to country to gospel to electronica and everything in between, all performed in the Tennessee Valley. Artists are encouraged to submit their recordings to Valley Sounds online or at an in-person meet and greets. The meet and greets, held at local bars and music venues, act as a community producers meeting, where musicians and fans can share ideas about the show.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Rebecca Goodwin, becca@wlrh.org
Time & Place
Courtesy of Special Collections, University of Nevada, Reno Libraries
The Reno Arch was erected in 1926 and remained in place until 1963. KUNR’s segment "Time & Place" has highlighted various topics about the history of Northern Nevada, including the evolution of Reno’s infamous arch.
KUNR
Year submitted: 2019
Time & Place is a regular segment on KUNR in which historian Alicia Barber presents narratives and voices from the past, focusing on the rich and diverse heritage of Northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra. Alicia has produced roughly 50 segments on a wide range of topics, including Reno's unique gambling and divorce industries, along with historical examination of how racism and sexism have shaped current civic life. Digital reporters from the University of Nevada's School of Journalism create audiograms of these stories for social media.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Michelle Billman, michelle@kunr.org
KASU Live Music in the Delta
Mike Chojnacki, Mike's Music News
Nancy Apple & Friends at a KASU Coffeehouse Concert.
KASU 91.9FM
Year submitted: 2019
KASU launched a free live local concert series in 1999, a time when the downtown of Jonesboro, Arkansas was dying. Teaming with local restaurants, featuring great bands who played for donations, these monthly concerts made a major contribution to the emerging downtown revitalization. The concert series expanded to rural Paragould, featuring bluegrass music - a celebration of the nearby Ozarks. And now to another town: Newport.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Mark Smith - Station Manager, msmith@astate.edu
Calendar Lore
KASU-FM
Year submitted: 2019
Since 1986, KASU volunteer and local folklorist Dr. Bill Clements has written and hosted programs of regional and international interest. The first collaboration, “Tradition,” is a weekly 30-minute program that teaches listeners about the wide diversity of American traditional music. “ Bill’s two-minute "Calendar Lore," started in 1990, highlights world cultures by focusing on different areas of folklore such as rituals and beliefs, food culture, and history that are tied to a specific date.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: June Taylor, jtaylor@astate.edu
Missouri Health Talks
KBIA
Year submitted: 2019
Missouri Health Talks is a conversation-based journalism project that shares Missourians’ stories about access to healthcare. Health Reporter Rebecca Smith travels throughout the state to network with community organizations, record conversations and edit them into four-minute pieces. The interactive Missouri Health Talks website enables visitors to find stories from their own communities. In the project's first two years, it has produced 79 original conversations, a rural community health resource fair, many live events, in-depth 30-minute specials broadcast on the local talk show, and a spin-off podcast.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Rebecca Smith, smithbecky@missouri.edu
Uncuffed
KALW
Year submitted: 2019
KALW teaches California prisoners how to conduct deep, personal interviews with other inmates, and craft them into sound-rich audio stories. The station donates computers, equipment, and software so that inmates can record and edit from inside. With funding from the California Arts Council, KALW engages inmates at Solano prison to conduct "StoryCorps"-style conversations. Over 60 pieces by incarcerated people have aired on KALW and in podcast players as "Uncuffed." The work has been life-changing for producers, prisoners and their families, and listeners say they are deeply moved.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Eli Wirtschafter, eli@kalw.org
Amplifier
Daniel Coston/WFAE
Jazz singer Emily Sage at the 2017 launch event for Amplifier, at Lunchbox Records in Charlotte, N.C.
WFAE 90.7 FM (Charlotte's NPR News Source)
Year submitted: 2019
Amplifier is a podcast that shines a light on Charlotte's local music scene. More than 500 musicians have submitted their songs and shared their experiences. Amplifier launched with 20 episodes in 20 days, and is now a biweekly podcast featuring award-winning jazz singers to emerging pop acts, DIY venue owners to established record producers and beyond. Amplifier was named Charlotte Magazine's "Best Podcast", and received a Webby Award for innovation in music/arts podcasting.
Type of content: Radio Online In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joni Deutsch, jdeutsch@wfae.org
Framed by WDET
WDET, Detroit’s NPR Station
Year submitted: 2019
Framed by WDET is a multimedia series that integrates photography and audio storytelling to present the authentic stories of Detroit’s ethnic and cultural communities on the radio, online, in a photobook, and at pop-up exhibitions in more than 20 art spaces in the Detroit region and beyond. Produced in collaboration with a community of Detroit-based photographers and storytellers, Framed empowers local residents to contribute to and inform the station's programming.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Courtney Hurtt, courtney.hurtt@wdet.org
Veterans Coming Home Finding What Works
KSFR
Year submitted: 2019
KSFR partnered with the New Mexico Department of Veteran Services, Santa Fe Community College Veteran’s Resource Center, Santa Fe Vet Center, Horses for Heroes-Cowboy Up! and veterans groups to report on post 9-11 veterans' re-entry into civilian life. The station helped organize a job fair for veterans that included screening the stories, speakers and entertainment for the veterans and their families. Over 300 people attended. This project was supported with funds from CPB.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Tazbah McCullah, tmccullah@ksfr.org
Freestyle Friday 2.0: Outta Da Basement
WRTI
Year submitted: 2019
From February through July 2019, WRTI invited residents of its North Philadelphia neighborhood to the station's studios for Freestyle Friday – weekly performances, recording sessions with local rappers, training on music production software, and screenings of an Emmy-nominated documentary called "Quest," a film that inspired this initiative These engagement events serve to bridge the community and the campus and heal a volatile relationship through the power of music.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Bill Johnson, bill@wrti.org
Youth Reporting Institute
WUNC
Year submitted: 2019
Each summer, WUNC hires a diverse team of high schoolers, gives them microphones and trains them to tell us stories about their community. It’s been a majority-minority reporting team in each of its 8 years. Youth Reporters are paid, and for many, this is their first job that doesn’t involve a deep-fat fryer or manual labor. WUNC staff host weekly career development sessions (with pizza and soda) to talk about working in public media. In 2018, youth produced stories about mass shootings, mental health, housing insecurity and why so many Hispanics in our community drop out of high school.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: David Brower, dbrower@wunc.org
American Homefront
An American Homefront reporter working in Puerto Rico with troops from Fort Bragg, N.C.
WUNC
Year submitted: 2019
American Homefront is a national/local collaborative reporting project focused on improving coverage of military and veterans issues. WIth support from CPB, WUNC's dedicated full-time reporter and full-time editor moderate a Slack channel and lead weekly calls with partner stations: KPCC (Los Angeles), Colorado Public Radio, Texas Public Radio (San Antonio) and WUSF (Tampa) WUNC's listening area includes Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune, two of the largest military installations. American Homefront has helped WUNC build relationships with those communities and host the station's first two engagement events in Fayetteville/Fort Bragg.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: David Brower, dbrower@wunc.org
Local Music Month
KKXT / North Texas Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2019
Triple A radio station KXT's Local Music Month introduces listeners to homegrown, regional acts by recognizing those artists who make North Texas so unique During Local Music Month (October), KXT highlights local music on the air and hosts a free Local Music Showcase, featuring a diverse lineup of live music from bands in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton. In 2018, over 800 people attended this celebration of the music scene in North Texas.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Amy Miller , amy@kxt.org
Future Jobs: Growing Our Region's Workforce
WQED
Year submitted: 2019
Future Jobs explores the employment careers/opportunities that are trending now and in the near future. Future Jobs helps job-seekers to discover new, promising career options as they start their job search, and raises awareness about the regional workforce development efforts already underway in the Pittsburgh region. Through documentaries, shareable digital shorts,, this multiplatform project delivers life-impacting information to the public—especially middle school students and teachers, targeting them at the right time of their lives.
Type of content: TV In-Person Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: David Solomon, dsolomon@wqed.org
Lost Coast Sessions: Word Humboldt
The lead singer of Object Heavy, Humboldt County's funk and soul kings.
KEET
Year submitted: 2019
In partnership with public radio KHSU, Public TV stations KEET developed a series showcasing local jazz and heavy metal bands, acapella groups ... and even a poetry slam. With a crew of 7, the stations taped the shows at a local theater, edited them into stand-alone half-hour episodes and broadcast the results. The series was designed to raise the profile of little-known bands, as well expand the audience for popular favorites.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Charity Grella, cgrella@keet-tv.org
Multimedia Utah Government Reporting Project
KUER Public Radio
Year submitted: 2019
45 Days is a multi-media reporting project that covers local government in Salt Lake and state government in Utah. The Utah Legislature meets for just 45 days each winter, hence the name. The project includes a “45-Days” podcast featuring behind-the-scenes analysis of the state Legislature, a “45-Days” e-newsletter, and eye-catching infographics that make it easy to compare candidates, propositions and bills. Our project team won a regional Murrow Award for web content in 2019 and will participate in the national Murrow contest this fall.
Type of content: Radio Online Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Renee Bright, rbright@kuer.org
"I just want to testify..."
KTWU
Year submitted: 2019
To celebrate the 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, PBS in Topeka created this two-hour community conversation with students and teachers from the segregation era. Shot in a modern-day Cinema Verite’ style on a single day in 2019, students and teachers from the four segregated Black schools in Topeka talked about their lives prior to and after integration. The five-part series included: Growing up in Topeka’s Black Community; Family, Friends, Neighbors; School and You (Segregation); School and You (Integration); and After-effects (outcomes, impact).
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Eugene Williams, eugene.williams@washburn.edu
PBS KIDS Computer Coding in the Classroom Project
WQPT - PBS for the Quad Cities Region
Year submitted: 2019
This computer coding (programming) in the Classroom Project teaches children in grades K-3 – and their teachers - the skills necessary to write, read and create stories using computer coding. In just two years, WQPT has delivered 225 minutes of coding instruction to more than 1,000 students in partner classrooms through a series of five lessons each - and the entire project is funded by individual donors, foundations, and school districts.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Michael Carton, mt-carton@wiu.edu
Iowa Land and Sky
Iowa PBS
Year submitted: 2019
Iowa PBS' Iowa Land and Sky project provides general and classroom audiences with a unique perspective of the state's geology, biodiversity and environmental issues. Through short video stories, online experiences, classroom resources and social media conversations, this initiative has helped Iowans better appreciate the ecological and geological diversity of the state, and the impacts of climate change, by successfully creating high-quality resources and engaging general and educational audiences in this content.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Ken Harrison, ken.harrison@iowapbs.org
The Slice
WDSE•WRPT, Duluth-Superior Area Educational Television Corporation
Year submitted: 2019
The Slice is a digital project from WDSE, Duluth, MN, that reflects the unique character, events, and experiences found in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Episodes of The Slice are often captured while gathering b-roll for other local programming. The format allows snippets of video to be shared at appropriate lengths for social media consumption. The most popular clips of the month are sent to members and supporters through the monthly e-newsletter.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Katie Jacobson, kjacobson@wdse.org
Joe Bee Xiong: War to Peace
WPT, Wisconsin Public Television
Year submitted: 2019
Launched in February 2019 as part of Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Eau Claire, "Joe Bee Xiong: War to Peace" explores Hmong-American history with student-focused educational resources created to help fill the Hmong history gap in Wisconsin classrooms. This project includes an animation illustrated in the artistic style of a traditional Hmong story cloth, narrated in both Hmong and English and downloadable, printable and electronic biographies written at three reading levels in English and Hmong.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Cait Christenson, clchristenso@wisc.edu
Chasing the Dream: Poverty and Opportunity in America
WLIW
Year submitted: 2019
Over 40.6 million Americans are living below the poverty line, including 13.3 million children. Chasing the Dream’s reporting, part of WLIW's program called "Metro Focus,” the problems of economic and structural inequities informed by issues of race, age and class, and looks at solutions – what has worked and is working — to bring people out of poverty in the greater NYC area.
Type of content: TV In-person Podcast
Type of organization: TV
Contact: David Brown, brownd@metrofocus.org
Peril & Promise
WNET
Year submitted: 2019
Peril and Promise: The Challenge of Climate Change is a public media initiative from WNET in New York reporting on the human impact of climate change, designed to provide context, scientifically sound information, and fact-based journalism to audiences across every platform of public media. It also focuses on stories of exciting new frontiers of scientific innovation in resilience, mitigation, and clean energy.
Type of content: TV Podcast Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: David Brown, brownd@thirteen.org
Native American Classroom Resources
PBS Utah
Year submitted: 2019
PBS Utah hosted a training for 47 Utah educators on Native American classroom resources available from PBS Utah and PBS LearningMedia. PBS Utah collaborated with professors from Westminster College and Native educators from Provo School District’s Title VI program to expand cultural literacy, share expertise on indigenous texts and strategies for creating culturally sustaining curriculum for the classroom. PBS Utah's Battle Over Bears Ears documentary was used as an example.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Elise Brimhall, ebrimhall@kued.org
PBS39 Kids Summer Series/TeleBear's Summer Jam
PBS39
Year submitted: 2019
The PBS39 Kids Summer Series featured free educational activities for children including music, stories and crafts at PBS39's studios during June and July 2019. TeleBear's Summer Jam, part of the longstanding annual, regional Musikfest, was an extension of the series and featured free performances with nationally-acclaimed 'Kindie' musicians (independent artists who perform for children).
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Catherine Reifsnyder , catheriner@wlvt.org
KNPB Education Services
KNPB Channel 5 Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2019
KNPB Education Services program has brought over 2,900 STEAM-related workshops to classrooms across five northern Nevada counties These "lessons in a box" incorporate PBS Kids videos, supplement current curriculum, and meet Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Completely grant and community-funded, teachers can choose from 69 different lesson plans ranging from preschool to fourth grade.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Joy Foremaster, readytolearn@knpb.org
ART IS
Twin Cities PBS/KTCA
Year submitted: 2019
Twin Cities PBS (TPT)’s groundbreaking multi-platform arts program, ART IS, elevates renowned Minnesota artists of color who pick three up-and-coming artists – across any genre – and develop a series of media and public events. Over a 9-month period, TPT and artists co-create powerful short digital films that provide context and visibility for the artists’ work, enhanced by a series of public events in TPT's studios that engage local audiences in new ways and help sustain and evolve our vibrant local artistic community.
Type of content: TV In-person Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kate McDonald, kmcdonald@tpt.org
One Greater Minnesota
Twin Cities PBS
Year submitted: 2019
Twin Cities PBS (TPT) launched the multi-year reporting initiative, One Greater Minnesota, to engage a broad, statewide audience in learning more about the many ways Minnesota communities are interconnected. Since its on-air launch, OGM has produced a total of 140 pieces for digital and statewide broadcast distribution – including full-length video reports, written articles, social media posts, and more. Segments online, on-air, and public forums foster civic participation, cultivate a more respectful civic environment, and aim to enhance public media programming in Minnesota.
Type of content: TV In-person Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kaomi Goetz, Greater Minnesota Reporter, Almanac, Twin Cities PBS, kgoetz@tpt.org
Maryland Summer of Space
MPT Maryland Public Television
Year submitted: 2019
MPT's Digital Studios partnered with the local NASA Goddard campus to create four digital shorts about Maryland's contributions to space research, as part of the PBS Summer of Space programming, MPT held a public screening at the Old Greenbelt Theatre. The station’s digital team worked at Goddard's social media staff to orchestrate cross-posting; NASA promoted the series to their 1.2 million on Facebook fans, and 543 thousand on Twitter contacts, resulting in 13,000 Facebook video plays.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Amy Oden, amyoden@gmail.com
Battling Opioids
Pennsylvania Public Media
Year submitted: 2019
Seven Pennsylvania Public Media stations (WHYY, WITF, WLVT/PBS39, WPSU, WQED, WQLN, and WVIA) developed a collaborative programming and online media effort focused on the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania with the goals of increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and helping affected people find treatment. This state-wide project included long-form documentaries, online features, educational interstitials, and strong social media support. Battling Opioids helped to direct more than 23,000 calls to the state helpline since the project started by highlighting the phone number at every touchpoint.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Mindy Cronk, mindycronk@wvia.org
TPToriginals.org
KTCA-KTCI Twin Cities PBS (TPT)
Year submitted: 2019
Twin Cities PBS put a stake in the ground with the launch of TPToriginals.org. The site showcases the station's extensive library of local productions. It also serves as a learning laboratory for developing digital-first, short-form video storytelling aimed at engaging Minnesota audiences that may not see themselves or their communities reflected in broadcast programming. The site provides a steady stream of local content that triggers pride of place, shares and challenges viewers' perspectives on what it means to call this state home.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Jess Bellville, jbellville@tpt.org
Special Needs Resource Library
Vegas PBS, KLVX
Year submitted: 2019
The Vegas PBS Special Needs Resource Library is a free-loan educational media library for Nevada citizens with special needs. Hearing- and visually-impaired residents can check out media with closed captions or descriptive voice-overs. Vegas PBS offers structured play groups for children with special needs ages two to four and their caregivers, conducted in an accessible children’s area within the library. The station provides educational games and activities that parents, teachers and other professionals find vital for teaching children with unique learning challenges.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Dr. Niki Bates, nbates@vegaspbs.org
Say Something! Youth Voices
Public Media Network
Year submitted: 2019
Public Media Network (PMN) is a Public, Education, and Government (PEG) media arts organization founded to serve five Michigan towns: the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, Comstock Township, and the City of Parchment. Say Something: Youth Voices provides area young residents access to training, equipment loans, media production facilities, programming distribution, and vocational instruction in media production to local high schools. PMN also operates WKDS 89.9 FM, a 100-watt FM non-commercial/educational radio station licensed to the Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Sonya Bernard-Hollins, sbhollins@publicmedianet.org
Storytime in the Commons
KETC
Year submitted: 2019
Storytime in the Commons is Nine Network’s successful response to PBS's national commitment to kindergarten readiness and the literacy needs expressed by the local community. The community educational experience has seen tremendous growth in diversity of attendees and funders. Activities at Storytime include reading stories (including one story in Spanish), photo ops with PBS KIDS® characters and the Delta Dental Tooth Fairy and Tooth Wizard, games that help children grow, like building blocks, visits from the St. Louis Fire Department, Republic Services recycling, and the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Healthy Kids Corner.
Type of content: TV In-person Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Angie Carr, acarr@ketc.org
KIDS Clubhouse Adventures
Iowa Public Television
Year submitted: 2019
Launched in 2016, KIDS Clubhouse Adventures (KCA) is a multimedia learning experience that engages Iowa children ages three through nine and inspires them to go outside and play, use their imagination, read good books and eat healthy foods. KCA includes a series of locally-hosted 30-minute TV shows, a platform that allows viewers to tell their own stories, and a "Reading Road Trip," a community outreach initiative that promotes summer reading and libraries year-round.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Dan Wardell, dan.wardell@iptv.org
Homework Hotline
KEET
Year submitted: 2019
Homework Hotline is a live science and math program that helps students with homework questions, and showcases the projects that young scientists are working on. Teachers on Homework Hotline excel at explaining difficult math problems in real time to students, including those who may be too shy to ask questions in the classroom. Homework Hotline also trains local college and high school students in television production.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: c grella, cgrella@keet-tv.org
The Eva Project
Eva Kor and students at a screening of "Eva: A-7063" Sept. 17, 2018, at Newfields, the Indianapolis Art Museum.
