Public Television Station
Independence Media owns and operates a non-commercial educational television station in the 17-county Philadelphia region. The station, known as MiND: Media Independence, reaches nearly ten million people, with five television channels. The primary channel combines international news, music programs and documentaries, and a unique 5-minute format that encourages learning and storytelling by MiND producers and community members. The other channels feature international news and public affairs: NHK World (Japan/Asia); France 24 (Europe); RT (Russia); and MHz Worldview (drama and news from China, Ireland, Vietnam, Korea, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Germany, and other countries). Viewer information.
A Brand for Learning
We created the MiND brand from scratch with a singular intention: to make learning on television fun and appealing. Within a year of launch, MiND became a popular addition to the competitive Philadelphia media landscape. The on-air branding work of more than 100 young artists from several local universities, resulted in hundreds of unique animated brand IDs (really worth a look!)
Teaching the Community to Tell Stories
More than a thousand people have successfully completed Independence Media’s extensive internship and volunteer programs, and our MiND Boot Camp one-day programs for media production and effective storytelling. The training session includes a copy of our original textbook, “Making MiND Programs,” now in its second edition. MiND BOOT CAMPS
About Us
For 25 years, Independence Media has provided innovative public media to nearly 10 million people (and, for a while, nearly 20 million people). As the television and media industries evolve, opportunities arise. As we prepare for our next adventure, here's a look at some recent history.
Themed Learning Events
In collaboration with universities and community groups, MiND has produced a wide range of integrated learning events. Each event has been focused on a particular aspect of collective education for adults. Examples of MiND events and MiND partnerships: prevention of violence against children; health and medical needs in the LGBTQ community; giving voice to veteran’s issues; adult literacy; local food supply; civil rights; family health and wellness; volunteering as a public obligation; music and social action; environmental education; productive communities; and world peace. MiND PHOTO ALBUMS.
Transmedia Model
In support of the CPB’s American Graduate initiative, Independence Media developed, produced and distributed “The ‘A’ Game” for at-risk middle school students. The game connects each individual student’s school performance with his or her lifetime economic potential. Guided by an animated character, students answer questions about life choices, then receive advice from students who made similar decisions. The game is distributed by PBS Learning Media, and is available at no charge to all students, teachers and parents. It has been played by over 5,000 middle school students, often in connection with our partnerships with City Year and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The game was developed, in part, as a transition from a traditional television and web video storytelling to interactive learning for a specific target audience. Play the 'A' Game.
Documentaries
For decades, Independence Media has connected documentary filmmakers with local audiences. Our “Philadelphia Stories” series (eight seasons) featured original work by more than two hundred filmmakers. We regularly program distinctive documentary productions in the heart of our prime time television schedule, often to celebrate under-represented stories about cultural heritage. In 2014, we co-produced and debuted "On the Other Side of the Fence," a story about diversity, acceptance and friendship among very different groups of schoolchildren.
Partners and Participants
MiND is currently producing a series about television storytelling with the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; two series about art and visual storytelling with The Barnes Foundation and The Brandywine River Museum. In the past, we have worked with DanceUSA to explore international dance as a cultural connector; and with a wide range of other organizations.
Organization and Leadership
Independence Public Media of Philadelphia, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation known that does business as Independence Media, MiND: Media Independence and WYBE. It is governed by a Board of Directors with the guidance of a Community Advisory Board and various media and education advisors. Independence Media is currently recruiting new Board members in and beyond the Philadelphia region, and building a new Learning Advisory Board.
