The mentoring program Glass has proposed would take such inspiration and use it to build new talent. It just takes a little doing. But that's not anything new for Doug Mitchell. For six years, Mitchell has been developing and running training programs for aspiring journalists anxious to get a taste of radio news while still in college. Mitchell, executive producer of NPR's Weekly Edition , spends a large chunk of his busy schedule organizing such programs at journalism conferences nationwide.
Students spend an intensive week covering the goings-on with a professional mentor by their side.
Mitchell's students at the PRC produced daily newscasts about the conference and a newsmagazine, even including a feature on nearby non-Disney attractions. Mitchell said he was encouraged by the attention given to training at the PRC, adding that the next step is to open the lines of communication to share ideas and projects among member stations. That sharing, plus an increased focus on fostering talent by getting students interested in public radio, will help close the gap, he said. You've got to grow your own. This summer will see Mitchell doing just that.