KFAI BLACK HISTORY MONTH –FEBRUARY 2012
Statement of Interest/Program Proposal
KFAI will celebrate Black History Month (BHM) with a special day of programming on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. The station is looking for dynamic live programming – produced by African Americans - that explores the history of their people in America.
KFAI would like to invite station volunteers, community groups and community members to participate in this year’s programming. Selected proposals will air on February 21st. If you or your organization is interested in participating in this year’s programming, please fill out the following program proposal form and return it to Janis Lane-Ewart, c/o KFAI, 1808 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454. [Box 73].
The deadline for submission of a proposal is Monday, February 13, 2011 at 5pm. If you have any questions or require assistance in completing this form, please contact Janis Lane-Ewart at 612.341.3144x23 or . Frequently Asked Questions about Black History Month can be found below.
Name:
Address:
Phone#:
Email:
Proposed program(s) should be 1 hour in length
Type of programming: Discussion Music Interview Other: ______
Proposed title of program:
Program description: (use the back of this form for extra space or attach extra pages if necessary)
KFAI Black History Month Programming
Frequently Asked Questions
· What kind of show(s) or topic(s) can I cover?
KFAI is looking for a wide range of program proposals to present voices of African Americans on topics celebrating, relating to, or of particular interest to the African American community. We’re looking for shows covering music, the arts, public affairs, health, work and business, etc.
There should be a specific applicability to, or focus on, the African American community, its culture and its history.
As long as the program complies with FCC programming guidelines related to obscenity, profanity, commercialism, etc., no topic is off limits.
We’ve attached a listing of Black History Month (BHM) 2009 program content to this document to give you an idea of past topics and the range of programming KFAI has broadcast.
· What does the BHM Committee look for in a program proposal?
The BHM Committee is looking for proposals that reflect fully developed program ideas and that outline those ideas and probable show content in detail. For example:
o If the program is to be an arts or music show, what artists or types of artists will be featured, and why? It’s helpful to the Committee if you include a few examples of possible playlists or interview questions. Why are these artists important? What will your listening audience learn about them?
o If the program is to be a public affairs or documentary show, what are the subjects, and how will you be presenting them? If you’ll be interviewing people, who will you interview, and why are they important to your topic? What types of topics or issues do you expect to raise or feature?
In addition, the BHM Committee looks for program proposals that focus on the listening community rather than the programmer and his or her self-interest.
· What can I do in an hour?
In general, a one-hour music show will consist of 10-14 songs, depending on song length. For a one-hour talk show, 2-4 persons (including host) should be able to discuss two to four questions/issues. Regardless of the show type, you’ll need to allow time for host introductions/transitions, station promos, and show identifications. Also, shows airing between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. will need to allow approximately 3 minutes for news headlines at the top of each hour. We recommend you check the KFAI program schedule and listen to shows (live or via the archives) that are similar in format to the show you intend to propose; this should help you with planning and developing your proposal.
· I’ve never done a radio program before. What help is available?
KFAI can provide a mentor who will help you “fine tune” your program and answer any questions you have about doing a radio program.
KFAI can also provide an engineer to run the radio equipment if you’re not certified to do so. This frees you up to focus on show content.
We will also have volunteer support available on February 21st to help make your program air smoothly.
· What if I don’t get a time slot that works for me?
The committee encourages you to commit to doing your show live if at all possible, since studio and volunteer time for prerecording can be limited. However, if necessary, KFAI offers the opportunity for you to pre-record your program so that you need not be present at the time it airs on the radio. Your show will be available in the KFAI archives for the two weeks following February 25th, so that listeners can listen online at their convenience.
If you choose to pre-record your program and you need KFAI studio time or the help of a KFAI volunteer, it’s a good idea to make sure your schedule allows you plenty of time to work on the program well before February 25th. Note that while your show may be prerecorded, we will not have resources to help you edit and remix the recorded material. You should prepare to record your show in one “take” – just as if you were performing live – unless you’re able to do your own editing.
· Can non-African Americans apply for a program or appear in a program?
