News and journalism organizations do a lot of broadcasting content out to listeners and viewers, whether via the radio, the TV, a smart speaker or our website. But as a public media organization, Ocean State Media’s mission is also to connect with its local communities.
Listening is at the heart of its mission: “In a time of noise, we are choosing to listen. In an era of division, we are building connection,” Ocean State Media’s purpose statement says. “In a rapidly shifting media landscape, we are doubling down on place – on the people, stories, questions and cultures that define Rhode Island.”
One way Ocean State Media is listening, is a monthly community panel. The survey allows OSM to check in with a group of people across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Colleen Kenyon, Ocean State Media’s chief community and education officer, spoke with morning host Luis Hernandez about the community panel and what OSM has learned so far.
Interview highlights
On why it’s important a public media organization connect with communities outside the studio walls
Colleen Kenyon: I think as local broadcasters, we want to make sure that we are serving the people who are here – that we are hearing from them in order to inform the work that we are doing, but also in order to elevate other voices and bring more of the community into what we do. (We want to) hear directly from their neighbors, people they know and relate to, or people with different perspectives and experiences.
A recent survey showed respondents were largely pessimistic about 2026. On what that means
Kenyon: It was over 50% that were that low, and the majority of the answers that they provided after that initial number ranking had to do with politics, the economy. But we did see some glimmers of positivity and hope. We’re excited to see both of those things, to balance those out and really think about not only making sure that people have good information about all of those things they’re really concerned about, but also finding those pieces of hope and great things that are happening too.