WFYI
Year submitted: 2019
"Eva: A-7063" is WFYI's documentary about local Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor, who at age 10 was a victim of medical experimentation by Nazi "doctor" Josef Mengele. Kor later chose to forgive (not forget) to release her pain and anger, and promote global heaing. WFYI co-hosted over 70 screenings in partnership with the Jewish Community Center, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Heartland Film Festival, Indiana History Center, Indianapolis 500 Festival, Indiana State Fair and many others. WFYI distributed to over 300 schools an Eva Educational Toolkit with 12 lessons plans about empathy, respect and acceptance; and produced the Eva Virtual Reality Traveling Exhibit, which allows students to immmersively experience Eva's group tours of Auschwitz. Eva Kor died in 2019.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Jessica Chapman, jchapman@wfyi.org
KPNB Education Services Ready to Learn
KNPB
Year submitted: 2019
KNPB significantly expanded its Ready to Learn workshops, Writers Contest, and Martha Speaks Reading Buddies Program in 2018-2019. The station held nearly 2,970 RTL workshops with videos, read-alouds and hands-on activities for 57,446 students Nearly 25,000 books were distributed to children. The Writers Contest attracted 2634 entries and the winners are featured in videos on KNPB's website along with their stories; their books are displayed at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport throughout the summer.
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Nancy Maldonado, megan@knpb.org
The Next Louisville
Kertis Creative
Louisville Public Media
Year submitted: 2017
In 2013, Louisville Public Media launched The Next Louisville, a reporting initiative with the goal of providing ongoing access to in-depth journalism surrounding an important topic in our community and to invite grassroots participation to find creative solutions to community challenges. We select a new topic for each year-long cycle. Now in our third year we have explored race, ethnicity and culture, and how they intersect with the news and community affairs. Previous topics have included education and health.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Stephen George, sgeorge@louisvillepublicmedia.org, (502) 814-6500
Boundary Stones Local History Blog
WETA TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
WETA launched Boundary Stones Local History Blog in 2012 to dig up interesting stories from the community past. To date, over 400 articles have been posted on a variety of DC-area history topics including politics, music, pop culture, crime, sports, and weather. Pieces are promoted via the station's Facebook and Twitter accounts where they are routinely among the most popular. The station also has a dedicated Boundary Stones Twitter account to discuss the articles and engage around local history topics.
Type of content: Online TV Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mark Jones, mjones@weta.org, (703) 998-2019
Women and Depression
Connecticut Health Investigative Team
Year submitted: 2018
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and affects women at about twice the rate that it does men. The Connecticut Health I-Team dove deep into the data about women and depression and interviewed doctors, psychologists and women suffering from depression. The result was two 20-minute podcasts on women and depression, and stories that accompanied them. The stories were featured on C-HIT's website and published by C-HIT's 16 media partners.
Type of content: Podcast
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Bonnie S. Phillips, bonnip8@gmail.com, (860) 209-8158
Poetry Sunday
WCAI-FM
Year submitted: 2017
At our monthly meet-ups, we heard requests from local poets for a voice on our air. In response, we created Poetry Sunday, where a local poet reads a poem in a cutaway. Twice a year we ask for submissions sent by email or recorded on our "poetry hotline." A panel of local poets selects the works for broadcast. Poetry Sunday is in the top 5 on-demand pieces each week. It's a simple way to "localize" and serve a deeply-committed following.
Type of content: Radio Podcast Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Steve Junker, steve_junker@capeandislands.org, (508) 524-9187
City Limits: A Poverty Project
WAER
WAER
Year submitted: 2018
A year-long podcast journalism project that examines the rising poverty rate in Syracuse, NY.
Type of content: Podcast Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joe Lee, jblee01@syr.edu, (315) 443-5239
Performance Rochester
WXXI TV/AM/FM
Year submitted: 2017
For two years WXXI Classical has presented Performance Rochester. During April, the station broadcasts live performances of local groups recorded in local concert halls or at WXXI, highlighting one group performance each day. Many ensembles are involved and the music covers all time periods and a variety of instrumentation and voices. WXXI's lists all pieces on its website with links to pages with more detail and podcasts of each piece. Social media is used to promote the initiative.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Ruth Phinney, rphinney@wxxi.org, (585) 258-0332
Columbus Neighborhoods
WOSU Public Media
Year submitted: 2017
Columbus Neighborhoods is a multi-platform project that originally produced 12 one-hour historical-cultural TV documentaries. It is now a magazine-type weekly primetime 30 min TV series with a robust digital presence. The project has high local recognition and is now partnering with WOSU's radio news operation on a series about Vietnam vets and another about the wealth disparity in Columbus. The video segments are evolving from pure history to history as context for serious local issues.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Tom Rieland or Brent Davis, tom.rieland@wosu.org, (614) 247-6109
Food Traditions
WPT
Year submitted: 2018
A collaborative project between WPT and WPR, Food Traditions explores expressions of identity through food. From the Mississippi River to lake Michigan, the Apostle Islands to Beloit, we learn about ingredients Wisconsinites choose to grow, collect, use and leave out, how they prepare a dish, whom they share it with and how these traditions construct their sense of identity. This project explores underrepresented identities, touching on topics like family tradition, food sovereignty, assimilation, integration, community building, health, immigration and sustainability.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kelly Saran, kelly.saran@wpt.org
Fire Tracker App
KPCC
Year submitted: 2017
Fire Tracker, KPCC's tool for following & researching California wildfires, contains fire information displayed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection — also known as CalFire — which protects more than 31 million acres of California's privately-owned wildlands and provides emergency services in 36 of the State's 58 counties.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kristen Muller, kmuller@scpr.org
Parent Engagement App Hackathon
WGBH TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
Over an intensive two-days in November 2016 WGBH welcomed parents, early childhood educators, librarians, pediatricians, designers, and developers to brainstorm apps that parents could use with their children. Working teams focused on apps for family health and wellness. Outcome ideas, included Lil Chef that involves children in cooking and mealtime prep, and, Arthur Out Loud that allows children to practice speaking aloud by themselves or with others using ARTHUR characters as their avatars.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mary Haggerty and Jillian Orr, mary_haggerty@wgbh.org, jillian_orr@wgbh.org, (617) 300-4299
Grace Weber's Music Lab (2017 Finalist)
Dave Grosse
Producer Peter CottonTale gives feedback on students' samples at a Music Lab event in October 2017.
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Year submitted: 2017
Grace Weber, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter hosts a monthly session – Grace Weber's Music Lab — where she invites local high school musicians to perform in an “open-mic” setting. In addition, a professional musician or entertainment industry guest shares professional advice and critiques the students' performances. Each session includes an educational module, guest interview, and student performances. Read Current's story.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Glenn Kleiman, glenn@radiomilwaukee.org, (414) 520-4001
Troubled Waters
Great Lakes RJC
Year submitted: 2017
Troubled Waters is a reporting initiative that examined the impact of President Trump's proposed budget cuts on the Great Lakes including his proposal to eliminate a $300 million restoration fund. To stretch the resources of Great Lakes Today, whose reporters are based in New York and Ohio, the RJC partnered with public radio stations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The result: a five-part radio series (run June 12-16) that highlighted threatened projects on each of the five Great Lakes.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Dave Rosenthal, drosenthal@wbfo.org, (410) 979-2341
Voices of Veterans
Photo provided by Nathan Blaesing
Nathan Blaesing of Iowa City, Iowa, beside his Blackhawk helicopter in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, while serving a year there in the Army National Guard after his 2004 deployment. Blaesing told about his deployment during an IowaWatch live storytelling event, "Roll Call: Veterans Tell Their True Stories," in November 2017.
IowaWatch.org
Year submitted: 2018
IowaWatch.org sought out veterans in 2017 with two simple questions: What should Iowans know about being a veteran, and what could Iowans do to show their support? We answered these questions by going to veterans at places where their service is noted publicly, producing radio reports distributed statewide on a network of 19 stations, producing written stories distributed statewide, hosting a live storytelling event where five selected veterans shared about their lives, and recruiting partners to help spread these stories.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Lyle Muller, lyle-muller@iowawatch.org, 319-389-4477
Coverage of Opioid Crisis
WCVE-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Starting in January 2016, our station began looking in to the Opioid crisis in our local area and across Virginia. We involved a wide range of local organizations to expand our understanding of the breadth of the story. We came up with five stories from five reporters, broadcast over five days with extensive digital material each day.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Bill Miller, bmiller@ideastations.org
My Neighborhood
WTTW-TV
Year submitted: 2017
In a year-long initiative, WTTW/Chicago PBS explored the intricacies, challenges, and voices of the local Pilsen community. It aired as a 60-min. documentary, followed by a live town hall, produced in collaboration with Univision Chicago. After the premiere, WTTW hosted a series of events across Chicago and partnered with the Chicago Public Schools to host a video production workshop for high school students to produce short documentaries about their neighborhood experiences. The project will culminate in a youth film festival.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Anne Gleason, agleason@wttw.com, (773) 509-5554
Move To Include: It's Up to You
WXXI TV/AM/FM
Year submitted: 2017
A partnership between WXXI and the Golisano Foundation to promote inclusion for people with intellectual and physical disabilities in all aspect of community life. As a result of this project, the news department has developed an inclusion beat — the Inclusion Desk — that will develop stories of inclusiveness to be broadly shared. Partnerships include local universities, museums, educators, and major local foundations.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Elissa Orlando, eorlando@wxxi.org
Measuring Pesticide Drift In Central Illinois
Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting Inc.
Year submitted: 2018
The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting used a sensor-journalism project to better connect with its audiences in small rural communities and help explore an issue of concern to these communities. Through a partnership with Illinois Humanities, our engagement fellow at the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting reached out to several agriculture communities in Central Illinois to help us measure and report on pesticide drift using passive air samplers during the 2018 growing season.
Type of content: Radio Online In-person
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Pam Dempsey, pamelagdempsey@investigatemidwest.org, (505) 409-7070
Who Guards the Guardians? A Town Hall Forum
KANW-FM
Year submitted: 2017
A town hall forum co-sponsored by KANW, the Albuquerque Journal and City of Albuquerque Dept. of Senior Affairs. The project emerged from an Albuquerque Journal series by reporter Diane Dimond on New Mexico's court-monitored guardianship program for senior citizens. The resulting Town Hall Forum was held in the Journal auditorium and broadcast live. Issues included the lack of transparency in the legal system and insufficient process of managing the costs of court-appointed advisors.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Michael Brasher, brasher@aps.edu, (505) 242-7163
KCUR's Community Focus
KCUR-FM
Year submitted: 2017
After the 2016 election, we focused on KC exurbs, looking for issues that don't surface in KC. Led by our community engagement team we went to Atchison, Kansas, to develop an hour-long show. That content also became two local Morning Edition stories, several digital stories and a shorter podcast for KCUR's series Midwesternish. This content approached the town from a hard news perspective as well as character-driven stories that appealed to both listeners in Atchison and the Kansas City metro.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sylvia Maria Gross, sylvia@kcur.org, (916) 235-6696
KFAI English Language Somali Community Programming
KFAI-FM
Year submitted: 2017
In January of 2017 KFAI began carrying an English language Somali-American weekly radio program to connect our New American neighbors with greater Minnesota to promote understanding and acceptance. We reached out to a local community leader with media experience and strong community connections to host this program that we produce with the help of staff and volunteers.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Leah Honsky, lhonsky@kfai.org, 612-341-3144, x23
School of Jazz
KNKX 88.5 FM
Year submitted: 2017
School of Jazz has existed for 12 years. Each year we select a dozen middle/high school jazz bands. We pair each band with a local music professional. We host a live studio recording session with a videographer, photographer, and post taping production. The video is posted on our YouTube Channel. Some student become guest DJ's. We include SOJ stories in our news programs. This year we followed three students as they performed at the Essentially Ellington Competition in New York.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Brenda Goldstein-Young, brenda@knkx.org, (206) 922-1027
Community Driven
Ozarks Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
As a public radio station, we understand it's important for the voice of our audience to be reflected in our programming. This spring we began touring our listening region to inform our citizens of who we are, what services we offer and to seek feedback on how we can improve. During these sessions, we pose 3 questions for our participants: What content drives you, what gives you pause, and what do you love about the Ozarks?
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Scott Harvey, scott@ksmu.org, (417) 836-4751
ATXplained
KUT-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Every day at KUT, we try to think about what you want to know. That's what drives the decisions we make about the stories we tell. But we wanted to try an experiment to bring you, the audience, closer to the news and storytelling we do at KUT. So, we're starting a project called ATXplained. The project starts with a simple question: What are you curious about?
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Matt Largey, mlargey@kut.org
Get Involved
KUT-FM
Year submitted: 2017
KUT launched its Get Involved series in 2006, spotlighting a different volunteer-based local non-profit organization every month. For a full week, the station regularly airs a two-minute radio spot that features the local non-profit's employees, volunteers, and recipients talking about their organization. In addition, on its website KUT posts information supplied by the non-profit, links to their websites, contact information, streaming audio of the radio feature, and, when possible a specially produced video feature.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Michael Lee, mlee@kut.org, (512) 471-4683
KUTX Live at Mueller
KUTX-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, most live music happens after-hours in nightclubs, inaccessible for many parents with small children. We created KUTX Live at Mueller, a monthly, free, Friday evening, family-friendly outdoor music series. Each event has two acts — a kid friendly band and a second act geared to the grown-ups. Attendees enjoy food trucks, beverage samples, face-painting and more. The events attract 800-1400 attendees with the whole evening wrapping up before bedtime.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Jacquie Fuller, jfuller@kutx.org, (512) 496-3029
KVNF Field Sessions
North Fork VallePublic Radio
Year submitted: 2017
KVNF teamed up with Lost Cabin Productions (a local video production company) to create a series of videos featuring top notch visiting and local musicians performing live sets in unique western Colorado locations near KVNF's home town of Paonia. These video pieces — dubbed KVNF Field Sessions — are available for streaming or download on-line at the station's website and on the station's YouTube channel.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Ali Lightfoot, ali@kvnf.org, (970) 527-4866
Outdoorsy Podcast
Valley Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Fresno is one hour from Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks other destinations in the Sierra Nevadas. We created Outdoorsy to tell stories about the people, places and activities that make our area unique. We provide tips picking a backpack or selecting a new trail to hike. We highlight special places on the road to the mountains. Started last fall, we produced seven episodes, 15-20 minutes in length, with field audio and interviews, studio conversations and host exchanges.
Type of content: Podcast Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joe Moore, jmoore@kvpr.org, (559) 862-2481
Struggling For Care: Stories of the San Joaquin Valley's Doctor Shortage
KVPR
Year submitted: 2018
Valley Public Radio's Kerry Klein produced a reporting and community engagement project on the severe shortage of doctors in the San Joaquin Valley. It included four in-depth reports, a public forum event held at the radio station, and an online interactive map featuring listener stories dealing with the San Joaquin Valley's shortage of health care providers.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joe Moore, jmoore@kvpr.org, 559-862-2481
Ode: Stories Without Borders (2017 Winner)
Ally Karsyn
Mahamud Osman, a Somali refugee, speaks during "Ode: Stories without Borders," an event that featured the stories of immigrants.
Siouxland Public Media Radio: KWIT-KOJI Siouxland Public Media
Year submitted: 2017
Ode is a bimonthly, live storytelling event developed to reflect our community's economic engine, which has been the meat industry. This relatively high paying/low skill work has drawn immigrants from Latvia, Poland, Germany, Ireland, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Ethiopia, Somalia, etc. For this event – Stories Without Borders – we teamed up with two other nonprofit organizations. We presented six storytellers in a step toward a better future, encouraging awareness, connection, and a celebration of our community's true story. Read Current's story.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Mark Munger, mark.munger@witcc.edu, 712-274-8733, x1318
Epicenter
KWMR-FM
Year submitted: 2017
KWMR is a rural station on a shoestring budget. We've tried to support a news producer. The person would burn out and give up. So, we formed a team of programmers that rotate through a strip Monday – Thursday programming to cover local stories, called Epicenter. This allows us to offer more news in a signature program strip. Team members focus on different beats: children and social services, the environment and local and regional planning, emergency services and local politics.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Amanda Eichstaedt, amanda@kwmr.org, 415-663-8068, x104
Youth DJ Project
KWMR-FM
Year submitted: 2017
KWMR improved and expanded its Youth DJ program that existed, off and on, for many years. A summer intern updated all the materials and distributed materials to all area high schools. Supported by an AIR grant, we met with the regional youth centers. Now we now devote two to three hours per week of air time for the Youth DJ Project. Several Youth DJs used our program to fulfilled school internships or community service requirements. The program continues to thrive.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Amanda Eichstaedt, amanda@kwmr.org, 415-663-8068, x104
In the Moment
South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
When our long-time classical music retired, we rearranged our schedule and created In the Moment, a daily news and culture magazine program...."[with] a rooted sense of place, and that place is South Dakota. In the Moment features authentic conversations with news makers, scholars, artists, and everyday South Dakotans. We bring you world-class radio storytelling featuring the highest journalistic integrity."
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Cara Hetland, cara.hetland@cdpb.org
MPR News Somali
KNOW — Minnesota Public Radio News
Year submitted: 2018
MPR News Somali is a partnership between the BBC World Service and MPR that provides international, national and regional news in Somali to meet the information needs of the local Minnesota Somali community. The Twin Cities is home to the largest Somali population outside of Somalia.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Michael Olson, molson@mpr.org, 512-507-9509
Music that Moves Me
Maine Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
Each weekday in June we post a new audio diary, as it is aired on Maine Public Radio and Maine Public Classical, with listeners sharing their passion and love for a particular piece of music that has affected them. It's a powerful reminder of the role music plays in all our lives.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Charles Beck, cbeck@mpbn.net
Movers & Thinkers
Nashville Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
In front of a live audience in our studio we conduct an interview with three creative, influential Nashvillians from different fields using a common theme. For example, in a theme about investigators, we included an investigative reporter, a private eye, and a disease detective. Following the taping, we serve refreshments and provide an opportunity to meet our guests. We edit each interview session into a 25-minute podcast and a few short radio pieces, garnering as many as 80,000 downloads.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Emily Siner, esiner@wpln.org, (615) 760-2028
WGBH Makes Video Captioning Accessible and Affordable with Free Software Innovation
WGBH TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) at WGBH has developed free downloadable captioning software, the Caption and Description Editing Tool (CADET), which they unveiled to the public on May 11, 2017. The new tool, funded in part by a grant from the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General allows users to affordably produce high-quality caption files that are compatible with any media player that supports the display of captions and any web browser.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Ellen London, ellen_london@wgbh.org, (617) 300-3904
Words in Transit
New England Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
New England Public Radio and Amherst College's Copeland Colloquium have collected the personal stories of nearly 30 people from around the world who have made their new home in western New England. Traversing continents and cultures, the project illuminates the many pathways leading to our small corner of the globe, and explores the shared experience among those seeking a new life in a foreign land.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: John Voci, johnvoci@nepr.net
On the Road with NET
NET Nebraska
Year submitted: 2018
Nebraska is a big state with more than 77,000 square miles, driving from end to end takes nearly 9 hours. NET is a statewide joint licensee so it's a bit daunting to try to connect face to face with our various audiences. In the summer of 2016 we started a station-wide initiative where we take NET "On the Road" in the spring and fall of each year with PBS kids screenings/activities, radio show, television screenings and town talks.
