The Perfect Storm

As we developed MiND, we decided to take the whole idea of television apart. When we put the pieces together again, they were based upon fundamentally great idea: that we all use MiND to learn from one another.

A perfect storm makes this great idea possible.

Independent Thinking: The storm began in the mid-1980s, when a group of independent thinkers from Philadelphia won the license to operate what became the nation’s largest independent, non-commercial, non-PBS television station. Since its debut in 1990, WYBE has presented independent films and documentaries, and international programming. It has given voice to people and ideas not often seen on American television. MiND builds upon that independent spirit by encouraging every MiND viewer to become a MiND member and producer—and by encouraging the free exchange of ideas.

Changes in Technology: Dramatic changes in television production and distribution technology have caused an entire industry to rethink its most basic assumptions. With an inexpensive camcorder and a small computer, anyone can shoot and edit a television program. With a fast internet connection, anyone can distribute that program to the entire world. MiND is more selective: our purpose is learning, community building, and active participation.

Increased Sense of Social Responsibility: An advertising-based television system has transformed our society. We’ve learned what to buy, what to eat, what’s important, who’s important, and who’s not. Television has helped to shape our beliefs and our values. Over time, an increasing number of people have begun to think differently. We’re making food choices based upon nutrition, not upon advertising. We’re making transportation choices based upon environmental impact. And we’re learning to build communities to sustain and enrich our neighborhoods, our cities, and our world. With MiND, we all share a tool that our community can use to engage in social responsibility. Or, to put this in a much simpler framework, at MiND we really believe in the stuff that we learned in kindergarten.

A Willingness to Try Something New: Many people have lost interest in television. Hundreds of channels are available, but few provide the right combination of fresh ideas, a global perspective, an independent spirit, and a sense of community. These are basic to MiND’s reinvention of television.

We’ve put MiND together with a fun combination of old ideas, new ideas, and fresh thinking.

Next: About MiND