Catching the Wind
Kansas City Public Television, KCPT, will produce and secure Kansas-wide broadcast
of a documentary that unpacks the issues surrounding wind energy through the
experiences of three subjects struggling to make it as “wind farmers.” These compelling
stories will lead to the examination of broader forces shaping the emerging wind industry,
from state and national legislation, to environmental concerns and imperatives, the need
for new distribution systems, net metering, to the economics of bringing a new product
to market. The documentary will present the citizens of Kansas with an informative and
balanced view of opportunities and challenges of wind energy in the state.
Wind energy is a significant and complex subject, requiring a careful television production that sheds more light
than heat. KCPT is prepared to meet this challenge through the leadership of national Emmy award winning
documentarian, Randy Mason (2004 Best Documentary for Be Good, Smile Pretty) and Nick Haines, journalist
and KCPT Public Affairs Director. Together, they will produce an engaging documentary that explores the
issues surrounding Kansas wind energy through the experiences of three subjects entering the business such
as a family farmer, a start up business venture and a municipal wind initiative.
Catching the Wind partner, Kansas State University Extension, will develop a factual website containing a
roundup of valuable information that citizens and policy makers need to develop a fuller understanding of the
wind energy potential and all of its related issues. Extension will also create a set of carefully thought through
discussion questions, or a “conversation in a box.” These tools will provide structure to K-State facilitated town
hall discussions the evening of the broadcast and at informal screening parties in counties across the state.
This ambitious project will bring together ordinary citizens, elected officials, entrepreneurs and investors,
family farmers and state regulators—equipping them with both the base-line understanding of the issues and
the common language needed to build consensus and to more quickly make informed investment and policy
decisions on wind energy.
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