WNPR’S JOHN DANKOSKY: "WE USE OUR TALK SHOWS TO BREAK NEWS"

THIS IS THE SECOND OF A FIVE-PART SERIES ABOUT THE NEED FOR MORE PUBLIC RADIO TALK & INTERVIEW PROGRAMS.

John Dankosky, Vice President of News at the Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network (CPBN) knows why his shop has made substantial investments in talk and interview programming: “They generate valuable content that can be used across all of our platforms.”

John Dankosky

 Dankosky has been working in public media news for more than two and a half decades.  He hosts Where We Live [link], one of CPBN’s two daily talk shows. Where We Live has been recognized several times as the best station-based talk programs in the nation. WNPR’s other local talk shows are The Colin McEnroe Show {link] and the weekly Faith Middleton’s Food Schmooze® [link].

WNPR has integrated their talk programs into all aspects of their news coverage, community engagement and social media. According to Dankosky, talk and interview programs have increased the value of CPBN for listeners and community leaders: “They are an important part of CPBN’s (and public media’s) future.”

ARE CPBN’S TALK SHOWS SUSTAINABLE?

Dankosky says: “Yes, that’s why we are making new investments in them. By any metric they are successful. They pledge well and underwriting avails are often sold out.”

Dankosky acknowledges that station-based talk shows typically cost more than national news magazines. “Talk shows are hard to do and challenging to make great everyday. But they are worth the time and investment because they make CPBN essential.”

The ability to be “live” is also important. Dankosky: “Live coverage is one of the most important tactical weapons radio has. Few other types of media on any platform have the ability to be ‘live’ immediately.  It is not something news magazines typically do.”

PLANS INCLUDE A REGIONAL TALK PROGRAM

CPBN led and organized the New England News Collaborative (NENC). Last February, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) pledged more than $600,000 to launch the NENC. Other partner stations in NENC are WBUR, Maine Public Broadcasting Network, New Hampshire Public Radio, Vermont Public Radio, New England Public Radio, Rhode Island Public Radio, and WSHU Public Radio. Collaborations are also planned with Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Here & Now, and other public media programs in New England.

Lucy Nalpathanchill

Dankosky is now in the process of creating a weekly regional talk show as part of NENC.  He is in transition from his current duties at WNPR to become the head of NENC. The new host of Where We Live is WNPR reporter Lucy Nalpathanchill.

Dankosky believes the NENC is important for the entire region:

“We realized that New England states share common geography and history, political organization and people. We think the New England News Collective will help to tell the stories of this connected and rapidly changing region.”

YOU CAN JOIN THE EFFORT: FOUR JOBS ARE OPEN NOW

CPBN is now adding staff for all of its talk programs. These gigs are now open for applications:

• Talk Show Producer (New England News Collaborative)

Help launch WNPR’s new weekly news program and podcast, exploring issues across New England. Work with an award-winning team that is dedicated to creating engaging and thoughtful programming for a regional audience.

• Talk Show Producer (Where We Live)

• Talk Show Producer (The Colin McEnroe Show)

Become part of the team that produces The Colin McEnroe Show, one of WNPR’s signature programs. “Possibly the best local show in public media.,” says Adam Ragusea, host of Current newspaper’s podcast The Pub.

• Talk Show Producer (Part-time, up to 24 hours/week)

Assists in the planning and production of  WNPR’s weekly flagship food and lifestyle program, Faith Middleton’s Food Schmooze®. 

More information is available at [link].