2014 KEY LOCAL - WGBY · 2020-01-01 · 2014 LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT IN THE COMMUNITY PEG...

2014 LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICEREPORT TO THE COMMUNITY “Here at WGBY, we value the excellence in one

another as we strive to build stronger communities through learning, understanding, and caring.”

- Rus Peotter, General Manager, WGBY

WGBY, a community-supported PBS member station, connects the people of our region. We educate, entertain, enrich lives and improve communities. Our vision: WGBY will use the unique power of storytelling to communicate ideas through images, sounds and words.

LOCAL VALUE

LOCAL IMPACT

2014 KEYSERVICES

WGBY is a valuable part of the western New England area’s advancement.

WGBY’s mission is to inform and engage members of the local community through its work on air, online, and in the community.

WGBY – Public Television for western New England.

In 2014, WGBY provided these vital local services:

Through its local programming, production, educational outreach, and community engagement of residents within our diverse communities, in which we serve, WGBY positively impacts people of all demographics.

WGBY offers four TV services:

WGBY HDWGBY WorldWGBY CreateWGBY Kids

WGBY local services had deep impact in the western New England area.

2014 LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT

IN THE COMMUNITY

WGBY – Public Television for western New EnglandWGBY connects the people of western New England with ideas, events and each other to fulfill their aspirations enrich their lives and improve their communities. WGBY works to inform and engage members of the local community through its work on air, online in the community. Through its local program production, education outreach and engagement of residents within diverse communities, WGBY positively impacts people of all demographics.WGBY offers four TV services, WGBY-57, WGBY World, WGBY Create, and WGBY Kids.The Web services on wgby.org include program streaming, news updates, and a wide range of program resources.WGBY’s broadcast services offer a mix of national fare and locally originated content designed to serve the specific needs and interests of New England-area viewers.

Community Engagement and Educational Outreach As a hub station for American Graduate, a public media’s commitment to supporting community-based solutions to the dropout crisis, WGBY’s Community Engagement and Education department core services provides educational opportunities and works closely with local partners to improve outcomes for our youth, their families, and the community through several efforts that are mentioned below.

Latino Youth Media Institute (LYMI)This year, 15 students have participated in the LYMI. As a way to explore media careers, this paid internship program provides the opportunity for youth to learn how to use various media equipment to capture personal and community stories. Currently 2 Alum are WGBY Employees.

Telling Our Legacies Digitally (TOLD)WGBY’s TOLD, community-based digital storytelling project is designed to engage members of the community in sharing and producing their own personal stories. In these workshops, participants learn through a fun hands-on process that combines storytelling with modern-day technology how to write their own scripts, create storyboards, record their voice and use video editing software to assemble all of these elements to produce a “digital story.”

TOLD held 9 Workshops this year, generating 68 digital stories and held 7 public screenings.


IN THE COMMUNITY

PEG + CAT 100th Day of School Celebrating the 100th day of school, WGBY partnered with Gerena Community School, Brightwood Health Center, and Reader to Reader to engage kids in Peg+Cat themed math based activities. 480 children and families attended Gerena Community School’s Family Fun Math Night with Peg + Cat 100th Day of School resources. 220 preK-K children engaged with Peg + Cat 100th Day of School resources at WGBY’s North End Center for Literacy and Learning (3 field trips were held) and 20 Children from Head Start Riverview attended our March launch of a Children’s Reading Corner at Brightwood Health Center where they attended a screening, received books & ate healthy snacks. Over 700 children/families served

Summer of Fun & LearningThanks to a partnership with WGBH, Project Coach, Head Start, and the YMCA of Greater Springfield, WGBY engaged 180 preK-grade 3 children during the summer where they played with PBS KIDS transmedia resources, read eBooks and received 4 books each over the summer to empower them to keep reading and to encourage families to read together. Utilizing PBS Transmedia resources this program was designed to help stem the summer reading slide and gave our 5 summer interns an opportunity to plan weekly activities.

