SCDNR director launches daily public radio segments on conservation

Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, is hosting a new South Carolina Public Radio series that spotlights the state’s wildlife, waterways and conservation work. The program began Aug. 5 and is expected to expand to television and digital platforms in 2027.

Why it matters: - The new series is designed to push conservation messaging to a broader audience across South Carolina. - The program links outdoor recreation with stewardship of the state’s natural resources. - The partnership could amplify awareness of conservation work through radio now, then television and digital media later.

What happened: - Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, is hosting INTO THE WILD. - The one-minute public radio segments debuted Aug. 5. - The program is a partnership between SCDNR and the S.C. Educational Television Network. - INTO THE WILD airs on S.C. Public Radio and is expected to expand to public television and digital programming. - The program aims to reach audiences across South Carolina and beyond.

The details: - Mullikin’s promotional message encourages listeners to get outside and experience the trail, flora and fauna. - Mullikin says the outdoors inspired him from fourth grade through adulthood, and he credits Rudy Mancke, Jim Fowler and others with helping shape that passion. - SCDNR says the partnership is rooted in education and public service. - SCDNR says the series uses storytelling to build understanding, appreciation and stewardship of South Carolina’s wildlife, waterways and natural landscapes. - Mullikin’s segments cover conservation, outdoor recreation, fisheries, forests, boating, hunting and the people and wildlife tied to the state’s natural heritage. - Each segment is intended to encourage audiences to get outside and embrace stewardship of South Carolina’s outdoor heritage. - The program airs weekdays at 5:42 a.m., 7:42 a.m. and 12:42 p.m. on S.C. Public Radio. - The audio is also available on demand wherever listeners get podcasts. - More information is available in the company's announcement.

Between the lines: - The launch gives SCDNR a recurring platform to translate agency work into short, consumer-friendly radio content. - The timing suggests a broader content strategy: radio first, then a larger visual rollout through a new TV season. - The format signals an effort to make conservation feel accessible rather than bureaucratic.

What's next: - A special six-episode season of “What’s Wild: The Protectors” is expected to premiere early next year. - SCETV is producing the season with SCDNR. - The new season will go behind the scenes on South Carolina conservation work. - Planned topics include bat populations, marine resources research, the SCDNR K9 Team, oyster shell recycling, shorebird protection and wood stork restoration. - Mullikin said the partnership is meant to encourage more people to experience the outdoors and become lifelong stewards of natural resources.