Palos Verdes, CA, October 16, 2013 – The Transom webpage (http://transom.org/?p=38380) that features the three new radio segments created by the Open Orchard Productions staff launched today to rave reviews. Radio segments were created by Palos Verdes High School students Sierra Ponthier, Julianna Farrow, and Sarah Milad. Topics include the evolution of food in the military, elite college students enlisted in the ROTC program, and the sharing of Robert Frosts’ “The Road Not Taken.”

Transom (administered by Atlantic Public Media) is a non-profit group run out of Woods Hole, MA, that offers training and mentorship to benefit public radio broadcasting. They chose Open Orchard Productions to win a $1,000 grant as well as the guidance to create three unique pieces for their publication and broadcast. After working for months together, the resulting radio pieces and web page launched today.

Veteran radio journalists, Viki Merrick and Samantha Broun from Transom, paired up with the three Open Orchard team members to identify pursuable storylines, elicit sincere responses, guide narration, and polish editing. Positive responses have already come from PRX and various radio stations across the country.

Open Orchard Productions (www.openorchardproductions.org) began 1 ½ years ago when a group of 5 high school juniors came together to create and brand a website, elicit sponsorship, learn radio journalism, and promote themselves. Today, the team consists of 15 members and produces 4 categories of programs: The Core (devoted to teens interviewing teens), The Elements (uncovering influencers among us), The Harvest (experimental), and Fresh Picked (upcoming artists).

Radio segments have been licensed for publication by WAMC in New York, KRZA in New Mexico, KBRP in Arizona, KZYX in Northern California. “One Step at a Time,” produced by Connor Parker—was also bought by Public Radio Remix and was named one of Generation PRX’s Top Youth-Produced Podcasts of 2012.

To find out more about Open Orchard Productions please visit the website www.openorchardproductions.org or email us at contactus@openorchardproductions.org