Professional Development As part of our core education services, WGBY offered 8 professional development workshops to regional educators highlighting PBS LearningMedia as a powerful classroom resource in which educators have shown keen interest. Presentations held at Gerena Elementary School, Nova Café, Early Literacy Coalition, HeadStart, Western Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children (Springfield, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Hadley)

26,193 Massachusetts Teachers registered for PBS LearningMedia

WGBY eNewsletter / Education Blog Approximately 1,400 regional educators receive WGBY’s quarterly newsletter, which highlights and links to posts on WGBY’s Education Blog. (wgbyeducation.wordpress.com) Daily posts on the blog highlight important PreK-12 education news, professional development opportunities, and a vast array of classroom resources, much of it from PBS programming and educator sites.

WGBY Studio ToursIn partnership with Production Department we held 6 interactive tours of WGBY where students learned about career opportunities at the station and explored hands-on some of the equipment in the studio.

Community EventsWGBY is committed to being present at community celebrations, information fairs, festivals, PTO meetings, etc. We hosted and attended over 15 family events and collected over 1,026 family contacts to join our text campaign this past year.


IN THE COMMUNITY

WGBY HOSTED• ¡Buen Provecho! - April 2014

•Partners: Project Coach•150 participants

•Stay in School Attendance Cup - April 2014•Partners: United Way and Springfield Public Schools• 300 participants

•LittleFest - September 2014•Partners: Springfield Museums, Libraries, and Davis Foundation•1,600 participants

•Presencia: Celebration of Hispanic Heritage - September 2014•300 participants

•¡Buen Provecho! Thomas and Friends - October 2014•Partners: Project Coach•250 participants

In addition, WGBY ATTENDED• United in Hope Celebrating in Hope | March 2014• Springfield Parent Academy: Spring Conference | April 2014• Hispanic Health Fair Mass Mutual-WSPR Radio | May 2014• North End Kids Day | July 2014• Brightwood Health Fair | August 2014• Back to School Celebration | August 2014• Puerto Rican Parade Springfield | September 2014• La Feria de la Familia Hartford | September 2014

Connecting PointIn 2014 WGBY continued to present a tri-weekly look at issues and features that relate to western New England. Airing Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, each magazine style program features interviews, analysis, and field productions on the communities in western Massachusetts and central Connecticut we serve. The breakdown of segment topics is below.

•Art & Performance: 19•Health & Fitness: 35•Making It Here: 22•PBS related: 17•Politics/ Public Affairs: 84•Science & Environment: 28•Simple Pleasures: 62•Education: 30• In total, more the 300 guests appeared on Connecting Point, Season 4.


IN THE COMMUNITY

Connecting PointIn January we produced an “On The Road in Franklin County” series that involved bringing our cameras and crew to Greenfield Community College to tape a series of interviews dealing with the issues of that region of our viewing area.

In February we highlighted winter sports in the region with a four part series as well as a 3 part series on the Heroin epidemic that has become prevalent in Franklin County. We talked with members of the Opioid Education and Awareness Task Force that was formed because of the recent spike in heroin activity in that region.

In March we produced a three part music series that celebrated a local music hall. Entitled “Music Alone Shall Live: 35 years at the Iron Horse, this series showcased a fixture synonymous with the city of Northampton. Known far and wide for its unique charm and intimate atmosphere, world renowned artists have been playing to local audiences there for decades.

In April we produced a “Gone But Not Forgotten” series that highlighted some of the local businesses that are no longer around but still have fond memories for the people of this region.

In May and June our “On The Road” series continued as we looked at the issues of Hampshire County. Filmed at the Yiddish Book Center on the campus of Hampshire College interviews included people discussing the issues that matter most to that region.

