First, we head into the classroom at Harrisburg Academy, where IB English students—guided by teacher Peter Frengel—are analyzing how media bias, algorithms, and online communities shape our understanding of current events.

The episode then turns to the future of public broadcasting. Steven Bass of Oregon Public Media and Matias Vernegno of the Bucknell Institute for Public Policy discuss the pressures facing public media, the shift toward more locally focused models, and why the distinction between public and commercial news still matters.

First, we head into the classroom at Harrisburg Academy, where IB English students&mdash;guided by teacher Peter Frengel&mdash;are analyzing how media bias, algorithms, and online communities shape our understanding of current events.
The episode then turns to the future of public broadcasting. Steven Bass of Oregon Public Media and Matias Vernegno of the Bucknell Institute for Public Policy discuss the pressures facing public media, the shift toward more locally focused models, and why the distinction between public and commercial news still matters.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The Spark Weekly | March 1st | Teaching Media Literacy and Reimagining Public Broadcasting 

Spring Planting and Gardening

Media Bias with Harrisburg Academy

(00:00:00)

We start with Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Heather Freeland and Shirley Halk, who share practical, research‑backed tips for spring planting.

(00:22:33)

Then we head into the classroom at Harrisburg Academy, where IB English students—guided by teacher Peter Frengel—are analyzing how media bias, algorithms, and online communities shape our understanding of current events.

(00:00:00)
We start with Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Heather Freeland and Shirley Halk, who share practical, research‑backed tips for spring planting.
(00:22:33)
Then we head into the classroom at Harrisburg Academy, where IB English students&mdash;guided by teacher Peter Frengel&mdash;are analyzing how media bias, algorithms, and online communities shape our understanding of current events.

Growing Smarter: Spring Gardening Advice and a Deep Dive into How Teens Analyze Media Bias

Protein Craze

Heart Month Pt. 2

Girls Scouts Amplified Voices

(00:00:00)

Clinical Nutrition Manager Angelina Sickora and Clinical Operations Manager and registered dietitian Janelle Barnett from Penn State Health break down the booming world of protein—what it actually does in the body, how much we really need, whether “protein‑packed” products are worth the hype, and how to read labels beyond the marketing.

(00:12:08)

Then, as Heart Month continues, Devon Sprenkle, Executive Director for the American Heart Association in South Central Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss building a world of longer, healthier lives and why heart health advocacy remains urgent for families across the Commonwealth.

(00:23:26)

We close with Cathy Hirko, Director of Marketing and Communications, who introduces Girl Scouts Amplified Voices—a podcast celebrating the courage, creativity, and leadership of Girl Scouts and the volunteers who support them as they shape the future they want to see.

(00:00:00)
Clinical Nutrition Manager Angelina Sickora and Clinical Operations Manager and registered dietitian Janelle Barnett from Penn State Health break down the booming world of protein&mdash;what it actually does in the body, how much we really need, whether &ldquo;protein‑packed&rdquo; products are worth the hype, and how to read labels beyond the marketing.
(00:12:08)
Then, as Heart Month continues, Devon Sprenkle, Executive Director for the American Heart Association in South Central Pennsylvania, joins us to discuss building a world of longer, healthier lives and why heart health advocacy remains urgent for families across the Commonwealth.
(00:23:26)
We close with Cathy Hirko, Director of Marketing and Communications, who introduces Girl Scouts Amplified Voices&mdash;a podcast celebrating the courage, creativity, and leadership of Girl Scouts and the volunteers who support them as they shape the future they want to see.

Protein Hype or Healthy Habit, Heart Health Insights, and Girl Scouts Who Lead.

Keystone Trails Association

Fallopian Tube Cancer

(00:00:00)

This episode explores two stories of protection—one for Pennsylvania’s landscapes, and one for women’s health. Conservation leaders Karen Lutz and Cameron Weiser break down the Scott Farm–Peters Mountain land swap, a partnership that preserves trail access, safeguards the Kittatinny Ridge, and strengthens stewardship of the Appalachian Trail. 

(00:36:43)

In our second segment, Dr. Sharon Fitzgerald sheds light on fallopian tube cancer, why awareness is low, and how prevention strategies like opportunistic salpingectomy and genetic counseling can save lives.

(00:00:00)
This episode explores two stories of protection&mdash;one for Pennsylvania&rsquo;s landscapes, and one for women&rsquo;s health. Conservation leaders Karen Lutz and Cameron Weiser break down the Scott Farm&ndash;Peters Mountain land swap, a partnership that preserves trail access, safeguards the Kittatinny Ridge, and strengthens stewardship of the Appalachian Trail.&nbsp;
(00:36:43)
In our second segment, Dr. Sharon Fitzgerald sheds light on fallopian tube cancer, why awareness is low, and how prevention strategies like opportunistic salpingectomy and genetic counseling can save lives.

The Spark Weekly | March 1st | Teaching Media Literacy and Reimagining Public Broadcasting

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