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Digital Content Delivery Will Not Save Public Media Companies. (In Fact, It Won’t Save Any Media Companies.)
Public radio has a mission. Bill Simmering, a member of the founding board of NPR, authored the organization’s original mission statement, including these passages: “National Public Radio will serve
In Support of NFCB’s “Bowling Alone” Critique
The “Beyond the Broadcast” panel last week hosted by Paragon relied on the unreleased documentary Join or Die and the book “Bowling Alone” for inspiration. The basic idea is that
Des Moines’ New “Studio One” – 10 Years in the Making
The story of public radio’s newest radio station is a classic version of what I call “public radio time.” Public radio time is the slow pace at which the industry
Creating Consensus for Digital KPIs
Over the last few months, Mike Henry of Paragon has teamed up with Izzi Smith of Listen Again Tomorrow to host a series of virtual “What Now Conversations,” where public
NPR News Stations Efforts To Attract New Audiences
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing local NPR News stations is attracting new audiences. The brand is well-known and used by core audiences, many of whom have listened for decades. The
Artist Interviews 101
In my 40+ year career, I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing a wide variety of artists, from Elvis Costello and Jack White to Beck and Brandi Carlile. Paragon clients have
Earning Back Core Audiences at NPR News Stations
While the headlines about public radio’s staff layoffs create one perception, the efforts inside local NPR News stations remain focused on audience retention and growth.Numerous NPR News stations are 6+
The Digital Handshake: Insights from NON-COMM 2024
I recently had the honor of moderating a panel discussion at NON-COMM in Philadelphia, focusing on "The Digital Handshake." This concept emphasizes the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in public radio
Passing on The Beatles
Three years ago, Sean Ono Lennon was tasked with keeping his parent’s legacy relevant for future generations by creating a music video. His animated film, “War Is Over! Inspired by
Coaching Talent Without Confrontation
A highly successful program director whom I was working with in a large market a few years ago reluctantly confided in me that the real reason he had been avoiding
Are You Ready for Nerd Super Bowl?
Election season has begun. NPR’s Mara Liasson called it on air – Biden and Trump are the presumptive nominees. The four-year election cycle offers big opportunities for public radio news
Embracing the Digital Wave: The Imperative for Radio (aka Audio) in 2024
In the dynamic landscape of radio, adapting to technological advancements is crucial for staying relevant and reaching wider audiences. In Mike Henry’s most recent blog, “2024 - The Tipping Point