Type of content: TV Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Debbie Hamlett, dhamlett@netNebraska.org, 402-470-6380
WABE Civic Engagement and Policy Education Events
Public Broadcasting Atlanta
Year submitted: 2017
Atlanta, PBA has launched a year-long series of community events focused on civic engagement and policy education with a secondary goal of enticing a younger, more diverse audience into political involvement. PBA plans to develop community conversations on Governance & Politics, Education, Health and Healthcare, Gentrification & Income inequality, Environmental Sustainability & Conservation, and Diversity in Arts & Culture. Each of the events will be recorded for broadcast on either the radio, TV or web.
Type of content: Radio TV In-person Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Leah-Lane Lowe, llowe@pba.org, (678) 686-0305
Two Georgias Health Desk at WABE
Public Broadcasting Atlanta
Year submitted: 2017
In early 2017 WABE launched a dedicated news desk – WABE Health – focused on health reporting. Content includes significant local coverage produced by the health desk staff in addition to national- international stories. Content is posted on the station's website and selected pieces are aired on the radio and TV platforms. A future radio documentary is in the planning stage and will be presented in conjunction with a major community engagement event to further outreach and promotion efforts.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Leah-Lane Lowe, llowe@pba.org, (678) 686-0305
Boston Public Radio
WGBH TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
Join hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan on Boston Public Radio for smart local conversation with leaders and thinkers shaping Boston. A 3 hour daily, local talk show that provides a "town square" for Boston and surrounding communities. Ask the Governor, Ask the Mayor, Ask the Police Chief. Combines Local and National Topics, phones, regular guests, news quiz… sounds like no other public radio show, consistently #1 in market
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Phil Redo, Phil_Redo@wgbh.org
Summer of Music
WNIN Tri State Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
"Summer of Music" provides live, musical programming via WNIN FM from four, local music festivals staged in our listening area during the summer. Then, during Labor Day weekend WNIN FM airs taped compilations of each music festival across each evening of the holiday weekend under the banner "Summer of Music".
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Tim Black, tblack@wnin.org, (812) 423-2973
Podcast Party
Nashville Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
Podcast Party is a live event that brings together several of our station's podcasts. For one evening, our listeners can see their favorite podcast hosts, and get a new perspective of some of their favorite stories. Over the course of two hours, the event is a multi-act showcase of our podcasts in new, creative, whimsical, and thought-provoking interpretations. This includes a live musical performance, a short exercise break, and a puppet show version of an episode of Curious Nashville.
Type of content: In-person Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Emily Siner, esiner@wpln.org, 615-760-2028
Versify Podcast & Community Events
Nashville Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
“Versify” podcast is part storytelling and part poetry. It begins by sending a team of poets and producers out into local neighborhoods and community events, where people are invited to share a story from their life with one of the Versify contracted poets, who immediately turn it into a poem on the spot. This one-on-one session creates a powerful experience for the storyteller. All aspects of this interaction, including the finished poetry piece, are recorded, edited, and produced.
Type of content: Podcast Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joshua Moore, joshuakarunwi@gmail.com, 615-760-2903
WUWM/Precious Lives
WUWM-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Precious Lives is a multiplatform civic engagement project that examines the crisis of gun violence among young people in the Milwaukee area. Over its two-year life, it aspires to “open conversations” between individuals, organizations and community constituencies. Partners include 371 Productions; public radio's WUWM-FM; WNOV-AM, a black community-oriented commercial station; the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; and the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism.
Type of content: Radio Online In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Dave Edwards, dedwards@wuwm.org
Public Media Commons
Nine Network St. Louis
Year submitted: 2017
The Public Media Commons, as a space, acts as a catalyst for community engagement. In 2011, it was conceived as a unique venue for public engagement located between two public media organizations. It was envisioned as a place for exercising democracy through debate, conversation, the arts, digital content and more. The unique, communal, non-commercial gathering place was completed in 2014 through a partnership between the Nine Network, St. Louis Public Radio, Grand Center, Inc. and community funders.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kyle Fiehler, kfiehler@ketc.org, (314) 512-9137
Curious Cbus
WOSU TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
A Hearken Project exploring a deeper partnership with the local daily newspaper (under new ownership). "Are you curious about Columbus? Find yourself asking questions about the city, the region or the people of central Ohio? Then submit your question to Curious Cbus and we'll work on getting answers, together, through the resources of 89.7 NPR News, WOSU TV, Classical 101, and the WOSU Digital Media teams."
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mike Thompson, mike.thompson@wosu.org
This I Believe
WPSU TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
A locally produced community commentary series. "Tell us the personal philosophy and core values that guide your daily life, and hear stories from others.” This I Believe is based on the 1950s radio program of the same name and the media project (launched in 2005) from This I Believe, Inc. and Atlantic Public Media. WPSU-FM invites you, as a central Pennsylvania resident, whatever your background, to speak out.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Emily Reddy, ereddy@psu.edu
Community Connections
Red River Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Community Connections is a group of Red River Radio initiatives centered on several locally produced programs, including Health Matters (weekly, call-in), Bird Calls (now a monthly call-in), What's Bugging You (a periodic call in show featuring our resident entomologist Dr. Beverly Burden), The Better Picture (an occasional live call-in-show about photography) and the Spotlight series.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kermit Poling, kpoling@lsus.edu, (318) 573-6513
Saturday Morning Tunes
WTMD
Year submitted: 2018
Many parents today want to do things with their kids, not just for their kids — to explore shared interests like hiking or, in our case, live music. “Saturday Morning Tunes” is a new series of live concerts, mini-festivals and other events which appeal to kids and parents alike. Held in and around Baltimore each month, they're broadcast live on air and streamed on Facebook Live, and have brought together thousands of children, parents and grandparents through WTMD.
Type of content: In-person Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sam Sessa, ssessa@wtmd.org, 410-708-7811
C89.5 / Pacific Science Center Partnership
KNHC Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
C89.5 partnered with the Pacific Science Center laser dome to provide quarterly laser shows with live music. Starting this month, we are increasing to six times per year with more genres of dance music to engage a broader swath of our audience. For each program, the initial show is performed live, then the curated music and laser show continues weekly for two months. At the end of the two months, a new show is produced with a live kick-off event.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: H June Fox, june@c895.org, (206) 252-3801
Jackson Kayak Parental Engagement
WCTE PBS
Year submitted: 2017
WCTE launched a parental engagement program with a local company, Jackson Kayak, to reach at-risk families in the workplace. The parents who are employed by the company needed support and hands on training to improve their ability to parent their children to help them prepare for school and life. Twenty-five parents now attend monthly lunchtime sessions with each session centered around PBS KIDS programs, activities, and take-home projects to provide engagement moments with their kids.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Cindy Putman, cputman@wcte.org, (931) 260-8266
The Intersection (2018 Finalist)
KALW
Year submitted: 2018
THE INTERSECTION is a series of hyperlocal audio documentaries that look at our changing region through physical intersections. We spend as long as it takes — sometimes a day, sometimes over a year — capturing the voices of people who live and work near a specific intersection in the Bay Area. We pinpoint the different forces and factors at play there and, over the course of a piece or season, we connect the dots between the past, present and future. Read Current's story.
Type of content:
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: David Boyer, Producer, THE INTERSECTION, dboyer@yoideaman.com, 917.553.6288
Double Down High School Quiz Show
WCNY TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
Double Down, now in its 13th season, is a televised Jeopardy-like half-hour weekly game show for teams of high school students from WCNY's viewing area. Teams of students compete in matches that consist of four rounds, answering questions on a variety of topics. Each show is recorded without interruption in the television studios at WCNY and shows are broadcast on Sunday nights. The season kicks off in October with a “Qualifying Day” and ends with the Finals Matchup in January.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Jim Aroune, jim.aroune@wcny.org, (315) 453-2424
i go home
WITF Public Media
Year submitted: 2017
“i go home” is a one-hour 2016 TV documentary produced by WITF chronicling the journey from institution to inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in the 1960's. This title honors a man with intellectual disability who was institutionalized at Pennhurst State School and Hospital in eastern Pennsylvania during childhood and could only say those three words. The goal of the film was to increase society's awareness of the journey of Pennsylvanians with intellectual disability and their contribution to American life.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Cara Williams Fry, cara_williams_fry@witf.org, (717) 910-2848
WAMU/Capital Soundtrack
WAMU-FM
Year submitted: 2017
WAMU debuted Capital Soundtrack in 2016, a project that creates a daily music playlist with tracks from local musicians that is played as interstitial material throughout the day. Each day, a WAMU staffer makes a playlist of 20 musical segments of varying lengths and stocks it with a variety of musical genres to accommodate varying moods following stories. The station tries to limit previously played material to 1/3 of the list and posts the playlist to the website.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Bec Feldhaus Adams, bec@wamu.org, (202) 885-8816
WBGO Media Fellowship Program
WBGO-FM
Year submitted: 2017
The WBGO Media Fellowship Program exposes Newark area college students (two each year) to a career in public media as they work with and learn from the WBGO news departments. Fellows develop critical thinking skills, technical aspects of studio production, written and oral communication skills, interviewing techniques, teamwork, and the real-world experience that employers seek. The program makes available job readiness training, jobs matched to interest and defined career pathways.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Doug Doyle, ddoyle@wbgo.org, (973) 624-8880
Arthur: This is Our Story
WEIU-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Arthur, Illinois, population 1,600, is "The Heart of the Illinois Amish Country," a place where "You are a Stranger Only Once." For this 7th edition of a continuing series we invited Arthur's leading citizens too help us shape the program. We partnered with the newspaper. We trained 28 residents as "storytellers," who captured video footage, provided photos and memorabilia. Their work was edited into a 2-hour program that became a treasured experience of community celebration, made possible by WEIU TV.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Ke'an Armstrong, ksarmstrong@eiu.edu, (217) 581-7193
Charlotte Talks: Public Conversations on WFAE
WFAE-FM
Year submitted: 2017
About 3-4 times per year, WFAE's Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins (the station's one-hour weekday call-in show) facilitates a Public Conversation on an issue important to the Charlotte community. For these conversations, the station pulls together stakeholders and community leaders in front of a live audience to discuss a given issue, and then opens the forum to the audience for further conversation. Attendance numbers in the hundreds for each event and on the radio, the reach is in the thousands.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Wendy Herkey, wherkey@wfae.org, (704) 668-6064
Wisconsin Vote on the Road
Wisconsin Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Wisconsin Vote on the Road: Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Public Television took to the road to learn what people around our state were thinking prior to the 2016 election. We fed this to our live morning radio show from a coffee shop and to our live evening TV show from a restaurant. WisconsinVote.org is home to this and other election-related work.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Michael Arnold, michael.arnold@wpr.org
WLRH PSA Program
WLRH
Year submitted: 2018
For more than 25 years, the WLRH PSA Program has provided local non-profit and community organizations the opportunity to record 30 second public service announcements for their group or event for free. In 2017 alone, we served more than 60 non-profits and produced more than 350 PSAs, donating more than $420,000 worth of air time provided at no cost to the organizations. WLRH features PSAs on its 3 channels in all day parts, including morning and afternoon drive time.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Brett Tannehill, brett@wlrh.org, (256) 895-9574
Florida Election Project
WGCU TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
A collaborative statewide effort by Florida's public radio stations: WLRN, WJCT, WUSF, WFSU, WQCS, WUFT, WMFE, WUWF and WGCU. We hired an editor for a 6-month election project. 11 stations aired features. Five talk show hosts worked on a state-wide talk show focused on the election (1 hr. per week each week for 10 weeks). It was led by a state-wide content committee. This built on previous (smaller) efforts.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Judith Smelser, judithsmelser@gmail.com
WMRA's Books & Brews
WMRA-FM
Year submitted: 2017
WMRA partnered with a local micro-brewery to host an evening of conversation with a published—often local—authors. Each person with a member card gets a free beer. These events proved were so successful that we had to limit crowds by offering on our website. Since the brewery does not offer complete dining, we also helped local restaurants and a food trucks who made their services available to the attendees.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Allen Bartholet, Barthoae@jmu.edu, (540) 568-7884
Politics and a Pint
WOSU TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
Our local discussion series hosted at bars, brew pubs… it's growing in popularity. "Politics and a Pint is back! Join WOSU Public Media for a second round of lively political discussion in a casual setting on Wednesday, March 16 from 5:30-7:30pm at Dempsey's Food & Spirits on S. High Street.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mike Thompson, mike.thompson@wosu.org
Project Milwaukee
WUWM-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Project Milwaukee is a series of in-depth reports on issues vital to southeastern Wisconsin. The latest series focuses on segregation's enduring presence in Milwaukee, its impact and possible solutions. The topic was selected after receiving numerous questions from listeners about segregation and its effects. In March 2017, we hosted a live forum to discuss how this complex problem arose, why it endures, how it contributes to persistent poverty, and if are there ways to break through the boundaries.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Danielle Nelson, nelsondn@uwm.edu, (414) 270-1122
Appalachia Health News
West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
West Virginia and Central Appalachia have some of the worst health statistics in the country, but almost no reporters devoted to covering health. We obtained foundation support to hire a full-time health reporter to produce features on insurance coverage, addiction, obesity, etc., always with a view toward causes and possible solutions. We distribute these stories for free to public media outlets throughout the region, as well as newspapers in West Virginia. Several have been picked up by national outlets.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Scott Finn, sfinn@wvpublic.org, (304) 767-0099
WhyListenParty
West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
Have you ever wondered what makes a new song into a good song? Or why we like the songs we like? West Virginia Public Broadcasting hosts #WhyListen: First Listen Music Party at venues throughout the state. Free by RSVP required by email. Meet Mountain Stage hosts and vote on your favorite new bands and songs. The event marks WVPB's third project with NPR Generation Listen, an initiative to bring young, curious minds into the public broadcasting community.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Jodi Deutsh, jdeutch@wvpublic.org
Blunt Youth Radio Project
WMPG Community Radio
Year submitted: 2017
For over 20 years, the Blunt Youth Radio Project has brought high school students from Portland and the surrounding areas WMPG's studios to plan, produce and host a one-hour weekly call-in public affairs program. From choosing topics, locating guests, planning interviews, creating complimentary features, and many other activities, the students are in charge as engineers, hosts, producers, publicists and interviewers. All skills required are taught by the WMPG Blunt Youth Coordinator and WMPG volunteers.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Claire Holman, cholman@maine.edu, (207) 650-5835
CapRadio Presents: Tiny Desk Sacramento
Capital Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
Spurred by the voice of a community member, Capital Public Radio created the region's first Tiny Desk concert, showcasing multiple local entrants who entered this year's national contest and highlighting numerous others with promotional and follow-up blog content at capradio.org. The free event in the CapRadio Garden drew incredible enthusiasm from the community, tripling normal event attendance. The reservation-only event allowed us to capture emails and deliver a special welcome series designed to turn fans into members over time.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Nick Brunner, nick.brunner@capradio.org, 916-278-8954
Place And Privilege Story Circles
Vanessa Nelson/Capital Public Radio
Participating in a Capital Public Radio Story Circle in August 2017, Harold Garcia describes how he survived on the streets. He now lives in an affordable housing community.
KXJZ
Year submitted: 2018
As part of Capital Public Radio's multiplatform documentary, The View From Here: Place And Privilege, we held "Story Circles" that brought wildly diverse residents face to face to talk about Sacramento's housing affordability crisis. The experience was so successful that we secured funding to train 20 community partners in the Story Circle methodology, host more Story Circle events, and produce a downloadable guide written for newsrooms, community organizations and others who want to connect people to discuss housing, belonging and community well-being. Read a commentary by Capital Public Radio's jesikah maria ross.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: jesikah maria ross, jmross@capradio.org, 530-320-1819
Locally Produced Benefit CDs
Cincinnati Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
In 2010 one of our WGUC announcers asked his musician friends to record an acoustic adaptation of a Christmas classic. The collection was compiled into a CD called the RING CD and Cincinnati Public Radio offered it as a gift during the fall fund drive. It became one of our most popular gifts; musicians loved being a part of the project; it is a strong LOCALLY produced CD. Results to date: 3,774 CD requests and $377,400+ raised from CD sales.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sherri Mancini, smancini@cinradio.org, (513) 419-7112
Minnesota Varsity
Minnesota Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Annual Classical Talent contest for Minnesota High school singers, instrumentalists, composers. Part of Classical MPRs social engagement with young musicians. We also do instrument drives and artist in residence programs.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Brian Newhouse, bnewhouse@mpr.org
Colorado Matters
Colorado Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Hosted by Ryan Warner, Colorado Public Radio's daily interview show airs Monday through Friday at 10-11 a.m. and 7-8 p.m., Saturdays 7-8 p.m. and Sundays 1-2 p.m.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kelly Griffin, kgriffin@cpr.org
Curious KC
Kansas City PBS
Year submitted: 2017
In 2015 Kansas City PBS became a partner of Hearken, a public-powered journalism initiative that collects questions from the public and bases reporting from those questions. Curious KC asks: “What do you wonder about Kansas City, the region or its people that you would like KCPT to investigate?” Reporting on community-submitted questions has added a kind of user testing to the station's editorial process.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Lindsey Foat, lfoat@kcpt.org, (816) 756-3580
Local Governance 101
Charlottesville Tomorrow
Year submitted: 2018
In the aftermath of the events in Charlottesville last August, many citizens asked us to hold educational programs that would inform citizens how local government works and how it might be structured differently in the future. Charlottesville Tomorrow and the League of Women Voters organized two panel discussions to start this conversation. Our entire staff came out for the events to help coordinate and set up, while our reporters took pictures, recorded the events, and wrote articles covering the discussion.
