A couple weeks ago, we asked you to help us decide the winner of our podcast experimentation challenge.
Our newsroom divided into groups and created pilots of podcasts. We gave them free reign: They could be about anything at all. No restrictions (well, no cursing and the like, but otherwise, there were no rules).
We told you the pilot that gets the most votes will be turned into a full-blown podcast to be added to WCPO’s cache, which includes Lounge Acts, HEAR Cincinnati and Unprompted.
We narrowed the entries down to three:
Podcast 1: Good Things
Sick of talking about only negative news?
We are, too. So take a break and listen to Good Things, a podcast about the amazing, inspiring stories happening in our area. Each week, we take on a positive theme and explore it with local voices.
Episode 1: Age is just a number -- Emily Maxwell and Max Alter talk to Cincinnatians who didn't let age hold them back from trying something nobody would expect them to accomplish. Guests include a young girl who has published multiple children's books and a group of retirement home residents who won an Internet dance challenge.
Podcast 2: Versions
"Where were you when Kennedy was shot?"
"Where were you on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001?"
Major events resonate differently with each of us based on our life experiences.
Versions is the podcast that explores truth versus the human perspective. In each episode, you'll relive an event through the first-hand accounts of key witnesses. We focus on the real-life storytellers and their versions of the story. We never let an outside narrator get in the way. In the end, you decide the truth.
Upcoming episodes will include the Hostage Takeover of WCPO studios 35 years ago, the shooting of Harambe the gorilla and the heroin crisis of summer 2016.
In our pilot episode, we’ll take you along on Northern Kentucky University’s first trip to the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
Podcast 3: An inside look at local high-profile crimes
Does Anthony Kirkland deserve to live?
Kirkland was sentenced to death in 2010. He killed at least five women in Cincinnati -- he was caught after he raped and murdered a 13-year-old SCPA student and burned her body to destroy evidence.
In a few weeks, he'll be back in a courtroom. The Ohio Supreme Court decided Kirkland should be re-sentenced, with the possibility of overturning his death sentence.
We've combed through the WCPO archives to find the details of Kirkland's first trial, the victims and the crimes.
Once the Kirkland trial has ended, we will continue the podcast with a close look into another high-profile crime.
Without further adieu, the winner is ....
Well. Actually there are two winners: Good Things AND Versions!
The votes were so close we decided to give it to both of them.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to listen to these fantastic entries and vote for your favorite.
We will get going on recording these podcasts and as soon as they are launched, we will let you know.
But the competition isn't over!
Whoever gets the most listens in the first month after they are launched will be the official challenge winner.
We will update you when we launch the podcasts, or you can check in here.
Thanks again for helping shape our podcast lineup, and happy listening!
