A New Mexico State University journalism professor and a geography professor’s conversation evolved into a special television program thanks to a collaboration with KRWG-TV, the public television station located on the campus of NMSU.
The result is called “Borderland Storytellers,” to be broadcast in May. The NMSU and Las Cruces community are invited to participate in a moderated question-and-answer session with guests who tell their stories. The taping is scheduled at 3 p.m. Friday, April 21, in KRWG studios in Milton Hall, Room 106.
Photojournalism Professor Bruce Berman and Geology Professor Chris Brown discussed the concept of preserving the history, language and culture of our region by having guests share their experiences and engage with the studio audience.
“This is something they have been discussing for over a year,” said Anthony Moreno, KRWG’s content director.
“As our conversations progressed, we realized that this project has the potential to be a special hour-long television program that can highlight stories that matter in a unique way. Having the opportunity for our team to work with Bruce, Christopher and our speakers on this project is something we are very proud of.”
The first two storytellers for this program will be David Dorado Romo, historian and musician in El Paso and author of the book “Ringside Seat to a Revolution,” and Yolanda Chávez Leyva, director of the Institute of Oral History and associate professor in the Department of History at the University of Texas at El Paso.
After the speakers tell their stories, Nick Miller, NMSU journalism professor, will moderate a question-and-answer session where Romo and Leyva will answer questions from the studio audience.
“Borderland Storytellers” is produced by KRWG Public Media in partnership with the NMSU Provost’s Office, the Center for Latin American and Border Studies, the Beyond Borders Community of Practice, NMSU’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies, and the Creative Media Institute at NMSU.
“This program is important because these powerful storytellers will share their life experiences while helping inform our communities about our unique history, language and culture,” said Moreno. “Recording and sharing these stories will be an important resource for future generations and anyone interested in learning more about our region.”
“Borderland Storytellers” will air on KRWG-TV at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4, with rebroadcasts scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, and 11 a.m. Sunday, May 7. The program will also be streamed live at www.krwg.org.