In the lead-up to Election Day on November 3, NHPR continues to bring listeners special programming related to the upcoming presidential election. America Amplified: Election 2020 is a six-part national talk show that will dive into the challenges facing America before and after the upcoming election. America Amplified: Election 2020 explores local community perspectives, with a mission to foster positive dialogue, share experiences and elevate diverse voices.
In August and September, the America Amplified team held a series of 90-minute, facilitated listening sessions with small groups across the country. During the course of these listening sessions, common themes and experiences emerged. The virtual sessions encompassed both urban and rural participation – from Wyoming in the Mountain West and small towns in Pennsylvania and coal country in West Virginia, to Atlanta, Florida and across the Midwest.
Episodes are driven by the topics and issues raised during virtual listening sessions with people from across the country — from rural communities in the Mountain West and small towns in Pennsylvania, to coal country in West Virginia, Atlanta, Florida, and across the Midwest.
The special broadcasts will air on NHPR on six consecutive Mondays -- beginning October 12 and concluding on November 16. All series will be hosted by award-winning journalist Rose Scott from WABE in Atlanta, joined by co-hosts from across the country.
Each episode will run from 1 to 2 p.m., in the slot usually occupied by the second hour of Here and Now.
The broadcast lineup, with descriptions from the production team:
Monday, October 12 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – What divides us?
The first episode will explore racism and racial injustice as one of many factors dividing our nation. We also see deep divisions in how we’re experiencing and responding to the pandemic and the ongoing environmental crises from the West Coast to the Gulf states. Have we reached a boiling point? Where do we go from here? The conversation will also probe what this division means in the midst of this election season.
Co-host: John Dankosky, Engagement Editor of New England Public Media.
Monday, October 19 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Who has access to the “American Dream” today?
The second part will take a look at the phenomenon of the “American Dream” – a quest that remains alive and fruitful for some and practically unattainable for others. What benefits, challenges and inequities exist for communities when it comes to areas like health care, voting access and taxes? And how do those differences affect our views of America and its future?
Co-host: Kavitha George, Anchorage Reporter for Alaska Public Media.
Monday, October 26 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Do you see yourself and your community represented in national media coverage?
The third episode delves into representation during elections. When it comes to election coverage, we hear a lot about the candidates and the horse race aspect of running for public office. As we barrel toward the November 3 vote, what’s been missing from national coverage this election season? Do people feel represented? Do they have the information they need and can trust as they cast their ballots?
Co-host: Tara Gatewood, Host and Producer of Native America Calling.
Monday, November 2 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – How are you showing up for your community?
Part four will explore how this election has affected communities across the country. Aside from voting, how are we seeking changes at a local level?
Co-host: Luis Hernandez, Sundial Host and Afternoon Anchor of WLRNin Miami, Florida.
Monday, November 9 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – How do you feel about the country and democracy after the election?
With the start of the first post-election week, the fifth episode will include hosts and guests from previous episodes to reflect on what voting meant this year, and how their communities are reacting in the aftermath.
Co-host: Charity Nebbe, Host of Talk of Iowa on Iowa Public Radio.
Monday, November 16 - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – What’s next?
As the end of 2020 approaches, the sixth – and final – episode will analyze whether our communities can have an opening for mutual understanding despite our differences. And how can we get there, especially in the aftermath of a contentious election? This show will explore what we’ve lost and gained, what we’ve learned and how we will move forward into 2021.
Co-host: Ariana Proehl, Producer and Host of KQEDin San Francisco, California.
America Amplified is a national audience engagement effort funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the New England News Collaborative (NENC). NHPR is a member of NENC – a partnership of 10 public media companies in six states.
