Community Connections: 2023 Annual Report

February 21, 2024

Dignitaries and guests approach the Embrace on Boston Common as staff unveil the sculpture. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR) — Dignitaries and guests approach The Embrace on Boston Common as staff unveil the sculpture. (Robin Lubbock/WBUR)

The responsibility to serve our broader community has never been more important. Boston neighborhoods sometimes struggle to get timely, accurate news and information due to paywalled journalism as well as cutbacks in many media organizations.

LISTENING SESSIONS

WBUR is deeply embedded in the communities we serve. In 2023, we launched listening sessions throughout our broadcast area — including Brockton, Chelsea, Lawrence, Lynn and Mattapan — to engage residents in conversations about issues impacting their lives. We worked with Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian-Creole interpreters to help us connect with a broader range of people, perspectives and experiences. These intimate discussions are invaluable for deepening our connections with and understanding communities we serve, many whom do not feel well represented by news coverage.

WBUR senior education reporter Carrie Jung interviews children at the Acorn Center for Early Education & Care at the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

COGNOSCENTI

We've also been bringing varied perspectives to our audience, especially through our ideas and opinion section Cognoscenti. More than 1,000 people have contributed to the essays online and on air. Cognoscenti writers have explored everything from grief and loss to belonging and identity, the power of music and the world of politics.

RADIO BOSTON

Radio Boston brings audiences conversations about the key issues affecting our neighborhoods and state. Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as well as the Massachusetts congressional representatives appear on the show regularly. These elected officials know they will have a deeply researched, substantive conversation about the important issues of the day.

CITYSPACE AT THE LAVINE BROADCAST CENTER

CitySpace at The Lavine Broadcast Center hosted more than 100 unique experiences over the course of the year. Events included: professor and historian Heather Cox Richardson on the future of democracy in America; historian Simon Schama on pandemics, vaccines and the health of nations; and economist Matthew Desmond and author Andre Dubus III on poverty in America. Gun control activist David Hogg and filmmaker Werner Herzog also graced the CitySpace stage.

WBUR hosted musical performances as part of "Sound On," a series highlighting rising local musicians. This year included: the Rasa String Quartet, Danish rapper Sleiman, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol and R&B singer Miranda Rae. We explored food and culture in our series "Curated Cuisine" with both well-known and up-and-coming chefs. As part of our Field Guide to Boston, we hosted monthly meet-ups including a running club, speed-friending and an arts and crafts night.

The Greenidge sisters — novelist Kaitlyn, historian Kerri, and playwright Kirsten — in WBUR CitySpace for the WBUR Gala in May 2023. They were interviewed by Radio Boston host Tiziana Dearing. (Liz Linder for WBUR) — The Greenidge sisters — novelist Kaitlyn, historian Kerri and playwright Kirsten — in WBUR CitySpace for the WBUR Gala in May 2023. They were interviewed by Radio Boston host Tiziana Dearing. (Liz Linder for WBUR)

CIRCLE ROUND

Kids and their grown-ups are captivated by our weekly podcast, Circle Round, which features folktales from around the world. In 2023, WBUR launched the Circle Round Kids Club. Members can receive special swag, early access to Circle Round events and ad-free listening.

With these programs, WBUR strives to spark curiosity, understanding and joy — whether you're a longtime fan or someone engaging with WBUR for the first time.