Type of content:
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Anne Russell Gregory, argregory@cvilletomorrow.org, 434-218-0370
Brevard County Candidate Forums 2016
WEFS-TV
Year submitted: 2017
Eastern Florida State College and Florida Today hosted a series of candidate forums at the college starting in August 2016 that provided the public a front row seat on major issues in the elections. Forums were televised by WEFS-TV and floridatoday.com. The sessions are held at the Melbourne Campus Auditorium and Simpkins Fine Arts Center on the Cocoa Campus, and include races for the Brevard County Commission, Brevard County School Board, Florida Legislature and U.S. Congress.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: John Glisch, glischj@easternflorida.edu, (321) 433-7017
"NJCAA Women's Soccer Championships, Melbourne, FL"
WEFS-TV
Year submitted: 2017
WEFS-TV produced, broadcast and live-streamed the full schedule of games of the Women's National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women's Soccer Championships for 2013-2016. These games were all held at the Titan Soccer Complex on the Melbourne campus of Eastern Florida State College, WRFS' licensee/owner.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Michael Parsons, parsonsm@easternflorida.edu, (321) 433-5700
Engage ICT: Democracy on Tap
KMUW
Year submitted: 2018
“Engage ICT: Democracy on Tap” is our program offering monthly panel discussions on various topics, including social health, the environment, education, and more. Attendees get their questions answered as the Q&A is a major part of each event. Additional reference materials from the public library are also provided, and attendees get to chat with panelists after the event is over. Also, we provide free appetizers!
Type of content: In-person Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sarah Jane Crespo, crespo@kmuw.org, 316-371-6673
Public Works? A Level Foundation
KCPT
Year submitted: 2018
After years of stagnant wages and skyrocketing rents, a quality affordable home is out of reach for thousands of Kansas City metro residents. “Public Works? A Level Foundation” takes a closer look at how housing issues are impacting health, education and the long-term viability of neighborhoods with 3 digital shorts combining into a half-hour broadcast, digital-first segments, multiple written pieces, two town halls broadcasts, and half-hour documentary.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Cole Blaise, cblaise@kcpt.org, 816-820-0779
Public Works? ... A Level Foundation
KCPT Kansas City PBS
Year submitted: 2018
"Public Works? A Level Foundation" was a station-wide multimedia and multi-platform effort that examined affordable housing, eviction and gentrification over a period of six months. We used our digital site, station-wide reporting and community engagement to allow public interest to drive the project, and localized it for Kansas City by focusing on the "affordable Midwest." This topic struck a chord with our community, and our reporting and engagement efforts serve as a resource for the community and local government.
Type of content: TV In-person Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kirstin McCudden, kmccudden@gmail.com, 816.328.9599
Food Stories
WMPG Community Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Each Monday afternoon, for 30 minutes, Stephen Joffe hosts Food Stories where he talks with local chefs, food purveyors, etc., highlighting the many facets of the "foodie culture" for which Portland, Maine is known. Listeners hear about the inspirations, experiences and unique approaches to food for each of the weekly guests. In the few months since launch "Food Stories" has focused on many aspects of the food community, from the upscale restaurants in upscale areas, to the member-owned Portland Co-Op.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Stephen Joffe, joffesa@gmail.com, (650) 799-7150
Framed by WDET
101.9 WDET-FM
Year submitted: 2017
WDET's mission is to be the authentic voice of Detroit. Through Framed by WDET, local photographers are paired with award-winning journalists and storytellers. Since 2014, we have presented 7 traveling audio-visual exhibitions in 13 locations — from small neighborhood galleries, to newly opened art spaces, and public libraries. Each exhibit is re-presented at a second pop-up installation in a distant neighborhood or suburb. All the stories and images are then stored and shared at framedbywdet.org.
Type of content: In-person Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Courtney Hurtt, courtney.hurtt@wdet.org, (313) 577-3039
Valley PBS Parenting Workshops
ValleyPBS
Year submitted: 2017
Education Service and Ready to Learn (RTL) have been key services at Valley PBS for over two decades. Over the past five years, we expanded this work through parenting workshops in four languages. Since 2012, we have served 16,500 parents and children; distributed 35,000 children's books; provided over 60,000 school supplies and offered over 1,100 workshops across 15 school districts. The quality and effectiveness of our programs attracted numerous school districts, who now partner with ValleyPBS each year.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Phil Meyer, pmeyer@valleypbs.org, (559) 266-1800
Right Here
Georgia Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
In 2016, GPB was awarded a grant to produce and air 1:40 minute segments highlighting local businesses in Macon and Bibb County, in middle Georgia. The station now airs 1:40 minute segments every Monday in Morning Edition and All Things Considered. The station also now has a dedicated section on the web and the segments are shareable via social media posts.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Josephine Bennett, jbennett@gpb.org, (478) 301-5763
HPPR Radio Readers Book Club
High Plains Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
HPPR Radio Readers Book Club is an on-air, online community of readers exploring themes of common interest to those who live and work on the High Plains. This free book club allows readers from throughout the High Plains to read books with related themes and discuss them online and, at the end of each book series, live on the radio. This project is a significant collaboration among 50 volunteers. Currently, the club has 175 members from 15 states.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Bob Davis, bdavis@hppr.org, (620) 272-4150
Public Radio on Tap: Water Quality
Iowa Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
Iowa Public Radio began our Public Radio on Tap series in October 2017 to bring people together over a beer and facilitate honest conversation about tough topics. Water quality is a contentious issue in the state, increasingly so as urban populations grow and rural populations decrease. We've found that this is an issue that Iowans are passionate about, and they showed up: over 700 people (ages 2 months to 80+) have attended the series since we began it in October.
Type of content: Online Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Amy O'Shaughnessy, aoshaughnessy@iowapublicradio.org, 515-725-1731
KidVision PreK
South Florida PBS
Year submitted: 2017
There was an enormous need in South Florida for preschool teacher training. So, we created an online professional development service for preschool teachers featuring virtual field trips, lesson plans, student assessments, take home pages, and vocabulary words. The program is free, except for those needing in-service hours or CEUs. We change $40.00 per Teacher Association Membership/school year. Members can earn 8 CEUs or 80 In-service hours. We have 67,311 free member registered users; 11,540 paying members.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Penny Bernath, pbernath@southfloridapbs.org, (305) 424-4005
Kids Recording Kids
KMFA-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Kids Recording Kids is KMFA's week-long summer radio camp for rising eighth and ninth graders. Camp participants have the opportunity to create radio spots, record live performances, and conduct interviews with local young musicians. Over the course of the week, Kids Recording Kids campers learn: on-air speaking techniques, live recording skills, radio interviewing skills and editing and audio production techniques. KMFA created this program in 2011 to expand community outreach.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Amanda Faraone, afaraone@kmfa.org, (512) 628-4752
KSPS 150th Canada Day and $150 Appeal
KSPS Public Television
Year submitted: 2017
Seven hours of Canada-focused programming to celebrate Canada Day. Half our donors live in Canada. We secured Canadian streaming rights for many of the shows, promoted the day on social media, sent a special email appeal to our Canadian lists. Results: 24 gifts, $3,200; 3,100 streamed episodes; 175 (6%) likes, comments or shares; 9,000 (36%) email opens with 3% click-throughs. Viewers thanked us for celebrating Canada Day, saying they feel ignored by US media outlets and appreciated the respectful recognition.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Skyler Reep, Membership Director, Sreep@KSPS.org, (509) 443-7721
KUER Sound Booth
A KUER reporter helps out at a mobile sound booth at a local children’s festival.
KUER
Year submitted: 2018
The KUER Sound Booth brings radio production to the community and introduces and excites youth about listening to and recording their own audio. We bring our mobile sound booth with audio recording equipment to community and station events, and invite visitors to step into the booth. For children's events, we'll offer a chance for them to read a script from a recent news story. Whatever the activity, we always send the participant a finished copy of the audio recording.
Type of content:
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Renee Bright, rbright@kuer.org, (801) 581-4057
"More to Say" podcast
KUER
Year submitted: 2018
"More to Say" is a conversation between a journalist and a host that elaborates on a local news story, enriched with previously unheard tape and music. "More to Say" asserts that local stories deserve the same attention as national news. Through insightful conversations between host and reporter, the use of illuminating tape, unconstrained by broadcast air windows, and sparing use of music, the podcast fulfills the mission of local journalism: to reveal the community to itself.
Type of content: Radio In-person Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Maria O'Mara, momara@kuer.org, 801-581-6828
Capitol Coverage (CO)
KUNC — the Colorado Sound
Year submitted: 2017
The Capitol Coverage Project is a joint effort of 14 non-commercial public and community radio stations mainly in Colorado, with stations in Utah and New Mexico. Jointly directed through an agreement between KUNC and KRCC, it funds a full-time state house reporter year-round, providing daily news feeds to all the participating stations from sessions of the Colorado State Legislature.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Neil Best, neil.best@kunc.org
Expressions of Art
KVCR
Year submitted: 2018
Our project was titled, "Expressions of Art." KVCR radio partnered with our sister station, KVCR TV to produce stories about art organizations in our region. We produced 15 radio stories and 16 stories for television with a focus on the arts in our community. We worked to highlight many art-based, educational and non-profit organizations in low income areas to show the significance of the arts and people on behalf of the youth in our area.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Rick Dulock, rdulock@kvcr.org, (909) 384-4348
The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War
KVCR
Year submitted: 2018
Designed as a cross promotional tool for our sister television station KVCR's broadcast of Ken Burns and Lynn Novack's The Vietnam War, film KVCR Radio produced an 8 part series with veterans sharing their time in service during the Vietnam war. Our focus was the music of that time and the songs they remembered and reflect on when thinking about the Vietnam War.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Lillian Vasquez, lvasquez@kvcr.org, (909) 384-4331
Live Radio Theater for a Rural Community
KZMU Radio
Year submitted: 2018
For the past three years, KZMU has used open auditions to cast an original musical play in our small community. We rehearsed for six weeks and performed in front of live audiences at a local venue, and aired the play on the radio. The first two seasons were aired in episodes, and the last as an entire piece. Our actors/singers/Foley technicians/musicians/engineers have ranged in age from 6 to 70, and our audiences have grown larger each year.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Marty Durlin, marty@kzmu.org, (435) 259-8824
Unheard L.A.
KPCC-FM
Year submitted: 2017
A three part, live event series featuring storytellers, sharing tales about life in Southern CA. To gather stories, we used the Public Insight Network, texting through Groundsource, postcards at 70 public libraries, multiple social media platforms, eventually collecting 250 submissions. We placed 25 storytellers in 3 live events, which L.A. Weekly made its 'pick of the week.' An attendee called it "The best reflection of L.A. that I have ever seen on stage." Facebook event posts reached nearly 38,000 people.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Jon Cohn, Jcohn@scpr.org, (626) 583-5300
Louisiana Young Heroes Awards
Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2018
The LPB Louisiana Young Hero Awards annually honors students in grades 7-12 who excel in the classroom, serve their local communities, and demonstrate great personal courage in overcoming adversity. These annual statewide awards spotlighting inspirational students began in 1996. LPB's partner in this annual mission is the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge. 190 amazing young people have been honored as Louisiana Young Heroes since the program's inception!
Type of content: In-person TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Margaret Schlaudecker, mschlaudecker@lpb.org, 225-767-4276
Mosaic Oklahoma: Pawhuska
OETA Foundation
Year submitted: 2018
OETA Foundation envisioned and began producing a new series of 30-minute documentaries, "Mosaic Oklahoma," which celebrate the communities, people and landmarks that epitomize Oklahoma's unique culture. The pilot episode filmed in the northeastern Oklahoma town of Pawhuska (population 3,500). Upcoming episodes feature the trendy Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City; and the town of Tishomingo in the southern part of the state and home to Blake Shelton, who has committed to participation in the project.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Mickie Smith, msmith@oetafdn.org, (405) 249-0807
Southern Remedy
Mississippi Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2018
Southern Remedy is Mississippi Public Broadcasting's flagship health and wellness initiative. It includes a doctor call in radio show Monday through Friday, a health and wellness documentary TV / digital program, a Health Minute interstitial that airs during the half-hour news round up weekly, health issues news and radio reporting, and a healthy living guide to teach adults and children about good health habits. All programs and materials are also available digitally.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kathryn Rodenmeyer or Teresa Collier, kathryn.rodenmeyer@mpbonline.org, (601) 432-6565
News Briefings & Classical Conversations
Nashville Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
Every other month, Nashville Public Radio hosts either a News Briefing or Classical Conversation luncheon event at our station. The News Briefing is a chance for listeners and local community leaders to visit the station, meet hosts, hear about upcoming projects, ask questions and provide feedback. Similarly, the Classical Conversation is an opportunity for listeners of WFCL 91Classical and classical music community members to visit the station, meet our hosts, and ask questions, provide feedback, and collaborate with the station.
Type of content: Radio Online In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Donna Robinson, donna@wpln.org, 615-760-2021
New Mainers Speak
WMPG-FM
Year submitted: 2017
WMPG created the weekly half-hour show New Mainers Speak to capture and share stories of “New Mainers,” people who were born citizens of a foreign country and moved to Maine as immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Each week individuals from around the world share their personal experiences in their home countries, as well as here in Maine. These immigration stories bring to life unique perspectives from all over the world and are broadcast Sundays at noon and are available on-line for download or streaming.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kate Manahan, katemanahan@hotmail.com, (207) 604-9015
Our Hometown
New Hampshire PBS
Year submitted: 2017
This is an ongoing series. We go in to a town, and through contacts in town government, schools, business and other organizations, and collect stories. These stories range from historical events to personal and family stories. We gather around 40 stories per town. 5-8 make it in to a broadcast program. All the others live on our website, as a time capsule for the town. We also have a premiere in the town, inviting all participants, sponsors & interested parties.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Schuyler D. Scribner or Carla Russell, sscribner@nhptv.org, (603) 868-4372
Oregon Public Broadcasting/EarthFix
Oregon Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
EarthFix is a CPB-funded Local Journalism Center (LJC) focused on environmental issues in the Pacific Northwest. Journalists based in Oregon, Washington and Idaho present their stories across radio, TV, the web and social media. Its evolution has been influenced by the experience and success of the Northwest News Network (N3) a collaborative news reporting project involving 8 public radio stations in Oregon, Washington state, and Idaho, started in 1991 and revised/reformed in 2003.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Morgan Holm, morgan_holm@opb.org
Biz Here
Panhandle PBS
Year submitted: 2017
Panhandle PBS launched the blog Biz Here in 2016 with Senior Producer Karen Welch giving the scoop on development, construction, businesses that are new, changing or closing, and commerce's intersection with government in and around Amarillo. The initiative has now expanded to include a regular podcast with Welch interviewing local community business leaders and innovators and ending with a business newscast. In addition, Welch will soon be making appearances on NewsChannel 10 discussing area business activity.
Type of content: TV Podcast Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kyle Arrant, kbarrant@actx.edu, (806) 371-5489
"Raven Narratives, Dragon Tales, and Mesa Verde Voices"
KSJD Community Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Over the past two years KSJD has worked to develop and produce three story-telling initiatives that showcase the importance of first-person story – The Raven Narratives (themed live events with story-tellers from the Four Corners region); Dragon Tales (live events with at-risk youth telling their stories), and Mesa Verde Voices (a podcast series with the voices of archaeologists who study the prehistory of the Southwest and the voices of modern Pueblo peoples who descended from the prehistoric peoples that lived there.)
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Shawn Collins, shawn@ksjd.org, (970) 564-9727
Richland Source Community Baby Shower
Emily Dech/Richland Source
Richland Source's community baby shower gave families an opportunity to get health information from local organizations including Richland Pregnancy Services, seen above.
Richland Source
Year submitted: 2018
Richland Source hosted a community baby shower as a way for our local community to engage with our solutions journalism work about infant mortality. Approximately 20 community organizations and 500 attendees came together to learn about resources and education available to raise a healthy and happy baby. Read Current's story.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Brittany Schock, brittany@richlandsource.com, 937-620-7840
Rising From Rust
Richland Source
Year submitted: 2018
Over the course of 2018, the Richland Source has dedicated time and resources from its small newsroom to reporting on Mansfield as a Rust Belt legacy city. The staff's reporting has focused on how Richland County has responded to its situation, what solutions other communities have implemented to move past their dying manufacturing legacies and how Richland County, specifically its county seat Mansfield, can learn from these places, move forward and rise from the rust.
Type of content:
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Tracy Geibel, tracy@richlandsource.com, (724) 256-6093
Rocky Mountain PBS Investigative news "package"
Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
With every major investigative project, we create a package to use as a "public engagement hit." Video, audio, eBooks, printed materials and other things that enable the public to use our content and share information. Ex: "Losing Ground" presents a disturbing yet compelling portrait of a state where black and Latino residents are falling further and further behind their white counterparts. That state is Colorado.
Type of content: Radio Online TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Laura, Frank laurafrank@rmpbs.org
Unprisoned: Stories from the System
WWNO-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Unprisoned is a series showing how mass incarceration in New Orleans and Louisiana – the world's “incarceration capital” – affects families, communities and notions of justice. The first season looked at the effects on citizenry outside prison walls telling stories of people caught in the criminal legal system, of family members of incarcerated persons, and of residents reentering society after serving time. These stories were broadcast on air, produced as a podcast, streamed, and shared at live events.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Eve Abrams, EveAbrams@gmail.com, (504) 945-8918
California Counts Election Coverage
KPCC-FM
Year submitted: 2017
California Counts is a collaboration with three other public radio stations, KQED, KPBS and Capital Public Radio and CALmatters, a nonprofit journalism venture. Shared coverage will include stories on California's response to the administration of Donald Trump, major issues affecting the state and a project to capture the hopes and dreams of Californians about their future.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kristin Muller, kmuller@scpr.org
Officer Involved
KPCC-FM
Year submitted: 2017
As KPCC set out to analyze how often on-duty police officers and sheriff's deputies in Los Angeles County shot another person, one thing became clear: This isn't data you can simply look up. KPCC's series and continued coverage of shootings involving Southern California officers.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kristin Muller, Kmuller@spcr.org
SD.Net
South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
SD.Net is a service of South Dakota Public Broadcasting. SD.net furthers SDPB's mission by providing citizens with live and on-demand access to hearings and floor debate of the South Dakota Legislature, Public Utilities Commission Meetings, other Boards & Commissions, Supreme Court Hearings, SDHSAA Championship events, and many, many more types of events. We offer audio and video webcast services to state agencies, boards and commissions, the state legislature, and for hire.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kent Osborne, ent.osborne@sdpb.org
The Ship Report Coast Community Radio
Coast Community Radio
Year submitted: 2017
A weekday morning show and podcast, The Ship Report increases public awareness of the local maritime environment and the role mariners play in our daily lives. Based in Astoria on the banks of the Columbia River, the show, now in its 14th year, features information about daily ship traffic, marine weather and interviews with maritime professionals. It is the most popular show in our local lineup, drawing our community together around shared experience.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joanne Rideout, ships@shipreport.net, (503) 298-8733
Side Effects Reporting: Opioids and Minorities in Indiana
WFYI Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
The tragic consequences of the opioid crisis nationwide are indisputable. But critics from diverse fields say the epidemic has been presented, largely, as a "white" problem. “Side Effects” explores this issue and its implications. The goal of this project is to start a conversation and see what happens next. This includes a live-streamed a panel discussion. To date, the project has launched a documentary, inspired others to replicate the approach, and used a wide range of communications tools.
