Local that Works


Local that Works spotlights innovative and replicable content, engagement and revenue initiatives at public radio and TV stations and nonprofit and digital news organizations in the U.S. LTW includes an annual contest and a database (below). LTW produces webinars that offer insights into projects and organizations that are reshaping local civic journalism.

Explore the database of 635 Local that Works projects. Check out Local that Works contest Winners, Finalists and Semifinalists by clicking on those colored tags. 

Other tips on using the database: If viewing this on a computer, all projects are listed in the left column. Click on a project name and its longer profile will appear in the right column. If viewing on mobile, clicking on a project name will load the full listing on your screen.

Filter your results by selecting a tag or multiple tags in the categories drop down menu and clicking on search. IMPORTANT: Make sure to deselect your checked categories for subsequent searches.

27 results found.

Classical IPR’s Kids Commute

WIAA - Classical Interlochen Public Radio 88.7 FM, Interlochen, MI

Every weekday morning, Interlochen Public Radio (IPR) presents Kids Commute, an interactive exploration of classical music centered around weekly themes (such as mermaids, opera and elephants) that are designed to educate and entertain the youngest listeners. Kids Commute also explores ballets, their stories, and the music that goes along with them. This interactive radio experience delivers strategies for early childhood artistic development that can be easily replicated in a variety of genres.

Million Minute Challenge

WLVT PBS39 Lehigh Valley Public Media

The Million Minute Challenge was an initiative to get people of all ages and backgrounds in Lehigh Valley reading. We asked our community to come together to read 1,000,000 minutes in March 2020, Reading Awareness Month, and what resulted was a fun, engaging, exciting, audience-captivating event that surpassed its goals and put reading at the center.

KPBS Explore Local Content Project

KPBS

KPBS launched the “Explore” program in 2012 as an experiment to grow the station’s library of local programs while cultivating new, young and diverse talent. Every two years, KPBS opens a community-wide call for content ideas and offers seed funding to create local TV shows, web series and podcasts. The producers retain ownership of their project and are responsible for raising the extra funds needed to stay afloat. The program has spawned four podcasts and more than a dozen TV and web series.

Insider Louisville’s Top 100: Change-makers and groundbreakers

Insider Louisville

Insider Louisville created a database of local civic leaders to measure their community impact. Each individual was given a civic engagement score. Criteria included but was not limited to nonprofit board participation, founding a company, charity support, elected to office, networking group membership and media exposure. Insider Louisville published a report to honor the top 100 ranked civic leaders in a report: “Insider Louisville’s Top 100: Change-makers and groundbreakers.”

The SPARK and The SPARK Awards

WKNO

WKNO’s The SPARK is a monthly half-hour interview program highlighting efforts in community service and technological and collaborative innovation by nonprofits, corporations, local businesses and educational organizations. The SPARK is produced in partnership with cityCURRENT, a privately-funded organization comprised of 80+ local businesses focused on moments and media along with philanthropy and volunteerism to “power the GOOD” and provide a positive influence in the Mid-South.

Baltimore Band Block Party

WTMD-FM

The Baltimore Band Block Party is WTMD’s signature fund-raiser. Each year, 15-20 local bands are given the tools to raise money for WTMD in the form of ticket sales and donations. The station provides exposure to these local bands by putting them in heavy rotation. This on-air support builds familiarity among our listeners. At the end of three weeks the station holds a BBBP concert…the top ten fund raising bands play live with the top three winning substantial prizes.

Inspired by KPAC Youth Talent Competition

Texas Public Radio
2022
Public Radio
Nathan Cone
[email protected]
https://www.tpr.org/inspired

We believe that the arts, and specifically classical music, play an important role in the development of creativity in youth. Especially since the pandemic and the age of online learning, there has been an absence of extracurricular activities, leaving our youth with little to no creative and social outlet. Our “Inspired by KPAC” Youth Talent Competition has been an annual TPR event since 2015, and is one way in which we reach out to and engage with our young listeners.

Our classical music station, KPAC 88.3 FM, is one of only three 24-hour classical music stations in Texas, and the only classical music station covering San Antonio and the Southern Hill Country. The service we provide through our classical music station KPAC 88.3 FM, is vital to ensuring accessibility of beautiful music, advancing cultural vibrancy and supporting our South-Central Texas classical arts community. We highlight local performers to actively engage with our community and offer a valuable source of enjoyable classical music programming, especially in times of high stress and uncertainty.

“Inspired by KPAC” aims to connect an age group that is often disconnected from classical music – youth aged 13-19. Not only do they learn to appreciate masterworks of past and present, “Inspired by KPAC” allows them to interpret classical music in their own way. The contest provides the opportunity to showcase their musical talent in the performance of music inspired by what they hear on KPAC, their artistic talent in a visual representation of a piece of music, or their writing talent in a written composition inspired by classical music. Musical performances, as well as interviews with select contestants, are broadcast on KPAC. Visual art, written word, and musical performances are also highlighted on our website. Winners receive up to a $1,000 cash prize. Through this youth talent competition, we provide a needed respite from uncertain times and an outlet for youth creativity and talent in a supportive and engaging competition.

Especially in recent years, K-12 students have struggled with lack of peer-to-peer interaction due to online school and lack of extracurricular activities. “Inspired by KPAC” allows youth to participate in a culturally rich and engaging extracurricular activity, despite the ongoing COVID pandemic. “Inspired by KPAC” offers a creative outlet and a safe way for kids to get together again and express themselves.

Additionally, this program encourages the appreciation of classical music for non-musicians through our various art and writing categories. These talents are shared with the KPAC audience on the radio through a live broadcast and second edited show. This program also provides direct financial assistant to the students through contest awards.

Additionally, in order to reach a broader segment of the San Antonio population, TPR directly reaches out to underserved schools in the community to inform them of the contest as well as encourage participation from their students. This allows us to expand the reach of this contest and encourage the appreciation of the arts across our community.