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WAMU 88.5’s The Big Fix teams listeners with policy experts to debate solutions to big problems

December 13, 2012

WAMU 88.5 today announced the debut of The Big Fix, a program that allows citizens to propose innovative ideas to solve the nation’s biggest problems. Hosted by Al Lewis, The Big Fix will air in five pilot programs at 4 p.m., ET, on Saturdays, beginning Dec. 15.

With more than 300 million people in the United States and only a few who shape and influence public policy, The Big Fix provides a forum for people to present new domestic policy ideas directly to lawmakers and experts of different political viewpoints. Callers can share their ideas with policymakers and engage in a thorough on-air examination of the solution’s advantages and disadvantages.

Lewis, a health care policy expert who examines the true costs of enduring policies in his book Why Nobody Believes the Numbers, will act as moderator of the conversation as guests discuss solutions for problems with government, the environment, social issues, the economy and health care. From term limits of elected officials to paying for health care only when healthy, most of the proposed ideas would not require increased spending or new taxes, but if implemented, each would improve the quality of life for Americans.

“With The Big Fix, our goals are to move beyond partisanship to highlight solid ideas that are a win-win for everybody, and to engage listeners who may feel they’ve been left out of the policymaking process,” said WAMU 88.5 Programming Director Mark McDonald. “WAMU 88.5 is perfectly positioned—geographically and within the sphere of public media—to lead this charge, and we are proud to add Al and this lively program to our lineup.”

Listeners are invited to submit their ideas for future episodes of The Big Fix online at: http://www.publicinsightnetwork.org/form/wamu/49258a53d39a/looking-for-americas-next-great-policy-ideas.

For more information about The Big Fix, visit: http://wamu.org/programs/bigfix.

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