DPS 2017 Year in Review

2017 Year in Review (as published in the Public Radio Weekly 12/29/17)

The Show going full-time- The beginning of this year brought some significant programming changes to KJZZ. KJZZ’s original production The Show moved to a new time, Monday-Friday’s from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This allowed for a much broader conversation on issues that are impacting the entire southwest region.

Soundbite Launch- In early 2017 Friends of Public Radio Arizona, the 5013-C that oversees KJZZ and K-BACH teamed up with local food favorites, Short Leash Hotdogs, to create a unique project: Soundbite. Soundbite is a mobile production unit that’s also a food truck. With the ability to report and stream broadcast remotely, Soundbite has begun to open a new door of possibilities for Phoenix Public Radio and how it works within the community.
Spot 127 East Opening Up- On January <insert date> SPOT 127, KJZZ’s Youth Media Center opened it’s East Valley doors. Students from all over the valley have been welcomed into the new location, with several students having won multiple regionally recognized awards within its first year.

SPOT 127 new park- In addition to the new location, SPOT 127 East worked tirelessly to give back to the surrounding area and beautify the nearby space. Thanks to the help of major donors, and the 2017 First Press Auction SPOT 127 was able to build a park next to their East Valley location, giving students a place to work in a safe and comfortable environment.
New Bureaus-Downtown, East, and Hermosillo: 2017 was a big year for KJZZ and its expansion of reporting throughout the valley. Two new location were officially opened. The East Valley Bureau in Tempe and the Downtown Bureau in Downtown Phoenix were establish. Additionally, 2017 saw the opening of the Mexico City Bureau, the first international bureau desk by a NPR Member Affiliate station.

New Antennas- Listeners throughout the valley near and far have undergone a significant improvement to their listening abilities. KJZZ and K-BACH were able to establish a new and stronger antenna on South Mountain in Phoenix Arizona. This new equipment has allowed both stations to transmit and higher strength than before while operating more efficiently than its predecessors.

New Cars- With the broader expansion across the valley reporters required reliable transportation to report on the news and information that’s most important. Thanks to Friends of Public Radio Arizona, and at no cost to members or listeners, KJZZ was able to acquire three new Smart Cars for reporters to use.

Flavors of Spain Trip/Solstice Trip- This year KJZZ and K-BACH’s Travel Club went on numerous exciting adventures. From experiencing the glorious summer weather and unforgettable Spanish cooking to traveling to Idaho for the one-of-a-kind Total Solar Eclipse in August, listeners and members were able to go to new and exciting places.
New Collaborative Spaces for K-BACH/Development/Sun Sound Rebuild- With growth to KJZZ, K-BACH and Sun Sounds, comes new staff and office space. Office spaces all over the three stations were revamped to help streamline the already secure collaborative working environment, as well as to offer an increase in area for new talent and staff.

Mexico City Bureau Reporting Through Earthquakes- Throughout the last year, numerous places and organizations were rocked with catastrophic weather, and unfortunately, KJZZ’s Mexico City Desk was no exception. The earthquakes that sent much of Mexico and Central America on high alert in September took a toll on the location which was housing KJZZ’s Mexico City Desk. KJZZ reporters in Mexico City worked day and night to report on what was going on, as well as to help rebuild the communities that have supported so strongly. KJZZ Bureau Chief Rodrigo Cervantes and Senior Reporter Jorge Valencia worked valiantly under tremendous odds.

Honorable Mentions:

Group 91.Five starting back up- KJZZ’s Young Professional Group, Group 91.Five hosted several events for the first time in several years.

Dr. Boss event (inaugural book club event)- KJZZ and AARP formed a unique partnership to report on the newly forming impacts of aging in today’s day and age. Additionally, Dr. Laura Boss, renowned expert in aging and dementia, was able to come and cap off what was already a critical series. Dr. Laura’s visit also was the inaugural event to the newly formed KJZZ/K-BACH Book Club.

Coffee Brakes at Soundbite- KJZZ, K-BACH, Sun Sounds of Arizona, and SPOT 127 were out all over the valley during the summer of 2017 with Soundbite. Early morning commuters were able to meet some of their favorite on-air personalities as well as see the new Soundbite mobile production unit.

Affinity clubs forming- KJZZ and K-BACH formed several new member groups connecting listeners and members to some of their interests. The KJZZ/K-BACH Movie Club was officially formed, as well as the KJZZ/K-BACH Book Club. Other member groups like the Travel Club saw new and exciting trips, while KJZZ’s Group 91.Five hosted several events connecting young professionals with local area business members and station personalities.