Iowa Public Radio

Introduction

Iowa Public Radio informs, enriches and engages Iowans through radio programming and other media. IPR enhances civic and cultural connections across the state, strengthening communities and reflecting Iowa's sense of place. - IPR Mission

Objective

Visionary Services, Inc.(VSi), in collaboration with ZLRIGNITION,  launched the Iowa Public Radio (IPR) website in May 2011. With an average of nearly 1,500 visitors each day, the IPR site provides a variety of resources to thousands of users each month.

The new site's design centers on IPR's three audio streams: News, Classical and Studio One. Each venue provides unique programming and content. VSi was hired to provide the technical expertise in developing custom Site OnCall admin tools for the IPR staff to manage content.

VSi and ZLRIGNITION are both Des Moines, IA based.

Strategy

IPR's website requires a variety of user levels to maintain content. From news staff and radio personalities to marketing personnel, each department manages specific content areas. VSi developed custom "user levels" which provides access for each department to only manage their area's content.

In addition, each of IPR's audio streams needed an admin tool to upload audio files from shows and post date-specific news releases. The News Control Center streamlined the process for staff to manage stories, photos and audio files.

IPR's Event Calendar posts events that are both sponsored by IPR and other non-profit organizations. Their Event Submission Form allows non-profit organizations to submit events to be included on the calendar, and allows an easy management tool for IPR staff to review and post the various announcements.

The increase in site traffic since its spring launch is just one indicator of the success behind the redesign.