I am a Proud Cleveland Public Radio Nerd! (Plus, a Giveaway from a Local Artist)

I was never an NPR person… until suddenly I was. As a kid, something about the voices of public radio hosts seemed to lull me to sleep, reminiscent, no matter the show, of long car rides with my parents. And although I don’t know when the change happened, exactly, at some point in my 30s, out of the blue, I became an NPR listener.

I get NPR news alerts on my phone. I listen to whatever NPR show is on when I get into my car. And I listen to Up First every morning, the NPR Politics Podcast every weekend, and Pop Culture Happy Hour whenever I want to lighten things up.

Here in Northeast Ohio, I have ideastream – the home of Northeast Ohio’s member-supported public broadcasting stations – to thank for that. And now, on the 20th anniversary of its founding, ideastream has become Ideastream Public Media.

Ideastream Public Media’s mission remains the same: to serve Northeast Ohio as a trusted and dynamic multimedia source for local journalism, inspiring stories, and quality entertainment. Their new name reflects the company’s spirit of service, and their multimedia content and programming continues to reflect the diverse and unique voices of Northeast Ohio.

Stations include:

• WVIZ, with five channels of public TV, plays Northeast Ohio’s PBS programming. I loved PBS shows as a kid, & as an adult, I can’t get enough of The Great British Baking Show!
• WCPN connects Northeast Ohioans to the world through news, talk radio, arts and cultural coverage, and a musical emphasis on jazz. I listen to The Daily as often as I can.
• WCLV, a global leader in classical music broadcasting, is dedicated to the preservation of classical music on the radio – including by broadcasting The Cleveland Orchestra twice weekly.
• The Ohio Channel combines Statehouse coverage with local PBS programs to give a statewide perspective on issues affecting Ohioans. This is where I watched Gov. DeWine’s coronavirus briefings.

I’m excited to partner with Ideastream Public Media in support of their rebrand. They’ve launched their “I am” campaign: The word “Ideastream” contains the word “I am,” & because Ideastream Public Media is dedicated to the community, it encompasses everyone, hence the slogan “I am Ideastream Public Media.” Here are a few ways you can get in on the fun – including, of course, continuing to enjoy their programming!

• Facebook frame: Use their Facebook frame on your profile pic to share the news of Ideastream Public Media’s rebrand.
• Win it Wednesday sweepstakes: Every Wednesday through July 7, enter to win $500 worth of swag from Ideastream Public Media, NPR, and PBS. Visit their Instagram page to enter.
• Stencil campaign: Take a photo of or with the many colorful “I am” chalk stencils around Cleveland, done by one of my favorite local artists, Erin Guido, and share on social media with #IdeastreamPublicMedia.
  
• Poster giveaway: Head over to my Instagram to enter to win a print of Erin Guido’s “I am” art. Mine is already hanging in my office (see below, in the white frame), where it's giving off good vibes & showing my Ideastream Public Media love on permanent display.

As Northeast Ohioans, our voices, ideas, and support continue to allow Ideastream Public Media to serve the region as they do. Be sure to show your support to ensure their continued success!

Disclosure: I have been compensated for my time & participation in promoting Ideastream Public Media's rebranding campaign. As always, all views are my own, & I only partner with brands I adore.