2016 KXNM
Local Content and Service Report
The purpose of this section is to give KXNM an opportunity to tell the CPB and our community about the activities we have engaged in to address community needs by outlining key services provided, and the local value and impact of those services. Please report on activities that occurred in Fiscal Year 2015. Responses may be shared with Congress or the public. Grantees are required to post a copy of this report (Section 6 only) to their website no later than ten (10) days after the submission of the report to CPB. CPB recommends placing the report in an "About" or similar section on your website. This section had previously been optional. Response to this section of the SAS is now mandatory.
- Describe your overall goals and approach to address identified community issues, needs, and interests through your station’s vital local services, such as multiplatform long and short-form content, digital and in-person engagement, education services, community information, partnership support, and other activities, and audiences you reached or new audiences you engaged.
KXNM values diverse perspectives and creates locally produced radio shows focusing on:
Emergency Preparedness: notification of storms & fires, emergency alert System, evacuation notices and other relevant information; Public Safety: road closures, law enforcement activities and announcements by municipalities/utilities; Public Health/Education: health information, where to go for help, adult literacy and youth programs; Economic Development: awareness of local business & industries, services available and training announcements; Local Interest: school activities & sports, community events, local weather, agricultural reports, area history and governmental activities.
- Describe key initiatives and the variety of partners with whom you collaborated, including other public media outlets, community nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, the business community, teachers and parents, etc. This will illustrate the many ways you’re connected across the community and engaged with other important organizations in the area.
KXNM collaborates with other public media outlets such as the Independent (local newspaper); non-profits like the Torrance County Archaeological Society and Partnership for a Healthy Torrance Community; government agencies like NM Workforce and the Torrance County Board of Commissioners; schools and universities from Estancia Municipal Schools to the University of New Mexico and various business organizations throughout the coverage area.
For example, in partnership with the local newspaper, The Independent, local news, stories and events reported by Independent journalist are broadcast on KXNM as local news, community calendar and as PSA’s about local and regional cultural events. When approached by the NM Workforce about broadcast training opportunities for young people, KXNM created and sponsored internship program. Several interns have completed the program and experienced first-hand how a radio station operates with sales, talent, hosting and producing.
KXNM also broadcast every Torrance County Board of Commissioners and
Zoning and Planning meetings for people who work or otherwise are unable to attend these meetings. And when local schools announced budget cuts, KXNM and the local school boards created the School Zone to inform and educate the public about current educational issues with local school superintendents, school board members and outstanding teachers and students.
The KXNM coverage area is largely rural, so up-to-date weather forecasts are essential. Kerry Jones from the NOAA National Weather Service, partnered with KXNM to produce Estancia Valley Weather, which features in-depth weather coverage and education for residents including ranchers who depend on accurate weather forecasts.
Other issues for rural areas involve information and education about livestock markets, commodities, veterinarians, training and others. The 4 Winds Equestrian Center, hosts the Equine Compass, a show about all things equestrian and the FFA chapters at the Corona, Estancia, Moriarty/Edgewood and Mountainair High Schools produce weekly livestock market and commodity shows.
3. What impact did your key initiatives and partnerships have in your community? Describe any known measurable impact, such as increased awareness, learning or understanding about particular issues. Describe indicators of success, such as connecting people to needed resources or strengthening conversational ties across diverse neighborhoods. Did a partner see an increase in requests for related resources? Please include direct feedback from a partner(s) or from a person(s) served.
Torrance County has over 300 identified archaeological sites dating from Folsom Man that must be protected and preserved, which means that educating the public about understanding and preserving these national treasures is critical. KXNM and Torrance County Archaeological Society host and produce Archaeology in Your Backyard featuring archaeologists and historians from the Jornado Research Institute, Archaeological Society of New Mexico, UNM, ENMU who tell about their research and stories about little known people and events that took place during the state’s unique historical past from early man to modern times.
Among the pressing issues facing rural communities is access and education about health and wellness resources. KXNM and the Partnership for a Healthy Torrance Community created Tomatoes, Chickens and Bees featuring interviews with healthcare providers and advocates, school and public health officials and community members interested in housing, transportation and economic development in Torrance County.
4. Please describe any efforts (e.g. programming, production, engagement activities) you have made to investigate and/or meet the needs of minority and other diverse audiences (including, but not limited to, new immigrants, people for whom English is a second language and illiterate adults) during Fiscal Year 2014, and any plans you have made to meet the needs of these audiences during Fiscal Year 2015. If you regularly broadcast in a language other than English, please note the language broadcast.
KXNM programming reaches out to many minority and other diverse audiences about the local and regional issues affecting them. KXNM’s station’s minority coverage area population is 60 percent and includes five of the recognized Spanish Land Grant communities in New Mexico: Chilili, Torreron, Tajique, Monzano and Punta de Aqua. Because of the remoteness and rural nature of the Estancia Valley, the local needs of the people, communities and government in our coverage area are underserved by other radio stations.
5. Please assess the impact that your CPB funding had on your ability to serve your community. What were you able to do with your grant that you wouldn't be able to do if you didn't receive it?
KXNM has not received any CPB funding, but has applied for a 2018 Community Service Grant. Receiving CPB funding would allow KXNM to expand its educational, news, public affairs and other programming, especially nationally distributed programs focusing on rural, Hispanic, health/wellness and youth issues.