Western Reserve Public Media President’s Report · (Adam White) • Gospel Meets Symphony: Let...

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1 Programming&LocalProductions

4 EducationalServices

5 Marketing&Development

6 Outreach&SpecialEvents

7 IT/Engineering

7 StaffNews,Training&Conferences

WesternReservePublicMedia

1750CampusCenterDriveP.O.Box5191

Kent,OH44240-51911-800-554-4549

WesternReservePBS.org

Western Reserve Public Media President’s Report

The Western Reserve Public Media President’s Report is published three times a year for the Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio Inc. Board of Directors, major funders of the station and other readers interested in the organization’s activities.

Spring 2010

Western Reserve Public Media receives four regional Emmy nominations WesternReservePublicMediahasreceivedfour2009regionalEmmynominationsfromtheLowerGreatLakesChapteroftheNationalAcademyofTelevisionArtsandSciences(NATAS).

• Generations: Cuyahoga Valley National Park:Crafts:Editor(DuilioMariola)andCrafts:Photographer(AdamWhite)

• Gospel Meets Symphony: Let Freedom Ring!:Crafts:Director(DuilioMariola)• It’s Close at the Akron Art Museum:Arts/EntertainmentProgram(ProducerDuilioMariola)

Generations: Cuyahoga Valley National ParkandIt’s Close at the Akron Art MuseumcanbeviewedfreeofchargeonWesternReservePublicMedia’swebsiteatWesternReservePBS.org.

InadditiontotheWesternReservePublicMediaproductions,alsoreceivingregionalEmmynominationswereseveralindependentproductionsthatpremieredonWesternReservePBS:

• Doris O’Donnell’s Cleveland, Front Page Girl: Arts/EntertainmentProgram(StorytellersMediaGroup:MarkWadeStone,producerandeditor;DorisO’DonnellBeaufait,associateproducer;JamesJessenBadal,host)

• Doris O’Donnell’s Cleveland, Sketches: NostalgiaProgram(StorytellersMediaGroup:MarkWadeStone,producerandeditor;DorisO’DonnellBeaufait,associateproducer;JamesJessenBadal,host)

• Doris O’Donnell’s Cleveland (compilaton): Crafts:MusicalComposition/Arrangement(CarlMichel,StorytellersMediaGroup)

• Turn Blue: The Short Life of Ghoulardi:Crafts:Research;Crafts:Director;Crafts:Editor;andNostalgiaProgram(allnominationsforproducer,directorandeditorPhilHoffman,TheUniversityofAkron)

• Final Edition: Journalism According to Jack and Jim Knight:NostalgiaProgram(PaulR.JacowayProductions:PaulJacoway,producer,director,writer;KathleenEndres,co-producer,writer;MatthewRafferty,editor;DavidLieberth,hostandnarrator;MarkAlanSchulz,composerandarranger)

“AllofusatWesternReservePublicMediaarethrilledandgratefultotheAcademyforourfournominations,”saidTrinaCutter,WesternReservePublicMediapresidentandCEO.“TheGenerationsproductioninparticularwasalaborofloveforourorganizationandwe’reproudtoseeitsqualityrecognized.Wealsocongratulatetheindependentproducerswhoseworkshavebeennominated.ItcontinuestobeanimportantpartofourmissiontoshowcasenortheastOhio’sbestlocalandregionalproductions.”

Awardwinnerswillbeannouncedatthe41stAnnualEmmyAwardsCeremonyonSaturday,June19,attheClevelandHiltonGardenInn.

NewsNight Akron goes on broadcast hiatus BeginningFriday,April30,theWesternReservePublicMediaweeklynewsprogramNewsNight Akronwasputonbroadcasthiatus.

“WesternReservePublicMediawillbereshapingitsregionalproductionstrategyoverthesummer,”explainedTrinaCutter,presidentandCEO.“Wehaveexcitingprogramsplannedfornextfiscalyear,andwewillusethesummermonthstoexplorehowallofourregionalprogramscanbeinfusedwithnewenergy,newtechnologiesandnewmediaforourfallseason.”

NewsNight Akronhasenjoyedaloyalfollowingoverthelast12years,reachingitspeakaudienceinthe2008-09season.“SomuchhaschangedinthemedialandscapesinceNewsNight Akronwaslaunchedin1998,”Cuttercontinued.“Thisisanopportunitytoreshapetheprogramtoensurethatitfitsstylisticallywiththerestofourregionalproductions.”

Mostrecently,NewsNight AkronhadbeenpairedonFridaynightswithWesternReservePublicMedia’snewweeklyseriesNEOtropolis,whichexploresregionalbusinessandeconomicissues.

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Programming & Local Productions (cont’d.)

