Why Iowa?
I’m undertaking a couple of endeavors, starting the week after next, which I think will be quite challenging and exciting.
I’ll be taking responsibility for programs and channels on Iowa Public Radio - and first, a word or two about that. Iowa Public Radio is a new creation, the result of combining three station groups - WOI, WSUI/KSUI, and KUNI/KHKE. These stations have enjoyed a separate existence, albeit with some collaboration, for decades. Now, they’ll be merged into one entity, and we think the result is better service for Iowans.
Why? First of all, there are nine transmitters, one of which serves the entire state; and most of the major metropolitan areas have 3 or more signals available. Just ending the three versions of Morning Edition and developing multiple formats and streams will increase the number of listening choices. IPR has 60 employees, as it’s currently configured, with annual revenues that, in aggregate, are larger than the station I work for now. It’s one thing to survey the landscape and see all the work that needs to be done; it’s something else entirely to see the work and also see the wealth of human capital and talent available to help. That’s one tremendous resource.
But beyond all the opportunities that exist to create new formats, build a stronger, statewide news service, and support arts and culture in Iowa, I’m excited because there’s a chance for Iowa to be one of the leaders in re-imagining the partnership we have with our audience. As Robert Paterson wrote in a recent post, “Participation is not a feature - it is central to the new media.” The power of public media is the way it connects us to our listeners, our listeners to us, and our listeners to each other. New Realities, the work of the DDC Group, and the efforts that follow will provide all of us with tools to create a more coherent experience for our listeners online, and forge a new and stronger community around public broadcasting.
There’s another aspect of Iowa Public Radio that excites me. These three entities have (largely) decided to stop competing with each other and focus on working together. This merger is not occurring under catastrophic circumstances - giant budget cuts, a future in jeopardy. The biggest reason it’s happening is because, by joining together, Iowans will get the best public radio service they can. If we can do this well, perhaps we can show the way for others who want to address the problem of an overbuilt public broadcasting infrastructure in their locale or region.
I have something else in mind, while I’m in Iowa. I’ve had a long relationship with statewide Iowa Public Television; I’ve hosted fundraising and specials on the network for close to 10 years. I’ll expand that relationship, hosting regular specials on the network and developing new projects.
It’s a handful, but I wouldn’t be happy with anything less. Here’s to productive times ahead.
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