OCTOBER 13, 2026
BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA
WEEKLY DISPATCH
by Leslie Fields-Cruz
Those of you who read this blog regularly will recall I raised concerns a few weeks ago about the absence of the NMCA’s voice (National Multicultural Alliance) from some of the leadership tables where the future of public media is being discussed. I’m happy to report that my concern was heard by at least one coalition.
Sitara Nieves, a V.P. at the Poynter Institute, reached out to see how BPM might contribute. Poynter and Public Media Company have joined together to launch the Future of Public Media Initiative. As part of their background research, they’re conducting a survey of people currently working in public media. Now it’s time to lift our voices.
Below is a letter from Sitara describing the initiative and inviting us to participate. I hope you will make time to contribute. Note that the survey closes at the end of October, so don’t delay.
Your Voice Matters
The Poynter Institute and Public Media Company have joined together to launch the Future of Public Media Initiative, an effort to reimagine public media for the next generation. The initiative draws on research into the needs of local communities, along with input from practitioners, independent and documentary filmmakers, community leaders and outside thinkers across the country, to shape a shared vision for what public media could become.
A critical part of this work is a survey of practitioners, conducted by City Square Associates, during the month of October. Your input will be an important part of this process, and we hope you will participate.
You may have already received a link to participate in the study. If so, we hope you will complete the survey. But if you haven’t received a link yet, we want to make sure you have a chance to participate. All you need to do is complete a quick opt-in form, and City Square will send you a personalized link to the survey.
We hope you take part in helping shape public media’s future!
Sitara Nieves
Vice President, Teaching and Organizational Strategy
Photo of Nieves courtesy of The Poynter Institute