INNovation (https://innovation.inn.org/grantee/iowawatch/)
IowaWatch’s radio program features investigative stories over commercial radio stations in Iowa. Its goal is to expand its audience beyond the web and attract potential funders.
n estimated 100,000 to 120,000 listeners in Iowa and seven other states hear IowaWatch’s in-depth reporting on 19 radio stations, all but two commercial stations, in 15 markets 22 times every weekend.
The Iowa State Bar Association and two media outlets of the Gazette Company have signed on to be the first underwriters of an Iowa nonprofit news radio program beginning in January 2015.
IowaWatch is on a race against time to secure funding to keep its experimental radio program going beyond its original run.
Lyle Muller (IowaWatch.org) | Sales work is full time. This especially is true if you have a small window of time in which to experiment, evaluate and decide whether or not to more forward or cut bait.
The progress made by some of these organizations is promising, yet a lot of work remains ahead before victory is declared.
The Iowa Center will develop a statewide audience engagement program that takes its reporting to new audiences via two methods: a weekly statewide radio program, and IowaWatch-based public forums in cities where the program is aired. The goal is to expand audience and reach more potential personal and corporate funders through donations, underwriting and advertising than is now done through heavy reliance on newspapers.