Our 5th season of Connecting Point began in October with a Veterans Coming Home Series that included partnerships with local Veteran agencies and various interviews with local war veterans who are struggling to integrate back into main stream society. This series culminated in November with a live one hour program in our studio that included a live studio audience and members of the local veteran community. This program was moderated by our Connecting Point Host Jim Madigan.

In December Our “On The Road” series featured southern Berkshire County and on December 8 host Jim Madigan conducted an interview with newly elected Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker


IN THE COMMUNITY

Together in Song

WGBY continued to celebrate the living choral tradition in western New England with the 4th

season of this popular series. Judges and viewers selected the top 7 ensembles out of 36 who participated this year. Those 7 groups performed live on stage with a studio audience plus viewers at home who tuned in for the event. The series was hosted by Kevin Rhodes, Music Director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, showcased the talents of over thousands of singers from throughout the WGBY viewing area. WGBY invited fans to submit a vote via text or phone in support of their favorite choirs. After more than 1,100 votes were tallied, Amherst Regional High School Chorale was announced as the 2014 audience favorite.

Last year’s season of Together in Song garnered some impressive engagement numbers. During the airing of the seasons finale TIS received 307 online, 294 calls, and 408 texts to cast votes for their favorite singing group. Our website received close to 1,000 visits during the airing on April 27.


IN THE COMMUNITY

As Schools Match Wits

Now in its historic 53nd year of continuous broadcast, As Schools Match Wits is a treasured western New England institution. Last year was WGBY’s 8th year of co-production and partnering with Westfield State University on this important community institution. As Schools Match Wits is an academic quiz show competition open to both public and private high schools throughout western New England (including MA, CT & VT), and is one of the longest-running shows of its kind in the nation. ASMW showcases the best and brightest high school students that western NE has to offer, allowing them to shine in a venue which celebrates learning.

Open to both public and private high school students throughout western Massachusetts, northern Connecticut and southern Vermont, ASMW is one of the longest-running shows of its kind in the nation. Each season, up to 50 schools compete in qualifying matches to see who can earn the most points. The top eight highest-scoring teams of the season meet in playoff matches to determine the season’s champion and winner of the Collamore Cup. The trophy is named for ASMW creator and Westfield State College alumnus Leonard Collamore, who launched the series in 1961.

The show is sponsored in-part by the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Broadcast weekly during the school year on WGBY, the script for each episode of ASMW is tied to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education curriculum frameworks. Questions are written by WSU faculty and students, and WSU’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Elizabeth Preston, serves as its judge. Congratulations to Mt. Greylock Regional High School 2013-2014 ASMW Champions.


IN THE COMMUNITY

The Address

Funded in part by a grant from WETA, WGBY collected more than 80 recitations of the Gettysburg Address as part of a national project connected to the Ken Burns documentary, “The Address.” Our advance screening of 30 minutes of the film was part of an entire Sunday afternoon (1 – 6 pm) of activities that took place at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site http://www.nps.gov/spar/index.htm and at the adjacent Springfield Technical Community College. The events included a Civil War tour of the armory conducted by Park Rangers; a talk on African Americans in Springfield during the Civil War by the Director of the Pan African Historical Museum of Springfield; video recordings of Gettysburg Address recitations done by WGBY’s Latino Youth Media Institute personnel; a musical program by the Community Music School of Springfield to introduce the screening; an introduction to the preview by our General Manager, Rus Peotter, followed by a 30-minute preview; and concluding with a group reading of the Gettysburg Address. Our preview was a segment from the middle of the film that told the story of two students. By park ranger count, more than 400 people visited the Armory. A little more than 100 people attended the screening. Around 30 people did recitations or readings that day – some of them in Civil War uniform and some in U.S. Park Ranger uniform. Some of the participating rangers had been stationed at Gettysburg.

Western Massachusetts Home & Garden Show, March 27-30

WGBY occupied a large booth at the show, engaging as many as 18,000 people over a four-day period. We shared space with various local nonprofit partners, including the Bilingual Veterans Association. Activities included taping show attendees reciting the Gettysburg Address, screening various PBS programs (such as Downton Abbey), and providing books and stickers for children.

Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade

For the 12th year, WGBY broadcast this western Mass tradition live both on-air and streaming from the WGBY web site to viewers around the globe.


STORIES OF IMPACT

A Long Row in Fertile GroundWGBY produced and directed 40 minute documentary about agriculture in western New England. The documentary traces New England’s a history as the cradle of American agriculture. The region’s productive land attracted Native Americans and Colonists alike. Those families created a shared culture of innovation and collaboration that has helped western New England’s agricultural legacy persist for more than three centuries despite waves of migration, technology, and economic uncertainty. The documentary premiered in July 9, followed by a free public screening and panel discussion at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA, in October.

Veterans Coming Home ProjectFunded in part by a grant from PBS, working with our primary partners, the VA Central and Western MA offices, Soldier On, and the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center of Springfield, WGBY created 10 field and studio based stories focusing on the many challenges facing our returning Veterans. The topics focused on were homelessness and housing, military sexual trauma, PTSD, social integration, education and employment. The stories aired as part of our magazine format program Connecting Point during the months of October and November. All clips appeared on-line as part of WGBY’s localized version of the Veterans Coming Home website as well as the Connecting Point website.

Big Ideas for Little KidsA WGBY-produced 30-minute documentary about a classroom strategy that introduces philosophy to second graders using picture books: Directed by Emmy-winning Julie Akeret this film features a new classroom strategy, formulated by Tom Wartenberg of Mount Holyoke College, wherein picture books introduce students to philosophy and are a catalysts for active discussion. The students learn to listen to each other, to clearly formulate their own opinions, and to defend those opinions. They learn to trust their own ideas, build confidence, and develop a sense of community. These classes boost literacy and foster a love of learning. The documentary premiered on WGBY on November 3, and was subsequently selected by APT for distribution by member stations.


STORIES OF IMPACT

Music Alone Shall LiveFebruary 24, 2014, 35 years for Northampton's iconic Iron Horse Music Hall, a fixture synonymous with the city. Known far and wide for its unique charm and intimate atmosphere, world-renowned artists have been playing to local audiences there for decades. It’s said by many that a show at the Iron Horse is like seeing an artist perform in your very own living room, and WGBY producer Tony Dunne brings the story of the Iron Horse's past, present and future to your living room. Music Alone Shall Live: 35 Years of the Iron Horse originally aired in September 2014.

The Fire Within The Fire Within Featuring Potter Tim Scull from Canton Clay Works. In a renovated 19th century creamery, Canton resident Tim Scull operates one of New England's premiere ceramic facilities. He invited WGBY into his studio recently. This half-hour production is the result of the crew's time there. A documentary about Tim Scull of Canton CT and his Clay Works. His style, his techniques and his passion for creating useable works of art. Through creativity, chemistry and heat, viewers will be introduced to many forms of clay making, clay art and one of a kind pieces that are just amazing to watch come to life. Originally air in March, 2014.

Springfield Freedom WritersThe Freedom Writers Foundation partnered with Springfield Public Schools to assist at-risk youth in the district by training a combination of 25 teachers, administrators, and the community. WGBY along with other community partners supported a digital storytelling workshop with teachers as a way to complement the Freedom Writers theory of how writing can enhance learning and student behaviors. On September 18, 2014 WGBY convened the Freedom Writer Fellows and hosted an in-studio gala that included the screening of the videos they produced, demonstrating a different side of education and the power of storytelling.


STORIES OF IMPACT

Gubernatorial DebateThe Western MA Media Consortium Governor’s Debate broadcast live from City Stage, in Springfield. The debate was the only debate in Western Massachusetts and was the only debate with all 5 candidates for Governor and WGBY’s cameras, camera operations and director were requested to facilitate the broadcast. Broadcasted on WGBY – HD the program was also fed to WGBH –Boston . WGBY also covered all ballot initiatives and did several in studio State senate and House seat debates.