New multimedia packages to roll out in September Production/LocalProgrammingManagerDuilioMariolaandconsultingeducationcontentproducerRiaMastromatteoarecompletingtwonewmultimediapackagesforthe2010-11academicyear.ProjecttopicswereselectedfromalistpreparedbyeTechOhio,whichidentifiedtheOhioStandardsbenchmarksforwhichnewandadditionalmaterialsareneededtohelpK-12teachersandstudentsintheclassroom.

IfyouremembertheoldeducationaltelevisionseriesSchoolhouse Rockanditsgiftforusingmusicandlyricstoteachconcepts,youwillappreciatetheinspirationtheclassicisprovidingforournewmultimediakits.WesternReservePublicMediaismakingitsownversionofmusicvideostoteachcontent.

Our Changing Earth(w.t.)dealswithearthcycles,platetectonicsandheattransfer,adaptingsongssuchasCaroleKing’s“IFeeltheEarthMove”toexplainearthscience.

Akron Art Museum II(w.t.)isbeingproducedinconjunctionwiththeAkronArtMuseum.UsingtheworksofChuckClose,MickaleneThomas,JamesGobel,JulianStanczakandMarkMothersbaugh(formerlyofDevo),thepackagecoversthetopicsofratio,proportion,percent,interioranglesandsound.

Allvideosinthemultimediakitswillincludeshortinstructionalmusicalvideosforstudentsandprofessionaldevelopmentvideosforteachers.Theteacherguidesandcompanionwebsiteswillprovidelessonplansandformativeandsummativeassessments.ThenewpackageswillbeavailableattheWesternReservePublicMediaWebsite,onD3A2(theeducationalmaterialsdatabasehostedbytheOhioDepartmentofEducation)andonOhioiTunesU.

FundingforourmultimediaprojectsisprovidedbyeTechOhio.

Western Reserve PBS sees significant audience growth in first half of broadcast year ProgrammerDonFreemanreportsthatatthemidpointofourbroadcastyear(September2009-February2010)Nielsentelevisionaudienceratingsindicatethat,overall,ourWesternReservePBSviewingaudiencehasgrown:

• Wholeweek(Su-Sa6am-1:30am)isup9.1percentover2009• Primetime(Su-Sa8pm-11pm)isup5.5percentover2009• Wholeweeklatefringe(Su-Sa11pm-1:30am)isup56.6percentover

2009• Weekdaynews(M-F6:30pm-8pm)isup82.8percentover2009• Weekdaykidsschedule(M-F6am-6:30pm)isdown16.7percentfrom

2009• SaturdayandSundaywholeday(6am-1:30am)isup21.2percentover

2009• Saturdayprimetime(7pm-11pm)isdown19percent• Sundayprimetime(7pm-11pm)isdown3.5percent

TheSaturdaynightBritishcomedieshaveseenaudienceerosionthisyear,andthefactthattheSaturdayandSundayprimetimeschedulehavebothseenaudiencedecreasesindicatethattheMondaythroughFridayprimetimeschedulehasbeenstrong.ThemajorPBSseriesSid the Science Kid,Super WhyandDinosaur Trainareresponsibleformostofthedecreaseinweekdaychildren’sprogramming.Abrightspotinweekdayafternoonsisour2pmto3pmadultprogramming,whichisup133percent.OverallWesternReservePBSisdoingwell,addingmoregrossratingpoints(thetotalnumberofratingpointsinthewholeweekschedule)thisyearoverlast.Freemanisespeciallypleasedwiththeseresultsgiventhatourpotentialaudienceshavesomanymorechoicesavailabletothem.

Digital channels’ audience shows loyalty Althoughaudiencesforourthreestandarddefinitionchannels—Fusion,MHzWorldviewandV-me—aretoosmalltobestatisticallymeasuredyet,DonFreeman,programmer,reportsthatwearereceivingalotofanecdotalevidenceoftheirpopularity.Fusion,whichmixesarts,BritishcomediesandOhionewsandpublic

affairs,hasgainedalargeandloyalaudienceforeachgenre.TuesdaynightsarepopularwithGreat Performances at the Met operas.WednesdaysandThursdaysfeaturelocal/regionalproductions,andaudiencefeedbackhasbeenverypositiveaboutourlocalism.Additionally,therenewalof10Britishcomedyseriesseemstohavepleasedthatenthusiasticaudience.

MHzWorldview,withitsinternationalfocus,hasgainedafollowingamongouruniversityandcollegeeducatedaudiences.Theyhavetoldushowmuchtheyappreciatethe“outsidetheU.S.”viewpointsthisserviceprovides,which,we’rebeingtold,isauniquebalancetotheU.S.-centric

newsavailableeverywhereelse.InterestinAustralian Rules Football andforeignlanguagedramas(withsubtitles)isalsoapleasantsurprise.

Finally,V-mecontinuestoprovidea24-hourSpanishlanguagefamilyservicethatoffersawelcomealternativetotheadultfocusednovelasonotherSpanishlanguageservices.

NowviewersinNortheastOhiocanhaveeducationalchildren’sprogramsinSpanishandenjoywatchingPBSdocumentariesanddramas,too.

