In 2023, Population Media Center embarked on transformative initiatives spanning three continents. With the global population surpassing 8 billion in 2023, our voices resonated loudly in response.
Thank you to our worldwide team of donors, artists, scientists, and advocates who turn popular entertainment into a force for universal good.
Population Media Center creates transformative storytelling to role model actions that create a chain of planet-positive impact that uplifts individuals, communities, and the environments we all share. With a global community of 8 billion people, we need a more equitable, flourishing world for all people and all ecosystems. As we look to write the script for our future, we focus on solutions that touch us all. Join Us, as we celebrate 25 years of storytelling for the global good!
Reflecting on the past year fills us with awe and gratitude, as it has been a year of extraordinary impact. Dive in t to discover the inspiring stories of transformation and the incredible ways we made a difference in 2023. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future.
Experience the excitement of Population Media Center’s (PMC) recent milestone celebration featuring feminist icon Gloria Steinem! Relive the unforgettable moments from the September 28th event through our newly released video clips, capturing the essence of this electrifying celebration and highlighting Ms. Steinem’s profound influence. This special occasion marked PMC’s 25th anniversary, bringing together visionaries, advocates, and supporters united in their commitment to a sustainable planet and equal rights for all. The event served as a dynamic platform to address critical issues like sustainability, equity, and the transformative power of storytelling. PMC’s core mission centers on challenging societal norms by empowering individuals, especially women and girls, to rewrite their life stories. Gloria Steinem’s presence underscored her unwavering dedication to feminist causes and her pioneering role in the movement, making this celebration a truly memorable experience.
Discover the influential legacy of Gloria Steinem, a trailblazing feminist icon dedicated to championing the rights of women and girls. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Steinem emerged as a prominent figure in the women’s liberation movement during the 1960s and 1970s. As a journalist, author, and social activist, she co-founded Ms. magazine, providing a powerful platform for women’s voices and shedding light on crucial issues. Steinem’s tireless advocacy work has left an indelible mark on the fight for gender equality, challenging societal norms and inspiring generations to come.
The event showcased the groundbreaking impact of PMC’s initiatives, particularly the remarkable video game BREAKAWAY, developed in collaboration with Champlain College and Touré. BREAKAWAY harnesses the power of gaming to address violence against women, bullying, and gender equality, empowering players aged 8 to 15 to make choices that promote positive change on and off the field. Since its launch at the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa, the game has captivated youth worldwide, reaching over 150 countries.
Touré, a champion of gender equity and human rights, played a pivotal role in funding the creation of BREAKAWAY during her tenure at the United Nations Population Fund. Her visionary leadership and dedication to gender equity and human rights inspired the game’s development and its successful implementation worldwide.
Embarking on a powerful collaboration, Population Media Center, generously funded by The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, has joined forces with Talking Drum Studio: Liberia Peace Center to unveil a groundbreaking radio program – “Barnusiethedeh!” translating to “Let’s Do The Right Thing.” This 156-episode radio drama is set to captivate audiences across all 15 counties of Liberia, thanks to strategic partnerships with 35 community radio stations. Delving into the heart of societal issues, the compelling storylines and characters will shine a light on matters crucial to all, offering a vicarious learning experience on topics like sexual and reproductive rights, gender-based violence, gender equity, social cohesion, and conflict resolution.
What sets this initiative apart is the fusion of Population Media Center’s well-tested and proven Social Behavior Change (SBC) methodology, boasting over two decades of successful field-testing, with the dynamic engagement of Talking Drum Studio: Liberia Peace Center. This collaboration promises a culturally sensitive multimedia behavior change strategy, leveraging PMC’s expertise in impactful, locally resonant dramas and TDS Liberia’s trusted media presence, currently reaching communities across Liberia through radio and participatory theater. Together, they embark on a mission to inspire positive change, fostering awareness and understanding among diverse audiences across the nation.
Listen to all episodes in Liberian Kolokwa english on our Facebook fan page.
Embarking on a transformative mission, Niger is set to unveil a groundbreaking radio drama project aimed at tackling critical societal issues. Broadcasting in Nigerian Hausa, this 72-episode multi-thematic radio drama will take center stage during prime time, captivating audiences nationwide three times a week for an impactful six-month period. The visionary project spearheaded by Studio Kalangou and PMC seeks to not only engage and educate communities but also challenge harmful gender norms while empowering girls through the enchanting power of storytelling.
Interweaving three compelling plots, each addressing major challenges faced by girls and women in Niger, the radio show will delve into themes of girls’ education, child marriage, and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Elevating the narrative, the show will also explore critical issues like adolescent nutrition and positive masculinity. To ensure widespread accessibility, the collaborative efforts will extend across a network of community and commercial radio stations, reaching both urban and rural areas through innovative means such as memory cards and WhatsApp notifications. The synergy between PMC and the participating radio stations will spark a promotional blitz, igniting awareness, excitement, and community engagement. Together, they aim to amplify the project’s impact, fostering positive behavior change across the nation.