Type of content: Radio TV Online In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Deborah Jones, djones@wfyi.org, 317-614-0444
Sights & Sounds of East Oakland
KALW
Year submitted: 2018
KALW's Sights & Sounds of East Oakland is a project that aims to shine a light on creators in a community often mis- or under-represented. Through live community events featuring dance, music, storytelling, visual art and multimedia presentations we celebrate grassroots creativity and build new connections within these communities. The project also encompasses community media training and draws story ideas from East Oakland residents. KALW has presented five live events since 2016 and will present five more by June 2019.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Jen Chien, jchien@kalw.org, 415-215-5666
Texas Standard
KUT
"Texas Standard" host David Brown listens back to a segment.
KUT-FM (and Texas partners)
Year submitted: 2017
Texas Standard is setting a new bar for broadcast news coverage, offering crisp, up-to-the-moment coverage of politics, lifestyle and culture, the environment, technology and innovation, and business and the economy – from a Texas perspective – and uncovering stories as they happen and spotting the trends that will shape tomorrow's headlines.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Made Here (2017 Finalist)
Vermont PBS
Year submitted: 2017
Made Here is an initiative designed to bring local Vermont (and other regional) filmmakers work to Vermont PBS viewers, on air and online. The station hired a Local Content Manager, Eric Ford, and tasked him to find and acquire Vermonter-produced content. With Ford's guidance and focus, the station was able to significantly increase the amount of local content they procured enabling the station to dedicate 12-14 hours per week to local programming in addition to new show premieres every month. Read Current's story.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Eric Ford, eford@vermontpbs.org, (802) 655-8041
Connect: NY
WCNY TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
WCNY's Connect: NY is a news and public affairs TV series that explores issues of importance to the state in-depth. Coverage of each issue is broken into six one-hour episodes to create a full season of news-making contemplation. The program achieves in-depth coverage by producing one longform "first person" vignette of each major branch of each subject that is presented at the show's introduction that is followed by a 45-50-minute panel discussion with citizen stakeholders, lawmakers, educators and public advocates.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Jim Aroune, jim.aroune@wcny.org, (315) 453-2424
Embedded Career and Technical Education Program
WCNY TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
WCNY teamed with the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) and Onondaga Community College to create a two-year Media Marketing Communications course combining high school and college coursework with hands-on learning from WCNY staff. This program (held at WCNY's facilities) provides a career-boosting head start on the profession – students graduate with a New York State High School Regents Diploma, 18 college credits and industry certifications.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Debbie Stack, debbie.stack@wcny.org, (315) 453-2424
Central New York Makers Awards
WCNY TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
In conjunction with the 2013 release of the PBS series, Makers: Women Who Make America, WCNY launched Central New York Makers Awards to honor women making contributions to their communities in WCNY's viewing area. Nominees are evaluated on their efforts in their own communities that help shape today's America. The awards ceremony is held at the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, NY — the birthplace of the women's suffrage movement — located near Syracuse.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Debbie Stack, debbie.stack@wcny.org, (315) 453-2424
HEARKEN
HEARKEN
Year submitted: 2017
Hearken is an innovative “participative journalism” platform, built on a foundation laid by the Localore-funded Curious City project at WBEZ, Chicago. It provides a unique “audience-driven” news reporting platform and approach that helps journalists “partner with the public to create relevant and high-performing stories” using digital tools and engagement strategies.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Jennifer Brendel, info@wearehearken.com
WEDU PBS Phyllis L. Ensign Library Corners
WEDU-TV
Year submitted: 2017
In 2015, WEDU received a bequest from long-time viewer Phyllis L. Ensign, used to fund the Phyllis L. Ensign Library Corners and the Reading Circle projects. Library Corners creates an area in local libraries where children and families can read, learn and have fun using their favorite PBS Kids characters. Reading Circles – an educational companion piece – has six sessions, each highlighting a different PBS Kids character/theme and featuring a book, music video, educational/arts and craft activity and virtual field trip.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Gail Taylor, Director of Educational Services, GTAYLOR@WEDU.ORG, (813) 254-9338
Community Service Fundraiser
WERS-FM
Year submitted: 2017
In 2014, when we fell short of our annual revenue goal, we didn't feel comfortable just asking more from our listeners without offering something in return. Thus, the Community Service Fundraiser was born. From late-November to New Year's Eve for every $500 raised in support of WERS, we "pay it forward" by donating one hour of volunteer to Rosie's Place, the nation's first shelter for poor and homeless women. One gift, double the impact — it's now WERS holiday tradition.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kevin Cooney, kevin_cooney@emerson.edu, (617) 824-8870
"90.5 WESA Celebrates ..."
WESA Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corp
Year submitted: 2018
Western PA has a strong tradition of neighborhood, personal and community commitment. 90.5 WESA Celebrates aims to honor individuals and organizations that are making a difference in people's lives on the ground level and reminding us we are all truly connected to each other. We will compose sound-rich profiles of people committing the smallest acts of kindness as well as a town that comes together after a natural disaster to rebuild each other's homes.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: John Sutton, GM, WESA, jsutton@wesa.fm, 412-930-8003
Strike a Chord
WFUV-FM
Year submitted: 2017
WFUV created Strike a Chord to reach out to the communities we cover, going deeper on issues, providing listeners with information about critical resources, and connecting people in a position to help. We launched the campaign in 2009 and it's been going strong ever since. We have also partnered with a local public access television station to produce Strike a Chord-related content to reach a wider and more diverse audiences in the Bronx.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: George Bodarky, gbodarky@wfuv.org, (917) 671-8983
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WFUV-FM
Year submitted: 2017
WFUV launched a campaign called Strike a Chord to more effectively reach out to the communities we cover. We wanted to go deeper on issues, as well as provide listeners with information about critical resources, while connecting people with the knowledge of opportunities to get involved. We launched the campaign in 2009. We have also partnered with a local public access television station to produce Strike a Chord-related content to reach a wider and more diverse audience in the Bronx.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Radio
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Lost River Sessions
WKU Public Broadcasting
Year submitted: 2017
Lost River Sessions began as a local TV show on WKU featuring regional folk, bluegrass or Americana musicians recorded at various rustic locations in and around Bowling Green. The shoots involved several cameras but very small audiences to create an intimate setting for viewers. In following years, the recorded performances became part of a monthly radio program. The shows eventually blossomed into a monthly live concert series at the historic Capitol Arts Center in downtown Bowling Green featuring emerging artists.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Emil Moffatt, emil.moffatt@wku.edu, (270) 745-6473
There Goes the Neighborhood
New York Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
An in-depth look at the gentrification of Brooklyn, from the developers to the mayor's plan for affordable housing, to the integral role that race plays in the process.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Dean Capello, dcapello@wnyc.org
NEXT with Marcus Atkinson
WQLN Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
"NEXT with Marcus Atkinson" on began as a series of unscripted, unrehearsed interviews with the "next generation" of local voices — young leaders who are guiding Erie through challenges affecting the city's minority communities, including an epidemic of gun violence, a scarcity of professional opportunities, a lack of safe and affordable housing, and incidences of police brutality. The series has recently expanded to new platforms, reaching thousands of additional audience members, especially those outside of the public media "traditional" audience.
Type of content: TV Online Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Aaron Coseo, acoseo@wqln.org, 814-217-6038
Embracing our Military
PBS Quad Cities
Year submitted: 2017
WQPT created the Embracing our Military initiative in 2013 to raise awareness of issues important to the military community. In 2017 (the year of Ken Burns' Vietnam War documentary) they were able to bring "The Wall That Heals" — a 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Memorial plus an education center – to the Quad Cities area where they staged community engagement and educational events in conjunction with its visit.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Michael Carton, mt-carton@wiu.edu, (309) 764-2400
Instrument Drive
New York Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
With the help of our partners at Sam Ash Music Stores, Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, and the NYC Dept. of Education, WQXR asked people to donate their gently used instruments which would then be repaired and distributed to public schools throughout the five boroughs. With the support of our community and sponsors, they hoped to collect 1,000 instruments. The drive was successful beyond their wildest dreams. Over 2,000 generous music lovers joined in the effort and donated nearly 3,000 instruments.
Type of content: In-person Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kathleen Dorhan, kdrohan@wqxr.org
WVIA's PBS Kids in the ClassroomWVIA Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
PBS Kids in the Classroom “Head Start Program” is a program designed to provide Health and Wellness learning for PreK-2 grade students by leveraging the most well respected children's educational programming on the air today and bringing it DIRECTLY to every student.
Type of content: In-person TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kirsten Smith-Doyle, kirstensmith@wvia.org, (570) 602-1121
Caught Doing Something Good
WVPT-TV
Year submitted: 2017
WVPT launched an ongoing Community Conversations Initiative in 2015 to understand people's aspirations for life in their communities. A key piece of feedback the station received was that the community wanted the station to tell the “good news stories” happening in the area – the stories behind organizations and businesses seeking to make life better for friends and neighbors, enhancing hometowns. The ongoing series of TV shorts – Caught Doing Something Good – is aimed at doing just that.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Tony Mancari President and General Manager of WVPT, tmancari@wvpt.net, (540) 434-5391
Looking Up Podcast
Cincinnati Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
Looking Up is a locally produced podcast created and distributed by Cincinnati Public Radio. Looking Up brings listeners the latest astronomical discoveries, interesting personalities from the science and astronomy worlds, and two rotating features in a fun, quick-paced format. Our hosts talk about the planets, stars, the universe, and science and technology, plus answer questions from kids and respond to "crank file" correspondences from the Observatory. And they throw in some pop culture to bring it all down to Earth.
Type of content: Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kevin Reynolds, kreynolds@cinradio.org, (513) 419-7104
TriPod: New Orleans at 300
WWNO New Orleans Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
To mark our Tricentennial, since autumn 2015 WWNO New Orleans Public Radio has produced TriPod: New Orleans at 300, a radio series and podcast that explores New Orleans' lost stories and questions what we think we know about our city's history. TriPod seeks out the stories that have not yet been told, and the voices who have not been at the table. Each episode is a lively documentary, usually about ten minutes rich with local voices and sounds.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Laine Kaplan-Levenson, laine@wwno.org, 504-280-7001
Out of the Blocks
WYPR
Year submitted: 2018
Out of the Blocks is an immersive listening experience built from a mosaic of voices and soundscapes on the streets of Baltimore. In each episode, producers Aaron Henkin and Wendel Patrick make it their mission to meet and interview everyone on a city block. A custom-tailored score embroiders this tapestry of stories hidden in plain sight. With the help of PRX's Project Catapult, Out of the Blocks has evolved into a bi-weekly podcast.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Aaron Henkin, aaronhenkin@wypr.org, (410) 935-4693
WYSO Community Voices/The Peer-to-Peer Initiative
WYSO Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
WYSO is submitting the Peer to Peer Initiative, an innovative approach to story collecting that's grown organically out of our Community Voices training project. With help from our free-lance producer community, we train citizens with common experiences to interview each other. Their interviews become radio and web series and community engagement events. Four major peer to peer projects have taken place: "Women's Voices from Dayton Correctional Institution,", "Veterans Voices," "Just Ask" and "Recovery Stories."
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Neenah Ellis, WYSO General Manager, nellis@wyso.org, 937-769-1391
WXPN/Musicians on Call/Friday Free at Noon/XPoNential Music Festival
WXPN-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Over a decade ago, we launched several local initiatives that are still paying dividends: Musicians On Call, that sends local artists and guides to the bedsides of hospital patients. Friday Free at Noon concerts: we are the 500-show mark with hundreds attending each week. And Finally, our biggest, our summer XPoNential Music Festival with 30 bands over 3 days along the Delaware River waterfront in New Jersey. We call it a gathering of the tribe.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Roger Lamay, roger@xpn.org, (215) 898-6677
Reimagination
91.3 WYEP
Year submitted: 2018
Reimagination is an innovative program for Pittsburgh area teen musicians in which they record their own original music in a professional studio with mentorship from seasoned artists and engineers. This project gives teen musicians a professional experience while they are still developing creatively, allowing them to understand what a career as a working musician might feel like. We released volume 5 in May and each of the artists we recorded with was able to perform at area festivals this summer.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Abby Goldstein, abby@wyep.org, (412) 381-9131
Ascertainment
WYPR-FM
Year submitted: 2017
WYPR's Community Advisory Board established an initiative – dubbed Ascertainment – to bring community organizations into the station to teach station staff about their work. Each month 2-4 organizations, usually non-profits, present to the station's producers and reporters, helping build a contact base the reporters and producers can use when working on stories or ideas for future stories based on what is happening in the surrounding communities. The program recently expanded to include Outreach back to the organizations.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Gary Levine, garyjlevine@me.com, (410) 456-6108
WYSO Community Training
WYSO-FM
Year submitted: 2017
In 2011, WYSO launched a radio production and reporting training course called Community Voices, designed to create a new community of radio producers, increase the number of local voices on the station's airwaves and deepen the station's relationship with listeners. Each year 8-12 members of the community goes through this intense five-month program to learn these skills and to produce pieces, many of which are aired on the station. To date the station has trained more than 100 people.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Neenah Ellis, nellis@wyso.org, (937) 769-1391
Heart 2 Heart Breakfast Series
WNCU 90.7
Year submitted: 2018
Beginning in September 2017 and continuing through July 2018, WNCU 90.7 hosted a series of breakfast meet ups for non-profits, NGOs, and community service organizations operating in Durham and the surrounding area. The Heart 2 Heart Breakfast series linked event participants who share a passion for service to the people of the community. The Heart 2 Heart Breakfast series is now a year-old initiative designed to promote, showcase, and connect non-profits and grassroots organizations doing good work in the Triangle.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Lackisha Freeman, lsykes@nccu.edu, (919) 530-7267
'Ask A...' Project
Lisa Wang
Mohammed Bakr, an answerer in one of KUOW's "Ask A Muslim" events, speaks with another participant.
KUOW-FM
Year submitted: 2018
KUOW's "Ask A…' project is a three-year-old community engagement initiative that's been proven to promote empathy with groups that have been ‘othered' by media or politics. It is a person to person conversation event where a group of ‘askers' have consecutive 8-minute conversations with an equal a group of ‘answerers'. This is followed by a group discussion and meal. "Ask A…” events have included Muslims, Trump supporters, transgender people, journalists, foster parents, immigrants, gun owners, Special Olympics athletes and journalists. Read a commentary by KUOW's Ross Reynolds.
Type of content: Radio Podcast Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Ross Reynolds, rar@kuow.org, 206-685-9320
88 Cities
KPCC Southern California Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
Our coverage area includes LA County, which is made up of 88 cities. It's a region so geographically vast and culturally diverse that even those who grew up here haven't explored every corner. “88 Cities” is a listener-driven series: we solicit people to become tour guides for their own city and tell us what makes it unique among all others in the county. Our end goal is to enlighten our whole audience about the cities that are their neighbors.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Leo Duran, lduran@scpr.org, (626) 782-5302
Turning the Tables: KC Showcase
KTBG 90.9 The Bridge
Year submitted: 2018
In a local take on the NPR series "Turning the Tables", musician and staff writer at 90.9 The Bridge, Michelle Bacon, looked at gender, equality and the future of the Kansas City music scene. Her four part series "Turning the Tables: KC Edition", published at bridge909.org, culminated in a live panel and showcase of women in music.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Ananda Sallman, Events & Volunteer Coordinator, asallman@kcpt.org, (816) 398-4240
WETA Historical D.C. Metro Map Digital Feature
WETA
Year submitted: 2018
Washington, D.C.'s Metrorail system touches many different neighborhoods, each of which has its own backstory and character. WETA Digital created the Historical D.C. Metro Map interactive by identifying quirky and interesting stories for the areas in proximity to each transit stop. The stories were then utilized to create a reimagined interactive map with new "historical" names for each station. Users explore by selecting a station of interest, viewing photos and a text summary describing the story behind the name.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mark Jones, Senior Manager of Interactive, WETA, mjones@weta.org, 703-998-2019
WCRB Sounder Project
WCRB-FM
Year submitted: 2017
To create a distinctive sound, we partner with the Boston Conservatory to compose and produce "sonic signatures." 20 composition students competed to create the winning sounders, one winner. The winners created 115 variations, which were recorded with the full Boston Conservatory Orchestra at our WGBH studios. These Sounders are now central to the WCRB sound.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Tony Rudel, anthony_rudel@wgbh.org
Viewer's Choice Contest
Rocky Mountain PBS
Year submitted: 2017
This was a user generated contest for ideas for our local TV history series to raise brand awareness for “Colorado Experience," to increase digital engagement and acquire new audience members. Uses Woobox, an application that integrates with social media to solicit ideas from the public, then host a vote to select the winning episode idea. We produce half-hour episodes on that topic and host a screening of the episode in the hometown of the individual who submitted the winning idea.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Alexa Corcoran, alexacorcoran@rmpbs.org, (303) 620-9765
Bridge of Song
Minnesota Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Collaboration between MPR and KERA that marked a moment of crisis in both communities, after the shootings in St. Paul and Dallas. A live choral event for people in both cities to sing together and find solace after these painful events. Read Current's story.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Brian Newhouse, bnewhouse@mpr.org
90.5 WUOL Education Outreach (2017 Finalist)
Tyler Franklin
Soltau records students' responses to her music.
Louisville Public Media
Year submitted: 2017
The 90.5 WUOL Education Outreach includes Instrumental Partners, accepting donated instruments and placing them in schools; Summer Listening that encouraged families to listen together; and an in-school program Sharing Music, Sharing Stories, through which, our education director, Sara Soltau, met over 2,000 students, performing a one-woman show, recording stories and creating features for broadcast as she visited students in the Louisville and Southern Indiana school districts, the Americana Community Center and Kentucky Refugee Ministries. Read Current's story.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sara Soltau, ssoltau@wuol.org, (502) 814-6515
NEPR Media Lab
Joyce Skowyra/NEPR
Melissa Torres learns how to conduct an audio interview during an NEPR Media Lab class.
New England Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
NEPR Media Lab is an after-school program for youth, ages 14-18. Through journalism, audio production and basic storytelling, students learn to tell stories with sound. Participants learn how to interview, write for radio, and to produce commentaries and feature stories. Media Lab's goal is to train young and diverse voices to tell stories that are important to youth and to empower them with the knowledge that they have something to say.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: John Voci, johnvoci@nepr.net, 413-735-6619
Insider Louisville's Top 100: Change-makers and groundbreakers
Insider Louisville
Year submitted: 2018
Insider Louisville created a database of local civic leaders to measure their community impact. Our database analyzed over 3,600 individuals in the greater Louisville area. Each individual was given a civic engagement score. Criteria included but not limited to: nonprofit board participation, founding a company, charity support, elected to office, networking group membership, and media exposure. Insider Louisville published a report to honor the top 100 ranked civic leaders in a report, "Insider Louisville's Top 100: Change-makers and groundbreakers."
