Its a crucial part of VOA's mandate to showcase American thought, culture, and institutions to the peoples of the world.  Well, the Americana just doesn't get any purer than it does in Oklahoma, the fascinating, if seldom explored state that shares its borders with Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Texas, and New Mexico.

That's why, in early September, acting English Programs Division director Al Pssin and features editor Nancy Smart decided to send a team to Oklahoma to report about life there in the year 2000.  Team members based themselves at the annual State Fare of Oklahoma, and moved out from there to cover, and discover, the state.

Our team leader was duty editor Terry Wing, and included News Now veteran anchor Russ Woodgates, public affairs programs host Neal Lavon, producer Marsha James, technician Joe Gallagher and features writer Adam Phillips.

The group unpacked its gear in a rather "aromatic" corner of the Livestock Barn we shared with ponies, horses, and other four-legged animals, and set up computers and telephones.

Since we had five days before we went on the air to gather material and familiarize ourselves with the terrain, the group fanned out into Oklahoma.  Heartland Americans are long familiar with homecoming parades, the magic of high school footbal, as well as rodeo full riding and square dancing.  These and all the other new experiences we eagerly shared with VOA listeners abroad.

Oklahoma is often called "the Buckle of the Bible belt."  Neal Lavon made a day trip to Oral Roberts University, which was founded in Tulsa by fundamentalist evangelist Oral Roberts.  Interviews with both cowboys and Indians helped to round out an examination of the Oklahoma many listeners might know only through Hollywood stereotypes.

Of course, the State Fair was a huge story in itself--a dizzy whirl of agricultural competitions and merchandising, thrilling rides, and "Made in Oklahoma" exhibits, featuring everything from enu meat jerky and barbecue sauce to storm doors for protection against tornadoes and other extreme Oklahoma weather.

But everywhere we went, members of the News Now team were impressed by the rough-hewn graciousness of Oklahomans themselves.  Team leader Terry Wing had it right when he said "we just couldn't get over how nice everyone was.  They were so kind, so welcoming, and so helpful."
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