Under Our Influence

Canton, NY, 1998

North Country Public Radio (NCPR) serves the northernmost quarter of New York State, where people live in small, rural—"safe"—communities. Conventional wisdom says that substance abuse is someone else's, some other place's, problem. Yet the state's Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse ranks one of our counties the third highest of counties outside New York City for youth alcohol risk.

Our project sought to challenge the region's complacency and promote regional cooperation in combating substance abuse by reaching kids, parents, service providers, and other professionals.

The radio side of Under Our Influence utilized the normal broadcast schedule, embedding substance abuse coverage in our daily regional news programming and a monthly health call-in show. We broadcast spot news and long-form stories, interviews, call-in programs, and series exploring specific issues. We worked with a group of teens from area high schools who were interested in writing and producing PSA's, talking on tape about the drug scene they see every day, and talking privately with parents' groups. The project concluded with the broadcast of a community forum. The station also created a website, which serves as a source of information and a vehicle for regional networking and cooperation.

Reaction to our news pieces and other broadcasts was gratifying. Calls came in from parents, school staff, and law enforcement officers, thanking us for making the local incidence of substance abuse problems better known. We received angry calls, too, including one from a local tavern owner upset about a series of stories on college-age drinking patterns and problems. As a station, we learned about the issue, and worked in new ways with old and new sources.

Outreach events included an opening community forum, a presentation at a regional conference of service providers, visits with local PTAs, and booths at public events. Four community meetings were held throughout our geographic region, culminating in a broadcast of the final forum. Our partners, the Seaway Valley Prevention Council and St. Joseph's Rehabilitation Center, did most of the organizing for these events. In addition to their organizational help, we found the "buzz" among professionals has been most helpful.

We found we were part of a rising wave of concern. Community people were ready for the attention we gave to the issue. Lights went on when they realize we are not just reporting, but really cared.

Awards:

WSLU Round Four

$2000 for project support — The Adirondack Medical Center

WSLU Round One

Special Merit, Local Public Affairs Programming — National Federation of Community Broadcasters

Community Service Award — New York State Northern Tier Providers Coalition

Best Radio Series — Syracuse Press Club