AMPERS, an association of 17 independent community radio stations across Minnesota, is the largest statewide association of community radio stations in the U.S. With a combined audience of approximately 300,000 devoted listeners within and beyond underserved populations, the organization exists to connect communities with music, programming, local news and essential information relevant to its audiences.
Founded in 1972, AMPERS broadcasts are programmed by and for their specific communities. In further pursuit of their mission, it recently launched a daily, statewide, diverse newscast that delivers stories, perspectives and voices not often heard in traditional media: “North Star Stories: Voices From Where We Live.”
These daily, five-minute newscasts have so far featured Indigenous traditions that help reduce wildfires, the Minnesota Supreme Court, the state’s tick and mosquito populations, immigrant rights organizations and more.
To sustain existing programming and launch new initiatives like North Star Stories, AMPERS required enhanced funding and an increased awareness of its services. To aid in their efforts, Russell Herder designed a name, tagline and logo for the new program, as well as a landing page where AMPERS can post its daily newscasts. These creative elements were all essential to building awareness ahead of the launch of “North Star Stories.”
The name, “North Star Stories,” nods at Minnesota’s nickname as “The North Star State.” It represents the program’s state pride and dedication to covering stories from all Minnesotans, especially underrepresented groups often overlooked by national news programs, specifically Black, Latine, Asian American, East African, people living with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ residents, laborers, veterans and those from Greater Minnesota.
The tagline, “Stories From Where We Live,” reflects the newscast’s local, on-the-ground storytelling that aims to capture authentic living from these groups.
Our work with AMPERS underscores the profound value of mission-driven initiatives that resonate with underserved communities. As a B-Corp devoted to supporting equity, inclusion and local and nationwide clients who share our vision, this network of independent community radio stations gave us the opportunity to showcase vital stories across our state with our passionate, creative team.