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Jim McKiernan, jim.mckiernan@insdierlouisville.com, (202) 486-3419
Multimedia Journalism in Warm Springs
KWSO/Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Oregon
Year submitted: 2017
In partnership with our Tribal Newspaper, we provide local morning newscasts, posted online; two weekly short form news magazines; daily calendars, public service campaigns and promotional efforts (all shared on air and online). We share staffing expenses with our Tribal newspaper, and recently stepped into the world of podcasts through interviews featured our new series Indigenous Avenue.
Type of content: Online Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sue Matters, sue.matters@wstribes.org, (541) 460-2255
Multimedia Journalism in Warm Springs — Local News
KWSO/Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Oregon
Year submitted: 2017
KWSO/Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Oregon Radio KWSO Warm Springs OR In partnership with our Tribal Newspaper, we provide local morning newscasts, posted online; two weekly short form news magazines; daily calendars, public service campaigns and promotional efforts (all shared on air and online). We share staffing expenses with our Tribal newspaper, and recently stepped into the world of podcasts through interviews featured our new series Indigenous Avenue.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Sue Matters, sue.matters@wstribes.org, (541) 460-2255
Common Ground — Women of the Woods
KAWE
Year submitted: 2018
Common Ground is our local production that highlights people, places and activities unique to our area and celebrates all that makes northern Minnesota a wonderful home. “Common Good – Women of the Woods” highlighted a group of women who gather monthly to help one another in joyful celebration of living in rural Minnesota. They celebrate the strength and knowledge they have when combining their talents and experiences while sharing a common love for the lifestyle of being "up north."
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kathleen McKinstra, kmckinstra@lptv.org, 218-333-3018
Ojibwemotaaddaa!
KAWE
Year submitted: 2018
“Ojibwemotaaddaa!” is a children's television show aimed to teach and celebrate Ojibwe language and culture, as such is part of the rich tapestry of our nation. We produced a 30 minute children's show, highlighting simple Ojibwe words, counting and nursery rhymes. Our show also highlights young children sugar bushing (native expression for maple syrup collecting) and explores the profession of being an annimator through the eyes of a successful Native American annimator.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kathleen McKinstra, kmckinstra@lptv.org, 218-333-3018
Human Voter Guide
KPCC
Year submitted: 2018
Human Voter Guide started in 2016 on the radio and online in the simple form of questions and answers. Its goal was to help Southern California residents navigate elections and voting through personalized research. This year, we took the human voter guide approach to the next level. The web-based engagement platform Hearken and the text-messaging engagement service GroundSource became key partners. Their tools allowed us to track a larger volume of questions and offer a brand-new service: texting election-related reminders.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Ashley Alvarado or Mary Plummer, aalvarado@scpr.org, 626-583-5292
Skilled Labor Initiative
KVCR
Year submitted: 2018
As the only local TV station servicing the region, the management team of EMPIRE PBS, along with their partners, are creating a 5-7 minute digital educational series called “Empire Builders.” The short form series focuses on teaching people not only about career possibilities but also pathways toward that career. The short form series focuses on teaching people not only about career possibilities but also pathways toward that career, by telling news magazine styled stories of people of San Bernardino.
Type of content: TV In-person Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Ralph C. Cooper Jr, rcooper@kvcr.org, (909) 384-4347
WKAR/MSU PBS KID Playtime Pad Research Project
WKAR Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
Initiated by WKAR Public Media and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), the PBS KIDS Playtime Pad Research Project is a unique partnership connecting PBS and PBS KIDS content, researchers in the College of Education at MSU, and teachers and families in the Lansing School District. The Project investigates the effectiveness of tablet-based learning initiatives in early childhood math literacy, while providing access to the latest digital learning tools for students, teachers, and parents.
Type of content: In-person TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Julie Sochay, jsochay@wkar.org, 517-884-4773
Next Generation Voices
WBHM-FM
Year submitted: 2017
At WBHM, our aim is to inform and engage our listeners through journalism. Equally important is our responsibility to our community. In 2016, we focused on local youth, partnering with the Birmingham Education Foundation for a Career Development Conference. To build speaking and writing skills, we invited students develop commentaries with the best ones, selected by a local panel, aired on WBHM.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Gigi Douban, gigi@wbhm.org, (205) 934-2278
Bringing music to patients
Minnesota Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Patients at Mayo Clinic hospitals in Rochester; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix will be able to relax to a custom blend of classical music provided by Minnesota Public Radio (MPR). A new agreement calls American Public Media (APM) — the largest provider of classical music programming in North America — to supply up to 17 hours of streaming classical music that Mayo Clinic can distribute at no charge to patients and visitors in patient rooms.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Brian Newhouse, bnewhouse@mpr.org
88Nine Presents
88Nine Radio Milwaukee Radio
Year submitted: 2017
In addition to its music offerings, 88Nine reaches a new generation of radio listeners with a series of public affairs programs known as 88Nine: Presents. These programs look closely at different aspects of Milwaukee life and its diverse neighborhoods. The series covers topics that can be divisive, but the station works to present the stories with a solution-based approach. Each series includes 3-8 min videos (placed on-line for streaming/download) plus shorter on-air radio segments.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Alyssa Feuerer, alyssa@radiomilwaukee.org, (262) 993-5699
414 Music
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Year submitted: 2017
Radio Milwaukee has the mission to foster community engagement through music and stories. A pillar of this mission is to provide a platform for local musicians to share their work with an engaged and supportive listener base. Key pieces: 414 Music Live a weekly live performance by local artists in front of a live audience, that is broadcast and streamed live; the annual Radio Milwaukee Music Awards; and 414music.fm, an HD channel and digital stream broadcasting only Milwaukee music.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Alyssa Feuerer, alyssa@radiomilwaukee.org, (262) 993-5699
Band Together (2017 Finalist)
88Nine Radio Milwaukee
Year submitted: 2017
Radio Milwaukee believes music is a powerful force to bring people together – a belief that drives their mission to utilize music to connect diverse audiences. In 2016, they launched Band Together to act on that belief, creating a unique evening of music and food, with diverse, live music – featuring four local bands from four genres – and a variety of ethnic appetizers from local restaurants. Between bands, the station puts on storytelling performances about race and people coming together.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Glenn Kleiman, glenn@radiomilwaukee.org, (414) 520-4001
SF Homeless Project
KQED TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
Starting in 2016, 70 media organizations pooled reporting, data analysis, photojournalism, video, and websites to share stories on one crucial issue: homelessness. "We do not claim to speak with one voice. There are many lenses through which the issue of homelessness can be viewed. However, we do not intend to let a desire for the perfect solution become the enemy of the good. We want to inspire and incite each other as much as we want to prod city and civic leaders."
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Michael Isip, misip@kqed.org
Hampton Roads Voices
WNSB-FM
Year submitted: 2017
A two-hour call in show with discussion around issues of concern for Hampton Roads. 5 to 7 Fridays. Began as an idea of the host to open phone lines to allow listeners to vent, grief, share solutions with regard to police shootings of African-American men and women in America and the retaliation shooting of police in Texas. After the first show, it was apparent that it needed to advance from a segment to a weekly program.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Edith Thorpe, ejthorpe@nsu.edu
To Foster Change
PBS SoCal
Year submitted: 2018
The To Foster Change initiative raises awareness around the systematic and personal challenges Los Angeles foster youth face every day, while providing opportunities for them to take control of the narrative. It aims to increase awareness, cultivate understanding, inspire hope, and motivate action that contributes to positive life outcomes for foster youth. The station partners with social service organizations to support and encourage caregivers, share positive stories, brainstorm new approaches to supporting youth, and train young adults in media arts.
Type of content:
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kathy Jura, kjura@pbssocal.org, 714.241.4137
Arizona and the Vietnam War
Arizona Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
“Arizona and the Vietnam War” is part of a digital initiative that coincided with a documentary we produced. We asked our community to send in stories about how they or their family were impacted by the Vietnam War, and placed many of them online for others to watch or read.
Type of content: In-person Radio TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: AC Swedbergh, aswedbergh@azpm.org, (520) 621-0578
Radio Astronomy
WMPG Community Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Radio Astronomy is a weekly half-hour show, broadcast at 1 PM on WMPG Community Radio. It features space news and analysis, and guests from all walks of the astronomical persuasion. The two main goals of the show are to raise public awareness of space science and exploration, and to act as a voice and collaborative hub for astronomical organizations and amateur enthusiasts across the state. In short, Radio Astronomy is about building a community and making science fun.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Seth Lockman, lockman.seth@gmail.com, (207) 517-0171
Engineer it, Girl!
KVPT
Year submitted: 2018
“Engineer It, Girl!” is a two-fold project where the main focus is encouraging interest in STEM learning for young girls ages 4-6 and introducing them to women who are in field and have successful careers. The project consists of hosting workshops focused on different types of engineering for girls to be hands on with age-appropriate engineering experiences. The other half of the project includes ValleyPBS filming at each workshop to create 3-5 minute interstitials about girls creating engineering projects.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Jordan Escobar, jescobar@valleypbs.org, 559-266-1800 ext 360
ValleyPBS Family Circle Membership
Valley PBS
Year submitted: 2017
In 2013 ValleyPBS was looking for new and innovative ways to grow its membership base. We had more members over 100 than under 30, so we launched ValleyPBS Family Circle in June 2013. Family Circle is priced at a sustaining membership ($10/mo.) with benefits including a newsletter, member cards for each child, event discounts, a special Facebook group and monthly Family Circle events. We now have 200 member-families (2% of our total membership) providing $2,000/mo. plus $1,500/mo. in sponsorships.
Type of content: Online TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Jordan Escobar, jescobar@valleypbs.org, 559-266-1800, x360
African Americans: The Las Vegas Experience
"KLVX-DT, dba Vegas PBS"
Year submitted: 2018
African Americans: The Las Vegas Experience allows viewers to discover the momentous events that defined the African American experience in Las Vegas throughout the Civil Rights era. Our story introduces individuals who are connected to these events, and to each other. To enhance the learning experience for upper elementary, middle, and high school students, a digital curriculum was developed as a companion document in partnership with Clark County School District teachers and is aligned to the Nevada Academic Content Standards.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Dr. Niki Bates, NBates@VegasPBS.org, 702-799-1010
Building Strong Brains: Tennessee ACEs Initiative
WCTE/PBS
Year submitted: 2018
Chronic childhood trauma, or what experts call adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), can disrupt a child's brain-building process. “Building Strong Brains: Tennessee ACEs Initiative” is a statewide effort to establish Tennessee as a national model for how a state can promote culture change in early childhood based on a philosophy that preventing and mitigating adverse childhood experiences, and their impact, is the most promising approach to helping Tennessee children lead productive, healthy lives and ensure the future prosperity of the state.
Type of content: Online In-person TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Brent Clark, bclark@wcte.org, (931) 528-2222
The SPARK & The SPARK Awards
WKNO
Year submitted: 2018
WKNO's The SPARK is a monthly half-hour interview program highlighting efforts in community service and technological and collaborative innovation by nonprofits, corporations, local businesses, and educational organizations. The SPARK is produced in partnership with cityCURRENT, a privately-funded organization comprised of local businesses focused on media along with philanthropy and volunteerism to provide a positive influence in the Mid-South. The SPARK Awards is an annual presentation honoring achievement in thirteen categories nominated by the public and judged by an independent committee.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Bard Cole (Producer), bcole@wkno.org, (901) 729-8772
Artist Pint Glass
WBHM
Year submitted: 2018
Each spring and fall for the last 5 years, WBHM has partnered with local artists to create a design which is then featured on a pint glass that is given as a thank you gift exclusively during that fund drive. We only ask that the design be centered around the theme of public radio and feature our call letters. Other than that, the artist is free to create whatever they want (as long as it fits in the specified dimensions.)
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Will Dahlberg, will@wbhm.org, 205-934-2264
She Says
WFAE
Year submitted: 2018
In a world full of #metoos, justice may appear as swift as one woman speaking out but is it? WFAE's new investigative podcast "She Says," follows the story of a sexual assault survivor in North Carolina's Mecklenburg County and the long and difficult process of finding justice. As of this writing, no one has been brought to justice.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joni Deutsch, jdeutsch@wfae.org, 980-395-4881
Writer's Block
WHRV FM
Year submitted: 2018
Writer's Block is a station initiative that brings together local playwrights, poets, and storytellers to present their original work before a live studio audience. The event is taped for future broadcast and podcast. The event also features a local musician interspersed through the evening, presenting their own original compositions. We travel to various venues throughout the region to help foster awareness of the literary and musical talent that exists within the community. Artists share poetry, short stories, and spoken word.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Barry K Graham, drbkgraham@msn.com, 757-622-7101
Classical:BTS
Illinois Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
Classical: BTS is a six-part webseries devoted to revealing the lesser-seen — and heard — stories about classical music in central Illinois. In these mini-documentaries, you'll see hard work, performance, and creativity brought to life; you'll also hear how six unique individuals found their way to classical music, and how they continue to blaze new trails with their work.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Lisa Bralts, bralts@illinois.edu, 217-300-7388
Local Gun Violence coverage
WILL TV/AM/FM
Year submitted: 2017
WILL has been partnering with local agencies to produce content related to gun violence. We are producing radio segments, community engagement, agency meetings, and content for other platforms. Plans are now being developed to present a Town-Hall style meeting to be televised.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kimberlie Kranich, Kranich@illinois.edu
Our Town
WPSU TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
For over 20 years, WPSU's Our Town video series has captured the spirit of local communities from the perspective of the residents by providing an opportunity for the community to share the unique features of their town. Approximately 25 community volunteers collect video and photos and then are on camera telling stories in the final program in each community. WPSU currently produces four "Our Towns" a year with the stories airing during a special heavily promoted evening slot.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Carolyn Donaldson, cld285@psu.edu, (814) 931-7778
The Sweater Sessions
WQED
Year submitted: 2018
"WQED Sessions" is a direct-to-web series that showcases Pittsburgh-area musicians. The short videos are popular and shareable on social media. This year we embarked on a new variation of the series that we call "The Sweater Sessions." In celebration of this year's 50th anniversary of the classic TV series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, we reached out to the local music community and had various performers pay tribute to the iconic Fred Rogers theme song "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: David Solomon, dsolomon@wqed.org, 412-622-1532
Baltimore Band Block Party
WTMD-FM
Year submitted: 2017
The Baltimore Band Block Party is WTMD's signature fund-raiser. Each year, 15-20 local bands are given the tools to raise money for WTMD in the form of ticket sales and donations. The station provides exposure to these local bands by putting them in heavy rotation. This on-air support builds familiarity among our listeners. At the end of three weeks the station holds a BBBP concert...the top ten fund raising bands play live with the top three winning substantial prizes.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Kristin Laporte, klaporte@wtmd.org, (410) 704-3239
Bay Curious
KQED TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
Using the Hearken Platform, KQED's new podcast, Bay Curious, gets to the bottom of the mysteries — both profound and peculiar — that give the Bay Area its unique identity. And we'll do it with your help! You ask the questions. You decide what Bay Curious investigates. And you join us on the journey to find the answers.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Michael Isip, misip@kqed.org
100 Days in Appalachia
David Smith/100 Days in Appalachia
A parent sits with a local journalist in a Rostraver Township, Pa., Little League parking lot to discuss community issues.
100 Days in Appalachia
Year submitted: 2018
100 Days in Appalachia was born the day after the 2016 election. Weary of parachuting journalists seeking insights into rural America, we launched 100 Days to challenge the narratives that had reduced our region to a handful of narrow stories. Appalachia is a large, complex region comprising 13 states and 25 million people. 100 Days is designed to share our stories with a global audience as we cover the complicated landscape of American politics through the prism of Appalachia.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Dana Coester, poetabook@gmail.com, (304) 685-8736
Text 413Families
A 413 Families participant reads to his child.
WGBY
Year submitted: 2018
WGBY, with many other key community stakeholders, has worked closely over the years to align efforts with “The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation's Reading Success by 4th Grade” community-wide initiative with the goal that ALL of Springfield's children will read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. One project that WGBY has co-led as a communication strategy is the 413Families community-based texting program for families with children that offers information about educational tips and fun things to do. Read Current's story.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Vanessa Pabón-Hernandez, vpabon@wgby.org, (413) 781-2801 ext 1550
Dream Land: Little Rock's West 9th Street" Initiative
Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN)
Year submitted: 2018
AETN produced an Emmy-winning documentary on the rise and fall of Little Rock, Arkansas's successful yet segregated African-American business district (1940-50's) using an historic building in the district known as the Dreamland Ballroom as a focal point. By finally telling this emotional story through historians and the Arkansas African Americans who lived it first-hand, AETN has connected with dozens of community partnerships, held educational screenings, panels discussions, workshops and conducted riveting community dialogues on diversity and race relations throughout 2018.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Dan Koops, AETN Engagement, dkoops@aetn.org, 501 682 4131
"Make Room for Pie," a local pledge program
AETN Foundation
Year submitted: 2018
Make Room for Pie is a one-hour special produced for pledge featuring local food writer/historian Kat Robinson. Make Room for Pie began with the idea to enlist the talents of local food writer Kat Robinson. Kat is well known in the Arkansas food scene, respected for her knowledge of Arkansas foodways and history. We brought award-winning filmmaker Larry Foley in to produce the program. We take viewers on a delicious tour of old-time diners and off-the-beaten-path cafes.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Sara Willis, swillis@aetn.org, (501) 730-9304
Community in Unity (2018 Winner)
Danielle Slingsby
Ester Commack, an inmate at Anvil Mountain Correctional Center in Nome, Alaska, speaks during an Alaska Public Media Community in Unity event in August.
Alaska Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
“Community in Unity” is simple: get people together who wouldn't normally interact, sit them in a circle, and listen. We gather inside homeless shelters, community centers, and TV studios for recorded conversations about community topics. Topics have ranged from race and identity to mental health to immigration, and our most recent series gathered inside prisons to discuss incarceration and the justice system. These moderated conversations are recorded and broadcast to amplify the voices of those not often heard in media. Read about "Community In Unity" winning the Local That Works 2018 contest.
Type of content: Radio Online In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Anne Hillman, ahillman@alaskapublic.org, 907-297-8255
Midnight Oil
Alaska's Energy Desk
Year submitted: 2018
“Midnight Oil” is an ambitious and collaborative project from Alaska's Energy Desk that explores the rich history of how Alaska became an oil state. The project is an eight episode podcast, a video series and a standing room only storytelling event. Public media stations in Juneau, Anchorage and Unalaska collaborated on the project.
Type of content: Podcast Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Annie Feidt, afeidt@alaskapublic.org, 907-360-7921
The Art of Paying Attention
Arizona Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
In 2015 AZPM launched the radio series, The Art of Paying Attention, created by noted wildlife illustrator and writer Beth Surdut. For each episode Surdut researches the behavior of one local animal, writes about encounters with it, interviews experts, collect sounds, draws each critter, and records the piece with AZPM host Mark McLemore. There are 21 episodes to date with each one initially aired three times over two days. All are available online 24/7.
