People
B.A. Parker joins NPR’s ‘Code Switch’ as host
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Parker will begin hosting the show with Gene Demby in July.
Programs/Content
‘The Stoop’ explores conversations black people have in private
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Developed through NPR’s Audio Storytelling Workshop, the new podcast presents honest, frank conversations about black identity.
Programs/Content
NPR diversity VP steps in as interim Code Switch editor
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Code Switch’s previous leader started Monday as local/regional news director for WAMU in Washington, D.C.
Programs/Content
Code Switch’s Alicia Montgomery on leading conversations about race
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“We’re here to give you the complicated story.”
"The Pub" Podcast
‘The Pub’ #69: Code Switch chief Alicia Montgomery
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Montgomery talks about the long-anticipated new Code Switch podcast and responds to criticisms of her unit from both the right and left.
Programs/Content
Tasneem Raja on how NPR’s Code Switch navigates the increasingly crowded race-and-culture beat
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“Our job is to really talk to each other and push back on our story ideas and the lenses we’re applying to these stories, and then try to invite the audience into the conversation as much as possible.”
System/Policy
News directors’ conference focuses on diversity in hiring and reporting
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The Public Radio News Directors conference featured a pair of sessions on the subject.
SXSW
Our Storify of public media tweets from SXSW Interactive
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A roundup of insights and comments from several public media sessions at the annual conference.
Code Switch
PBS, NPR reps discuss challenges of reaching new audiences with SXSW attendees
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Shereen Marisol Meraji, a reporter with NPR’s Code Switch, and Lauren Saks, director of programming for PBS Digital Studios were at SXSW and gave a panel session on strategies for public radio and public television to reach out to younger and more diverse audiences.
SXSW
Our guide to public media events at SXSW
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Check our list of pubmedia-related sessions — and let us know if we missed yours.
Quick Takes
Wednesday roundup: Viewer anger over logos, KCRW premieres new site
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Plus: CPB opens up its search for a consultant to review the National Minority Consortia.
Programs/Content
A year in, NPR’s Code Switch still figuring out commenting
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In their efforts to foster a productive dialogue with readers, the race and culture blog’s editors have turned their comments section into one of Code Switch’s defining characteristics.
Quick Takes
Friday roundup: Ombud questions Code Switch policies; appeals court affirms dismissal of Clash lawsuits
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Plus: Another online TV service advertises access to PBS.
Quick Takes
Thursday roundup: PBS promotes execs; Code Switch crowdsources poetry
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• PBS has promoted two of its programming execs. Michael Kelley, formerly v.p. of strategy and business affairs, ascends to s.v.p., programming and business affairs. In addition, Bill Gardner, formerly director of general audience programming, is now v.p. of programming and development, overseeing science, history, natural history, cultural and current events programming. Both joined PBS in 2012. “Mike’s strong business skills and strategic leadership coupled with Bill’s acute editorial judgment and significant development chops have been instrumental to the success of PBS, our producers and member stations nationwide,” Beth Hoppe, PBS chief programming executive, said in a statement.
Tech
Knell’s departure stalls discussions about expanding NPR’s Code Switch
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Talks between NPR and CPB about expanding the network’s Code Switch to a local and regional level are on hold as NPR President Gary Knell departs for his new job. A CPB draft business plan for 2014, released last month, said that the corporation “is considering building on the success of the NPR Code Switch initiative by extending it to local stations as a regional initiative.”
The cross-platform production aims to examine issues of race, culture and ethnicity, and spark discussion on social media platforms and NPR’s website. It launched in May with a $1.5 million, two-year grant from CPB. Discussions about expanding Code Switch beyond its current operations are now in a holding pattern, however, as NPR looks for a new chief executive. “We’ve been talking to NPR and PBS about a national-down-to-local diversity initiative,” said Michael Levy, executive v.p. of corporate and public affairs at CPB.