Ernesto Aguilar
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eaxlr.com
Ernesto Aguilar
@eaxlr.com
Public media, engagement, AI & new leadership • Radio Programming and more, KQED • write oigo.us x AI & Public Media Futures on LinkedIn x Anoixe for Treble • Body in San Francisco, soul in Houston. 🤠 ernestoaguilar.com
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Receiving the Public Media for All Award yesterday was a tremendous honor for many reasons. I tried to say why. And I recognize this is not an individual recognition, but a salute to our collective efforts. Thank you for your support.
Fear thrives in uncertainty, but it’s the pace of today’s change that paralyzes leaders. Policy shifts go viral before they go official. AI questions are existential. The map is breaking into blocs.

While there's a lot we can’t predict, we can plan and think wisely.
February 4, 2026 at 9:48 PM
February 4, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Great leaders don’t just manage. They inspire. And inspiration comes from playing three key roles: visionary, exemplar, mentor. People feel it when you do.
February 3, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Using AI, colleagues sorted through thousands of police misconduct records to increase transparency and fairness in California. This work benefits both the community and police, creating a more open and accountable system. Our piece for Current: current.org/2026/01/how-ai-...
How AI-assisted workflows are unlocking California police records
An AI-powered database offers a model for extracting and structuring police records for public accessibility and accountability reporting.
current.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Culture doesn’t trickle down. It’s built, one choice at a time.

When an org feels unstable, model good behavior, and stay close. People might not stay for the company, but they’ll stay for leaders who’ve got their backs. Are you that person?
down.it
February 2, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Join me NEXT WEEK at the fifth annual Audience Development Summit, hosted by PMCC and Greater Public. I'll be presenting on the last day and hope you can make it. Details at pmcc.org!
February 2, 2026 at 1:01 PM
The new leadership playbook?

📍A cross-functional policy desk
📍Pre-defined response triggers
📍A bias for clarity over control

In a world of ambient volatility, coherence is a competitive edge.
January 30, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Registration for the fifth annual Audience Development Summit is open! I'm among the speakers, sharing about KQED's Trusted Voice Content. Join me there! Details at pmcc.org.
January 30, 2026 at 2:36 PM
The latest edition of OIGO's newsletter, focusing on public media and Latino audiences, is set to be released tomorrow. In the meantime, you can catch up with the first edition of the year for insightful information. oigo.us/p/kcur-lisa-rodriguez
January 29, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Conflict doesn’t have to be destructive. My key? Separate people from problems.

✅ Encourage consideration of other views. It builds empathy and open-mindedness.

🌱 Model curiosity. A steady, calm response makes it safe for others to speak up and focus on shared goals.
January 28, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Courage isn’t just for crisis mode, I must remind peers in public media. Really, it's a leadership muscle. 💪 Build it with everyday courage:

→ Moral: Align actions with values
→ Social: Speak up, even when it’s unpopular
→ Emotional: Stay present in tough moments
January 21, 2026 at 9:04 PM
If you are interested in getting into public radio programming, my guide to creating a show is now available in paperback. It provides a step-by-step walkthrough of everything you need to know to create your own show. Details: ernestoaguilar.com/radio
January 20, 2026 at 5:51 PM
OIGO is out tomorrow and I need ONE MORE SUBSCRIBER to hit a milestone. Who's with me???? Subscribe, share, sign up your cat, anything at oigo.us!
January 15, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Public radio’s value isn’t in more content. but trusted context. If your team is stretched, cut one low-impact initiative and double down on what reliably moves membership and listening.

Tip: pick one metric to rally around this quarter. Make it visible. Celebrate wins weekly.
January 15, 2026 at 9:00 PM
My newsletter on public media and diverse audiences is back tomorrow! I look forward to sharing some great insights with you. Join me here: oigo.us
January 15, 2026 at 1:30 PM
I know many who are feeling digitally drained. Some suggestions:

📍 Match the message to the medium
📍 Batch AND stream messages strategically
📍 Use “time tiers” for replies: 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week

I've found that small shifts can reclaim big energy.
January 13, 2026 at 9:31 PM
If you are looking to launch a new show on public radio, there are several key steps to consider. Understanding the programming structure, defining your purpose, and developing high-quality content are essential for success. Here's my guide to do it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMD77NHL
Amazon.com: Ideas to Air: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Quality Public Radio Programs for Independent Producers eBook : Aguilar, Ernesto: Kindle Store
Ideas to Air: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Quality Public Radio Programs for Independent Producers - Kindle edition by Aguilar, Ernesto. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note
www.amazon.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Reposted by Ernesto Aguilar
Listen again: Ghost Frequency / 11th January 2026

Playing tracks by Emeralds, Steve Hauschildt, Mark McGuire, Imaginary Softwoods, Kim Hiorthøy, Zoë Mc Pherson and Acrylwaffen.

@eaxlr.com | www.mixcloud.com/camp_fr/ghos...
January 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Someone once taught me this quick coaching model: the Coaching Bridge

1️⃣ Ask how they’re thinking
2️⃣ Share your take
3️⃣ End with: “What will you do next?”

This 3-part structure builds confidence, not dependency.
January 12, 2026 at 8:46 PM
It's 2026 and so many stories are bubbling up already for public media. I offered a number of stories you should be watching. Catch up with my insights at oigo.us.
January 12, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Digital tools should support your focus, not sabotage it. My advice? Audit your apps. Cut the clutter. Set rules for yourself like I did.

A few changes like disabling notifications or syncing message timing to task type can unlock real clarity.
January 9, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Receiving the Public Media for All Award yesterday was a tremendous honor for many reasons. I tried to say why. And I recognize this is not an individual recognition, but a salute to our collective efforts. Thank you for your support.
January 9, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Coaching doesn’t need a calendar invite. Some of the most powerful growth moments happen in the flow of work.

My tips? Ask first, don’t solve. Use silence. Hand back ownership. Leadership isn’t just about answers, but building thinkers.
January 8, 2026 at 9:21 PM
Today is Public Media for All’s sixth annual Day of Action & Education. Be there to see how the public media industry is charting the course forward. Attend here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/reg...
January 8, 2026 at 2:09 PM
I'm heading your way in February to talk about Trusted Voice Contrnt! greaterpublic.org/resources/au...
January 7, 2026 at 3:12 PM