Bus Radio coming to district's school buses

The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education approved a license agreement and contract with Bus Radio at its Nov. 12 meeting. There is no charge for this service and all equipment is installed at no charge to the district.

Launched in the fall 2006, Bus Radio is a national radio program for school buses that broadcasts age-appropriate music, entertainment, public service announcements, and educational programming to children ages 6 to 18 as they ride to and from school.

Bus Radio has play lists for elementary, middle and high school audiences.

Each morning and afternoon, the free program airs age-appropriate music, contests and public service announcements broadcast to approximately 1 million students nationwide.

Bus Radio attempts to focus on safety while providing engaging entertainment. The program produces reduced noise levels inside the bus and reduced behavioral problems with students.

The radio itself includes GPS and built-in panic buttons that the driver can use to notify authorities in case of an emergency.

Bus Radio provides a dynamic, interactive radio show for students to listen to as they travel to and from school. The DJ’s, Mat and Lucia, maintain a fast-paced show with content that engages the students directly and allows them to be part of the program. Weekly contests, promotions and shout-outs keep students engrossed in the show for the entire ride. In addition, Mat and Lucia challenge students to take up initiative such as reading, career exploration, goal setting, personal safety, health and wellness.

A free demo can be heard at www.busradio.com.

Bus Radio puts choice in the hands of kids by allowing them to vote on the music they will hear on the bus the following day. To date Bus Radio has more than 1 million students on 10,000 buses.

Bus Radio offers bus drivers a choice – they will still have the option to offer students traditional AM and FM radio, or they can tune into Bus Radio.

Bus Radio has created an independent Content Review Board that has set guidelines and policies to ensure programming is age-appropriate for all students. Bus Radio is working exclusively with socially responsible sponsors who will deliver positive messages to kids. In general, Bus Radio says it will partner with sponsors who offer products and services that are relevant to and appropriate for kids.

Bus Radio helps improve bus safety by engaging kids and reducing driver distraction. During a recent survey conducted in June of 2007, an independent survey by Edison Media Research showed 82% of the polled drivers saw an improvement in their bus ride. 93% of drivers wanted to continue running the program and 87% of students polled preferred Bus Radio over traditional AM/FM radio.

Bus Radio has formed many partnerships, the Ad Council, Presidents Council on Physical Fitness, After School Alliance, Kaboom, NAPT, NASDPTS, National Eating Disorder Association, Stand Up For Kids and Take Pride in America. It can run public service announcements on issues relevant to kids including bus safety, staying in school, saying no to drugs and bullying.

Posted 11/21/2007