Open To Debate Podcast On The American Dream; Black Information Network Promotes Execs

 Open To Debate podcast on the existence of "The American Dream"

The Open To Debate podcast plays a critical role in our society today.

Open to Debate is a call to action: All of us should keep an open mind to solve the complex problems we face as individuals and as a nation.

Open to Debate is a reminder: To solve our greatest problems, we must operate in a contempt-free zone. We need to be able to sit in the same room and exchange ideas with people we disagree with. Being open to debate is a gesture of respect for the good faith arguments of those we disagree with, for the intelligence and integrity of those who watch or listen, and for the value of debate done right.

Open to Debate is a duty: The future of American Democracy depends on the strength of communities to work together and overcome our differences. “Us vs. Them” thinking is destructive to our social fabric, and we need a national model to guide debates to a healthy and free exchange of ideas.

The mission of Open to Debate is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to America’s public square. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues.

Check out Open To Debate. Perhaps you'll have a prejudice exposed or a firmly held belief questioned.

At the World Economic Forum website this week, Open to Debate CEO Clea Conner wrote a column advocating for the power of the traditional debate form. She wrote:

"Debate offers a unique platform for building empathy. It necessitates that participants not only articulate their viewpoints but also listen to and engage with opposing arguments. In a debate, issues are dissected and analyzed, offering audiences a comprehensive view rather than a polarized snapshot. "

Read the full piece at WEForum.org.

Check out Open to Debate's recent episode that features a conversation with Gen. David Petraeus on Conflict, War, and Debate.

And just released, a new debate on the question "Is the American Dream in Decline?" David Leonhardt (NY Times writer) argues Yes; Michael Strain (AEI economist) argues No. Look for it at opentodebate.org, on NPR, or anywhere you get podcasts.

Black Information Network promotes Two Execs
Typically, we don't cover executive promotions. Not because they are not important, but because readers expect content on podcast reviews, recommendations, and trends. However, Black Information Network plays a critical role in audio media because it's a trusted news source with a Black perspective.

BIN: Black Information Network(BIN), the 24/7 national audio news network dedicated to providing an objective, accurate and trusted source of continual news with a Black voice and perspective, has announced that Chris Thompson has been elevated to Senior Vice President of News and Programming, and Angela Ingram has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Public Engagement.

In this newly created role, Thompson will oversee news, content, and operations for the Black Information Network. Thompson previously served as Vice President of Network Operations. As Senior Vice President of Public Engagement, Ingram will lead BIN’s efforts to build more meaningful public and private sector partnerships and lead the network’s engagement efforts for both the national BIN platform as well as in all local BIN markets. Ingram’s role as Senior Vice President of Public Engagement will also include her continued work with iHeartMedia Chicago. 

“Chris and Angela have been integral to the growth and success of the Black Information Network, and these new and expanded roles reflect their leadership. Chris has worked with closely with our newsroom since day one and unifying our news and programming operations under his direction will enable us to grow and strengthen our network, podcast, and digital content at a faster pace,” said Tony Coles, President of BIN: Black Information Network. “I am equally excited about Angela’s new role, which will enable the Black Information Network to work even closer with leaders in government, business, and non-profits to improve our content, coverage, and impact.”

Chris Thompson joined iHeartMedia in 2020 with over 20 years of radio experience in the areas of Broadcast Operations, Programming, Sales, Affiliate Relations and Talent Management. Prior to joining BIN, Thompson served as Vice President of Radio Operations for Reach Media, and the Executive Director of Network Operations for Connecticut-based Buckley Radio, successfully managing syndication and affiliate clearances for the 15 nationally syndicated weekday and weekend Talk Radio programs under the WOR Radio Network brand and its 500-plus unique affiliations.

Angela Ingram joined iHeartMedia’s Chicago station group as Director of Marketing in 1995 after holding marketing and promotions positions for the company’s stations in Louisville, Kentucky and Charlotte. Ingram was elevated to Senior Vice President of Communications for the Chicago Region of iHeartMedia Markets Group, where she led a number of advocacy initiatives, working with more than 50 civic and business leaders to support education, voter registration, health awareness, volunteerism, women’s issues and other causes. Ingram is the recipient of the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s first-ever Vanguard Award in recognition of her 40 years of service in the radio industry. She is also a recipient of the Ad Council’s Public Service Champion Award and the Dress for Success Worldwide - Central’s Luminary Leadership Award.

Black Information Network is distributed nationally through the iHeartRadio app, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, as well as on local AM/FM broadcast radio stations in 34 markets, including Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, and Dallas. BIN is enabled by the resources, assets and financial support of iHeartMedia and the support of its Founding Partners: Bank of America, CVS Health, GEICO and Sony. BIN is focused on service to the Black community to help foster communication, accountability and deeper understanding.