New Radio Program Highlights and Inspires Innovation

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Sep 01, 2011, 01:00 ET

HAMPTON, Va., Sept. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) are launching a national radio program and podcast series that features compelling stories of revolutionary ideas, emerging technologies and the people behind the concepts that are shaping our future.

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"Innovation Now," the series of 90-second radio segments, debuts Sept. 1, online and on WHRV 89.5 FM in Norfolk, Va. The new program is scheduled to air at 5:32 p.m. EDT on WHRV during "All Things Considered" in the timeslot previously held by "Discovery Now." It may be aired at other times by stations in the future. New episodes will be available Monday to Friday throughout the year.

The "Innovation Now" series highlights remarkable new technologies, stories of people who take creative approaches to solving problems and groundbreaking ideas that benefit lives and impact our world. Program producers draw upon expertise within NASA and NIA and tap into the creativity of strategic partners such as NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist and the public to create content.

Episodes in production focus on breakthrough concepts in transportation, computer technology, energy, health and medicine, public safety, consumer goods, aerospace, environmental resources and industrial productivity.

"The change in culture towards creativity and innovation is vital for the future American and world economy to not only survive, but flourish," said Robert Lindberg, NIA president and executive director. "By sharing the compelling stories of 'what's next' in innovation, this show will educate, entertain and inspire the public, particularly entrepreneurs, teachers and students, lifelong learners and business leaders."

NIA is a non-profit research and graduate education institute formed by a consortium of leading research universities including Georgia Tech, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, the University of Maryland, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, the College of William and Mary and the AIAA Foundation.

In addition to radio access, the public will be able to listen to the show at its website, http://InnovationNow.us and download the programs for free at iTunes.

For more information about NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/oct

SOURCE NASA