Content Initiatives

In September 2007, a planning process began to institute a formal Partnership Program for Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago). Today there are two flagship initiatives produced by the Partnership Program: Chicago Amplified and the Off-Air Event Series - as well as many additional ongoing collaborations and projects, such as Louder Than a Bomb and "Cafe Society with WBEZ" - all of which are produced in collaboration Partners, our respected and trusted network of cultural peer organizations and institutions.

This year, the Partnership Program embarked on several new production initatives. Dear Chicago profiled individuals whose personal stories illustrate an issue or problem that city government can and should address, produced as part of WBEZ's Election coverage. "Ask Me Why" is a collection of interviews featuring pairs of individuals who disagree on an issue taking turns asking each other questions in order to better understand each other's postition, inspired by StoryCorps National Day of Listening and produced in partnership with the Illinois Humanities Council.

Also in 2010, Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago) has launched a new multi-platform collaboration titled Changing Gears: Remaking the Manufacturing Belt, with Michigan Radio and IdeaStream in Cleveland to report on the future of America's Rust Belt through journalism and public engagement. This initiative is the largest partnership-based project currently underway in WBEZ's CityRoom.

The programs and initiatives of Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago) that benefit from the Partnership Program are those deeply invested in seeking community engagement and exploring long-term collaboration within the work that they do. This focus assists Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago) in our commitment to connect diverse audiences in our service area and beyond in hopes that doing so will help them make a difference in our communities, our region, and our world.

For more information, contact Breeze Richardson at 312.948.4653.