A service of Western Reserve Public Media

New acquisitions secured for exclusive broadcast use ProgrammerDonFreemanreportsthatWesternReservePublicMediahasacquiredseveralnewprogramsforourexclusivebroadcast.

FromtheBBCwehavelicensedApollo Wives,anhourlongdocumentarythatinterviewsthespousesofApolloastronauts;Dragons Alive,athree-partserieson“yesterday’sdragonsthathavebecometoday’slizards”;Pedigree Dogs Exposed,anhourlongdocumentaryexposingthecruelandinhumanetreatmentofsomeshowdogs;andafour-partminiseries,Red Dwarf: Back to Earth,whichbringsthezanyspacetravelersbackhome.

FromAmericanPublicTelevision,wehavepickedupApollo,a90-minutespecialthatwillhelpuscommemoratethe41stanniversaryofthemoonlandinginJuly.

FromExecutiveProgramServicewehavelicensedasix-programcollectiontitledLost Treasures of the Ancient World.Theprogramsusecomputeranimationandre-creationstoshowuswhatlifewaslikeinthetimesofancientRomans,thepeopleofStonehenge,theEgyptiansduringtheheightofthepyramids,Pompeii,theAztecsandtheCelts.

Lost Treasures of the Ancient World

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Programming & Local Productions (cont’d.)

NEOtropolis gets exclusive interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. TheApril16editionofNEOtropolis,WesternReservePublicMedia’sweeklybusinessandeconomyseries,featuredanexclusiveprerecordedinterviewwithRobertF.KennedyJr.HediscussedtheneedfortheUnitedStatestoreduceitsdependencyonforeignoilbypursuingrenewableenergysources.

Asteadfastdefenderoftheenvironment,RobertF.KennedyJr.ischiefprosecutingattorneyfortheHudsonRiverkeeperandpresidentofWaterkeeperAlliance.HeisalsoaclinicalprofessorandsupervisingattorneyatPaceUniversitySchoolofLaw’sEnvironmentalLitigationClinicandisco-hostof“RingofFire”onAirAmericaRadio.KennedywasintowntospeakatEcoWatch’sSecondAnnualGreenGala,heldApril9atExecutiveCaterersinCleveland.

Theinterviewisavailabletoviewonlineatneotropolis.org.

NEOtropolisairsweeklyonFridaysat8:30pmandrepeatsonSaturdaysat4:30amandSundaysat6:30pmonWesternReservePBS.ItalsoairsonFusiononSaturdaysat9pmandrepeatsonMondaysat8pm.

FundingforNEOtropolisisprovidedbyTheBurtonD.MorganFoundation,KeyPrivateBank,KeyBankFoundation,MAGNET,KentStateUniversity,DominionFoundation,JumpStartInc.,YoungstownBusinessIncubatorandTheRaymondJohnWeanFoundation.

Renee Powell, PGA’s 2003 First Lady of Golf, featured on special edition of NewsNight Akron InApril,aspecialNewsMakereditionofNewsNight AkronfeaturedformerLadiesProfessionalGolfAssociationTourplayerReneePowellofEastCanton.PowellisoneofonlythreeAfricanAmericanstoeverplayontheLadiesProfessionalGolfAssociationTour.Sheisagolfprofessional,instructor,mentorandinternationalambassadorforgolf.Shereceivedthe2003PGAFirstLadyofGolfAwardandwasthefirstrecipientofRolex’sFortheLoveoftheGameAward.ShealsowasoneofonlyninegolfprofessionalstoreceiveanhonorarydoctoroflawsdegreefromTheUniversityofSt.AndrewsinScotland,thebirthplaceofgolf.

PowellisthedaughterofthelateWilliamPowell,whoownedClearviewGolfCourseinEastCanton.HeistheonlyAfricanAmericanintheUnitedStatestodesign,build,ownandoperateagolfcourse.ClearviewwasdeclaredaNationalHistoricSitein2001.

TheinterviewisavailableonlineatWesternReservePBS.org.

Western Reserve Public Media introduces new online video player InMarch,WesternReservePublicMedialauncheditsnewonlinevideoplayerthatoffersawealthofhigh-qualityvideoproductionsforviewingondemand.ThevideoplayerisaccessibleatWesternReservePBS.orgbyselectingthevideotab.Itenablesthestationtoofferlocalandnationalcontent,pluscontentfromotherPBSaffiliates.

Thevideosystem,calledCOVE—ComprehensiveOnlineVideoEcosystem—hasreceivednationalacclaimforitssleekdesignandgorgeousvideoquality:“Itisfantastic.Easytouse.Modern.Flashy...ItdoeseverythingthatHuludoes,butit’sloadedwithallthatimportant,intelligentprogrammingthatyouforgettoDVR,allinnear-DVDquality,”EricGillinwroteinEsquire.“Publicbroadcastingistakingabigleapforward…withanewvideohubthat’sarguablythemostinnovativeandwelldesignedonthemarket,”reportedVariety.