Type of content: Online Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Beth Surdut, info@bethsurdut.com, 978-793-1062
Roseland Health/Salud
Northern California Public Media including KRCB Radio and TV and KPJK TV
Year submitted: 2018
KRCB radio and TV is working with bilingual radio station KBBF in Santa Rosa to ask residents of one Santa Rosa neighborhood how their annexation into the city of Santa Rosa may affect their health. We're talking with residents and stakeholders, broadcasting call-in shows and news features, and communicating in English and Spanish. We're covering issues ranging from housing to immigration, from infrastructure to parks, describing how each contributes to the well-being of the community.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Steve Mencher, steve_mencher@norcalpublicmedia.org, 301-580-6722
Coast Alaska
"KCAW-FM, KSTK-FM, KRBD-FM, KFSK-FM, KTOO TV/FM"
Year submitted: 2017
Started as an informal alliance, today CoastAlaska provides leadership, representation, planning and support for seven-member stations in Southeast Alaska. It provides financial, personnel administration and bookkeeping; fund raising support, including underwriting and membership services; engineering services; as well as regional news reporting, editorial support, coordination and training for news personnel at member stations.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Mollie Kabler, mollie@coastalaska.org, (907) 738-0900
Young Talent Search/Rising Stars
"Dayton Public Radio, Inc. dba Discover Classical"
Year submitted: 2018
Discover Classical's Young Talent Search and Rising Stars Gala is the station's annual spotlight on talented young classical musicians in our listening area. Applicants submit a solo performance, and through a blind audition, a group of 5-7 musicians are honored annually. Winners receive a prize package including an honorarium, gifts, an on-air interview on Discover Classical, and a chance to perform at the Rising Stars Gala.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Stephanie Yenn, stephaniey@dpr.org, (937) 222-9377
Lost Coast Sessions
PBS North Coast/KEET
Year submitted: 2018
“Lost Coast Sessions” is a showcase of local performers from Humboldt County. We recorded 5 different performances in front of a live audience at a local venue. Performers represented the wide variety of artists in our area including a heavy metal band, spoken word group, vocal group, jazz ensemble and funk band. This was a way to get PBS North Coast back out into the community while giving local residents a chance to experience some home-grown talent with free admission.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: David Gordon, dgordon@pbsnc.org, (707) 445-0813 x 202
Deskovered: Live Music from Tiny Desk Contest Entrants
WBHM
Year submitted: 2018
WBHM partnered with a local music venue to host a review of 5 bands from the Birmingham area who had all entered NPR's recent Tiny Desk Contest.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Audrey Atkins, audrey@wbhm.org, 205-934-0130
WDAV's Small Batch Concert Series
WDAV
WDAV
The Tesla Quartet performs at a WDAV Small Batch concert.
Year submitted: 2018
WDAV Classical Public Radio has partnered with a local brewery in Charlotte to intersect community and chamber music in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We bring in a chamber ensemble to perform, and admission to the event is completely free and open to the public. These concerts attract a much more diverse and younger demographic than we have seen at other station events but have also allowed our core listenership an opportunity to hear music in a different way. Read Current's story.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Will Keible, Director of Marketing and Corporate Support, wikeible@wdav.org, 704-894-2983
Positively Kansas
KPTS Channel 8
Year submitted: 2018
“Positively Kansas” is hosted by Sierra Scott, a local celebrity. The weekly series takes viewers on a journey as we visit people, places and things that make Kansas unique and special. Each episode features stories that uplift, encourage and inspire all of us to reach for the stars and make the world a better place. The series covers history, arts, culture, performing arts, politics, literature and more, which are weaved together by visiting historical sites.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Phil Richardson, prichardson@kpts.org, 316-838-3090 ext. 221
Community Conversations — a Facebook Live initiative
WNED | WBFO
Year submitted: 2018
To reach a new (and younger) audience, WNED | WBFO converted its radio pledge room into a small studio this year. It's used to create "community conversations" — interactive events on Facebook Live and other social media. The stations are hosting discussions on a wide range of topics — from mental health and racial equity to local theater and summer reads.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Dave Rosenthal, drosenthal@wbfo.org, 716.845.7026
WNIN Summer of Music
Tri-State Public Media
Year submitted: 2017
WNIN broadcasts a Summer of Music series each of the last eight years with the goal of celebrating the rich heritage of live music in the area. We visit major music festivals to record performances and broadcast live or air the following week. We also produce a retrospective program with audio from all the festivals on Labor Day to conclude the series.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Brooke Schleter, bschleter@wnin.org, 812-423-2973, x127
Partnership with Groupmuse
WCRB-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Groupmuse is a platform enabling communities to come together around great art; an online social network that connects young musicians to local audiences through concert house parties. Share the masterpieces of music with old and new friends — in your living room and throughout your city. Because art is better with your friends. Because music can't hear itself. Because we need to feel together. Groupmuse. Be Alive.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Tony Rudel, anthony_rudel@wgbh.org
To Foster Change
PBS SoCal
Year submitted: 2017
In 2016, PBS SoCal launched To Foster Change, a multifaceted initiative to foster change in the realities and life outcomes for Southern California foster youth. The venture has three focal points: convening, content and local engagement. The station looks to bring expertise in media and mass communications to: 1) highlight work already being done; 2) enhance conversations on the issues; and 3) create interactive opportunities for foster youth that appeal to youth's fascination with TV, film, video and social media.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kathy Jura, kjura@pbssocal.org, (714) 241-4137
Houston after Harvey
Houston Public Media
Year submitted: 2018
Hurricane Harvey became the nation's worst rainstorm, flooding more than 154,000 homes across the Houston area and forcing local and state leaders to rethink long-term flood mitigation plans. "Houston after Harvey" is a multi-platform content initiative that examines the impact of the Texas Gulf Coast's most severe storms through personal stories, intimate video interviews, and in-depth news coverage.
Type of content: Radio TV Podcast Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Don Geraci, dgeraci@houstonpublicmedia.org, 713-743-4976
Skyline Sessions
Houston Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Collaborative, digital first effort to produce local music acts. Used for radio, TV and digital. We tapped into local interest in behind the scene music to be delivered to phones, iPad and laptops. "Skyline Sessions is a web series showcasing exceptional music performances by artists based in Houston and beyond. Our state-of-the-art George B. Geary Performance Studio hosts musicians in an intimate setting with an emphasis on capturing the unique experience of live studio recording.
Type of content: In-person Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Don Geraci, dgeraci@houstonpublicmedia.org
Local Goodies Tote
WYPR 88.1FM
Year submitted: 2018
It doesn't get more local, or more public radio, than sourcing your pledge drive tote bags from a local textile manufacturer in your community. Two years ago, we made a pledge to begin using local products and merchandise whenever possible as thank you gifts during our drives. Then, in the Spring of 2017, we filled the tote bag with different snack items made in Baltimore and the surrounding area and called it our Local Goodies Tote!
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Carolyn Jewell, cjewell@wypr.org, 410-235-1855
#WCVEandMe Instagram Initiative
WCVE
Year submitted: 2018
WCVE's Instagram shares the stories of people in our community who entertain, educate and inspire through stunning portrait photography and emotionally driven interviews. Since November of 2017, we have sought out the people in our community who are using their skills and talents to make an impact in their own backyard. Combined with compelling portrait photography, the #WCVEandME stories have used Instagram to inspire and bring our community closer together.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Louise Ricks, lricks@ideastations.org, 804-240-4498
Backline
WYMS
Year submitted: 2018
Backline is a program to elevate the Milwaukee music scene. It has two parts: (1) free quarterly workshops for all (2) $20,000 grants and a 12-week accelerator for four artists/bands. It's the first program in the US to use the startup accelerator model to advance the careers of musical artists.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Glenn Kleiman, glenn@radiomilwaukee.org, (414) 892-7971
Making a Difference
Kentucky Educational Television
Year submitted: 2017
Since 2007, KET has been producing a monthly, multi-platform Making a Difference proof of performance/testimonial campaign — distributed in our member magazine, on-air, on KET.org, social media, and email. These stories feature everyday viewers, stakeholders, teachers, students, parents, donors, legislators, veterans, GED recipients, and others who tell how they benefited from KET's programming and educational services.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Tim Bischoff, tbischoff@ket.org, (859) 258-7276
Where I Come From
KPBS
Year submitted: 2018
KPBS set out hear and document the stories of those of varying ethnicities and income levels within San Diego County. These community members' stories are told through a new social media video series for KPBS called "Where I Come From." We highlighted five communities in San Diego County and the Imperial Valley and created 2-minute videos around each community, including diversity, housing concerns, immigration and common misconceptions. Currently, we post one video a week on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Type of content: Online TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Laura McVicker, laura.mcvicker@kpbs.org, (360) 791-6542
The Bay
KQED
Year submitted: 2018
The Bay is a podcast that utilizes what's made public radio so attractive: the stories, narrative, and surprising learning moments. We've crafted a show for younger audiences who want to feel more engaged with the station and its reporters. The show launches three times a week and focuses on daily or weekly news. Our team of three is working on developing stronger relationships with listeners through traditional podcast call outs, social media mentions, as well as live events.
Type of content: Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Devin Katayama, dkatayama@kqed.org, 917-678-8647
KQED's Youth Takeover of the News
KQED
Year submitted: 2018
In April, KQED hosted a "Youth Takeover" of the news. Over the course of one week, stories pitched and reported by high school students across the Bay Area could be heard on nine of KQED's news programs and podcasts. To collect and curate these stories, KQED staff collaborated with a pilot group of ten local high school journalism classes over two months. KQED also teamed up with NPR Generation Listen to produce a live storytelling event featuring youth voices.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Chanelle Ignant, cignant@kqed.org
Reading Marathon
KUED
Year submitted: 2018
KUED hosts a Reading Marathon Kickoff in conjunction with the Salt Lake Public Library during the STEM Festival. The kickoff party invites families to pick up a Reading Log, receive free books, meet PBS Kids characters, and participate in engaging STEM activities. In an effort to reach a wide geographic population, KUED utilizes partnering organizations to distribute Reading Marathon information. Additionally, Mini Reading Marathons are hosted at libraries, schools, and community service organizations located 100 miles from Salt Lake County.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Elise Brimhall, ebrimhall@kued.org, 801-581-6163
Modern Gardener
KUED
Year submitted: 2018
“Modern Gardener” is a digital series produced by KUED that celebrates the people, organizations, and communities committed to helping gardeners in the states unique region. The series debuted in June of 2017 offering the community information about Utah's unique climate, providing efficient and effective ways for local gardeners to plant and grow their gardens successfully. “Modern Gardener” highlights organizations specializing in outdoor gardens, local growers and farmers, and gardening and landscaping for Utah's culture and climate.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: James Davie, jdavie@kued.org, 801-581-5506
Verve
KUED
Year submitted: 2018
VERVE is KUED's online series exploring creativity. Now in its sixth season, the series explores local people, their creative passion, innovation, and imagination. VERVE features six season of 3-5 minute documentaries exploring creativity and art. The series has featured a variety of creatives from the abstract painter Howard Clark to the dance choreographer Charotte Boye-Christensen to Nobel Prize-winning Professor of Human Genetics Mario Capecchi to Elephant Painters. All its featured creatives have a Utah connection.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: James Davie, jdavie@kued.org, 801-581-5506
KVIE Art Auction
KVIE Public Television
Year submitted: 2018
The KVIE Art Auction is an annual, live-televised fundraising event. Over 250 pieces of artwork are donated by artists throughout the Sacramento region, curated from hundreds of submissions. Local artists receive print, on-air, and web recognition. 1 week prior to the live auction, we hold a Preview Gala where all the artwork is on display. Jury awards are announced, as well as the winner of the framing competition. Guests include art collectors, donors, sponsors, and professionals in the community.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Steve Sweeney, ssweeney@kvie.org, (916) 641-3596
Minnesota Remembers Vietnam
TPT — Twin Cities PBS
Year submitted: 2018
“Minnesota Remembers Vietnam” is a statewide initiative aimed at inspiring Minnesotans to remember and share stories, recognize bravery, express their reasons for dissent, and foster understanding around the lasting impact of the events of 50 years ago. Our project included original documentaries and a series of sold out events. The cornerstone of the initiative is The Story Wall, an interactive website that preserves personal Vietnam War memories, photos, video and audio, and offers unique pathways for exploration and education.
Type of content: Radio TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Katie Carpenter, kcarpenter@tpt.org, 651-119-1194
North Country Public Radio/North Country at Work
Saint Lawrence County Historical Association
In a photo from the 1910s, construction workers use a horse-drawn wagon and steam engine–powered stone crusher to make road fill. The construction of homes, businesses and infrastructure employed many North Country residents during industry boom times from 1850 to 1950.
North Country Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
North Country at Work is a multiplatform project exploring the "history of work" through photographs stored in libraries, historical associations, museums and residents' homes. We go community by community, to scan photographs and record stories about work. We are building a software platform for archival materials that will be searchable and interactive, encouraging exploration and discovery. We will share the software platform with other stations to use for their own multimedia projects. Read Current's story.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Ellen Rocco, ellen@ncpr.org, (877) 388-6277
Cooperative Collaboration
KOOP Radio
Year submitted: 2018
Small non-profits and small for-profit businesses have a lot in common. In Central Texas in the summer, none of us has enough business! We chose to take advantage of this fact and began collaborating with several other non-profits and small businesses this spring and summer for survival during a difficult time. We found willing partners for our "Cooperative Collaboration" experiment. Our events and activities were good for us and good for them.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Cynthia McFarlin, cynthia@koop.org, 512.472.1369
Blue Ridge PBS, in YOUR Neighborhood!
WBRA
Year submitted: 2018
The in YOUR Neighborhood campaign is an ongoing effort to connect with our community. First, "Write Around the Corner," is a weekly program highlighting writers connected to Virginia. Each episode includes the personal side of writer, their process and research, and ends with the writer reading a passage from their latest book. Second, is a series of interstitials that focus on the talents and interest of our community. Our third component was finding a way to share beyond our air.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Rose Martin, rmartin@blueridgepbs.org, 540-808-8632
Newsroom After Hours
Richland Source
Year submitted: 2018
Newsroom after hours is a three-year-old summer concert series, which displays free live music to the Mansfield community in our newsroom. Mansfield is home to a lot of great local musicians. We wanted to become a bigger part of the music scene, so we started throwing events on the third Friday of each month during the summer.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Noah Jones, Noah@richlandsource.com, 314-972-3516
Student Intersections
Richland Source
Year submitted: 2018
Because of mutual interest in the economy of north central Ohio and the role youth will play in the region's future, Richland Source teamed up with Interlocal (a Mansfield-based nonprofit) to hold an event where Richland area high school students and visiting students could meet and learn about each other's communities. The one-time, half-day program, called Student Intersections, facilitated conversation about the Rust Belt's changing economy, how identity relates to place, and what young people can do to create change.
Type of content:
Type of organization: Nonbroadcast Nonprofit
Contact: Tracy Geibel, tracy@richlandsource.com, (724) 256-6093
Native Language Time Checks
Rez Radio 91.3
Year submitted: 2017
To revive the local native language of Paenixily, we loaded our automation system's time check feature with all the files done in the native language by one of the half dozen or so fluent speakers left here in Pala. The time checks are given without any explanation or translation to better immerse the habitual listener in associating what is heard with the same time every day.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact:, jfox@palatribe.com, (760) 742-4200
In Person Live Event Platform
KPCC-FM
Year submitted: 2017
A regular stream of live, KPCC in-person events, including September 18 Destined to crash: Cassini's grand finale; September 23, ¡Murales Rebeldes! L.A. Chicano/a Murals under Siege; Monday, September 25, ‘Zoot Suit' and Latino film culture; September 26, The Nerdist Showroom at Meltdown Comics; October 1, Live from KPCC'S MOHN BROADCAST CENTER/CRAWFORD FAMILY FORUM, KPCC's Community Open House! Meet your favorite public radio hosts and reporters, mingle with fellow KPCC fans.
Type of content: In-person Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Bill Davis, bdavis@scpr.org
The Frame
KPCC-FM
Year submitted: 2017
A half hour, daily on movies, music, TV, arts and entertainment, straight from Southern California. Hosted by John Horn
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Bill Davis, bdavis@scpr.org
Policy and a Pint
Minnesota Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Policy and a Pint® is an event series co-sponsored by the Citizens League and 89.3 The Current that engages young people in important conversations about public policy in Minnesota and the United States
Type of content: In-person Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Jim McGuinn, jmcguinn@mpr.org
Nostalgia Nights
KTCA
Year submitted: 2018
“Nostalgia Nights” is a new event series designed to engage first-stage adults (ages 25-45) with Twin Cities PBS. The events are fun, social gatherings that leverage beloved PBS personalities and shows like Mister Rogers and Bob Ross to spark a sense of nostalgia among audiences who grew up with these formative icons. To date, TPT has hosted a "Mister Rogers' Birthday Party" as well as a "Bob Ross Painting Party,” both of which sold out.
Type of content: TV In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kari Krolikowski, kkrolikowski@tpt.org, 651-229-1315
Out North: MNLGBTQ History
Twin Cities PBS
Year submitted: 2018
“Out North: MNLGBTQ History” was designed to tell the untold histories of Minnesota's LGBTQ pioneers, legislators, change makers and resistors. Starting as one idea from one donor, the project organically grew from a film into a comprehensive initiative, combining local community partnerships, screenings, intergenerational conversations, watch parties, and more. We developed one two-hour film, 7+ shorts, and 45+ community events, leading to a grassroots effort that uniquely and authentically recognized the roots of LGBTQ movements in Minnesota.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Claire Eder, ceder@tpt.org, 651-229-1273
TPT Partnerships-SOLD OUT! Affordable Housing at Risk
TPT-Twin Cities PBS
Year submitted: 2018
TPT Partnerships in collaboration with the Minnesota Housing Partnership created “SOLD OUT! Affordable Housing at Risk.” This documentary examines the shrinking supply of affordable housing in Minnesota through the experiences of displaced tenants and concerned experts. Affordable housing is under constant threat from changing economic forces and urban development that break up vital communities. Low-income residents have fewer and fewer options, and local businesses and schools must deal with the impact of losing those families.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Elizabeth Allen, eallen@tpt.org, (651) 395-0092
Connect Card
WCNY TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
In the summer of 2016, WCNY began to refresh its member benefit offerings and concluded the station's existing “2-for-1” member discount card (one of the benefits that members valued most and a primary incentive for members to move up to the $100 level) needed to be replaced as the vendor's program had numerous limits. The decision was made that the station would create its own card. WCNY's Connect Card was then developed and successfully launched in 2017.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Marcia Harrington, marcia.harrington@wcny.org, (315) 453-2424
Splash N Bubbles Gilley Pool Event
WCTE
Year submitted: 2018
Hosted a community pool party with a get in free with a book donation for children 12 and under. The theme was Splash N Bubbles PBS Kids Characters. The books were given back to the community library. Activities were provided; like a under the ocean mural with recycled toilet paper roles and coffee pods, a water pollution demonstration was performed with Reef Ranger certification, a Splash N Bubbles movie was provided for families wanting to get out of the sun.
