Neighborhood parties designed to encourage watching or listening to local TV and radio broadcasts on race relations have so far attracted little interest from people outside Cincinnati city limits.

        Cincinnati Community Action Now leaders said Tuesday that while a fair number of city residents have registered for public parties, few suburbanites have expressed a desire to attend forums in their areas.

LOCATIONS

Delhi Township: Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, 5095 Foley Road.     Anderson Township: YMCA, 8108 Clough Pike.     Blue Ash: YMCA, 5000 YMCA Drive.     Fort Thomas: Campbell County Public Library — Fort Thomas Branch, 1000 Highland Ave.     Erlanger: Kenton County Public Library — Erlanger Branch, 3130 Dixie Highway.     Hebron: Boone County Public Library — Hebron Branch, 3215 Cougar Path.

        Damon Jones, a team leader of Cincinnati CAN's media, image and cultural change action team, said the slow response can partly be blamed on less advertising in the suburbs than in the city. But he added that participation from those residents is key in gaining a better understanding of how race issues affect the region.

        “I think people in areas outside the city don't see this as something for them or something that really affects them,” Mr. Jones said. “But they're wrong. Their participation is equally as important.”

        The broadcasts are a joint effort of local media called the Cincinnati Media Collaborative, which includes The Cincinnati Enquirer.

        The collaborative is producing and promoting a series of live, interactive forums on race relations in Greater Cincinnati starting Thursday. Forums will air on WCET (Channel 48) — which is producing the program — and other network affiliates over the coming months.

        Under the concept, about 15 to 25 people will gather in homes and community halls across Greater Cincinnati to view and listen to the broadcasts and discuss possible solutions to the city's race issues. Trained moderators will be on hand.

        The parties will begin at 7 p.m. with a social hour and will conclude at 10 p.m. with a discussion about the telecast.

        Those interested in participating should register in advance by calling the University of Cincinnati Evening College, 556-6369. The parties are free and refreshments will be available.

Ohio in hot water over air quality
Issues beginning to surface in contest
Candidates grilled in broadcast
Burbs show little interest in race-relations forums
Cliff Lash made the music for WLWT
Move bruises some feelings
Request to move trial is refused
Fire chief's job target of inquiry
Former 5/3 teller sues bank after robberies
Tristate A.M. Report
Photography class gets the picture
United Way goal: $2.2M
Van owner charged with dragging cop
Whither goeth class? To Puritan 'funeral'
Byrd presses final appeal
Circus coming to Richwood Flea Market
Florence loses former mayor
Judge suspended for delays
Kentucky News Briefs
Man's ability in trial questioned
Medicaid's cost spirals
Schools subject to disclosures