Public Broadcasting Cuts May Wound Iowa Artists
The decision to remove funding will likely take a toll on the local music scene.
Earlier this week, I wrote about exposure opportunities that small, hyper-local media channels create for independent artists. Well before technological advancements made communication like this possible, public broadcasting led the way for local and independent art to reach larger audiences. With the recent announcement of dramatic federal funding cuts to public broadcasting this past Friday, I would be remiss in not singing the praises of Iowa Public Radio and Iowa PBS for their commitment and vision to support Iowa music.
Iowa Public Radio’s Studio One and Iowa PBS’s Studio 3 Live are two unique programs that consistently include Iowa talent in their programming mix.
The Studio 3 Live format allows musicians to “take the stage to perform original sets and share their musical journeys. Hosted by Mickey Davis, each episode features interview segments woven throughout the program where performers share their creative processes and what drives them to make their music.” Now in its third season, the show has featured an array of musicians who call Iowa home, including William Elliot Whitmore, Jason Walsmith of the The Nadas, Lily DeTaeye, Avey Grouws Band and more.
According to host Mickey Davis, “Studio 3 Live is the brainchild of Iowa PBS producer Andrea Coyle. Andrea first reached out to me in advance of Season One to discuss her idea, and after we met for coffee to discuss the show, she asked if I would host.”
The show is produced locally with behind-the-scenes Iowa talent. “Seeing the production process for television has been so eye opening—so many people come together to make the show happen. It has been a true delight to be part of this show,” says Davis. Studio 3 Live shows are archived here for continued artist discovery.
IPR’s Studio One “creates a place of community and connection for Iowans to rediscover their love of music, explore the sounds that inspire them and support a vibrant local music scene.”
The station works hard to stay abreast of local music developments, often providing a curated experience for listeners and attendees of events. Before I attended the Lady Revel album release show at xBk Live in late May, I first heard an interview the band did with Cece Mitchell, adding context and insight. Tonight, The Mesmerists take the stage for their latest release, The Last Love, and Cece Mitchell is at it again with “Fall under the spell of The Mesmerists this Saturday at xBk,” adding intrigue for fans and exposure for the band before the show. You can find tix for tonight’s show here.
Iowa Public Radio’s Studio One is clearly on a mission to support local music creativity, and the station is a driving force behind the state’s growing scene. From their site, “When it comes to music, Iowa’s no flyover state. We have can’t-miss festivals that draw national acts, major music venues, thriving dives and unheralded local music scenes in cities across the state. We’re on a mission to connect you to what’s happening, who’s coming and how you can get out and enjoy the music.”
Iowa Public Radio and Iowa PBS are crucial components to the continued growth of an independent arts scene in the state of Iowa. It’s a shame our elected officials have turned a deaf ear to the good that’s growing in our backyard.
To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative of which I’m a proud member.
NOTE: All annual paid subscribers to Chip Happens will now receive a copy of my 2025 CD compilation, Twenty-Five, that includes 25 original songs. To those of you that have already upgraded and purchased the CD, my sincerest of thanks! You are a critical component of making Chip Happens! You can upgrade your subscription here and receive a copy for your physical music collection. Each song will also come with a story for paid subscribers with some behind-the-song insights starting in late July. If you are only in the market for the CD, it is available here for $25. CD art and design were completed by my amazing and talented wife, Jen Albright.