THE BEST NEW THING IN PUBLIC MEDIA: “FINDING AMERICA” FROM AIR

FINDING AMERICA [LINK] is the latest LOCALORE project from AIR. I love it! FINDING AMERICA builds collaborative relationships between independent public media creators and public radio and TV stations and their companion digital platforms.

Here is the way FINDING AMERICA works:  Stations and media creators apply to participate.  AIR will choose 15 media creators and match them with 15 stations for collaborative local storytelling projects.  AIR pays the media creators. The stations host the projects but are not paid by AIR. Details are at [LINK].

THE STATIONS GO FIRST

AIR will be accepting applications from interested noncom radio and TV stations now through May 31, 2015.  The competition is primarily for CPB-funded stations but other noncom broadcasters will be included on a case-by-case.

I salute one of the application requirements: Each station applying must enter a video or audio clip (no longer than three minutes) to introduce to the station.  The intro clip should talk about what makes this station and this community unique. Stations are encouraged to talk in the clips about their strategic vision, programming philosophy and recent community service activities.

FINDING AMERICA has already received a couple dozen station intro clips. Stations who have applied include WLRN-FM, Miami; KCPT-TV, Kansas City (one of the best PBS stations in the nation); WBHM-FM, Birmingham; KWSO-FM, a Native American station in rural Oregon and Wisconsin Public Radio and TV.

A WONDERFUL SIDE BENEFIT OF FINDING AMERICA

The clips the stations are submitting are also terrific self-promotion vehicles.  Often the hardest story for a station to tell is its own. By focusing on what makes each station unique, stations are putting their best foot forward.

I watched several of the intro clips. I can feel the pride the station folks feel about where they live and work. I feel like I’ve been to KRTS-FM Marfa, Texas, after seeing their video postcard.  I’d love to volunteer at KBCS, Bellevue, Washington.  Every station should this kind of promotion.

FINDING AMERICA CONTACT INFO

Network Manager, Adriana Gallardo: AIR HQ: 617-825-4400
Email: adriana@airmedia.org