LOUISVILLE, Ky. (RFD NEWS) — Connected Nation is marking 25 years of service with a 25-hour livestream designed to promote internet literacy and raise awareness of the digital divide in rural America.
Connected Nation Chairman and CEO Tom Ferree joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share how the Kentucky-based nonprofit is celebrating 25 years of service by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest internet literacy livestream ever.
In his interview with RFD News, Ferree says the effort is also part of a new Guinness category called “Record for Good,” which is intended to encourage world-record attempts that create social impact.
Ferree says Connected Nation wanted to commemorate its 25th anniversary with an effort that could make history while addressing an issue that still affects rural communities.
“We thought, well, let’s try for a Guinness Book of World Records, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Ferree said. “It’ll be the first attempt at the longest internet literacy livestream in history.”
The 25 hours of programming will include a range of topics designed to help people better understand and use digital tools.
“We’ve got a curated list, a curated 25 hours’ worth of content that will help you learn how to use the internet safely, how to use it to make betterment in your life and in your community,” Ferree said.
The programming will cover cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, education and telehealth, along with other digital tools and resources.
Ferree said the event will include something for a wide range of viewers, including a children’s block focused on after-school learning.
Connected Nation is also bringing together partners from six continents to create content for the livestream.
Open Access to the Livestream
The livestream begins Thursday morning at 9 a.m. and continues for 25 hours into Friday morning. Ferree said anyone can participate and viewers can choose the portions of the programming that interest them.
“You can come maybe for an hour, maybe for a couple hours,” he said. “There’s a little bit of something for everybody.”
Information about the schedule and the livestream is available through Connected Nation’s website.
Ferree also highlighted the involvement of several partners, including AT&T, Amazon and Netflix.
“We want to create a big net of folks here to come together and make this world event,” he said.
Addressing the Rural Digital Divide
At the center of the initiative is the goal of helping more people participate in today’s digital economy since rural communities remain disproportionately affected by limited access to digital resources.
“Unfortunately, it disproportionately affects our rural communities and rural folks,” Ferree said.
He said the livestream is intended to help raise awareness while giving people practical information they can use in their daily lives and communities.
The effort also reflects the changing role of technology, including the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital tools.
Ferree said the record attempt itself is not the primary objective.
“The true intent behind this system is to bring attention to something that still plagues way too many folks,” he said.
To find the livestream schedule and more information, visit: www.connectednation.org
