Ernesto Aguilar
@eaxlr.com
Public media, engagement, AI & new leadership at KQED • write oigo.us x AI & Public Media Futures on LinkedIn • music for @treblezine.bsky.social + @campradio.bsky.social • Body in San Francisco, soul in Houston. 🤠 ernestoaguilar.com
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Propel Regional Training for Editors and Managers - Burbank/CSUN
mije.org
The Propel Regional Training Series is a FREE training for California-based editors and managers. Featuring customized coaching from award-winning journalists and the Maynard Institute, it's a powerful learning opportunity. Sign up here: mije.org/the-propel-initiat...
Reviews are essential for accountability, but the way we deliver negative feedback matters immensely. When staff feel unfairly criticized, that frustration can easily spill into disengagement that hurts the team's morale. Balancing constructive feedback with trust is crucial.
September 16, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Reviews are essential for accountability, but the way we deliver negative feedback matters immensely. When staff feel unfairly criticized, that frustration can easily spill into disengagement that hurts the team's morale. Balancing constructive feedback with trust is crucial.
When top leadership roles suddenly open up at a station, the immediate priority is usually stability. Without clear intent, a quick fix can trigger confusion. Approaching interim roles with a clear mandate from the start is essential for a smooth transition.
September 15, 2026 at 8:31 PM
When top leadership roles suddenly open up at a station, the immediate priority is usually stability. Without clear intent, a quick fix can trigger confusion. Approaching interim roles with a clear mandate from the start is essential for a smooth transition.
Really loved these insights on getting younger demos to radio. Less data, but more commonplace observations worth considering. www.radioworld.com/columns-...
Young Demos: This Is the Station I Will Listen to - Radio World
In his survey of college-aged students, Jerry Del Colliano says radio's last chance with the next generation is music discovery with fewer interruptions.
www.radioworld.com
September 15, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Really loved these insights on getting younger demos to radio. Less data, but more commonplace observations worth considering. www.radioworld.com/columns-...
As public media races to AI, it’s easy to focus on working faster. But if our strategy is mostly about reducing expenses, we risk missing the opportunity: audience growth and deeper storytelling. Are we using AI to create long-term value for our listeners and readers?
September 14, 2026 at 7:20 PM
As public media races to AI, it’s easy to focus on working faster. But if our strategy is mostly about reducing expenses, we risk missing the opportunity: audience growth and deeper storytelling. Are we using AI to create long-term value for our listeners and readers?
AI is set to revolutionize public media, and organizations need to adapt to stay competitive. Subscribe to my next newsletter learn how to leverage AI for your organization’s success. www.linkedin.com/newsletter...
AI and Public Media Futures | LinkedIn
Real talk about responsible AI implementation. No hype. No doom. Just clear thinking for public media professionals.
www.linkedin.com
September 14, 2026 at 1:15 PM
AI is set to revolutionize public media, and organizations need to adapt to stay competitive. Subscribe to my next newsletter learn how to leverage AI for your organization’s success. www.linkedin.com/newsletter...
Leadership in public media requires trust, and opening up can be a powerful way to build connection. But disclosing details requires nuance. A thoughtful reveal can strengthen credibility, while a careless one can erode it. The key is to recognize that delivery shapes perception.
September 11, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Leadership in public media requires trust, and opening up can be a powerful way to build connection. But disclosing details requires nuance. A thoughtful reveal can strengthen credibility, while a careless one can erode it. The key is to recognize that delivery shapes perception.
A dialogue on a controversial topic: what to do about influencers who want to be journalists; or are filling the role of news orgs but aren't labeled as such; and former reporters who want to still be, even when they've become influencers instead. newsletter.projectc.biz/p/j...
Journalism minus the 'journalist'
What happens when non-journalists create journalism or journalists don't want the title?
newsletter.projectc.biz
September 11, 2026 at 1:08 PM
A dialogue on a controversial topic: what to do about influencers who want to be journalists; or are filling the role of news orgs but aren't labeled as such; and former reporters who want to still be, even when they've become influencers instead. newsletter.projectc.biz/p/j...
Innovation needs time on the clock. Make time, please. If every minute is booked, you might feel that new ideas are nice, but the impression comes across that they are not welcome.
September 10, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Innovation needs time on the clock. Make time, please. If every minute is booked, you might feel that new ideas are nice, but the impression comes across that they are not welcome.
Come work with my team of stars at KQED! Details: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/p...
Operations Analyst - KQED - Career Page
Apply to Operations Analyst at KQED in San Francisco, CA.
kqed.applytojob.com
September 10, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Come work with my team of stars at KQED! Details: kqed.applytojob.com/apply/p...
We often adopt new frameworks in public media to fix our workflows, but fragmented fixes rarely build on each other. We must focus on cumulative capabilities that reinforce one another over time. It's about building sustainable processes that support long-term audience growth.
September 9, 2026 at 7:44 PM
We often adopt new frameworks in public media to fix our workflows, but fragmented fixes rarely build on each other. We must focus on cumulative capabilities that reinforce one another over time. It's about building sustainable processes that support long-term audience growth.
My development pro tip: Use check-ins to talk about priorities, roadblocks and your development, not just a list of tasks.
September 8, 2026 at 7:48 PM
My development pro tip: Use check-ins to talk about priorities, roadblocks and your development, not just a list of tasks.
