March 26, 2010

Governor Launches Weekly Messages to Delawareans

Radio, TV, Web Messages to air on Delaware stations, the Governor's Youtube channel and more

Dover - On Saturday morning, Delaware Governor Jack Markell will launch new weekly messages on job creation, education and efficiency and other issues significant to Delawareans in an audio address that begins airing this weekend and will soon expand to video. The 2-3 minute messages will air first on WDEL-AM radio and then be posted on the Governor's web site. The messages will become available on itunes as a podcast for general distribution to personal MP3 player and home computers, so Delawareans can access it at their convenience. Transcripts of the messages will also be posted.

Next month, the Governor's audio message will morph to video, airing on WHYY-TV. The video image and audio will be uploaded to the Governor's Youtube channel

Governor Markell becomes one of the few Governors in the country engaging on a weekly basis with citizens through the spectrum of communication channels in both traditional and social media. "From the hundred-plus town halls and community forums we've held to talk face to face about critical issues to adopting new social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, we want to make sure we are communicating with Delawareans," said Governor Markell. "Delawareans rightfully expect information and engagement from their elected leaders. I want Delawareans to get as much information as they can about what we are doing to create jobs and move Delaware forward. To succeed we need to gather input and great ideas from across the state."

The Governor's first radio message debuts Saturday, March 27 at 8:05 a.m. on WDEL-AM, Wilmington. Mike Reath, WDEL General Manager says, " We believe WDEL is the station of record and the weekly Governor's address is a natural fit for us. We're delighted to bring this new feature to WDEL's audience." It will be distributed to other radio stations in the coming weeks.

Next month, the Governor will tape video messages at WHYY-TV, Wilmington which will air on WHYY-TV and also be uploaded to the Governor's Youtube channel. WHYY Delaware News Managing Editor John Mussoni says,"WHYY is glad to provide a forum to deliver important messages from leaders in Delaware such as Governor Markell. We consider this an important part of our news and information service for the First State." WHYY plans to air the messages on Friday evenings beginning in mid-April. It is expected that other Delaware media outlets will carry the Governor's messages.