Read All About Us

Origins

State of the Re:Union was created by Al Letson as an entry in the Public Radio Talent Quest, which started with more than 1,400 hopefuls. The contest aimed to identify a new generation of Public Radio on-air talent. After four rounds and voting from both a select panel of judges and the public at large, three winners were selected. For his pilot episode, Al and his team created “Welcome to D.C.” Two of the three winning shows were awarded with a year’s worth of funding to produce new episodes, including State of the Re:Union.

Development

State of the Re:Union has set out to explore how a particular American city or town creates community, the ways people transcend challenging circumstances and the vital cultural narratives that give an area its uniqueness. Last year was considered a research and development year, in which we produced three full episodes:

Detroit, MI: Motor City Rebound
Jacksonville, FL: Jacksonville, the Bold New City of the South?
Des Moines, IA: Heart of the Heartland

We hope to take our creative and conscious cues from the iconic shows that have inspired us. From the scenic road, simple-pleasure sensibilities of Charles Kuralt’s On the Road and the investigatory spirit of 60 Minutes to the aesthetic and music-fueled backdrop of MTV and do-it-yourself spirit of Current TV, these things have inspired us to create a show where neither artistry or content are ever compromised for one another.

Arrival

While the prospect of 12 full episodes and a roster of video documentaries and podcasts is ever so daunting, our entire team of passionate producers is extremely excited about falling in love with this country over and over again with you. You ready for the love?