EDtv

When asked the question “Why are so many countries ahead of the US in Math and Science?” Americans’ answers will vary. In fact they did[1] vary. This question was posted on a discussion page at http://www.currenttv.com, one blogger posited, “…currently in America, we've got kids who aren't concerned with education…this generation has so many things going for it in terms of technology and communications that it SHOULD make getting a quality education easier than ever, but instead we see something else: distraction.”(Johnny)

To be clear, technology-based distraction probably is not the sole cause for the state of the education system in America today, especially since achievement in the American school system has remained stagnant for years (with or without current technological advances). That being said, technological distractions are a reality and some media organizations not only acknowledge this reality but; are also doing something about it.

Three organizations in particular are taking steps to reach American youth with worthwhile material. In fact, more and more often, responsible members of the media community have changed their format and/or production practice to include shorter programs and programming created by the community.

Exploring key attributes like programming format, community involvement, and educational applications at MiND, WHYY and Current TV will allow us to highlight key differences and similarities in the ways broadcast media is being used in the Philadelphia area to reach and maintain awareness in American youth.

MiND

MiND is the brainchild of Independence Media, the non-profit owner/operator of WYBE (channel 35 for those of you that watch local television in the greater Philadelphia area). If your familiar with WYBE you know it has changed in the last five years.

More specifically during the last five years the leadership at channel 35 or MiND changed the line-up from a traditional half an hour and/or one hour format to include a broadcast block where every showing is five minutes long. Although the content it’s self has not changed, the manner in which the content is produced has changed. The diverse cultural insights shown on MiND are no longer only produced by the channel employees but now also include productions created by the community. Plus, not only is the MiND team making sure diverse compositions make it on air; they are also offering the community a chance to learn to create their own works from start to finished product.

MiND also has a multi-faceted media offering. Its components include, three channels - MiND, Global MiND, and MiND Worldview - these channels offer 5 minute programming, half-hour / one-hour programming and online replay.

MiND coordinates monthly screening and discussion events invite the community to gather, investigate, and celebrate a specific topic. These events connect enthusiasts and advocates of meaningful issues through community produced screenings based on the focus of that month, recent topics have included violence awareness, mentoring & volunteerism, going green, outdoor activities and voices of veterans. These topics/events bring people from all over the region together and create lasting communities of practice. Event info can be found on MiNDs website: http://www.mindtv.org/styles/mind/www/news/ .

If you’re at all familiar with public programming in the Philadelphia area and online, this may sound a lot like another media organization called WHYY.

WHYY

Originally called the Metropolitan Philadelphia Educational Radio and Television Corporation, WHYY has its roots in a community partnership lead by Dr. W. Laurence LePage, former president of The Franklin Institute. WHYY’s 1950s goal to culturally enrich and educate the greater Philadelphia area came to fruition after Westinghouse Radio Stations Inc. donated FM station WHYY 91FM in 1954 and the studios at 1622 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia were leased (and renovated) in 1957. Although WHYY was originally known as Channel 35 when it became the country’s 23rd public television station, it’s currently in most cable line-ups as channel 12 (the change over from channel 35 to channel 12 occurred in 1963).

WHYY also has a multi-faceted media offering. It’s components include, half-hour / one-hour programming, online replay, podcasts and radio.

WHYY has also recently added another extremely useful tool to its offering, Hamilton Public Media Commons. Previously referred to as the Learning Lab at WHYY, the Dorrance H. Hamilton Public Media Commons is located at 150 N. 6th Street, in Philadelphia, PA. Hamilton Public Media Commons is a regional digital technologies learning lab where people and organizations can learn, explore and create utilizing tools they may not otherwise have access to. The Hamilton Public Media Commons caters to learners of all types, including but not limited to students, career-seekers, recreational enthusiasts, those seeking public information, and WHYY members. Examples of this inventive facility’s uses include digital town meetings, digital art expos and technology-based field trips for k-12 learners. More information on the Dorrance H. Hamilton Public Media Commons can be found at http://www.whyy.org/hamiltoncommons/index.html.

Current TV

Created in 2005, Current TV has become a multiplatform company - based on viewer created media - purposed to explore and investigate aspects of life, globally. Current TV also has a multi-faceted media offering. Its fully integrated web and TV platform includes, short segments, half-hour / one-hour programming, online replay, community-style production (studio), and podcasts.

Both MiND and Current TV offer short programs (less than minutes long), and WHYY, MiND and Current TV offer the opportunity to watch programs both on television and online. But, unlike MiND and WHYY, Current TV is a for profit company with a myriad of resources and a powerhouse leadership team including former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and businessman Joel Hyatt.

And although it’s not a local media organization; Current TV has highlighted issues on its discussion boards and amongst its broadcasted topics that focus on Philadelphians (or are written by them). Various examples including, Philadelphia native, Rosie Mashale’s Baphumelele Children's Home in Cape Town, South Africa (an orphanage that is home to about 120 children affected by HIV/AIDS) can be found online at www.current.com.

Current can also be used to highlight positive national/international developments in the use of social media/social broadcasting to promote student achievement. Examples being Anna Rodrigues’ Global Student Journalists project (a social media network connecting student journalists worldwide) and “Math, Science, And The Future Of Our Nation: A Global Online Town Hall Meeting” which was held on November 17, 2010. Local teachers using social media within in their curricula often use topics like “Why are so many countries ahead of the US in Math and Science?”(a question derived from the Global town hall meeting) to create awareness and head-off technological distraction.

[1] johnny, music. "untitled." Why are so many countries ahead of the US in Math and Science?. Current Tv, 11/18/10. Web. 25 Nov 2010. <http://current.com/bfd/92804057_why-are-so-many-countries-ahead-of-the-us-in-math-and-science.htm#92807576>.