this series; they were very vocal in their appreciation of it. We took that as an indicator that, contrary to what we used to think, the public radio audience is very, very interested in international programming.”

Jean envisions a mix of guests each weekend. One hour might be about democracy-building around the world, another might look at “the pursuit of happiness” by Tibetan monks, another might examine the international slow-food movement. “We want to bring in people who are world-renowned, who are well-respected,” Jean explained. “But we also want to bring in people who may be completely unknown, but who have done remarkable things and have so much to teach.”

According to Joy, the program will have an important Internet component. Here On Earth will be “streamed” on the Wisconsin Public Radio Web site so listeners across the United States and around the world can participate. Bibliographies, background material, and other information can be posted on the Web site as well.

Both Joy and Jean hope that the call-in will eventually be picked up by other public radio stations in the United States and will be broadcast by stations in Great Britain, Europe, and Africa to create a truly global, interactive experience.

Jean Feraca is

on the Move

(continued from previous page)

During her sabbatical, Jean thought about the international news that is delivered to American audiences and she lamented the fact that “it usually consists of crisis and breakdown news.

“We all know about the earthquake in Algeria, but what else do we know about Algeria? Probably not very much,” she said. “We certainly know about the civil wars in Africa. We know about famines and the AIDS crisis in Africa. What else do we know about what’s going on in Africa? Probably very little.”

Jean feels that in the past “we, as Americans, didn’t believe we had much to learn from the rest of the world. But then something like 9-11 happens and we realize that our complacency and indifference can have terrible consequences,” she said.

“One of the consequences of 9-11 was that a kind of fearfulness set in to our national psyche,” said Jean. “I hope we can alleviate some of those fears through the open dialog on Here On Earth. John Nichols [editorial page editor at “The Capital Times” in Madison] and I started a monthly program to delve into international affairs. Listeners rallied around



	this series; they were very vocal in their appreciation of it. We took that as an indicator that, contrary to what we used to think, the public radio audience is very, very interested in international programming.” Jean envisions a mix of guests each weekend. One hour might be about democracy-building around the world, another might look at “the pursuit of happiness” by Tibetan monks, another might examine the international slow-food movement. “We want to bring in people who are world-renowned, who are well-respected,” Jean explained. “But we also want to bring in people who may be completely unknown, but who have done remarkable things and have so much to teach.” According to Joy, the program will have an important Internet component. Here On Earth will be “streamed” on the Wisconsin Public Radio Web site so listeners across the United States and around the world can participate. Bibliographies, background material, and other information can be posted on the Web site as well. Both Joy and Jean hope that the call-in will eventually be picked up by other public radio stations in the United States and will be broadcast by stations in Great Britain, Europe, and Africa to create a truly global, interactive experience.




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