COVEisanewPBSinnovationthatoffersfull-lengthprogramsinajukebox-styleselectionformat.ViewerscanchoosefromastreamoffeaturedPBSprograms,includingGreat Performances,NatureandNova,plusWesternReservePublicMediaproductionssuchasNEOtropolis.Withineachstream,therearestacksofuptoninerelatedprogramsthatviewerscanleafthrough.

Viewerscanalsochoosetoexplorefeaturedcollections,suchasPBSParents,GoingPlacesandExploringScience.Forexample,intheGoingPlacescollection,selectionscurrentlyincludeViolent Hawaii,thecompleteseriesThe National Parks: America’s Best Ideaandmore.

Otherfeaturesofthevideosystemincludeasearchenginethatcanfindmaterialbythemeorprogramtitle,linkstothemost-watchedandmost-e-mailedprogramsandalinktoPBSKidsGo’srobustsite.Oneachvideo’spage,buttonsenablevisitorstoshare,e-mailorbuycopiesofprograms,andalsotodonatetoWesternReservePublicMedia.

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Educational Services

Western Reserve Educational Services provides content for Ohio iTunes U OhioisdistinguishedasthefirststateinthecountrytolaunchacomprehensiveiTunesUsite.ThrougheTech,thestatehasamassedacollectionofdigitalmediaassetscategorizedintoareasofeducation,governmentandcommunity.TheprojectallowsOhioanstoshare—freeofchargewithunlimitedaccess—educationalresources,professionaldevelopmentmaterialsandcommunityresources,whichhavebeenproducedbymembersofhighereducation,theK-12community,publictelevisionstations,educationaltechnologyagenciesandcommunitypartners.

Recognizingthattechnologygeneratescreativityandinnovationfor21stcenturyteachingandlearning,eTechOhioiscommittedtoexpandingOhio’sdigitalmediacollection.Sincetheproject’slaunchinFebruary2009,OhiooniTunesUhasaccumulatedover3,400digitalresourcesfrom45contentprovidersandgeneratesnationalandworldwideexposureforOhiocontributors.Thesitehasprovidedatotalof1.6milliondownloadssinceitslaunch.

WesternReservePublicMediahasthefollowingvideosandlessonplansfrommultimediakitsonOhioiTunesU:

• 108 Stitches: The Physics of Baseball

• Ama-Zone! The Rain Forest Project

• Antarctica: 90 Degrees South

• Big and Small! Measure It All

• Change My Mind: The Power of Persuasion

• Constitution Challenge

• It’s a Gas: Math and Science of the Blimp

• Math nMotion

• Quiz Bus: Dealing With Data

• UbiScience

AlsoavailableonOhioiTunesUareprofessionaldevelopmentvideoscalledSoftwareTipsandTricks.Sevenvideosareavailabletohelpacquaintteachers(andothers)inhowtousesoftwareprograms.

Educational Services, other Ohio ed tech agencies deliver statewide training WesternReserveEducationalServices,alongwithfourotherstateeducationaltechnologyagencies,workedwitheTechOhiotodevelopanddeliverstatewidetechnologytrainingto48schooldistricts.Thedistrictswrappedupphaseoneofa21stCenturyLearningEnvironmentsgrantandtheyneededassistanceintechnologyplanningforphasetwo.Thetrainers,includingWesternReserveEducationalServices,WGTE/Toledo,InstructionalTechnologyServicesofCentralOhio(ITSCO),NorthwestOhioEducationalTechnologyFoundation(NWOET)andSouthwesternOhioInstructionalTechnologyAssociation(SOITA)developedtrainingmaterialsandpodcastsrelatedtofuturetechnologypurchases.DeliveryofthetrainingcomponentwasconductedbythefiveagenciesalongwithWVIZ/Cleveland.

Professional development update WesternReserveEducationalServicescontinuestocreateanddeliverprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforareaeducators.SinceJanuary,65professionaldevelopmentsessionshavebeenofferedtoover425educatorsatour21stCenturyLearningCenterinKentandatdistrictlocations.

Inotherprofessionaldevelopmentnews,SoutheastLocalPrimaryandIntermediateteacherscompletedourCampGoogleforEducatorstraining.Thegroupparticipatedinathree-dayprogramthatbeganinJanuaryandendedinMarch.ThirtyeducatorsfromtwobuildingsdiscoveredapplicationsandintergrationstrategiesforGoogleTools.Theprojectalsoincludedtheintegrationofnetbooks,whicheacheducatorreceivedaspartofthetraining.EducatorsalsoreceivedgraduatecreditfromKentStateUniversity.

