Cielo y Tierra ends successful first year

EarthSky Communications announced today that its Spanish-language science podcast series – Cielo y Tierra – has exceeded all expectations for its first year.

The year began in August 2007 with the receipt of a 3-year grant from the National Science Foundation. EarthSky launched Cielo y Tierra, _la clara voz de la ciencia_ on September 24, 2007, on a charter network of 60 broadcast outlets. Today, the network includes 155 radio broadcast outlets, with more signing up every day. Cielo y Tierra can now be heard by listeners around the world, on XM and Sirius satellite radio, World Radio Network, Radio Bilingüe, Radio Campesina (National Farm Workers Service Center), and selected Univision stations.

Cielo y Tierra’s first year also saw the launch of earthsky.org/spanish in May 2008. Visitors to the website can hear over 230 Spanish language science podcasts, as well as _La Clara Voz_, extended podcasts from interviews of hispanic scientists associated with Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans (SACNAS). The website also features daily skywatching charts and other information in Spanish.

Erika Montero, senior producer of Cielo y Tierra, said, “We could not be more pleased with the success of our podcast series over the past year. Broadcast outlets have picked up on the benefits of science information for the Spanish-speaking community. We’re excited that our podcasts are being heard by so many listeners now, and we hope that we’ll grow to be heard by many more.”

Josefina Ríos, program and traffic director of the World Radio Network, said of Cielo y Tierra, “Your show is different compared to other available programming, in that it offers informative and educational content. We are very grateful to Cielo y Tierra for its contribution to the education of the Spanish speaking community and for providing us the opportunity participate in this process.”

The EarthSky Promise: To bring the ideas, strategies and research results of scientists to people around the world, with the goal of illuminating pathways to a sustainable future.