Thursday, Oct. 1 is Ocean State Media’s first birthday.
In 2023, Rhode Island’s public radio and public television stations merged to form a new public media organization for all of Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. On Oct. 1, 2025, we introduced that new organization, Ocean State Media, to the world.
Ocean State Media launched with a new name, a new logo and a new mission: To become Rhode Island’s first choice for news, information and community connection. One year in – how is that mission going? And what does year two have in store? Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with Ocean State Media President and CEO, Pam Johnston, about plans for the future.
Interview highlights
On why Ocean State Media prioritizes ‘listening deeply’
Pam Johnston: Let me pause on that word “listening” because it is defining not only our first year, but it is defining our future.
We know that trust in the media is eroding. We hear this in local research that we've done as well as national research. And what we also hear from research and when we're out there listening to folks is that folks want to be part of the solution. People care about local journalism. They care about storytelling. They want an organization they can trust and depend on. And that starts by showing up where people live in new ways and listening first.
We heard that in our early research, when we were first defining and deciding what our new brand would be, and we have decided from that listening that the practice of listening is going to define our future.
That's what audiences are asking for now, and that is what we are committed to. It is really an inside-out way to build our relationship (to audience), and to be a different kind of news and media resource at a different time where new things are needed.
On how Ocean State Media aims to fill widening gaps in local news
Johnston: I think as a convener, the work of journalism and news is essential…Recent research that was commissioned by the Rhode Island Foundation and Van Buren Charitable Foundation right here in Rhode Island told us that 89% of Rhode Islanders want and value local news, and yet 34% of folks can't find it and can't access it. So rather than being territorial and competitive, what we want to do – and what our colleagues across the state and the region are doing too – is being more collaborative, telling stories together, doing journalism in a way that is in the best interest of folks who live here, if community, versus just for ratings or for stakeholders. And that's a big shift, but that's what's required now.
When journalism is shrinking, we have to think opportunistically about how to come together to achieve our mission, which is to tell really important stories that matter to people who live right here right now.
On why Ocean State Media asks for support
Johnston: (It has been) an extraordinary year of growth and experimentation. And listen, we lost our (federal funding) within the last year. We've gone through massive struggles, and we're still here, and you're with us.
For those who are listening, if you love us, if you like us, if you believe in what we're doing, we need your help to stay here. We are powered and fueled by your support now more than ever without federal funding.
We want to prove our value by showing up differently, by listening to you and learning what it is that you want from us. And then we ask you to support us. Our programming is free for everyone. That is only possible because of you, because of your support, and we need that support now more than ever. If you already support us, thank you. Can you support us more?
If you've never supported us before and you wake up with (morning host) Luis Hernandez every morning, or you're watching Ocean State Media and you're getting our newsletter, please support us. That's the only way we continue to build and grow this local media organization that exists for you.
