to share . Most of the audio and video content we produce is based on the power of local stories . Examples include 49 Voices , Community in Unity , Indie Alaska , Midnight Oil , and Vietnam Echoes . Learning about the experiences of local community members and sharing those experiences with others is one of the reasons for our success .
First National Bank Alaska understands this approach . They recognized that hard working and innovative business start-ups rarely received recognition for their entrepreneurial activities . So , they worked with the Anchorage Daily News to publish these stories as paid features . They have found that promoting these stories is good for the community , good for the start-up , and good for the bank . Everybody wins .
Connection : Life Informed
This past summer Alaska ’ s Energy Desk , which includes reporters from Alaska Public Media , KTOO in Juneau , and KUCB in Unalaska , tackled a huge story – the forty-year history of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline . The multimedia story , Midnight Oil , included an eight-episode podcast , 20 videos , and three radio talk shows . The videos were viewed more than 250,000 times , and the podcast was downloaded one million times . In addition , several video and audio segments aired nationally on NPR programs and the PBS NewsHour .
In a 2014 interview with the Wall Street Journal , Tim Cook , CEO of Apple , said , “ In the long arc of time , you are only relevant if your customers love you .” At Alaska Public Media we understand what Tim Cook means and we have every intention of lasting through the long arc of time . How public media makes viewers and listeners feel is in our DNA . Our listeners , viewers , readers , members , and major donors tell us in writing , by phone , on air , and in person that they
love what we do . This is an essential ingredient if you want people to love you – connection .
What ’ s the takeaway ? People have so much to share with each other throughout the world . However , when others tell the story of your business , they control the narrative . Your businesses will connect with people when you tell your story .
Midnight Oil Podcast : www . alaskapublic . org / midnight-oil /
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Marketing & Research Resources , Inc .
Edward J . Ulman is the CEO / General Manager of Alaska Public Media , Alaska ’ s largest PBS , NPR , and statewide news organization . Ulman joined AKPM in May 2016 . Since his arrival , Ulman has revitalized local television production , expanded statewide enterprise journalism efforts , and redefined community engagement while increasing TV , radio , and online audiences .
A jazz musician and an art enthusiast , Ulman began his public broadcasting career in Arizona , later working in New Mexico and Washington state before moving to Alaska .
Edward J . Ulman CEO / General Manager Alaska Public Media January 2018 23