The Sounding Board

Chicago Public Media’s Community Advisory Board

A community advisory board reviews the programming and significant policy decisions of a Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) funded public broadcasting station, and advises the station on how it serves the educational and cultural needs of its coverage area. Not only is it a requirement of the CPB, but Chicago Public Media recognizes the importance of being plugged-in to the communities we serve.

Apply to the Sounding Board

We are seeking new members for a two-year term. Interested in getting involved? Apply here: Applications are due February 24, 2023.

Sounding Board Mission

To provide meaningful feedback about Chicago Public Media programming and policies, and to represent the diverse needs and interests of the communities it serves.

Sounding Board Membership

  • The Sounding Board has up to 20 members
  • Sounding Board members are selected to serve one two-year term and are eligible to serve an additional one-year term
  • Sounding Board members are chosen by a joint committee comprised of CPM representatives and Sounding Board members

Sounding Board Job Description

  • Must be a member of WBEZ or Vocalo
  • Be knowledgeable about CPM programming
  • Offer insightful perspectives from the communities they identify with
  • Speak to the impact public media has on their communities
  • Read or listen to material for discussion at meetings
  • Attend and participate in four in-person meetings a year and engage in discussion via online forums year-round

Purpose of Sounding Board Meetings

  • To share updates on CPM programming, plans & policies via staff presentations, breakout sessions, and similar elements.
  • To provide an opportunity for Sounding Board members to opine on whether CPM is meeting the specialized education and cultural needs of the communities served by the stations.
  • To provide an opportunity for Sounding Board members to offer recommendations on how CPM can best serve the needs of the communities it serves.
  • To allow for public comment from attendees that are not part of the Sounding Board.

Sounding Board Meetings Calendar

Time 6 – 8 p.m.
Location Chicago Public Media, Navy Pier, 848 E. Grand Ave.
Community Room (unless otherwise indicated)
2023
Dates

    Thursday, April 13, 2023 6-8 p.m.

    Thursday, June 15, 2023 6-8 p.m.

    Thursday, December 14, 2023 6-8 p.m.

Please email bberger@chicagopublicmedia.org if you have questions or are interested in attending a Sounding Board meeting.

All Sounding Board meetings are open to the public.

2022 Sounding Board Members

  • Alice Yau
  • Alison Neidt Toonen
  • Amethyst Davis
  • Ashwin Avasarala
  • Connie Hua
  • Damon Warren (co-chair, pub. engagement)
  • Deeptha Vasudevan
  • Hope Alexander (secretary)
  • Juan Ricardo Villalobos
  • Kymbria Young
  • Lajeune Belcher
  • Leslie Carranza Espinoza
  • Matthew Kelly
  • Miguel Blancarte Jr.
  • Migdalia Jimenez
  • Nick Moore
  • OiYan Poon
  • Rhonda Jackson
  • Ricardo Munoz
  • Sarah Bergman