Since the purpose of this special, once-a-year, day of programming is intended to focus on the voices of African Americans, the BHM Committee expects the day’s programming (hosts, guests) to feature solely African American’s voices.
We certainly encourage non-African Americans to volunteer in off-air roles as engineers, mentors, etc. In addition, we encourage non-African Americans who currently host programs on KFAI to consider special programming during February which promotes and celebrates African Americans in conjunction with Black History Month.
· Do I have to be a certain age to apply?
No. KFAI’s goal is to present programming reflecting the full spectrum of African American voices!
· What are the BHM Committee’s expectations if my program proposal is selected?
The BHM Committee will notify you whether or not your program proposal has been selected for inclusion on February 21st’s BHM schedule. Notification will take place between February 14th and February 16th, 2012, so please mark your calendar to check email & voicemail frequently during that time. Since the selected programs will need to be ready to air on February 21st, it’s important that you take responsibility for working with your KFAI BHM contact/mentor to meet applicable deadlines.
Selected applicants are expected to read and comply with program rules/guidelines, be timely in addressing communications to/from BHM volunteers, proactive in seeking information/help needed to complete program requirements, proactive in promoting their shows, and flexible in arranging needed studio time.
· What other ways can I become involved in BHM and/or KFAI?
There are a number of other ways you can support BHM specifically, or KFAI in general. For example:
o Volunteer to help with BHM, such as distributing flyers, or, consider volunteering at KFAI on a periodic or regular basis. We have a variety of opportunities to fit a wide array of interests and schedules. For more information on volunteering at KFAI, contact Pam Hill-Kroyer at or 612-341-3144, ext. 22.
o Consider promoting your business or organization by sponsoring BHM through Underwriting. For more information, contact Sabrina Crews at or 612-341-3144, ext. 24.
o If you’re a current KFAI programmer, consider devoting one or more programs during February 2012 to African American programming (either your own or that of an BHM applicant not selected for BHM on February 21st), volunteering to mentor an BHM programmer, or assisting an BHM programmer with recording and editing a pre-recorded show.
o KFAI is non-profit, listener-supported community radio. You can support KFAI and become a listener-member by going to www.kfai.org or by calling during one of our pledge drives.
SPECIAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMMING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2009
6-8am / “Mo of Motown: A Musical Contribution to African American History”Hosted by Raymond Jackson, Music and discussion of Motown.
8-9am /
Can Do: Stories of Black Visionaries, Seekers, and Entrepreneurs
[DDS] Engineer: Lydia Howell Source: PRX9-10am / The Blind Boys of Alabama In Concert
[DDS] Engineer: Lydia Howell Source: PRX
10-11am / ACTION SPEAKS: WHAT'S RACE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
[DDS] Engineer: Source: PRSS
11am-12pm / Peace Talks Radio: Ralph Bunche - Profile in Peace
[DDS] Engineer: Andy Driscoll Source: PRX
12-1pm / Communiversity
Hosted by Mahkmud al Khati. A discussion of the importance of Black History
1-1:30pm / Harlem Speaks
[DDS] Engineer: Adam Mehl Source: PRX
1:30-2pm / Rita Dove
[DDS] Engineer: Adam Mehl Source: PRX
2-4pm / Soul Food Music
Hosted by Akhmiri Sekhr & Tim Page. A variety of music, history, and discussion of music and how it moves people to action.
4-6pm / Story of Jazz written & narrated by Langston Hughes: beginnings, characteristics and examples
Hosted by Bill Cotman. Jazz music program with discussion of artists.
6-7pm / “I’m Not Crazy”
Hosted by Matthea Little Smith. A discussion of Mental Health in the African American Community.
Engineer: Dee Henry Williams
7-8pm / Black History
Hosted by Kinshasha Kambui. Music, Poetry, and history program.
8-8:30pm / Texts of Resistance
[DDS] Engineer: Janis Lane-Ewart Source: PRX
8:30-9:30pm / Odetta
[DDS] Engineer: Janis Lane-Ewart Source: Audioport