OurTechnologyAfter-SchoolProgram(TAP)beganinJanuaryonTuesdaysfrom4:30pmto7:00pm.ProfessionaltrainingincludedsessionsonDevelopingDigitalContent,SmartBoardBootCampandCampGoogle.Thirtyteachersparticipatedintheprogram,andmorethan20oftheteachersreceivedgraduatecreditfromKSU.TwoTAPsessionswereofferedinAprilandMay,withanadditionalnewsessioncalledWorkingintheMobileClassroom.

Wecontinuetoprovideprofessionaldevelopmentonourmultimediamaterials.SincethelastPresident’s Report,moreprofessionaldevelopmentworkshopshavebeenheldonGenerations: Cuyahoga Valley National Park,Math nMotion,UbiScienceandWho’s Your Boss?plusseveralworkshopsthatreviewmultiplekitsbycontentarea.Educatorsleavewiththeteacherguideandthevideosothattheyareabletousethematerialsimmediatelyintheclassroom.AllofthemultimediakitsareavailableatWesternReservePublicMedia.org/education/classpro.htm.

Staff members at Ravenna City Schools received technology training from Western Reserve Educational Services.

One of the two groups of teachers from Southeast Local schools participating in a three month, Camp Google experience.

The Technology After-School Program (TAP) continued in April and May with educators in attendance for Camp Google in April.

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Marketing & Development

on Western Reserve PBS

Best of All

Educational Services (cont’d.)

Fiscal year-end campaign celebrates Best of All FestivalBestofAllFestivalisthethemeofWesternReservePBS’sMay/Junefiscalyear-endMembershipcampaign,designedtohelpusmeettheFY10Membershipgoal.ThisisacriticaltimeforWesternReservePBS,atimeduringwhichwemustmeetouryear-endgoalinordertomoveforwardintothenextfiscalyearinasolidfinancialposition.Ourgoalistoraise$378,500byJune30.Inadditiontotheusualfund-raisingstrategies—pledge,directmail,telemarketing—thecampaignincludestwonewsolicitationstrategies:atrialmembershipandabusinessinitiative.

BestofAllFestivaliscommunityfocusedasweworktoearnthesupportofasmanyindividuals,businessesandorganizationsaswecanduringthiscampaign.WewanttomakeitaseasyandaffordableaspossibleforanyonewhocaresaboutthefutureofWesternReservePBStomakeagiftofsupportatanylevelatall.

TheMay22-June17on-airMembershipcampaignisthecenterpieceofFestival.ProgrammerDonFreemanhasselectedthe“BestofPBS”fund-raisingprogramsforouron-airmembershipcampaign.

Thisyear,we’realsotestingtwonewsolicitationstrategies:

Trialmembershipfor$20:Inanefforttogetasmanypeopleaspossibleinvolvedinthecampaignandtomakeiteasytocontribute,we’reofferingalimited-time-onlytrialmembershipwithasix-monthsubscriptionto The Alternative.Ourgoalistosecure350trialmembersforatotalof$7,000.

TheBusinessInitiative:Thiscomponentofthecampaigncallsforsmallgiftsfrombusinessesandorganizations.Solicitationisfocusedoncurrent,formerandpotentialunderwritingclients;ourNortheastOhiovendors;Akron,CantonandYoungstownchambermembers;andanynewbusinesseswecomeintocontactwithoverthenexttwomonths.Thisfund-raisingeffortincludesadirectmailpiece,e-mailsolicitationandatelephonefollow-up.Ourgoalistoraise$16,000,or160giftsatanaveragegiftof$100.

Membership updateVicePresidentofMarketingandDevelopmentLisaMartinezreportsthatasoftheendofMarch,Membershipwasdown$37,697fromprojectedyear-to-date.However,wearestartingtoseeaturn-aroundfromourfiscalyear’slowestpointof-$79,000inFebruary.

Underwriting and Private Support updateAsoftheendofMarch,traditionalunderwritingisunderbudgetby$195,852duetothefollowing:Programunderwritingisoffatotalof$163,367andNonprofitPaidPromotionalAnnouncementsareoffby$10,375.Theremaining$22,110shortfallisspreadacrossseveralrevenuelineitems.

Station welcomes new underwriters, nonprofits WesternReservePublicMediawelcomedthefollowingnewbusinessesandnonprofitclientssinceourlastreport:CuyahogaValleyScenicRailroad,GojoIndustries,GoodNatureOrganicLawnCare,LakeErieCollege,MaltzMuseum,MustardSeed,NortheastOhioPublicEnergyCouncil(NOPEC)andPremiumExhibitions.

EdTech Connects updateEdTechConnects,thestatewidedeliveryofeducationaltechnologyprofessionaldevelopmentviavideoconferencing,continuedthroughthewinter.GoogleapplicationsandWeb2.0professionaldevelopmentwereofferedinMarchandMay.

EdTechConnectsisacollaborateeffortofeightstateofOhioeducationaltechnologyagencies,includingWesternReserveEducationalServices.

