Are We Focused on the Listener?

Kyle Munson, a columnist with the Des Moines Register, admits I'm a public radio nerd and proud of it. 

Kyle values the sane approach and depth of understanding that Iowa Public Radio and NPR provides in the tumultuous and hateful atmosphere of this political season.  "I crave the sane, illuminating haven of IPR, where not everything must be staged as arch conflict."

 Kyle typifies the core listener as defined by PRPD's Core Values. The measurable cohort that defines the audience is education. No matter the political leanings there is a thirst for knowledge and understanding. A variety of experiences enhances their lives and those experiences are actively sought.

In a competitive marketplace it is seldom possible for public media outlets to be all things to all people. Focusing on a single format and doing a few things well often make more sense. But...there is room for more voices.

Think about this...In the bigger markets there is room for creativity and diversity if all involved share in the effort. The same model could then be applied in all markets. There needs to be a willingness play well with others. If we are focused on the listener and how they use media, we can better understand how to serve them. If we work together, we will succeed.

Iowa Public Radio Needs Funding Boost

"A Change Will do You Good"

Sometimes. And sometimes it takes a while for the change to take effect. Iowa Public Radio (IPR) needs funding from Iowa's Public Universities to make up for shortfalls. Turmoil at the top resulted in funding problems according to IPR leadership.

The Creston News Advertiser reports "IPR had an extended period with interim leadership, which resulted in interrupting the plan to increase funding from large donors.” IPR is asking for over $235,000 in additional support from the university regents. The strategic plan was to be free from university funding by 2017.

CEO Mary Grace Herrington was fired by the board in 2013. Some of the board members publicly discussed the firing. The result was a settlement for Herrington of $197,000.

IPR hired a new CEO in January. Myrna Johnson was new executive director.
The report, published Friday, credits  The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (MCT) Vanessa Miller (McClatchy/Tribune - MCT Information Services)

Changes at IPR

Iowa Public Radio changes its signal array. According to CEO Mary Grace Herrington, the changes are the result of changes in listening patterns. The change puts news and information on signals that can be heard by more people. The same for IPR's eclectic music channel, Studio One.

IPR also used this opportunity to make some programming changes. Comments have been fairly light but, this should be pick up Monday when the changes take effect.

There's more information in the Des Moines Register.