As a Reynolds Fellow, Collins led a team of RJI-based researchers and producers in a collaboration with The Nine Network, its flagship station KETC-TV (PBS) and its St. Louis media partners to create a new genre of public affairs journalism. The program “Stay Tuned” was born as a result of the partnership. The project developed new community engagement and social media tools to fostering a more inclusive and more meaningful dialogue of St. Louis area issues.

In June 2014 “Stay Tuned,” was awarded the recognition of Best News Program in the region by St. Louis Magazine’s 2014 A-List Awards.

Inspired by Collins’ research and experiment work as a Reynolds Fellow, RJI and the Missouri School of Journalism will be launching a series of workshops with a goal of fostering higher quality community discussion on important issues. The workshops will help broadcasters focus on easy-to-use social media techniques to create a higher quality discussion about issues in the news and in the community.

The workshops are available to state broadcasters associations and regional/national broadcasting organizations. Radio and TV station owners can also schedule a workshop. The workshops will specifically address the needs of news directors, news managers, program directors and their staff members.