Summit radio station to bring positive message to OH WOW!

The music and peer-to-peer messages should really resonate with them, and the program’s cheerful, positive tone complements the environments we are creating in our new community learning centers.”

David James, Akron schools superintendent

Staff report

AKRON

The Summit radio station is partnering with the OH WOW! Children’s Science Center in downtown Youngstown to bring its KIDJAM! Radio — which features positive music and messages — to thousands of Mahoning Valley kids this fall.

KIDJAM! Radio was introduced in 2011 as a multi-media youth channel accessible online and through the Summit’s mobile app.

Recognizing media’s strong influence on children, KIDJAM! blends upbeat, hand-picked pop music with positive educational messaging delivered by kids, for kids. Youth served at partner organizations to record messages to share with their peers, which are based on themes such as nutrition and healthy living, hard work and productivity, courage, and graciousness.

The OH WOW! partnership is in addition to other involving KIDJAM!

Earlier this summer, visitors to the Akron Zoo began enjoying KIDJAM! Radio as they entered the facility. Dave Barnhart, director of marketing at the zoo, said “creating a family-focused mood has always been a priority for the Akron Zoo. KIDJAM! helps us set a positive first impression, sending a message that we truly care about the visitor experience — right down to the music heard as you begin your zoo adventure.”

New KIDJAM! school-based partnerships are set to launch this fall. Specially designed wireless modem adaptors will be installed at nine Community Learning Centers in the Akron Public School district and elementary buildings at Tallmadge City Schools. KIDJAM! will play in common areas and cafeterias during lunch periods and other student gatherings.

“We are excited to share KIDJAM! with our students,” sayid Akron schools Superintendent David James. “The music and peer-to-peer messages should really resonate with them, and the program’s cheerful, positive tone complements the environments we are creating in our new community learning centers.”

Visitors to the Akron Art Museum will also hear KIDJAM! starting this fall.

The Summit maintains several broadcasting partnerships for KIDJAM!, having piloted the model with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve and several Akron Public School buildings over the past two years.

Last year, a satellite broadcasting studio also opened at Akron Children’s Hospital to serve young patients. Early program evaluation conducted by Summit Education Initiative suggests that KIDJAM’s messages are resonating, and additional evaluations will be conducted with new partner sites.

For more information, go to kidjamradio.com.