The Propel Regional Training Series is a FREE training for California-based editors and managers. Featuring customized coaching from award-winning journalists and the Maynard Institute, it's a powerful learning opportunity. Sign up here: mije.org/the-propel-initiat...
Propel Regional Training for Editors and Managers - Burbank/CSUN
mije.org
September 8, 2026 at 1:06 PM
The Propel Regional Training Series is a FREE training for California-based editors and managers. Featuring customized coaching from award-winning journalists and the Maynard Institute, it's a powerful learning opportunity. Sign up here: mije.org/the-propel-initiat...
Transitioning into leadership is less about a new title and more about shifting from “my work” to “our work.”
September 7, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Transitioning into leadership is less about a new title and more about shifting from “my work” to “our work.”
Thankful to @campradio.bsky.social for supporting experimental music!
September 7, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Thankful to @campradio.bsky.social for supporting experimental music!
Deeply honored to support the Public Media Journalists Association, one of the leading lights in our industry, on their Opportunity and Access Committee. How can public media best serve you? Drop me a note with your thoughts. Grateful for your wisdom.
September 7, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Deeply honored to support the Public Media Journalists Association, one of the leading lights in our industry, on their Opportunity and Access Committee. How can public media best serve you? Drop me a note with your thoughts. Grateful for your wisdom.
Reposted by Ernesto Aguilar
One of my favorite albums of 2026 and one of the best reviews I've written in 2026.
'The Will of Tongues' is a testament to Sarah Davachi's skill and artistic ambition
Sarah Davachi : The Will of Tongues | Album review | Treble
On her two-and-a-half-hour, 3xLP collection 'The Will of Tongues,' Sarah Davachi offers a deep exploration of sound
www.treblezine.com
September 6, 2026 at 1:25 PM
One of my favorite albums of 2026 and one of the best reviews I've written in 2026.
I always encourage you to ask your staff thoughtful questions, then act on what you hear. Why? That is how engagement turns into trust.
September 4, 2026 at 8:27 PM
I always encourage you to ask your staff thoughtful questions, then act on what you hear. Why? That is how engagement turns into trust.
"Changing oneself is harder than perky how-to guides and self-help books suggest... The first step should be attempting to understand the self you’re trying to change." www.theatlantic.com/books/a... #leadership
What to Read If You Want to Reinvent Yourself
Whether you’re starting over or discovering a new identity, these works can help reset your perspective.
www.theatlantic.com
September 4, 2026 at 1:50 PM
"Changing oneself is harder than perky how-to guides and self-help books suggest... The first step should be attempting to understand the self you’re trying to change." www.theatlantic.com/books/a... #leadership
A marvelous release
Thank you @eaxlr.com for listing 𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙉𝙄/𝙊𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙎𝙏 from Suzanne Ciani, Metropole Orkest, & Simon Dobson on the '10 Great Ambient Albums of Summer 2026’ column for @treblezine.bsky.social
CIANI/ORKEST digital:
suzanneciani.bandcamp.com/album/ciani-...
LP:
akprecordings.com/products/cia...
CIANI/ORKEST digital:
suzanneciani.bandcamp.com/album/ciani-...
LP:
akprecordings.com/products/cia...
September 3, 2026 at 10:36 PM
A marvelous release
When your station brings in new leadership, don't slip into wait-and-see mode. Treat the transition as a strategic opportunity to reset. Leave the office gossip behind, challenge past assumptions, and proactively showcase the value of your work.
September 3, 2026 at 7:43 PM
When your station brings in new leadership, don't slip into wait-and-see mode. Treat the transition as a strategic opportunity to reset. Leave the office gossip behind, challenge past assumptions, and proactively showcase the value of your work.
As the new semester begins, many students are looking to enhance their podcasting skills. If you want to reach a wider audience on public radio, my recent guide can take you to the next level. Click here to get it: www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK12CQKY
September 3, 2026 at 12:40 PM
As the new semester begins, many students are looking to enhance their podcasting skills. If you want to reach a wider audience on public radio, my recent guide can take you to the next level. Click here to get it: www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK12CQKY
Say it often: Emotional manipulation has no place in values-driven work. It's healthy to set boundaries and, if needed, involve leadership early.
September 2, 2026 at 8:22 PM
Say it often: Emotional manipulation has no place in values-driven work. It's healthy to set boundaries and, if needed, involve leadership early.
Conflict happens, but when you sense simmering resentment, it's always wise to bring people together to name what is happening and agree on changes, not just for venting.
September 1, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Conflict happens, but when you sense simmering resentment, it's always wise to bring people together to name what is happening and agree on changes, not just for venting.
NEXT WEEK! The Public Media Journalists Association is leading up a dialogue on AI and newsrooms. I'm aiming to be there, and hope you can make it. Details: www.pmja.org/near-now-nyc
Near + Now: NYC | September 9, 2026 - Public Media Journalists Association
www.pmja.org
September 1, 2026 at 1:28 PM
NEXT WEEK! The Public Media Journalists Association is leading up a dialogue on AI and newsrooms. I'm aiming to be there, and hope you can make it. Details: www.pmja.org/near-now-nyc
Long ascribed, but should be said: Exercise and rest are performance tools. Tired leaders make poorer choices and tolerate items they shouldn't.
August 31, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Long ascribed, but should be said: Exercise and rest are performance tools. Tired leaders make poorer choices and tolerate items they shouldn't.