Executive Producer and Host

LIKE IT IS is a weekly, half-hour, award-winning public affairs program which takes an in-depth look at issues confronting African-Americans and contemporary society. The program covers a broad array of topics ranging from politics, education, crime, health care, entertainment, and many others. Some of the previous guests who have appeared on LIKE IT IS include, former United States Secretary of Energy, Hazel O’Leary, former Secretary of the United States Army, Togo West, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., jazz singer, Dianne Reeves, rap artist, Sister Souljah, singer, James Brown, and Ron Kirk, former Mayor of Dallas, Texas

Bob Franklin, Executive Producer and Host, LIKE IT IS

Producer, Program Achievements and Awards:

2003 American Association for State and Local History’s Certificate of Commendation for the Audio Documentary, “The Elaine, Arkansas Race Riots of 1919.”

2001 Arkansas for Society Professional Journalist Feature Award

2000 Innovative Project Award from The Arkansas Literacy Council

2000 Broadcast Educator’s Association Juried Faculty Production Award for LIKE IT IS documentary on The Negro Baseball League.

1999 Crystal Award of Excellence for the four part radio documentary, “Women in Congress”

1997 International CINDY Award for the public affairs program, LIKE IT IS featuring a civil rights activist working with inner-city kids in Detroit, Michigan public schools.

1997 International CINDY Award for four-part documentary, “Still Going On” featuring the life and legacy of William Grant Still.

1997 Profile in Progress Award awarded by The Board of Sponsors of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month for the public affairs program, LIKE IT IS featuring the impact of breast cancer on women.

1996 Gavel Award from the Maryland State Bar Association for pubic affairs program, LIKE IT IS featuring “Kids and Drugs.”

1994 Gavel Award from the Maryland State Bar Association for the public affairs program, LIKE IT IS for Outstanding Legal Reporting.

1994 Media Award for Outstanding Achievement presented to the producer of LIKE IT IS by The Maryland Press Club.

1992 Gavel Award from the Maryland State Bar Association to the producer of LIKE IT IS for Outstanding Legal Reporting.

1990 Gavel Award from the Maryland State Bar Association to the producer of LIKE IT IS for Outstanding Legal Reporting.