Accepting nominations: October 8–31, 2008

OVERVIEW
Public Radio Makers Quest 2.0 (MQ2.0) is a new public media initiative that will identify the best and brightest audio makers, producers, reporters, and sound artists and provide them resources and incentive to forge bold new paths that include and go beyond public radio's broadcast airwaves. The project -- funded by CPB and administered by the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) -- will distribute up to $400,000 in grants ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 each to about a dozen forward-thinking individuals eager to surprise traditional listeners with audio programming and sounds influenced by new media technology.

PROCESS
This is not an open application process. Producers must be nominated. A committee will review nominations and invite up to 30 nominees to submit proposals. By December 31, 2008, 12–15 of the proposals for cross-platform audio productions will be approved for funding. The selected producers will implement their proposals beginning in early 2009 through July 31, 2009.

BACKGROUND
This is the first time in 20 years that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a key "engine" of public radio and television, has dedicated a pool of funds solely to individual audio producers; since the late 1980s, producers have had to compete with the networks and stations for resources from CPB's Program Fund. AIR was incorporated 20 years ago by 10 audio producers who believed in the importance of independence and in the significance of the contributions of the individual, inspired "maker" to public radio. AIR's worldwide membership of 700 includes sound artists, producers, and associates from all walks of public radio and beyond.

AIR and CPB, eager to instigate and support the transition from public radio to public media, look to MQ2.0 "makers" to help lead the way with bold and well-executed new experiments.

The individuals who will receive funding will be those who experiment with bridging traditional broadcast and emerging digital platforms. That is, the proposed idea must include an aspect suitable for on-air broadcast via a radio station or network, and it must also include an aspect that moves the work beyond the airwaves to harness the power of the digital distribution realm. This could include, but not be limited to, online streaming, mobile phone distribution, or some sort of social network production strategy.

Who gets to nominate:
Anyone is free to nominate, and we will be looking for nominations that are rooted in some sort of work experience. Nominations that come from a collaborator, a curator, a teacher, a supervisor, or another who has firsthand experience of the person he or she is nominating will be strongest. Nominees may not be nominated by a relative.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
Nominations will be reviewed based on a variety of criteria, including, but not limited to, the following:

* Experience in working with audio
* Notable accomplishments and distinctions
* Passion for radio
* Examples of how nominee thrives in a time of change and is challenged and energized by the next frontier of public media
* Immersion in digital/technological platforms
* Experience working in radio preferred but not required

NOTE: We encourage producers who work at public radio stations, at a network, or in studio settings, as well as independent producers and sounds artists, however, we accept nominations only for individuals not organizations. The emphasis is on producers leading public radio into new territory rather than continuing a current station's or organization's project.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for nomination, nominees must:
* Be at least 18 years of age by December 31, 2008
* Not be related to nominator
* Be an individual, not an organization or group of people
* Not be a current or pending recipient of other CPB grants

NOTE: AIR membership is not requisite and does not factor into the evaluation process.

NOMINATION PROCEDURES
An individual nominating through our open process may nominate no more than three people. Self-nominations are not allowed. The nominator must have firsthand experience of nominee's work.

It is strongly encouraged, though not required, that an individual nominating first notify and consult the individual he or she is nominating before proceeding with the nomination. We accept a maximum of three nominations for the same person, in the order received.

All complete nominations must include the following:

An Online Nomination Form, to be filled out in its entirety. The online form asks for:

* characteristics that set the nominee apart in specific areas (craft, promise relative to this project, accomplishments, exhibits of work, and temperament)

* a brief description of nominator's relationship with the nominee

* a brief explanation of why the nominator is uniquely positioned to submit a nomination for MQ2.0

Faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered nominations will not be accepted.

DEADLINE
Nominations must be received no later than midnight Eastern Time on October 31, 2008.

QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS
Check out the FAQ to see if your question is there.

You can also contact MQ2.0 Talent Manager Ingrid Lakey.

Phone: 215-435-8525
E-mail: Ingrid@airmedia.org

REVIEW AND SELECTION
A committee will review nominations and select up to 30 nominees. The selected nominees will be invited to submit proposals. Selected nominees will be contacted in early November 2008 and will have until December 1 to submit a proposal online.

Due to the expected volume of nominations, we may not be able to personally contact each nominee not selected. We will, however, at the very least, send a group email to thank people for their participation and let them know what's next for the project.