Isla Earth Series features Catalina’s ecology

Clear Channel Communications is broadcasting the Isla Earth Radio Series on Los Angeles-based station KFI AM 640 and is nationally streaming the program online through “I Heart Radio” the Catalina Island Conservancy announced. Also, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Science360 Radio is carrying the program.

Clear Channel Communications is broadcasting the Isla Earth Radio Series on Los Angeles-based station KFI AM 640 and is nationally streaming the program online through “I Heart Radio” the Catalina Island Conservancy announced. Also, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Science360 Radio is carrying the program.

“We welcome Clear Channel and NSF’s Science360 Radio to our broadcast family,” says Ann Muscat, the Conservancy’s President and CEO. “The award-winning Isla Earth Radio Series presents fun and engaging, science-based stories that look at the challenges and opportunities critical to the health and well-being of this island we call Earth.”

The show, now in its eighth year in production, can be heard on 316 commercial and public radio stations across the nation. A series of eight programs specifically about the ecology of Catalina Island were recorded for the 41 stations located in California. According to the show’s producer, Patricia Maxwell of the Conservancy, the addition of Clear Channel and NSF’s Science360 Radio increases the program’s weekly listeners to 8.5 million people.

“Our professional team works hard to present balanced stories about conservation and the environment,” says Maxwell. “We cover stories from the discoveries of rare and beautiful animals to developments in technology that improve quality of life and build a better future. Many of our stories originate from the work of scientists and researchers funded by NSF. We’re honored to be included in NSF’s Science360 Radio regular broadcast schedule.”

For two years in a row, the Isla Earth Radio Series was a finalist in two categories of the prestigious Los Angeles Press Club’s annual journalism awards. In 2008, the Isla Earth Radio Series won first place in the News Bureau category. And in 2009, the International Academy of the Visual Arts selected the Isla Earth website as a W3 Silver Award Winner in the category of Environmental Awareness.

A production of the Conservancy, the Isla Earth Radio Series is recorded in partnership with the Academic Computing and Media Department at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) and the university’s Coyote Radio.

When possible Maxwell includes students in the recording, copywriting and production processes through internships and in-studio training. “I especially enjoy how the program meets the Conservancy’s commitment to education,” Maxwell says. “We not only produce a quality radio program for the general public but also provide students the opportunity for hands-on radio work. It’s a fun learning experience for everyone.”

“I’m thrilled that we have the ability to actually engage students in the production of a national radio program of this caliber,” says Mike Ross, interim vice president of the Academic Computing and Media Department at CSUSB.

Tune in to KISL in Avalon to hear the program, and to subscribe to the free monthly eDigest and hear previously broadcast programs visit the IslaEarth.org website.

Subscribers to the Isla Earth Radio Series free monthly eDigest have access to fun eco-puzzles, radio programs and resources about conservation and the environment.