Proposal

The media often portrays complex issues dualistically. Conservatives are pro-life, anti-tax, and support the military.  Liberals are pro-choice, anti-war, and support social programs. And ne’er the twain shall meet. This over-simplification can have a divisive effect on local communities.

Agree to Disagree (A2D) will exhibit the broad diversity of opinions among Everett residents through a series of round-table discussions, each focused on a general contentious issue. Strongly opinionated individuals will have opportunity to state their opinions and respond respectfully to each other, highlighting points of agreement.

Political discussion is a two-edged sword. Some people are put off by conflict (never discuss politics or religion). On the other hand is the risk of boring folks with niceness. A2D will have enough conflict to stimulate, but each show will hint toward agreement. The unique multipart political discussions will be captured in the most appropriate context. For example, we might discuss transportation issues on a city bus.

Audio tracks will be edited for radio broadcast in half-hour segments. Video will be matched to these edited segments for possible TV broadcast. Hopefully, the existence of these tapes will help to encourage the opening of Public Access TV. Theoretically, excellent radio should provide a good basis for excellent TV.

A2D provides opportunities for Cogswell students to learn the broadcast arts. We encourage instructors to credit pupils who engage in the many aspects of putting together a show for radio/TV. This includes promotion and design, as well as A/V capture and editing. A2D will also involve volunteers from the community, some of whom have already signed up. Positive experiences for these volunteers will help Cogswell in the long run.

We ask access to facilities and equipment of the digital arts program on the same basis as any student project. We may also bring in equipment from Bob Conger’s audio company for this project.

KSER has expressed willingness to air A2D and several people have agreed the concept is good for public access TV. We have not yet committed to a broadcast schedule. Since it is not live, we can record several shows before broadcast schedule becomes a concern.

Production schedule will honor Cogswell’s trimester schedule to encourage student participation. Jan we will conduct concept tests. February and March we will record a series of interviews with individual participants, each in their own context. These tapes will provide material for shows as well as introducing participants to each other. We may be able to edit together a “discussion” by combining the interviews. In April, we will record the first of what will eventually be biweekly two-hour discussions.

This initial draft proposal is subject to refinement. Please share your thoughts and reactions. Agree to Disagree will only succeed as a collaborative project. Vernon Huffman may be reached at 425-438-8985 or kashimbi@earthlink.net.

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