2006 Public Radio Program Fund

This year's Program Fund Request for Proposals is different from those issued by CPB Radio previously, so please read the entire Request for Proposals thoroughly. In the past, CPB Radio's Requests for Proposals were general solicitations for any and all programming proposals. This Request for Proposals welcomes all types of proposals, but CPB is taking a different approach this year by also inviting applications for specific types of programming. This Request for Proposals has four categories:

1. Coming Up Next . . . The Public Radio Talent Quest

Fox Television has American Idol, now public radio has its own its talent search. CPB will fund two competing teams who will each identify three new on-air hosts and work with them to produce broadcast pilots. Each team will receive a one-year $250,000 grant. At the end of the year, CPB staff and an independent panel will review the pilots and choose the top talent, whom CPB will recommend for additional funding to bring the program to the system. The teams will determine the content, format and length of the pilots. The teams will also determine where to look for talent -- stations, PRX, Internet streams, podcasts, college radio, coffee shops, open auditions, industry associations, etc. Be creative! "New on-air talent" is defined as someone who has not previously hosted a national production.

To apply, in the narrative you submit with your application form, you must:

• Identify who is on your team, provide qualifications, and discuss why CPB should choose your team. Ideally, the team will have at least three people from diverse backgrounds and organizations.
• Describe how the team will identify a diverse pool of new on-air talent.
• Describe how the team will evaluate the talent and select three new on-air hosts.
• Describe how the pilots will be developed and who will make up the production team.
• Present a timeline, showing milestones over the one year period of the project.
• Frequently Asked Questions about the Public Radio Talent Quest

2. National News, Talk, and Information Programming

Much of public radio's most listened-to programming is news, talk or information-based. This programming ranges from short features to long-form documentaries to call-in shows to news magazines. These forms have evolved throughout public radio’s history and are now ripe for an infusion of fresh thinking. CPB is seeking proposals that will take innovative approaches to news, talk and information programming in order to meet the needs of listeners in a media landscape rich in content and platform choices. In addition, CPB seeks programming that will delve deeply into one of the major events in the lives of this generation of Americans. CPB seeks major programming proposals that will:

• Go beyond the current models of news, talk and information programs to break new ground in content, format, and/or presentation.
• Examine the still unfolding aftereffects of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States as the country marks the five year anniversary of the events.

3. Music programming

Music is an essential part of public radio's programming. Local classical and jazz formats generate the third and fourth highest number of listener hours, respectively, to public radio programming, behind Morning Edition and weekday All Things Considered, according to Audience Research Analysis. In a time when listeners have many places to turn for music and entertainment, public radio's music programming should strive for peak performance -- in music selection, presentation and other content. CPB seeks major programming proposals that will:

• Revitalize music formats -- especially classical and jazz.
• Demonstrate innovative approaches to music programming.

4. Producer's Choice

CPB recognizes that not all proposals will fit into the categories described above. All programming proposals are welcome. If you have a programming idea that you believe meets the national programming priorities, please submit it. Content, format and approaches are not restricted. CPB will consider all proposals submitted.

Applicants will be asked on the application form to place their proposals in one of the four categories. CPB may choose to re-assign proposals based on our evaluation of the applications.