About 30 years ago I became aware of the Sun Prairie Media Center as a unique resource for programming, learning, and training young people for the world of communications, as well as volunteering for people of all ages. The level of creative output, which has originated here, rightly so, has been noticed far beyond Madison, even nationally.

It’s a place I wanted to get to know.

Years ago, when I first became aware of the Media Center, I learned about KIDS4, and the numerous opportunities to teach kids the power of television. I was intrigued by this creative undertaking that the City of Sun Prairie was behind, but also because KIDS4 was founded by my good friend, the late Nancy McMahon, who shared numerous ways the Media Center allowed kids to become adept at telling stories via television.

Concurrently, I was a working journalist searching for good stories throughout the world –Beyond the newsrooms of the Midwest and Washington D.C., I was on the ground in places far and wide, such as Java, Bali, Paris, Finland, Beijing, Geneva, Belgium, Tunisia, St. Petersburg, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Along the way I wrote two books on Wisconsin and co-wrote two books on how emerging technology and science at research institutions worldwide, involving tech transfer departments and medical schools, including the UW Madison, have, through first-ever innovations, changed the world for the better.

Twenty-five years ago, I launched Sharyn Alden Communications, Inc, a small publicity firm that highlights clients’ differentiators in their fields of endeavors. Many of these folks have been interviewed over the years at the Sun Prairie Media Center, since I have long known this is a community resource for excellent storytelling.

Looking back, when I was interviewed by Oprah on her TV show when she was broadcasting at Harpo Studios in Chicago, she asked, “What do you want to do next?”

I recall saying it would be fun to tell other people’s stories beyond print, maybe on-air, via TV or radio someday.

Fast forward several years. Sharing stories with a superb broadcast format behind me, the Sun Prairie Media Center is now happening—it’s the launch of “Everybody’s Got a Story” …my new radio program at the Sun Prairie Media Center.

Abundant thanks to Colin Lessig and Rachel Packard for helping move this forward from the idea stage---about a year ago to opening the doors to this volunteer who has many interviews lined up –because everybody has a unique story to tell.

Stay Tuned!
Sharyn Alden