"America Abroad," a public radio program distributed nationally on PRI, is coming to Nebraska to tape a live program with audiences in Nebraska and Calgary, Canada, on the Keystone XL pipeline. The show tapes at 7 p.m., Sept. 22 in the Ron Hull Studio at NET, 1800 N. 33rd St. in Lincoln. The program producers are seeking local audience members to participate in the event.
Because of limited space, the producers are requiring audience members to pre-register online for tickets by going to http://kxlpipelineradio.eventbrite.com.
With audiences participating in Lincoln and in Calgary, Canada, the goal is to engage Americans and Canadians in a dialogue about how this pipeline affects people living in these two regions. The program will begin airing nationally on Oct. 7 on the 160 stations that carry "America Abroad."
Martha Little, executive producer for "America Abroad," said that while people in Nebraska and Canada are familiar with local concerns and issues surrounding the pipeline and unconventional energy extraction, they can compare their concerns and hopes with those living across an international boundary. This conversation will also help to inform Americans across the United States, she said.
"Citizens and experts on both sides of the debate will have an opportunity to discuss the short- and long-term implications of unconventional energy and the Keystone XL Pipeline and how it might impact the lives of those residing in these communities," Little said.
The producers particularly hope to increase awareness of Canadian perspectives on the part of U.S. audiences, and a greater understanding among Canadian town hall audiences of American stakeholders' views on the Keystone XL Pipeline and unconventional energy extraction.
Individuals representing environmental, union and other interests have been invited to attend the event, Little said. Audiences will be encouraged to interact and comment during the discussions.
Hari Sreenivasan, weekend anchor for "PBS NewsHour," will moderate the discussion in Lincoln. Donna McElligott, of the CBC's "Alberta at Noon," will be the host for the Canadian audience
This production is occurring at the NET studios but is not otherwise a production of NET Nebraska. Tickets are available only through the eventbrite registration process and not through NET.
"America Abroad" is an award-winning documentary radio program distributed by Public Radio International and broadcast on public radio stations nationwide. Broadcast on more than 160 NPR stations, the program takes an in-depth look at critical issues in international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. No other public radio program devotes the same time, depth of coverage, and level of analysis to a single issue in international affairs.
For more information, go to http://www.americaabroadmedia.org.