Houston Public Media debuts new brand, launches new website that integrates news, arts and educational content of its multi-media platform

HOUSTON, March 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Signaling a new chapter in Houston's media history, Houston Public Media made its official debut on Saturday, March 1 with the launch of a new brand identity and website, houstonpublicmedia.org, that provides combined access to news and information, arts and culture, and educational content from its broadcast outlets: TV 8, News 88.7 and Classical 91.7.

"For more than 60 years Houston's public media have been a trusted source for thought-provoking and entertaining content and, as we enter this newest chapter, our mission is to be more relevant and accessible than ever," said Lisa Trapani Shumate, executive director and general manager of Houston Public Media.

With its new website, Houston Public Media brings together programs, news and music in one convenient online location, accessible from anywhere in a responsive design that adapts to any tablet or mobile device. The site features the top on-air content, links to favorite shows, broadcast and events calendars, and additional facts and features that take users beyond the broadcast. Content is enhanced with formats that include audio and video clips, streaming audio, and live social media feeds.

One of the benefits of the integrated website is that it presents related content by topic in addition to by station, providing users more opportunities to explore their interests across all of Houston Public Media's offerings.

The organization's new logo features a graphic element inspired by the vapor trail of a jet or rocket. The signature logo color is red and supported with a vibrant color palate. According to Shumate, the design symbolizes the endless path of discovery that Houston Public Media makes available through intelligent, independent programs that offer context and independent views that "go beyond the ordinary." 

The new brand and website are being introduced in the Greater Houston area with a billboard campaign, direct mail, print ads, social media and through events.

Looking to the future, Shumate underscored Houston Public Media's commitment to its role as the voice and vision of the community by producing and presenting the best multi-platform news, local arts and culture programming, and educational resources for families and teachers. She cited current local programs "Houston Matters;" "Engines of Our Ingenuity;" "Texas Originals;" "Manor of Speaking;" "Red, White and Blue;" "Arts InSight;"  "Music in the Making;" "Music from the Movies;" "Houston Public Media Spelling Bee;" and Houston Symphony broadcasts as examples.

A non-profit media organization with a combined weekly audience of over 1.5 million across 19 Texas counties, Houston Public Media's ongoing operation is funded by the support of 55,000 members, sponsors and underwriters. The debut of the new Houston Public Media brand coincides with the start of the organization's latest on-air membership campaign on TV 8, which continues through Sunday, March 16, 2014. Houston Public Media is a community service of the University of Houston.

About Houston Public Media
Houston Public Media (houstonpublicmedia.org) is comprised of TV 8, News 88.7 and Classical 91.7. With a combined weekly audience of more than 1.5 million, Houston Public Media is committed to delivering content that goes beyond the ordinary in the focus areas of news and information, arts and culture, and education. A community service of the University of Houston, Houston Public Media is supported by financial gifts from its members and the community through Houston Public Media Foundation, formerly known as the Association for Community Broadcasting, a non-profit 501(c)(3). Connect on Facebook at facebook.com/houstonpublicmedia and Twitter at twitter.com/HoustonPubMedia.

SOURCE Houston Public Media