The TRAC Media Services' Listening Project: Preserving the Station’s Legacy

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The TRAC Media Services' will archive Listening Projects with an immediate focus on multi-year studies at Cleveland’s ideastream stations, Wyoming PTV, and WLRN TV-FM, with others to follow next year.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Complex Audience Dynamics: The research revealed that stations don't just have a homogenous group of viewers and listeners. They broadcast a variety of program genres, ranging from children's shows, instructional television, how-tos, news, documentaries, concerts, and dramas. Each genre, intrinsically unique, attracts a niche of loyal viewers and/or listeners.  

2. Emotional Bonds and Appreciation: One of the interesting outcomes of the Listening Projects was the palpable appreciation from various quarters of the community. They didn't just view the station, they bonded. A recurrent theme in the listening sessions was the sense of belongingness.

3. The Essential Role of Public Broadcasting: In an age of fragmented media, public stations are local broadcasters providing  both program diversity and community services and outreach.  As you will see in the  reports, the audiences love it when they are listened to.