Ohio Ready to Learn update TheOhioReadytoLearnprogram,focusingontraininganddevelopmentoffamilychildcareproviders,iswrappingupthecurrentfiscalyear.Despiteareductioninfunding,theprogramfocusedondevelopinganddelivering33ReadytoLearnworkshopsacrossourservicearea.PamOviattistheprojectcoordinatorandhasalsobeentheleadtrainerintheworkshopsofferedacrossoureight-countyservicearea.

Six-District Compact continues professional development with Western Reserve Educational Services MembersoftheSix-DistrictCompact,acollectionofcareertechsiteslocatedinsixdistrictschoolsitesthroughoutourservicearea,attendedaneducationaltechnologytrainingsessionatWesternReserveEducationalServicesinApril.FortyeducatorshadtheopportunitytoattendsessionsonGoogleDocsandSmartBoardintegration.TheCompactwillalsobeattendingtraininginJuneandAugustfocusedoneducationaltechnologyintegrationintheclassroom.

Educators in attendance at the March EdTechConnects videoconference discussed Google applications.

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Outreach & Special Events

Clifford and Curious George appear at Youngstown’s Plant the Seed to Read Book Fair The4thAnnualPlanttheSeedtoReadBookFairtookplaceonSaturday,March27,atFellowsRiversideGardensinYoungstown.PBSKidscharactersCliffordtheBigRedDogandCuriousGeorgestoppedbytohavepicturestakenwithmanyofthechildrenwhoattended.SpecialguestreadersincludedOhiofirstladyFrancesStricklandandYoungstownMayorJayWilliams.Thefreeeventpromotedliteracy,butalsofeaturedboothswithinformationabouthealthfuleatingandnutritioussnacksaswellasseveralhands-onactivities.ThebookfairispresentedbyWesternReservePBS,AltrusaInternational(Youngstownchapter),MillCreekMetroParksandthePublicLibraryofYoungstownandMahoningCounty.

Western Reserve PBS to host A Doo Wop Celebration IVThegroupsthatimmortalizedsongsincluding“OnlyYou(andYouAlone),”“WillYouLoveMeTomorrow”and“CouldThisBeMagic”willperformatTheKentStageonSaturday,June5.HerbReed’sThePlatters,TheCrystalsandTheDubswillperformtheirclassichitsfortwoWesternReservePBSbenefitconcertsat4pmand8pm.Reserved-seatingticketsareonsalefor$35.Alimitednumberof$65GoldCircletickets,whichincludebest-in-houseseatsplusaprivatedinnerreceptionandmeet-and-greetsessionwithmembersofthegroups,areavailable.

Toordertickets,callWesternReservePBSat1-800-554-4549orvisitWesternReservePBS.org/doowop.ProceedswillbenefitWesternReservePBS.

Over 250 people attend national premiere at National First Ladies’ Library WesternReservePublicMediaandtheCanton-basedNationalFirstLadies’Library(NFLL)co-hostedthenationalpremiereoftheAmerican Experience documentaryDolley MadisononSaturday,Feb.27,2010.American ExperienceseriesmanagerJimDunford;MuffieMeyer,thefilmmaker;andRonBlumer,thewriter,wereattheeventtointroducethefilmandanswerquestionsafterward.WesternReservePublicMediaPresidentandCEOTrinaCuttermadetheintroductoryremarksalongwiththeNFLLExecutiveDirectorPatKriderandNFLLBoardPresidentandfounderMaryRegula.Over250peopleattended.

Western Reserve Public Media holds Community Shred-It DayWesternReservePublicMediacollaboratedwithItranandtheAkronfranchiseofShred-ittohostafreeCommunityShred-ItDayonSaturday,April24.Thecommunitywasinvitedtobringpapers,includingcanceledchecksandothersensitivematerials,tobesecurelydestroyedon-site.Itranacceptedelectronics,includingcomputerharddrives,whichwerealsodestroyedon-site.Overalltheeventwassuccessfulingeneratingapproximately160cars.Weshreddedatotalof6,500poundsofpaper(equivalentto55largetrees).Itrancollected9,345poundsofcomputerequipment.WesternReservePublicMediaraisedover$600involuntarydonationstowardourBestofAllFestivalcampaign.

Western Reserve PBS co-hosts Family Expo at Summit MallThe23rdannualFamilyExpowasheldatSummitMallinAkrononApril10aspartofChildandFamilyAwarenessMonthpresentedbySummitCountyChildrenServices.WesternReservePBSandSummitMallhelpedtocelebratechildrenandfamiliesbyco-hostingtheFamilyExpo,themonth’ssignatureevent.PBSKidshostMissRosawasonhandtogivehigh-fives,handshakesandhugstomanyofthechildrenattheevent.MissRosaalsoprovidedthecentercourtentertainmentthroughouttheday.BuddyfromthepopularPBSKidsprogramDinosaur Trainwasalsotheretomeetandgreethisfans.Morethan2,500peopleattendedtheevent.

