Paul B. Allen IV S3E93

Media producer Paul B. Allen IV talks about the multi-generational cultural legacy of his family in north Omaha and beyond, his own international journeys exploring media and culture, and the focus of his media entity 1st Sky Omaha on news dissemination, community outreach, and citizen journalism.Being the same age as hip hop, Paul B. Allen IV was raised in Southern California in a life of music, recording studios, showcase venues, visual art, filmmaking and radio. He moved to Hawaii in his 20’s where he deejayed, built musical acts, helped start a hip-hop radio station and music festivals, ran a record store and a print shop, and worked as a promoter and musician booking shows around the islands for numerous acts. From there, Allen moved to Europe in 2009 to work in film and deejaying. After coming to Omaha, where Allen’s family has a long cultural heritage, he became Program Director of Mind and Soul Radio 101.3FM, a community radio station out of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, which evolved into Allen’s 1st Sky Omaha, where the focus is now on news dissemination, community outreach, and citizen journalism training. In 2018 he started consulting on the creation of the Benson Theatre later becoming its Director of Communication. Today, Allen is focusing on his company, 1st Sky Omaha, building alternative news for East Omaha and traveling around the country to work on projects related to media, including documentary films, digital radio and video channels, and music projects.