On podcasting and intervention : re-imagining the value of public radio in the information ecosystem

In this thesis report I examine the role of public radio in an information ecosystem. I ask what it means to be “public” in the era of podcasting, when audiences could be across the street from you or halfway around the world. I also look at what “public” radio stations are responsible to when their audience is both more fragmented—because they are not connected geographically—and more streamlined—because they unify around specific themes, ideas or shows more than ever before. Finally I explore how public radio stations, by re-imagining their role in this ecosystem, can focus more attention and resources on developing content that aligns with, “the mission of NPR [which is] to work in partnership with Member Stations to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures.” I demonstrate how stations and universities can partner to develop programming by offering examples of programming I’ve been developing over the last 10 years at KUT Radio in Austin, Texas.Radio-Television-Fil