July 3, 2012 — Morehead State Public Radio (MSPR) will celebrate July 4 with four special programs.
"An Informed Republic" will air at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4.
America's founders recognized that without a king, the fledgling nation would need an informed citizenry -- or their bold experiment in democracy would fail. So in early America, the government subsidized newspapers, established the postal system to facilitate information flow and drew up plans for public education. But now in the digital age, does the demise of newspapers threaten citizens' access to quality journalistic information? Does remarkably low civic knowledge by average Americans weaken the fabric of democracy? The one-hour documentary features retired Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gordon Wood among others.
At 10 a.m., join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra for "America the Beautiful," "America, the Dream Goes On;" "This is My Country" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" from Little Johnny Jones and more.
"Paul Simon: Graceland" will air at 7 p.m.
In 1985, Simon traveled to South Africa in a search for music that had captivated him. The journey resulted in a cultural exchange that sparked the album Graceland and a world music fusion. In this special, you’ll hear from Simon about the musical breakthroughs and political hurdles that occurred along the way.
On July 4, there's no place like our nation's capital for America's biggest birthday party. If you can’t be in Washington, D.C., in person then listen to “A Capitol Fourth 2012” which will air live at 8 p.m.
America's national Independence Day celebration will be broadcasted live from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. The program includes “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, acclaimed Broadway and television star Megan Hilty of NBC’s “Smash;” two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick performing songs from the hit Broadway musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It” with four-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara; singer-songwriter and winner of “The Voice,” Javier Colon; country music star Josh Turner; R and B superstars Kool and The Gang; renowned tenor Russell Watson; all joined by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.
Morehead State Public Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day from the campus of Morehead State University, and serves more than 40 counties in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. WMKY (90.3 FM) serves as the flagship station for the network, which includes a translator (88.3 FM) in Inez.
Information is available by contacting MSPR at 783-2001.
