WUGA and Athens-Clarke County Library have partnered to organize events that facilitate the reading and discussion of the Mueller Report this summer so that citizens can come to their own conclusions about the historic document.
Discussions will be led by an impartial facilitator (Shelby Steuart, a doctoral student in the UGA School of Public and International Affairs University of Georgia and held weekly in six sessions (skipping Fathers Day) at the Athens-Clarke County Library on Sundays, 3:00-4:00 p.m., starting June 9. The public can jump into the weekly discussions at the library any time, attending all or some of the sessions, which will take place in the library’s Multipurpose Room B.
This series will include one or two broadcast panels of experts from the University with opportunities for audience participation. The dates for those events are not yet set. WUGA’s political editor Martin Matheny will host the panel events, ensuring that diverse points of view will be considered.
Copies of the report are available at the library and both Avid Bookshop. The document can also be read online at various media sites (for example, at npr.org) and can be heard free by audible subscribers and by others at www.stitcher.com/podcast/mueller-report-audio.
WUGA’s General Manager Jimmy Sanders said, “WUGA believes in an informed and engaged citizenry and, through this initiative, hopes to foster robust, fact-based discussions. Part of our tag line is “an oasis for ideas.” Our listeners love to learn and are open to new ideas and information. We want to hear more about what they think!”
Producer Martin Matheny added: “The House of Representatives voted unanimously to make the report available to the public. This is not a partisan issue. We encourage each person to come to his or her own conclusions based on their reading of the facts presented in the document.”
Library Director Valerie Bell said: “Ensuring that the public has access to accurate and timely information is an important role libraries play. We can do that by providing a space where residents can come together to engage in civil open dialogue around a topic of interest to the community. All points of view are welcome to participate.”
WUGA is the NPR affiliate operated by the University of Georgia in a partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting.
The Athens-Clarke County Library is located at 2025 Baxter Street, Athens. For more information or to get the reading schedule, contact Cathy Bradberry (wuga@uga.edu or 706/542-9842).
