How to get on PBS, NPR through multimedia project on Puget Sound school desegregation
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Several media organizations are joining forces to collect personal stories from across the Puget Sound region regarding school desegregation. KCTS 9 is hosting recording sessions for willing participants in collaboration with PBS’ “American Experience” and StoryCorps, a nonprofit focused on telling and preserving stories from Americans of all backgrounds.
The KCTS 9 studios at 401 Mercer St. in Seattle will be used for the recording sessions between May 21 and 23.
The organizations are asking anyone with thoughts on the subject, no matter who they are, to consider signing up for a recording session. Participants are asked to bring someone with them so a conversation can be recorded.
“Our goal is to collect a broad range of desegregation stories,” stated Diane Buxton, Senior Project Manager. “From teachers, students, bus drivers, police officers and community members of all ages and ethnicities. Seattle has a rich history and will provide important context to this complicated time for generations to come.”
PBS says “American Experience” is TV’s most-watched history series, combining real stories and expert commentary with dramatic reenactments. Its website includes in-depth features on an array of historical topics.
“Understanding our history is key to grappling with the complex questions of today,” said Rob Dunlop, KCTS 9 President and CEO. “This project will help our community and our country address, through first person accounts of desegregation, the impacts of our policies and practices.”
How to participate
Participation in the school desegregation experience project will be for the American Experience website, once a release is signed. With permission, the recorded conversation will also be shared with the Library of Congress. StoryCorps will also edit conversations down to a few minutes long, and some may be shared on NPR Morning Edition.
To better understand what it would be like to take part in this project, McClatchy reached out to project manager Buxton.
The entire process takes around an 75 minutes, according to Buxton. A brief welcome will precede the recorded conversation, which will take place in a private conference room.
Participants will speak with the person they brought for about 40 minutes on the topic of school desegregation in the Puget Sound region. There will also be a StoryCorps facilitator in the room recording the audio, who may move things along depending on the conversation.
A conversation guide will also be provided to participants, but they’re encouraged to direct the story themselves.
A photo will be taken of the participants after their conversation. Any memorabilia they’d like to share will be photographed as well. They’ll be asked to sign a release, then they’ll be free to go. Everyone will be able to receive a copy of the interview they did.
If interested, email Buxton at diane_buxton@wgbh.org.
