Opinion: The Big Dig – A Reflection on American Infrastructure
Can America still build big things? This is the pivotal question that lies at the heart of “The Big Dig,” a groundbreaking podcast series recently announced by GBH News and PRX. Set to premiere on September 27, the 40th anniversary of the project’s announcement, “The Big Dig” aims to explore American infrastructure through the lens of the country’s most expensive highway endeavor to date.
“The Big Dig” will be available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify, as well as on the GBH News website and YouTube Channel. Subsequent episodes will be released on a weekly basis every Wednesday.
Lead Producer and Host Ian Coss explains, “The megaproject known as the Big Dig embodies the deep cynicism afflicting American infrastructure today. It’s often described as a ‘boondoggle,’ but beyond the scandal and outrage, the project has also delivered on many of its promises. Our podcast takes listeners on a decades-long journey, from an idealistic vision to a political public relations disaster, as we grapple with the lessons it offers for today’s ambitious undertakings.”
The captivating story of “The Big Dig” commences with Fred Salvucci, an anti-highway activist who championed the audacious idea of dismantling the city’s deteriorating elevated highway and rebuilding it underground. The podcast delves into the project’s history, exploring the intricacies of DC politics, local rivalries, technical challenges, and environmental concerns. However, as power struggles unfold and tunnels take shape, the project’s legacy becomes shrouded in escalating costs and allegations of mismanagement.
Pam Johnston, the general manager of news at GBH, highlights the network’s unwavering commitment to this story, stating, “The earliest known use of the phrase ‘The Big Dig’ dates back to a GBH news program in the 1980s that focused on the project. This anecdote underscores GBH’s enduring dedication to this narrative and to delivering quality local journalism that shapes our understanding of the issues impacting Massachusetts and beyond.”
“The Big Dig” marks GBH News’ first major venture into limited series podcasting, promising to captivate listeners with its compelling blend of real-life characters, high-stakes political drama, and valuable lessons for anyone pondering the future of American infrastructure.
Ian Coss, the Lead Producer and Host of “The Big Dig,” is an award-winning creator known for his podcast “Forever Is A Long Time” and a member of PRX Productions. Devin Maverick Robins serves as the Executive Producer, while Stephanie Leydon, GBH News Executive Producer of Digital Video, will lead a multiplatform hub of GBH News content associated with the podcast. “The Big Dig” is a co-production of GBH News and PRX, distributed by PRX, one of the world’s top podcast publishers.
Jason Saldanha, Chief of Business Development and Content at PRX, expresses pride in collaborating with GBH, stating, “We’re proud to join our public media collaborators at GBH in Boston to bring listeners ‘The Big Dig.’ The podcast will hit close to home for listeners across the region and, through impactful audio storytelling, provide a greater understanding of critical issues today, including local government and public works.”
In November, a public radio broadcast version of “The Big Dig” will be available to stations nationwide, expanding its reach and impact. To learn more about this groundbreaking podcast, visit [URL1].
As we grapple with the question of whether America can still build big things, “The Big Dig” offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the past, learn from its triumphs and failures, and shape a brighter future for American infrastructure.
URLs:
[URL1]: https://www.wgbh.org/podcasts/the-big-dig?utm_source=podnews.net&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=podnews.net:2023-09-14
https://podnews.net/press-release/big-dig