CPB Seeks Public Media Station to Lead ‘Civic Spark’ Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 21, 2024) – The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has issued a Request for Proposals for a public media station to lead “Civic Spark,” a national civic content and engagement initiative to feature stories of individual Americans making a difference in their communities.

“We are told that our country is deeply divided as never before but that is not the whole story,” said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of CPB. “Every day, millions of Americans, of all ages and backgrounds, in cities and rural areas, work or volunteer in ways that make our country better. Through ‘Civic Spark,’ they will have a chance to be heard.”

The Civic Spark digital first initiative will work with public media stations throughout the country, drawing upon their deep connections in the communities they serve to amplify the voices of community leaders, parents, veterans, teachers, young people, and others who volunteer. By asking people from all walks of life, “What Is Your Civic Spark?” public media stations will prompt them to describe what motivated them to help others and to be involved in their communities and civic life. These stories of service will be featured on public media platforms to inspire others and promote civic understanding.

The Request for Proposals seeks a lead station to design and implement the initiative. Working with a partner to research and develop a strategic plan, the lead station will select a pilot cohort of public radio and television stations that will produce short-form, multimedia “Civic Spark” content that reflects the research and plan.

Civic Spark is part of public media’s participation leading up to America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026. CPB is a founding member of More Perfect, a bipartisan partnership dedicated to renewing our democracy through civic engagement, and a partner of America250, which was established by Congress to inspire Americans to participate in the upcoming 250th anniversary. 

The Request for Proposals, due July 12, is available at cpb.org/grants/RD-CPB-Civic-Content-and-Engagement-Initiative

 

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide. CPB is also the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television, and related online services. For more information, visit cpb.org, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn and subscribe for email updates.