Education is a fundamental right of every child, providing the key to a brighter future and the opportunity for personal growth. It is education that…
PMC’s innovative BREAKAWAY video game has achieved the prestigious first-place position in the Contest & Game category.
The DCA 2023 Communications Award is a recognition of excellence in the industry, and PMC’s success serves as an inspiration to continue pushing the envelope. PMC extends its gratitude to the DCA 2023 Awards panel, our dedicated global team members, and all those who have supported us on this remarkable journey. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we have our sights set on tomorrow. We look forward to many more years of innovation and impact.
At the forefront of transformative initiatives, Population Media Center (PMC) stands as a trailblazer in changing attitudes and behaviors among both peers and changemakers alike. With a strategic focus on addressing critical global issues, PMC pioneers discussions surrounding degrowth, family planning, sustainable population growth, and the rights of women and girls. Leveraging the power of entertainment education, PMC crafts compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, sparking essential conversations around social and behavioral change. As a leading force in the field, PMC navigates the intersection of media and advocacy, using innovative approaches to reshape societal norms. Through its impactful work, PMC emerges as a catalyst for positive change, weaving a tapestry of narratives that inspire, educate, and catalyze transformation on a global scale.
I was deeply honored to receive an invitation from FINTECH.TV to join them at their studios on the bustling floor of the New…
On June 8, 2023, Bill Ryerson, President and Founder of Population Media Center (PMC) was the special guest on…
Population Media Center founder and President Bill Ryerson joined KBC-1 live in Kenya to discuss world population day and global population growth.
In…
Population Media Center (PMC) is delighted to share our recent participation at the Impact + Profit Conference in Los Angeles, in collaboration with…
Human population is a problem—tackling it through education isn’t. We need to slow our global fertility rate to 1.5 children per woman if we’re to lower our population to a sustainable level of around 3 billion. That decline is already happening in many post-industrial nations, to the chagrin and panic of their leaders. However, many cultures around the world still prize large families. But in a world of increasingly scarce resources like water, limiting family sizes remains the main driver of some campaigners, including Bill Ryerson.
In 2023, research, evaluation, and monitoring continue to be pivotal components of Population Media Center’s (PMC) impactful work. With an unwavering commitment to evidence-based strategies, PMC has taken significant strides in understanding the effects of its programs. This year marked the release of in-depth impact studies focused on radio programs in Zambia and Nepal. These studies delve into the nuanced outcomes and societal shifts brought about by PMC’s initiatives, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of their approach. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, PMC reinforces its dedication to creating positive, measurable change through meticulously researched and evaluated interventions. The release of these impact studies underscores PMC’s transparency, accountability, and determination to refine its strategies in pursuit of a more informed and empowered global community.
In 2023, we celebrated our incredible Country Directors, who played an indispensable role in making all of our achievements possible. These dedicated individuals have been the driving force behind PMC’s success, and we are excited to highlight their outstanding efforts, share inspiring stories of their leadership, and express our gratitude for their unwavering commitment to our mission. It’s time to spotlight the unsung heroes who have paved the way for our continued growth and impact.
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Cecilia Orvañanos ’s communications work has had different forms and outlets over the years: reading and acting children’s…
As a journalist, Rajan Parajuli created nonfiction pieces for radio and television on socioeconomic and health topics. Now, as Population Media Center’s Country Director in…
When it comes to Charles Kalonga, the Country Director of Population Media Center in Zambia, his goals are nothing short of extraordinary —…
Step into the vibrant world of Christina Guérin, a woman whose heart has always belonged to the enchanting realm of radio. From a tender…
In the vast landscape of Niger, Moussa Abdou Saley stands as a seasoned professional, a masterful storyteller, and a relentless advocate for change. His path…
Thank You for browsing some of the highlights from 2023.
Embarking on the journey of 2023, Population Media Center (PMC) proudly unveils a new chapter in its global impact. Building on the successes of the past 25 years, PMC has expanded its reach, launching groundbreaking programs worldwide. These initiatives delve into pressing issues such as the rights of women and girls, the eradication of child marriage, the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and the promotion of family planning and sustainable population growth. PMC’s transformative storytelling continues to resonate in regions like Ethiopia, Burundi, Nigeria, and Kenya. Engaging with the global community, PMC shared insights at prestigious events like Drive Electric Week and the Impact+Profit Summit. The organization’s commitment extends to Liberia, where new programs are underway. As we navigate the challenges of the future, PMC remains steadfast in its mission, driven by the belief that each action contributes to the realization of a more equitable and sustainable world.