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Corporate Public Broadcasting (CPB) funded training to foster digital innovation

KSMQ Public Television is among 50 public media stations selected to participate in the Digital Transformation Program, a virtual program developed by the Poynter Institute to educate, assist, and coach public media senior leaders and their staff on the best strategies and tactics to transform their organization’s digital operations and culture.

“We are thrilled to be selected for the CPB Digital Transformation Program, as it provides KSMQ with an exciting opportunity to expand our digital capabilities and enhance our service to viewers across our region and beyond,” said Laura Archbold, station manager in a press release. “Through this program, we will be able to better connect with our audience by improving content access, engagement, and personalization, while also fostering stronger community involvement. These advancements will not only deepen our connection to our current audience but also help us reach new and more diverse viewers through digital platforms. We’re excited to build momentum through this transformation, highlighting the vital role public media plays as a valuable community resource.”

Designed in partnership and funded by the CPB, the new program builds on the strength and success of the first Digital Transformation Program, which in 2022-23 trained 79 public media entities and 458 station personnel.

“CPB is committed to advancing innovation,” said Patricia Harrison, CPB president and CEO. “The Digital Transformation Program will provide coaching and resources to help stations accelerate their digital development and share best practices for achieving audience and revenue growth.”

In addition to one-on-one and peer group coaching sessions, the program will include a series of educational webinars, work exercises, and resource materials that span the program curriculum.

The new phase of training, known as the Fundamentals Track, will be delivered virtually over nine months to two cohorts of 25 station leaders and their station’s personnel each year for three years.

“Poynter is excited to welcome these public media professionals to the program as part of our partnership with CPB,” said Poynter president Neil Brown. “We’re proud to be able to help these stations transform to a more audience-first, digital focus and build deeper connections with their community as well as grow revenues to strengthen their financial foundations.”

The stations selected, from Alabama to Washington State, Hawaii to New York, include 22 public radio stations, 12 public television stations and 16 joint license stations.

One group of 25 stations will start in January 2025 and the other in March.