Forum "First Person" features compelling stories from around Northern California

SAN FRANCISCO, January 26, 2010 - KQED Public Radio is hoping you'll help us share the stories of the leaders, unsung heroes, world-class innovators, and other notable characters who help make Northern California unique. If you know a Northern California resident with a compelling story, email forum@kqed.org and suggest that he or she be a guest on “First Person,” an interview series on KQED's popular live call-in program Forum.

The series launched in December and has featured San Francisco architect Craig Hartman, Berkeley Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Tony Taccone, and Oakland-based social justice advocate Angela Glover Blackwell, among others. Forum can be heard from 9-11am Monday through Friday on KQED 88.5FM or streaming live atKQED.org. In Sacramento, it airs on KQEI 89.3FM.

“We are constantly inspired by the depth and breadth of guest expertise available to us in Northern California and by our local audience, which has to be among the most diverse, intelligent, and engaged in the country,” said Forum Senior Editor Dan Zoll. “We are always seeking ways to hold the mirror up to Northern California and better convey a sense of place.”

“First Person” gives local residents an opportunity to talk about their communities and expertise on one of the Bay Area's most-listened-to radio stations. During his recent "First Person" interview, Hartman discussed his body of work and answered questions from callers about some of his projects, including the Treasure Island redevelopment plan.

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“We wanted to carve out a place for locals to come in and tell their story, whether or not there is a 'hook' for it,” Zoll said. “Guests will include everyone from Nobel Prize-winning scientist Elizabeth Blackburn to the local corner store owner or cable-car driver or neighborhood activist.”

“First Person” is one of several ways local residents can share their stories with Northern California through KQED Public Media. The Public Insight Network gives the community a direct line to the KQED newsroom and allows people from all walks of life to share their unique perspectives and shape news coverage. For more information on joining The Public Insight Network, go to KQEDnews.org/publicinsight.

Local residents also can join the conversation on Forum during the show by calling the listener feedback line, 415.553.3300, or by posting a comment atKQED.org/Forum. KQED also can be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/KQEDPublicMedia and on Twitter @KQED and @KQEDnews.

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Media Contact: Ian Hill

415.553.2216, ihill@kqed.org

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