Pride of SpringfieldIn January 2007, Connect Point showcased Springfield’s Sci Tech High School had a band of about 20 members. Since UMass grad Gary Bernice joined the school the program has grown to over 500 students. The band has received recognition from all over Western Mass. Known as the “Pride of Springfield”; students also focus on developing leadership skills that go beyond the classroom. Connecting Point Contributor Carolee McGrath talked with Band leader Gary Bernice and several of its members to find out how the band has helped the students evolve as both musicians and people. Gary has also be named as an American Graduate Champion, part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting education intuitive.

Designing America “Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America.” The documentary by Larry Hoot and Diane Garey of Florentine Films/Hott Productions and WNED-TV chronicles the career and lasting influence of America’s premiere landscape architect who designed New York’s Central Park, Boston’s Emerald Necklace, and many town commons and campuses right here in the Pioneer Valley. WGBY sponsored the world premiere April 13th at the Academy of Music at 4pm and it debuted on PBS stations nationwide on June 20. The producers and directors of the film, local filmmakers Larry Hott and Diane Garey conducted a Q&A after the film. The 800-plus-capacity theatre was filled and some people had to be turned away from the free screening.


STORIES OF IMPACT

Voices from the Community

“Wow. Just WOW, Tony. What a fantastic job you guys have done with this body of work. I was able to see a shortened version of the program online last night on the WGBY website but I'll be sure to watch the whole thing as soon as I can. I'm currently in Leominster at a convention/training session but as soon as it lets out this afternoon I'll follow your link. Thank you again for this - well done.

Most sincerely,

Stephen Roy Director of Veteran Services

Northern Berkshire County, MA

A Together in Song Special: We Sang to the Top, featuring the Amherst Regional Chorale:

“The students were filled with pride today and several choral teachers have asked if they can play it in their classrooms for their students!The program was lovely and well done. Beautifully edited and pieced together.Like a beautiful choral patchwork.”

Anita CooperChoral director Amherst Regional High School

“I thought the Veteran’s Coming Home segment was a real special project that addressed the issues and topics that most Veterans are struggling with today. As a Veteran my feelings about how the staff were so passionate about the project was great to see and I think it made the Veterans they interacted with want to open up during the interviews because they could see the passion behind the project. My hats off to the staff for putting their all into a project that will reach so many Veterans in need. Great Job!”

Sincerely,

Leigh A. Paz CPL USMC/SSG US Army

A Partial List of Our Community Partners

• Springfield Symphony

• Smith College

• Western New England University

• Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

• Historic Deerfield

• Westfield State University

• Hampshire College

• Double Edge Theater Company

• Consumer Reports

• Mass Mutual

• Paradise City Arts Festival

• United Way of Western Massachusetts

• Academy of Music

• Springfield Day Nursery

• Springfield Republican

• CDI Head Start

• Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

• Girl Scouts of Western Massachusetts

• New England Farm Workers

• Chicopee Comp High School

• Springfield Technical Community College

• Berkshire Museum

• The Springfield Museums

• Baystate Health

• CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture)

• Hancock Shaker Village


STORIES OF IMPACT


SUMMARY

Through its local productions, community engagement, education and outreach, WGBY fulfills its mission each and every day: to connect people in our community with ideas, events and each other.

WGBY connects the people of western New England with ideas, events and each other to fulfill their aspirations enrich their lives and improve their communities. Through its local program production, education outreach and engagement of residents within diverse communities, WGBY positively impacts people of all demographics.

“Being a part of WGBY has made me become closer to my community and other surrounding communities thanks to the digital storytelling workshops I assist in facilitating.”

– Zydalis Zayas Senior Community

Engagement Associate, WGBY

2014 KEY LOCAL - WGBY · 2020-01-01 · 2014 LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT IN THE COMMUNITY PEG...

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