The Still Small Voice of Documentary Film: An Antidote to Viral Media Sensationalism AASCU ADP June 2010 AASCU ADP June 2010

Entering our 23 rd Season on PBS Features independently produced documentaries In 2009, there were over 500 POV screenings in all 50 states Offer a film lending library of over 40 films organized by theme Supported by companion websites and online community, national publicity & community engagement campaigns

PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, ONLINE, AND COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIES How are we going to reach audiences? What is the hook? Once we have the audience’s attention what other information will they be looking for? What tools will they need to take it to the next level (local resources, online groups?

FOOD, INC POTLUCK CAMPAIGN Broadcast Ratings: Food, Inc. averaged a 1.3 household rating with an average audience of 1.87 million viewers. Online: More than 165,000 people watched the film on the PBS website and at local community events.PBS website There were more than 400,000 visitors to the Food, Inc. website during the month of April.

FOOD, INC POTLUCK CAMPAIGN Community Engagement : Over 400 people signed up to join the Potluck Campaign and received POV tool kits. In addition to potluck parties, POV organized 33 community screenings in 20 states, attended by more than 6,000 people. Community activities ranged from a potluck and screening at a health food store in Paducah Ky., to a health fair in Brooklyn, N.Y., to a screening at a Washington D.C. public school hosted by PBS station WETA and Georgetown University.

AUDIENCE SURVEY RESULTS 98% reported learning something new 80% said the feel deepened their understanding of the issue “immensely” Percentages of people who responded “definitely” or “almost definitely” : 94% would discuss the issues with friends and family 38% were planning on joining a local organization or food co-op 60% write letters to their representatives 47% donate money to organizations working on the issues

IDEAS FOR USING DOCUMENTARIES ON CAMPUS Student organizations sponsor documentary films as a pre-symposium or a major event Student groups watch films and write film reviews to create a mini-lesson for classes Film festivals to support other initiatives on campus (constitution week, earth week, etc…) Use films in class

Thank You! Gregg Kaufman, Georgia College and State University Eliza Licht, POV Community Engagement and Education Visit: epidavros.org howdemocracyworksnow.com/