5Q: Torey Malatia

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1You recently led WBEZ/Chicago Public Media. How do Providence’s and Rhode Island’s audiences compare?

American audiences in every town or city have high aspirations for the public-media institution that serves their community. But no two communities want exactly the same kind of public-media service. Our Rhode Island audience shows a deep desire for journalism focused on the Ocean State that explores its issues, solutions and achievements. [They want] original content that celebrates our local arts and our diverse culture. In other words, the whole buffet.

2What local issue are your listeners most tuned in to?

Certainly the alleged large-scale impropriety in the 38 Studios story and its related lawsuit are at the top of the list today. Overall, tracking clicks, tweets, re-tweets and comments reveals our listeners as highly interested in politics, environment, health care and education.

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3What new digital services might you introduce here in Rhode Island?

I think of digital as a primary distribution strategy, not an afterthought. RIPR’s digital presence is solid, but frankly on the slim side. We’ve been dreaming of a refashioned RIPR.org for the long term, with new functionality and enhanced content. Within our budget this year, our path will likely be to concentrate on amplifying our current digital successes, such as our “Daily Catch” news emails.

4Are there any plans to add or alter programming to keep it fresh?

Our staff is bursting with creative concepts for new content. These ideas have been stewing for months, or years, I would guess. As we build staff support and secure seed funding, we’ll ask our online followers, Community Advisory Board and others to react to raw concepts and pilots.

5What are your long-term goals for the radio station?

The long-term goal is to realize the institution’s mission. A summary of our mission may seem simple: To provide Rhode Island residents with trusted journalism and rewarding discussion. But to earn trust, our journalism must be truthful, thorough, responsible and relevant.

And this last characteristic means that it must touch the lives and concerns of all state residents – people of different life experiences and beliefs, economic circumstances, racial and ethnic backgrounds. •

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