89.3 WFPL Launches Regional Environmental News Collaboration

(Louisville, KY—1/27/10) On February 1st, 89.3 WFPL is launching a consortium of public radio stations throughout the region interested in producing environmental news and features, it was announced today. With the generous support of Alice S. Etscorn and the Alice S. Etscorn Charitable Foundation, The Energy Foundation, and the Gheens Foundation, Inc., WFPL is proud to announce the Ohio River Radio Consortium.The mission of the Consortium is to reach the widest possible audience to raise the level of awareness and understanding of some of our region’s—and our time’s—most pressing environmental issues, creating an editorially-driven news service unlike any other in the Ohio River Valley. In addition to the on-air content, the service will include a robust web site, including audio features, multi-media, social networking, and expert bloggers. The Consortium will also create community partnerships to help engage the public and promote content.To celebrate the launch of the service, 89.3 WFPL, in conjunction with Hanover College’s River Institute, is organizing “Covering the Ohio River Valley: A Convergence of Scientists and Media”. The conference, which takes place in Louisville, KY, on February 26-27, will bring together researchers, reporters, and educators to examine regional scientific and environmental issues as well as strategies for covering them. The public will be invited to attend an expert panel discussion on Friday, February 26 at the Louisville Science Center (details pending).For more information on the Ohio River Radio Consortium and the kick-off conference, visit www.wfpl.org or contact Kristin Espeland Gourlay, Ohio River Radio Consortium Managing Editor at502-814-6546 or kespeland@wfpl.org.