Akron Preview Party for CIFF attended by hundreds Asamediasponsorofthe34thClevelandInternationalFilmFestival(CIFF),WesternReservePublicMediawasalsoaco-host,alongwithWKSU,oftheAkronPreviewPartyonMarch4.HundredsattendedtheeventatAkronCivicTheatre,wheretheyenjoyedfreefood,cashbar,livemusicandpreviewsofthisyear’sfilms.

CIFFwrappeduponSunday,March28,withrecord-breakingnumbers.TheCIFFhad71,554admissionsduringthe11-dayevent—a7percentincreaseoverlastyearandmorethana100percentincreasesince2003.Withmorethan150featurefilmsand150shortsubjectfilms(frommorethan80countries),audiencememberswereabletomeetandminglewithover100visitingfilmmakersfromaroundtheworld.

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Trina Cutter receives Distinguished Alumnus Award

TrinaCutter,presidentandCEOofWesternReservePublicMedia,accepteda2010CantonLincolnHighSchoolDistinguishedAlumnusAwardonSaturday,May15.Heraward,presentedbytheschool’salumniassociation,isfordistinguishedachievementinmedia.Cutter’sawardwasoneofsixpresentedattheevent,whichwasheldatLaPizzariaRestaurantinCanton.

BornandraisedinCanton,CuttergraduatedfromCantonLincolnin1975.Aftergraduation,sheservedintheU.S.AirForceforfouryears,whereshereceivednumerousleadershipawards.Shebeganhighereducationwhilestillintheserviceandgraduatedin1982fromtheWalterCronkiteSchoolofJournalismandTelecommunicationsatArizonaStateUniversity.Theearlyyearsofhertelevisioncareerinvolvedbehind-the-scenesdocumentaryproductionandpublicaffairsprogramming.CutterhasbeenassociatedwithnumerousnationalproductionsonbothPBSandtheDiscoveryChannelandhaswonseveralnationalproductionawardsandregionalEmmys.ShehasworkedatpublictelevisionstationsinUtah,Toledo,Ohio,MissouriandIndiana.

Cuttercompletedhermaster’sdegreeinNot-for-ProfitManagementinAugust2002fromtheMendozaCollegeofBusinessatNotreDameUniversityinSouthBend,Ind.DuringherlastyearinIndiana,shereceivedthegovernor’shighestcivilianawardforCommunityService.ShereturnedtoherrootsinNortheastOhioin2002toserveasthepresidentandchiefexecutiveofficerofWesternReservePublicMedia.ShehasservedaspresidentoftheAlliance(astatewideorganizationrepresentingOhiopublictelevisionandradiostationsandtheReadingRadioService)andpresidentofOhioEducationalTelevisionStations.

Locally,CutterservesontheStarkCountyGovernmentLeadershipAcademyCommittee,LeadershipStarkCountyCitizenshipDayCommitteeandWomen’sLeadershipCouncilofGreaterStarkCountyUnitedWay.SheisagraduateofleadershipprogramsinStarkCounty,Akron,ToledoandMissouri.

Lisa Martinez and Don Freeman attend PBS Annual Meeting

VicePresidentofMarketingandDevelopmentLisaMartinezandProgrammerDonFreemanattendedthe2010PBSAnnualMeetinginAustin,Texas,May18-20.Martinezwasapresenteronthepanel“StrengthinNumbers:15ProvenIdeastoBuildAudience.”

Jeff Good travels to New Jersey for trainingDirectorofEducationJeffGoodreceivedtrainingfromthePartnershipfor21stCenturySkills

inNewJerseyMay17-21.ThePartnershiprecentlyannouncedthatOhiohasbecomethe14thLeadershipState,andWesternReserveEducationalServices,alongwithfourotherstateeducationaltechnologyagencies,willberecognizedasa21stCenturyPartnershipaffiliateuponcompletionofthetraining.

Good represents organization at Ohio 21st Century Skills ConferenceJeffGood,directorofeducation,representedWesternReserveEducationalServicesattheOhio21stCenturySkillsConference.Ourorganization,incollaborationwithfourotherstateeducationaltechnologyagencies,hostedaboothanddisplayedallofourservices.Theconferencewasheldtoengageandnetworklocalschoolleaders,teachers,governmentandpolicymakersandcorporateandcivicleadersinbuildingacommonlanguageandvisionforusingthe21stCenturySkillsconceptasachangeagentforeducationinOhio.

Good serving on DLL advisory committee DirectorofEducationJeffGoodisservingontheadvisoryboardforPBS’snewDigitalLearningLibrary(DLL).TheadvisoryboardmakesrecommendationstoPBS’sEducationalServicesdivisionregardingcontent,pricing,marketingandotherissues.

Lealynd Tuskan attends NeoTech Conference WesternReserveEducationalServiceswasrepresentedattheNeoTechConferenceinAkron

by21stCenturyLearningConsultantLealyndTuskan.TuskanpresentedsessionsonFlipVideoandGoogleDocs.

