Incorporating a personable leadership style can help smooth the combination of the three previously independent stations that will form Iowa Public Radio, said a candidate for executive director.

“Leadership is not a position, it is an activity,” said Cindy Browne, a Minnesota-based public broadcasting consultant and one of the final candidates. This message was at the core of her interview session, held July 21.

The combination of three previously separate public radio stations into one sets a precedent in the nation, Browne said.

“Setting the stage to combine three previously quasi-competitive stations into one collaborative station is one of my primary goals,” she said.

Browne made it clear that if local programming did not remain at the core of Iowa Public Radio, it would become a “win-lose situation,” which she hopes to avoid.

“Making Iowa Public Radio a part of the community by collaborating with local organizations, community leaders and paying close attention to the concerns of the listeners will make IPR more visible,” she said.

Most of the questions directed at Browne revolved around how she would keep all the local flavors on a single state radio system, and about her views of what her job would entail.

“I would start my days with some short agenda meetings and organizing what needs to be accomplished through the day. Working mid-morning to afternoon on those and then in my evenings working with the communities to make IPR part of Iowa communities,” she said. “I plan on working half in the office and half outside making connections for IPR.”

Although several audience members voiced concerns about the intrusion of politics into public radio, Browne didn’t anticipate it becoming a problem.

“This is a game that unfortunately is played out every so many years. The American public has made it clear every time that this comes up they are happy with public radio and support it. I do not anticipate it becoming a big problem,” she said.

Browne also tied in her personal joys, such as exploring local communities and a love of travel, into strengths that would make her ideal for the executive director position.

“When I lived in Washington, D.C., I would love to explore the different neighborhoods and get to know the people there,” she said.

“I plan on doing the same thing in Iowa so that I may get a feel for the interests of the people of Iowa and again make a connection to the communities for IPR.”