2000 PRPD Core Values™ Summit: Executive Summary
Copyright© 2000 by Public Radio Program Directors Inc. - Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Part I: Vocabulary of Qualities
It is the fusion, the crosscutting of the following three sets
of qualities that have created public radio's signature. Our best
programs mix those qualities in a variety of ways, but all three
categories of quality are present.
Qualities of Mind/Intellect
Love of lifelong learning
Substance
Expand understanding
Connect with the world
On the lookout for unique/excellent content
Curiosity: Asking why not just what
Trust, Credibility, Accuracy, Honesty
Non-manipulative
Non-sensational/No hype
Respect for listener
Purpose
Qualities of the Heart/Spirit
Humor
Idealism
Inspired about public life
Civility/Civil Discourse
Content holds center stage
Guest is the star
Qualities of Craft/Use of the Medium
Uniquely human voice
Conversational
Authentic
Intimate
Deliberate/thoughtful pace
Attention to detail
Part II: Filters that set and enforce high standards
The distinctive sound of public radio is created through the disciplined
use of 3 rigorous filters that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary
and draw the line between merely good and great.
A Filter for Content:
"Listeners trust us to respect their intelligence and curiosity,
and make interesting choices on their behalf. Not to waste their
time, but to enrich their time while they're listening. They depend
on us to sift through all the "run of the mill" talk show possibilities.
In other words, they depend on us to find the distinctive people
ideas and stories, which distinguish public radio from most of
the "drek" on the dial."
-Danny Miller, Executive Producer, Fresh Air
Constructing the Filter for Content
Determine Purpose
Cast the net widely
Use multiple perspectives
Winnow/debate/decide
Organize/structure
1st edit - OK
2nd edit - compelling
3rd edit - if possible
Goal: to present only the most intriguing ideas, clearest
explanations, and most vivid descriptions
A Filter for Talent:
"Editing and filtering, in some form, is one of the things that
creates great talent, that the talent does not simply exist on
its own, that it has to be produced and created. I have yet to
meet someone who's so interesting that we can just run whatever
happens to come out their mouth for an hour and have it be great
talent and great radio."
-Doug Berman, Executive Producer, Car Talk
Constructing the Filter for Talent
Talent doesn't exist on own
Must be edited, produced
Anyone on air is talent
Depth of personality
Lives/embodies the content
Interesting/authentic
Warm, human, idealistic
Writes/communicates well for self
Distinctive, memorable
Goal: To take this great talent, build a format that brings
out their best and hides their weaknesses and edit the hell out
of them.
A Filter for Craft/The Way we Use the Medium:
"We need to look at not only what we're putting on the air but
how we're putting it on the air…to continually ask ourselves -how
are we sounding? Are we sounding as good as we can?"
-Ellen Weiss, Executive Producer, All Things Considered
Constructing the Filter for Craft/The Way we Use the Medium
This filter is built and based on:
Listening to work
A focus on writing
Use of any sound has purpose
Music matches content
Goal: To focus not just on what goes on the air but on
all aspects of how it's being put on the air-to build a consciousness,
a common knowledge, a set of common questions.