Staff News, Training & Conferences

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter WesternReservePublicMediahaslaunchedaFacebookfanpage,andDonFreemanisregularlypostingtweetsatTwitter.com/WRPMguy.Followusforprogramupdates,announcements,funlinksandmore.

IT/Engineering

New multi-viewer system installedEngineering/ITinstalledanewMirandaKaleido-Xmulti-viewersysteminourMasterControlfacilityinMarch.ThiswillhelpinmonitoringWesternReservePBS,Fusion,MHzWorldviewandV-me(eightchannelsaltogetherwhenyoucountboththeWNEOandWEAOchannels),aswellasqualitycontrolofon-airoperationsincludingclosedcaptioningandaudioonallprogramstreams.FinaladjustmentistakingplacewiththesystemtoensureapromptnotificationtoourEngineeringstaffofproblems,especiallyduringunattendedoperation.

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Anthony Dennis completes transmitter training programMaintenanceengineerAnthonyDennistraveledtotheGrassValleyAcademicTrainingCenterinSouthwick,Mass.,fromMarch29toApril1,wherehesuccessfullycompletedtheGrassValleyAdvancedLevelDCXTelevisionTransmitterTrainingProgram.Ourhigh-powertransmittersinSalemandCopleyaremanufacturedbyThomson/GrassValley.

Rick Patterson, Anthony Dennis attend PBS Technology Conference and NAB ConventionMaintenanceengineersRickPattersonandAnthonyDennisattendedthePBSTechnologyConferenceApril7-10inLasVegas.PBSisconsideredanindustryleaderinbroadcasttechnology.ItusedtheformatoftheTechnologyConferencetooffertutorials,presentcasestudies,introducenewtechnologiesandproductsandgenerateforwardthinkingonhowtoaddressboththecommonanduniquetechnicalcomplexitiesfacedatstations’facilities.

Denniswasawardeda2010PBSNextGenerationScholarshiptoattendthePBSTechnologyConference.Inreceivingthescholarship,thepanelstatedthathe“embodiesthedistinguishedandoutstandingqualitiesthatwillhelpguidepublictelevisioninthefuture.”WesternReservePublicMediahasbeenfortunateinthatbothDennisandmaintenanceengineerHoraceChonghavebeenwinnersofthescholarship.

FollowingtheTechnologyConference,PattersonandDennisattendedtheNationalAssociationofBroadcastersConventionApril12-14.Theconventionallowedourengineerstheopportunitytointerfacewithourtechnologysuppliersandover1,500otherexhibitingcompaniesandtoinvestigatetomorrow’smedia.

Elisa Altomare named production assistant ElisaAltomarehasbeenmadeafull-timeemployeeofWesternReservePublic

Media.SheisaproductionassistantinTrafficandMasterControl.AltomarehadbeenworkinginthecapacityofatemporaryemployeeuntilApril,whenshewashiredasastaffmember.

AltomareearnedherundergraduatedegreeinelectronicmediaproductionfromAshlandUniversityandiscurrentlycompletingamaster’sdegreeinjournalismandmasscommunicationsatKentStateUniversity.SheresidesinStow.

Amanda Donatelli to leave organization AmandaDonatelli,marketingandcommunicationsspecialist,willbeleaving

WesternReservePublicMedia.HerlastdayisJune30,2010.Donatelliisgoinghometospendmoretimewithherson,Sonny,who’sjust7monthsold.Sheandherhusband,Dom,resideinAkron.

DonatellihasbeenanassettotheMarketingandDevelopmentdepartment,andherenthusiasmandenergyhavebeengreatlyappreciated.Herworkwithviewersandmembersthroughthedigitaltransitionwasimpressive.Ifyouhadtheopportunitytolistentoheronthephonefieldinghardquestionsfromconfusedpeople,youknowwhatwemean.ThankstoAmandaforoversixyearsofservice.

Staff News, Training & Conferences (cont’d.)

Western Reserve Public MediaP.O. Box 5191Kent OH 44240-5191www.WesternReservePublicMedia.org

Pat Weed retires CommunicationsSpecialistPatWeedretiredonApril23after23yearswiththeorganization.Avolunteerintheearly1980s,Weedwashiredasadevelopmentassistantin1987andmovedtotheCommunicationsdepartmentin1993.RegularcallersandvisitorstoWesternReservePublicMediaknowherasthewomanwhoansweredourphonesandgreetedvisitorsatthefrontdesk.TrinaCutter,presidentandCEO,remarked,“Pathassurvivedthreegeneralmanagers,twobuildingsandthetransitionfromtypewriterstocomputers,nottomentionthedigitaltransition.Pat’scustomerservice—whetherinperson,overthephoneorthroughe-mail—hasbeenthebestI’veeverseeninmynearly25yearsinpublictelevision.”

Weedkickedoffherretirementwithathree-weektriptoEngland.SheresidesinMogadorewithherhusband,Dave.