South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) are partnering on a new multimedia initiative designed to spotlight the people, places and programs dedicated to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources. The collaboration debuts Aug. 5 with the premiere of Into the Wild, a new South Carolina Public Radio (SC Public Radio) feature segment hosted by SCDNR Director Dr. Thomas Mullikin, and will continue with additional television, radio and digital content in the months ahead.
Rooted in a shared commitment to education, public service and community engagement, the partnership expands public awareness of conservation efforts across the state through original content for radio and television as well as digital streaming platforms. Together, the organizations aim to inspire greater understanding, appreciation and engagement with South Carolina's natural environment through accessible, impactful stories that highlight the individuals and initiatives working to preserve the state's wildlife, waterways and natural landscapes for future generations.
As part of the collaboration, Into the Wild, a new one-minute feature segment, will premiere Aug. 5. Hosted by SCDNR Director Dr. Thomas Mullikin, the ongoing segment will broadcast weekdays at 5:42 a.m., 7:42 a.m. and 12:42 p.m. and will also be available on-demand and wherever listeners get their podcasts.
Through stories, observations and discoveries from his travels across South Carolina, Dr. Mullikin will offer listeners meaningful connections to the people, places and wildlife that make the state's natural heritage unique. Topics will range from conservation efforts and outdoor recreation to fisheries, forests, boating, hunting and little-known facts about South Carolina's natural world. Each segment will focus on getting audiences outside "into the wild" while encouraging stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the state's natural resources.
The partnership will also extend to television and digital platforms with What's Wild: The Protectors, a special season of the award-winning series expected to premiere early next year. Hosted by Dr. Mullikin and produced by SCETV and SCDNR, the six-episode season will take viewers behind the scenes of conservation work happening across South Carolina, highlighting the scientists, advocates, volunteers and field experts working to safeguard the state's natural resources.
Episodes of What's Wild: The Protectors will explore a variety of conservation efforts, including South Carolina's bat populations, giant fish tagging research, SCDNR's K9 Team, oyster shell recycling, shorebird protection efforts at Crab Bank and the restoration of the state's recovering wood stork population.
The partnership reflects SCETV’s mission to amplify South Carolina voices, provide educational experiences and strengthen communities, alongside SCDNR’s mission to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of the state’s natural resources. Through content across television, radio and digital platforms, the organizations will share stories that connect audiences with the natural wonders that define South Carolina and the people dedicated to protecting them.
For more information, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org.
QUOTES
“SCETV’s partnership with SCDNR represents an exciting opportunity to share stories about South Carolina's natural resources. Beginning with the premiere of Into the Wild and expanding across radio, television and digital platforms, this collaboration connects audiences with the people, places and conservation efforts that make our state extraordinary while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"The story of South Carolina is inseparable from the story of its land, waters and wildlife. This partnership with SCETV gives us a powerful opportunity to spotlight the people on the front lines of conservation and to remind all South Carolinians that stewardship is not someone else’s responsibility; it belongs to each of us. When we strengthen people’s connection to the outdoors, we strengthen the future of our state.” –SCDNR Director Dr. Thomas Mullikin
"Launching Into the Wild is just the beginning of a broader storytelling initiative that will reach audiences wherever they choose to engage with their educational media. Together with our upcoming television and digital content, this partnership allows us to continue telling stories about the people protecting South Carolina's wildlife, waterways and wild places.” –SCETV Senior Director of Audio and Digital Operations Tabitha Safdi
FAST FACTS
- SCETV and SCDNR are launching a new multimedia conservation storytelling initiative.
- SC Public Radio will debut Into the Wild hosted by Dr. Thomas Mullikin, a weekly one-minute feature segment, on Aug. 5.
- SCETV and SCDNR will premiere What's Wild: The Protectors, a special six-episode season hosted by Dr. Thomas Mullikin, early next year.
- The partnership reflects SCETV’s mission to amplify South Carolina voices, provide educational experiences and strengthen communities, alongside SCDNR’s mission to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of the state’s natural resources.
- For more information, visit southcarolinapublicradio.org.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is the state agency responsible for protecting and managing the state’s natural and cultural resources, from fish and wildlife to plants and special places. With over 1,100 employees working across all 46 counties, our mission is to serve as the principal advocate for and steward of South Carolina’s natural resources. We are technicians, biologists, game wardens, educators, scientists and administrators working diligently to balance sound science, strong conservation ethics, and the public’s best interests. Our agency enforces hunting, fishing, boating, and other state and federal laws to protect the resources and those enjoying them. We research solutions to new challenges, study the breadth of our resources, and advocate for science-based decisions. We provide outdoor recreational opportunities on hundreds of thousands of acres of well-managed public lands for the benefit of current and future generations.
Media Contacts
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Cheyenne Twilley
TwilleyC@dnr.sc.gov
(803) 240-4385
