Daily News

AIC, New England Public Radio Announce Partnership

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) and New England Public Radio (NEPR) announced a new partnership intended to benefit students at the college and enhance coverage for NEPR. WAIC 91.9 FM has become the newest station to join the NEPR News Network, providing Hampden County with a 24-hour public-radio news service on the FM dial.

New England Public Radio’s programming partners include National Public Radio, American Public Media, and Public Radio International, among others, presenting programs like Morning Edition, Here & Now, All Things Considered, Fresh Air, On Point, and the BBC World Service.

As part of its agreement with American International College, New England Public Radio will offer educational seminars on media to AIC students each academic year. NEPR will work with college faculty to design course curriculum that complies with AIC standards for academic credit. Seminar topics may include the art of recording conversations, conducting research and interviews, drafting interview questions, editing, voice techniques, and other fundamental skills and journalistic practices. These learning opportunities will be hosted at one of NEPR’s two Springfield facilities.

In addition, AIC students will be encouraged to participate in NEPR’s paid internship program, which offers experience in several station departments, including the newsroom, marketing, programming, and NEPR’s Media Lab. American International College students will now join students from New England Public Radio’s other academic partners, including UMass Amherst and Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and Berkshire Community colleges in participating in NEPR’s paid internship opportunities.

“This exciting collaboration between AIC and NEPR will provide our students with access to New England Public Radio right here in Springfield,” said AIC President Vincent Maniaci. “They will benefit academically and gain real-life experience with a well-respected media organization.”