When JazzNEO, the only full-time, digital jazz channel serving Northeast Ohio, launched in 2024, Ideastream Public Media’s President and CEO Kevin Martin was ecstatic. Martin was acutely aware of his media organization’s historic ties to jazz — think 40 years ago when affiliated WCPN debuted as a new noncommercial jazz station. But he also has a personal reason to be thrilled.
“I’ve always had a passion for jazz ever since I was a teenager. I go to jazz clubs; I collect jazz. It is an American art form that is just as important as classical music,” says Martin. “It may not have as high of an appeal to audiences. But Public Media has always had a mission to serve underserved audiences. We are not driven by audience size, ratings or popularity. We see ourselves as a catalyst for jazz in Northeast Ohio as well as for classical music.”
Ideastream’s dedication to jazz has attracted a great deal of attention lately. But it is just one focus of the organization’s musical offerings that can be heard via WCLV’s classical music programming, Shuffle’s local independent music scene podcast, WVIZ’s Great Performances, Austin City Limits and more.
Music is one of Ideastream’s four core services. Others include: News — from local to international, including Sound of Ideas (weekday morning news), All Things Considered (National Public Radio), PBS NewsHour and more; Entertainment — locally produced content, including Applause, plus national PBS programing such as MASTERPIECE, Antiques Roadshow, Finding Your Roots, etc.; and Learning — PBS Kids and NewsDepth.
It’s that vast “luxury of brands that people recognize” that makes it sometimes difficult for viewers and the general public to comprehend the amazing scope of what Ideastream is and what it does, according to Martin, who added that the media organization is one of eight PBS stations and 13 public radio stations in the state. The public’s not knowing exactly the long reach of Ideastream is an enviable challenge and not really a problem, says Martin. But he notes programming and coverage in general is becoming more complexly interwoven with the proliferation of platforms and delivery devices.
“We want to provide all the options for whenever you want to consume our products and services,” says Martin, noting that Ideastream serves 3.2 million people in 22 Ohio counties. “We do believe there is a digital migration and that more people will choose digital platforms.
Consider children’s programing. Gone are the days when “parents would just set their children in front of a television and let them watch anything,” says Martin. Now parents want more control of what and when their offspring watch. Ideastream’s multi-choices gives them that option.
While music, entertainment and learning are always Ideastream priorities, Martin said it is news — primarily local and state — where the organization has invested the most. As the largest public media provider in Ohio, Ideastream “doesn’t take that responsibility lightly,” he says. With 30 staff members covering The Ohio Statehouse and The Supreme Court of Ohio (and programming including The Ohio Channel, which provides a front row seat to activities in Columbus), news is paramount to Ideastream.
Ideastream’s responsibility and commitment to its viewers and listeners remains steadfast throughout its four core services, says Martin. Now more than ever, Ideastream must navigate a changing media world, funding challenges and a fragile public respect of the media. As a trusted community resource, Ideastream provides an undisputed value, he says.
