Nā Leo TV launches islandwide community listening tour

The community is invited to have a conversation as part of an islandwide community listening tour launched by Hawaiʻi Island’s public, educational and governmental television station Nā Leo TV.

Stop No. 1 of the new “E Hoʻolohe Kākou – Let Us All Listen” tour — which will run from June through August — is Friday, June 19, at Nā Leo TV’s Hilo Studio.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the Hilo kickoff event, with facilitated community conversation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. followed by live music, refreshments and networking.

E Hoʻolohe Kākou marks the first broad community outreach effort in the more-than-30-year history of Nā Leo TV.

As cable subscriptions decline nationwide — reducing access fees that fund public, educational and governmental stations such as Nā Leo TV — community media is at an inflection point.

Nā Leo TV also hopes the open conversations will lead to a better understanding about what residents know about the station, what they need from a community media outlet and what stories feel untold throughout the 8 island communities on the tour.

The tour also reflects Nā Leo TV’s commitment to remaining relevant in a shifting media landscape by equipping residents — especially youth who expressed interest in media careers — to be responsible content creators and consumers.

“Nā Leo TV has always believed that community media belongs to the community,” said Nā Leo TV President and Chief Executive Officer Ashley Kierkiewicz in announcing the new community conversation tour. “As the media ecosystem shifts, we’re not just adapting — we’re asking the people of Hawai‘i Island to help shape what comes next. E Hoʻolohe Kākou is our commitment to let those voices lead the way.”

Attendees are encouraged to share their perspectives about local news and information needs, community storytelling, emergency communications, media training and the role Nā Leo TV can play in supporting youth and creative careers on the island.

The Hilo session is free and open to the public; however, space is limited, so those who plan to attend are encouraged to register in advance at the Nā Leo TV website.

Additional tour stops through August will be announced at a later date for communities around Hawaiʻi Island.

Findings from the listening sessions will inform a comprehensive community needs assessment to be completed by the end of the year.