WTIP Spotlight on state-wide content share with fellow community radio stations

WTIP has started sharing on-air content with the AMPERS network.  Listen to WTIP’s Melanie Steele talk with Deb Benedict and Roger Linehan about this new collaboration.

WTIP and the Minnesota Legacy Amendment 

In the 2008 election, Minnesota passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The purpose of the amendment is to take three-eights of one percent of general sales tax until 2034, and distribute the funds to distinctly Minnesotan programs. The official breakdown is that 33 percent of the funds go toward programs to "restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game and wildlife." Another 33 percent supports clean water programs, and 14.25 percent is for the parks and trail fund. The other 19.75 percent goes toward an arts and cultural heritage fund for arts, arts education, arts access and to preserve Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.

WTIP, in conjunction with independent public radio stations across the state, is taking part in preserving Minnesota's history and cultural heritage, through programming features.  Debbie Benedict, WTIP’s Executive Director, says the funding “enables us to produce and distribute programming to present an overview of Minnesota's cultural legacy.”  WTIP’s funding will be used to create cultural programming including historical features, arts features, an Ojibwe language segment and a variety of cultural features.

The Legacy Amendment funding is enabling most of the 12 AMPERS stations to create their own programming.  All the programs produced with the Legacy Amendment funds will be made by and for local communities, and shared with AMPERS stations in order to educate and entertain people in other parts of the State. Together, these features will tell the legacy of Minnesota; its people, history and resources.  “This is a wonderful opportunity to be a part of an important project,” says Benedict.  WTIP is excited, pleased, and proud to help maintain and create the legacy that is Minnesota.