System/Policy
North Dakota’s Prairie Public dodges bill threatening to end state funding
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A bill attempting to end state funding for public broadcasting failed to make it out of committee.
FCC chair requests investigation into NPR, PBS underwriting
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In a letter to CEOs of both organizations, Chairman Brendan Carr wrote that some underwriting announcements may “cross the line” into advertising.
System/Policy
Kwame Alexander created a poem about public media with help from ‘Viewers Like You’
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“A human network / A community / coming together in unity / generations engaged / together.”
Tech
Stations in Alabama, Texas and Alaska receive $1.3 million from Next Gen Warning System
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Alabama Public Television, KLRN in San Antonio and KYUK in Bethel will use the funds to upgrade their technology for transmitting emergency alerts.
System/Policy
Nebraska Public Media receives donation of online news sites
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NPM is engaging with freelance writers who have covered arts and culture in the Omaha area to resume publishing online content later this summer, according to CCO Nancy Finken.
Programs/Content
Apple update disrupts podcast downloads, but blow is softened for some stations
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LAist “dodged a little bit of a bullet,” while New Hampshire Public Radio has continued to see audience growth.
Programs/Content
LAist’s ‘Inheriting’ podcast aims to shed light on Asian American and Pacific Islander history and community
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The show digs in with seven families to show how past traumas can trickle down through generations.
People
Comings and goings: WFIT appoints PD, Nine PBS adds senior directors to development team …
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Steven Keller became PD for WFIT in Melbourne, Fla.
System/Policy
San Francisco’s KQED eliminates 34 positions
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The station is also ending its podcast “Rightnowish.”
People
Marcia Smith, president of Firelight Media, plans to step down
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Smith co-founded Firelight Media with filmmaker Stanley Nelson.
Tech
How public media can help shape ethical AI voice technology
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Following the controversy over OpenAI’s “Sky” voice, public media must aim to build tools that are imbued with cultural richness and represent all people while preserving cultural and traditional knowledge.
Obituaries
RRC President Joanne Church dies at 75
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With her late husband Tom, Joanne Church “introduced audience research to public radio” by founding RRC in 1981.