COLUMBUS, OHIO, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 – WOSU Public Media is proud to announce the second phase of production for its Emmy award-winning television documentary series, “Columbus Neighborhoods,” with six more communities to be featured through 2015.
The South Side of Columbus, a working-class community that once supported four thriving foundries, will be the first documentary to premiere this fall. The next five neighborhoods to be chronicled are Clintonville, Worthington, Bexley, The Tri-Villages (Upper Arlington, Marble Cliff and Grandview Heights), and “New Americans” which will look at Columbus growing immigrant population.
Tom Rieland, General Manager of WOSU Public Media, looks forward to this next phase and explains why so much time and research goes into each documentary and the significance of WOSU being able to capture the stories of Columbus. “All of these neighborhoods – – the people, the places – – are the heart and soul of Columbus and Central Ohio,” said Rieland. “We are truly fortunate to have so many distinctive and historic neighborhoods where we play and work, and ultimately love to live.”
The first phase of “Columbus Neighborhoods,” which received much acclaim both locally and nationally, was originally developed as a programming and outreach effort by WOSU and was WOSU’s commitment to celebrate the city’s bicentennial last year. Focusing on the six historic districts of Short North, German Village, King-Lincoln, Downtown/Franklinton, University District, and Olde Towne East, it was recognized with Emmy Awards and recently the 2012 GCAC Award of Artistic Excellence. WOSU was asked to showcase the project as an example for other PBS stations at a national conference last fall.
The impact of “Columbus Neighborhoods” extends past its highly rated viewership, with lesson plans developed for educational use in classrooms, public forums held to raise awareness of community issues, digital media components available to view videos and share stories, and dedicated features which are produced for 89.7 NPR News daily public affairs program, “All Sides with Ann Fisher”.
Major project support for this next cycle of “Columbus Neighborhoods” is provided by State Auto Insurance Companies, JPMorgan Chase and the AEP Foundation. WOSU Public Media is a community-supported, noncommercial network of public radio and television stations. To learn more about “Columbus Neighborhoods,” visit: www.wosu.org/columbusneighborhoods.