Type of content: In-person TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Jodi Pitts, jpitts@wcte.org, 931-528-2222
Paper Globe Glow Parade
WCTE
Year submitted: 2018
Paper Globe workshops held all over the community (libraries, farmers markets, libraries) to engage families with a family activity that everyone can be involved in, and then to show off their designs in the Community wide Glow Parade.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Jodi Pitts, jpitts@wcte.org, 931-528-2222 ext. 236
Education Programs: Radio Camp & Radio 101
88.5 WFDD
Year submitted: 2018
Radio 101 and Radio Camp are youth-driven projects. In just one week, Radio Camp students learn the basics of audio production and produce an audio story ready to air on 88.5 WFDD. Radio 101 works with high-school students interested in audio storytelling; in the course of one semester they produce a minimum of one feature story on a topic of their interest. Both projects are catalysts for community engagement and social change; beyond that, they produce revenue for the station.
Type of content: Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Molly Davis, davismy@wfu.edu, 336-758-4870
Community Conversation on Mental Health
88.5 WFDD
Year submitted: 2018
For our most recent community conversation event, instead of dictating the topic of discussion we posed the question to our listeners using a web module powered by Hearken. Nearly 50 topics were proposed, and eventually over 160 people selected mental health as the topic. At the community conversation, listeners rotated through tables having quick discussions on each question. We put those questions again to a voting round, and later reported a full feature story on the winning question.
Type of content: In-person Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Molly Davis, davismy@wfu.edu, 336-758-4870
Let's Go!
PBS39/WLVT
Year submitted: 2018
“Let's Go!” is a weekly guide to what's going on in and around Pennsylvania's Greater Lehigh Valley. It is a 30-minute weekly show that includes 6-7 packages highlighting local events, organizations or establishments. We feature content for everyone from singles to retirees and everyone in between. Our coverage area is 5.2k square miles and we showcase what's happening throughout that area. We use social media to drive engagement, assist with distribution and get the community to help shape future episodes.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Yoni Greenbaum, yonig@wlvt.org, 610-984-8221
Aging Matters | NPT Reports
Nashville Public Television
Year submitted: 2018
“Aging Matters” is NPT's landmark original series focused how an aging US demographic will impact life in our community and across the nation. The ongoing project has resulted in eleven documentaries. Over the years, NPT has also produced nearly 90 interstitials, a Town Hall conversation on end of life issues, multiple live streaming events and innumerable community screenings. At the root of this project is a community engagement effort that goes beyond simply outreach after a program has been completed.
Type of content: TV In-person Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Will Pedigo, wpedigo@wnpt.org, (615) 415-1396
Beyond the Ballot
Wisconsin Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
With "Beyond the Ballot," WPR is turning our traditional reporting process on its head by asking hundreds of people what they think is important to cover this election season. Our staff has fanned out across Wisconsin, asking people questions and having real conversations about politics in 2018. The centerpiece of the project is a website featuring photography and stories. We are also collecting detailed demographic data on virtually everyone we interview, which helps our ongoing effort to diversify our sourcing.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Noah Ovshinsky, noah.ovshinsky@wpr.org, (608) 263-6570
Wisconsin Ideas Network
Wisconsin Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
The Ideas Network produces 8.5 hour of original local programming EVERY WEEKDAY, mainly call-in/talk programming reaching a weekly cume of 300,000 and generating strong member support.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Michael Crane, Mike.Crane@wpr.org
WQXR's Music In Schools
WQXR
Year submitted: 2018
WQXR chose 6 [Title 1] elementary schools to participate in a series of themed interactive chamber music concerts in Spring 2018. Two concerts were presented in each school in partnership with Decoda, an affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall. All 6 schools previously received a significant number of (more than 10) instruments through the WQXR Instrument Drive and have well-established, rigorous elementary level music programs.
Type of content:
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Krystal Hawes, khawes@wqxr.org, 646-829-4156
Only in El Paso
KCOS-TV
Year submitted: 2017
In 2013 KCOS launched Only in El Paso, a web video series that tells positive and unique stories about the people and places one can only find in El Paso. The goal is to provide opportunities to area filmmakers and to expand perceptions El Paso. The project is created and produced in partnership with local filmmakers. Also collaborating are Destination El Paso and PBS Digital Studios. To date three full seasons of mini-documentaries have been completed reaching over 100,000 viewers.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Emily Loya, eloya@kcostv.org, (915) 594-5345
WHYY Media Labs
WHYY TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
WHYY Media Labs is a partnership between WHYY and the Philadelphia School District. The after-school labs – now at 27 schools – are designed to teach the fundamentals of media production as a tool for learning in all curricular areas. A media instructor teaches students to tell stories about topics that concern them and brings WHYY's teacher professional development to the school. WHYY curates student content for the TV station and leads a student team to create a regular TV news magazine.
Type of content: In-person Online TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Craig Santoro, csantoro@whyy.org, (215) 351-3318
Cardia: Hearts and Sciences
WMEC-TV, WQED-TV, WSEC-TV
Year submitted: 2017
We created a three-part series that focused on new cardiology treatments that save lives, improve quality of life or minimize recovery time. These procedures included minimally invasive vale replacement, valve repair, trans-catheter valve replacement and atrial fibrillation treatment. The series, which aired in April 2017, showed real operating room procedures while the surgeon who performed the procedure spoke in our studio, providing a unique view of life-saving procedures and the doctors who perform them.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Mark McDonald, mmcdonald@wsec.tv, (217) 483-7887
Live at Howard's
WBGU-TV
Year submitted: 2017
As a kid, I used to watch PBS late night programming in which grungy music shows would come on. I took that memory and tried adapting it to our community. We partner with a great dive bar to create a new show that brings local area talent "to the masses" at a state-wide level. The first pilot aired in December and have been shooting episodes for the past few months with the first season set for the first of September.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Joe Goodman, joegood@bgsu.edu, (419) 372-9344
Radio Boise Tuesday
Radio Boise
Year submitted: 2017
Every Tuesday night Radio Boise hosts national, regional or local bands at Neurolux, Boise's most popular music venue which donates 20% of drink sales to the station. The event features a Radio Boise DJ who spins before and after each show, promoting the station. Each show is broadcast live. The goal is to raise awareness about Radio Boise and raise funds, but also to provide a strong off-night show in the Boise market for emerging touring bands and indie headliners.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Caroline Stivers, caroline@radioboise.org, (208) 258-2072
PBS Charlotte 3-D Project: Dreamers, Doers, Destiny (2018 Finalist)
WTVI
Year submitted: 2018
Via a four-year community engagement campaign that began in fall 2017, WTVI PBS Charlotte partnered with local workforce-related organizations to roll-out a three-part media project (Dreamers, Doers, Destiny) designed to empower youth to capitalize on their dreams through excellence, efficiency, effectiveness and entrepreneurship. Our target goal is to engage with and help educate local public high school students and young adults in career pathways and leadership training leading to education completion and lasting success in the workforce.
Type of content: TV Online In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: General Manager Amy Burkett, amy.burkett@cpcc.edu, (704) 330-5940
Young Chamber Musician's Chamber Competition
WDAV-FM
Year submitted: 2017
Classical Public Radio 89.9 FM WDAV, in partnership with OrthoCarolina, presents the Young Chamber Musicians Competition for musicians ages 14-25. Chamber ensembles are invited to compete for a chance to win their share of $12,000, a studio recording session and paid performance in the 2017-18 Davidson College Concert Series. Now in its third Year. Grown each year. Entries from major U. S. Conservatries.
Type of content: Radio In-person
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Frank Dominguez, frdominguez@wdav.org
Our Town Athens
WOUB
Year submitted: 2018
WOUB Public Media at Ohio University, Athens, produces a series entitled "Our Town," an educational documentary film about the history and heritage, events, and personalities that comprise communities within our broadcast coverage area. The hour-long program features interviews with local historians, community leaders, and authors who help tell the story of the town, from its beginning to present day. The station hosts a free premiere screening open to the entire community before it airs on WOUB-TV.
Type of content: TV Online Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Kathy Malesick, malesick@ohio.edu, 740-593-4909
Be Well Health Network
ideastream
Year submitted: 2018
To expand the reach and impact of its health content to low-income and underserved audiences, ideastream partnered with a Federally Qualified Health Center to distribute ideastream's locally-produced three-hour health video compilation throughout the Center's clinics. ideastream also committed to providing a new edition of the video with updated content once per quarter. The topics of the content included managing diabetes, people suffering with mental health issues and some opioid epidemic coverage. The initiative is called the “Be Well Health Network”.
Type of content: In-person Online TV
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Mike Shafarenko, mike.shafarenko@ideastream.org, 216-870-1203
The Fix: Examining Rhode Island's Opioid Epidemic
WSBE
Year submitted: 2018
Rhode Island has one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the country, and recently a task force has been created to address this issue. Due to the hard work of so many, R.I. has emerged as a leader in combating the epidemic. In a short period of time, R.I. went from having the 5th highest overdose rate to the 10th. “The Fix” shines a light on the problem but also on the amazing work being done in R.I.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Kim Keough, kkeough@ribps.org, 401-578-8056
YUPntwk
Connecticut Public
Year submitted: 2018
Connecticut Public seeks support to build infrastructure for YUPntwk, a cross-platform pipeline with the mission to support, connect, and amplify young artists and creators of color in Connecticut. Since mid-2017, YUPntwk has engaged this community by serving as conveners for various music, arts and culture events; providing equipment, production, and technology resources; and by beginning to co-create content with a focus on storytelling.
Type of content: In-person Online Radio Podcast
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Lauren Komrosky, lkomrosky@ctpublic.org, (860) 275-7280
Community Conversations with Indie Lens Pop Ups
NET Nebraska's PBS & NPR Stations
Year submitted: 2018
NET has been participating in the Indie Lens Pop Up film series for a few years with mixed results. In 2017, we looked at it differently. Racial incidents had been increasing on the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus. The University set up a diversity dialogue series and we saw an opportunity to engage around difficult topics. We partnered key departments across campus to set up screenings of independent films and discussions to promote dialogue and understanding between diverse groups.
Type of content: In-person TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Martha Florence, mflorenc@netNebraska.org, (402) 470-6603
Working Capital
KTWU-TV
Year submitted: 2018
"Working Capital" is a business show about entrepreneurism, innovation and creative management techniques. Topeka is the Capital of Kansas, so the title is a play-on-words. KTWU serves 39 counties in northeast Kansas including western Missouri; this gives the show a broad spectrum of businesses, corporations and individuals to profile on the show. The show is thirty minutes and typically profiles two business entrepreneurs during each show.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Eugene Williams, eugene.williams@washburn.edu , (785) 670-1111
Wisconsin Life
Wisconsin Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
Wisconsin Life began as an audio series on WPR in 2011 with personal stories about what it means to live in or be from Wisconsin. Episodes range from essays, to interviews, and/or field pieces. Each piece airs twice in a week during Morning Edition. In 2013, Wisconsin PTV joined the effort, so it now includes video, audio, digital and social media content. Our goal is for everyone to hear someone who lived in Wisconsin.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Erika Janik and Christine Sloan-Miller, erika.janik@wpr.org, (608) 213-2849
Breaking Heroin's Grip: Road to Recovery
Maryland Public Television
Year submitted: 2018
The continuing opioid crisis in communities served by Maryland Public Television's broadcast signal prompted the station to develop an awareness and education initiative for early 2017. Giving the multi-month project the title of "Addiction & Recovery," MPT sought to honestly portray the dark side of addiction while also providing hope, encouragement and access to professional help for those impacted by opioid abuse. The effort culminated in the broadcast of a 2017 production called Breaking Heroin's Grip: Road to Recovery.
Type of content: TV In-person Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Lindsay Wood, lwood@mpt.org, 410-581-4375
Mug Stops
WCVE TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
During its FM Pledge Drive week, WCVE invites listeners to have a cup of coffee with them in a local coffee shop. On the last day, the station celebrates with the community at a local brewery. The initiative is dubbed Mug Stops because each time the station designs a special, collectible mug people can purchase for a $10 donation. The original intent was to encourage listeners to build buzz about the station on social media with a fun, community-oriented activity.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Angela Massino, amassino@ideastations.org, (302) 858-7729
The KIDE Community Calendar
KIDE-FM
Year submitted: 2018
The KIDE Community Calendar Suite is the only electronic interactive calendar suite that allows our community to submit events messages and data to post of upcoming events, meetings, gatherings. The Suite is more than the calendar, it is the driver of our website data, archive, podcast options, electronic news and a tool to share information and educational materials.
Type of content: Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joseph R. Orozco, jorozco@kidefm.org, (530) 625-4245
The KVIE Art Gallery
KVIE-TV
Year submitted: 2017
KVIE has been doing a live televised art auction (245 plus pieces over 3 days) for over 30 years. To support all the artists who donate work for the auction, we decided to open an art gallery in our station. We remodeled unused lobby space. Artists now show and sell work through 6 exhibitions each year. The gallery, open Mon- Fri, requires no additional staffing. KVIE receives a portion of sales; the artist gets a larger portion of sales.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Steve Sweeney, ssweeney@kvie.org, (916) 641-3596
GPS for Success
WPBS-DT
Year submitted: 2017
GPS for Success is a multi-platform website where students and adults learn about career opportunities, income potential and training requirements in 16 career clusters identified by a shortage of skilled workers. The goal is to help students of all ages explore different career options and prepare for college and/or a vocational career. GPS for Success is promoted through 35 school districts in upstate New York. Our local Community Colleges use the site as a tool for career counseling.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Tracy DuFlo, tduflo@wpbstv.org, 315-782-3142, x219
North Country Public Radio "In Your Town" (2018 Finalist)
North Country Public Radio
Year submitted: 2018
North Country at Work (NC@W) collects photographs and audio content that tell the historic -and contemporary — stories of people at work across the vast rural geography served by North Country Public Radio. During the past year we implemented a new phase, returning to communities to collect photos and audio. For the third visit we hold a work-related story slam. NC@W has become an on-going project at NCPR and we are about to focus on post-WW II work stories.
Type of content: Radio In-person Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Ellen Rocco, ellen@ncpr.org, 315-229-5356
The Great American Read Local Community Engagement Initiative
WNET
Year submitted: 2018
In anticipation of THE GREAT AMERICAN READ, WNET's Community Engagement department assembled a task force with representatives from across the station to leverage the broadcast and accompanying resources to encourage New Yorkers to read, vote for, and share their favorite novels. On air, online and in-person, WNET is using all our assets to harness New York's love of reading.We refer to this as our "stone soup approach," where each department contributes what they can to maximize impact with minimal resources.
Type of content: TV Online
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Chris Czajka, Czajka@wnet.org, (212) 560-3519
WEDU Be More Awards
WEDU-TV
Year submitted: 2017
The WEDU Be More Awards started 12 years ago as a seasonal initiative to honor nonprofits and volunteers in West Central Florida and was well received, being dubbed the "Academy Awards for Nonprofits" by the Tampa Bay Times. About 5 years ago, WEDU turned the project into an annual initiative that has since grown dramatically — from approximately 40 participating nonprofit organizations to more than 140. This showing has enabled WEDU to become the media branch of the local nonprofit community.
Type of content: In-person TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Allison Hedrick, ahedrick@wedu.org, (813) 739-2940
EducationCounts_Michiana
PBS Michiana
Year submitted: 2017
All PTV stations are, at their core, educational, and WNIT reinforced its role in regional education by expanding to its lineup of weekly Ed programs. In Nov. 2016, we launched EducationCounts_Michiana, aimed at finding the region's best examples of learning practices. "Citizen hosts" lead viewers through 3-4 segments in each half-hour program. Content is driven by an advisory group of community leaders from school superintendents to early childhood professionals and business people.
Type of content:
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Greg Giczi, ggiczi@wnit.org, 574-675-9648, x303
The Affordability Project
New York Public Radio
Year submitted: 2017
It's a struggle to find afford living in New York City, and the cost keeps rising. WNYC is looking at what it takes to continue making this place home, one neighborhood at a time. We have published more than two dozen stories focused issues of Affordability. We led conversations on gentrification conference in the South Bronx. Our reporters taught journalism undergraduate and graduate students how to cover the topic of affordability. Read Current's story.
Type of content: Radio Online
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Charlie Herman, cherman@wnyc.org, (646) 829-4335
Summer Learning Day
WCNY TV/FM
Year submitted: 2017
In July 2017 WCNY partnered with The Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, and the Onondaga County Public Library to present the annual Summer Learning Day. The event focused on engaging the community to make summer a season of learning and had the theme “Dive into Summer with Splash & Bubbles,” a new PBS Kids show. Nearly 2000 people turned out for the event, 4X the 2016 attendance. Using PBS characters combined with many other activities was the key to success.
Type of content: In-person
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Debbie Stack, debbie.stack@wcny.org, (315) 453-2424
What Listening Looks Like
Maine Public
Year submitted: 2018
“What Listening Looks Like” asked people to show us where they listen to our radio services and had them take a selfie and send it to us to be shared on our website. We had an underwriter who would donate $5 for every photo submitted. This ran for one month and we received close to 1,000 selfies! This is great engagement, a wonderful revenue source and costs the station nothing but staff time and on-air promotional time.
Type of content: Radio TV Online
Type of organization: Joint Licensee
Contact: Cory Morrissey, cmorrissey@mainepublic.org, 207-232-0241
Community Purchase of KPLU-FM
KNKX 88.5 FM
Year submitted: 2017
In 2016, against all odds, KPLU-FM was successfully purchased by the community from Pacific Lutheran University for $7 million in cash and $1 million of in kind contributions. Details of this extraordinary community initiative have been well documented in Current and in The Pub #71.
Type of content: Radio
Type of organization: Radio
Contact: Joey Cohn, jcohn@knkx.org, (253) 535-8732
filmmaker
South Florida PBS (WPBT and WXEL)
Year submitted: 2018
The film·maker initiative is a project for emerging South Florida filmmakers that acquires, broadcasts, and distributes their work. It also provides mentorship. Though South Florida is experiencing a cultural renaissance, the film making community is at a dire crossroads. State incentives and funding cuts are hindering the growth of this community just as our homegrown talent begins to garner national and international recognition. South Florida PBS's film·maker program is an effort to counteract the talent drain currently taking place. This initiative addressed the needs of struggling filmmakers and presented a chance for film lovers to make a difference through their support.
Type of content: TV
Type of organization: TV
Contact: Joyce Belloise, jbelloise@southfloridapbs.org, 305-424-4181