WORT BoD Monthly Meeting June 2006 reports
Music Director
Sybil Augustine
I have a new summer (unpaid) intern, Robin Lee, who is quite enthusiastic and passionate about WORT. My springtime intern just sort of left me hanging after taking time off to deal with some family crises, and by now I'm sure she's not
coming back so I'm getting Robin trained in all areas as he puts in at least 15 hours per week.
The mini pledge drive was quite smooth, & I heard many positive comments from music programmers & listeners about the low pressure sound. Some of our hosts do feel that their listeners need more hardcore pledge rapping to respond, & some of the shows that usually do quite well brought in little or nothing this time, perhaps due to this change. We'll continue analyzing & experimenting with these ideas, but overall I was quite pleased to reach the goal in 4-1/2 days.
In July and August I'll be working with Jim G. to identify folks who need more training in pledge drive skills and procedures and set up sessions for them.
The Other Voices collective is still looking for two new women hosts; we'll try running ads in papers and over the air. All other shows are fully staffed.
Sue Goldwomon introduced me to a prospective host for HIV for the last week of the month, Stephanie Stringer, and she's been training and sub hosting and doing a good job.
WEBSTREAMING
We should soon have an operating switch to turn off the web stream, and we need to have a mechanism in place to provide music or a message to folks who might try to tune into the stream during times when it's shut off. Overall, compliance with the DMCA seems to be very good.
PROGRAMMING
I am dealing with a couple disciplinary issues regarding profanity outside of safe harbor and airing of non-copyright material. We must be especially vigilant since the tenfold increase in FCC fines was signed into law last week. I am working with Norm and Nathan to get information out about this to programmers.
MUSIC LIBRARY
I've written an 'open letter' to music volunteers begging (demanding? crying out for? whatever works!) more help in the culling of CDs from our overflowing library and in the review process for new music. I've done some cleanup downstairs and gotten a lot of things into the sale, but there's still a serious need for more volunteer involvement in this area. Nobody attended my last listening party, possibly because it was only posted via email, so I'm going back to notices in people's mail boxes for the upcoming session in July.
MISC.
I attended this year's MAMA ceremonies to accept our special award for our 30 years of service to the community, along with Peaches Lacey, music volunteer Josh Healey from the Cipher Zone and John Kraniak. It looks very nice on our awards wall!
I'm planning a few days off here and there between now and late July, but no full vacation weeks at this time, although I'm due. It's just too busy of a time with so much incoming music, summer concerts, and training a new intern. I'm also preparing for my upcoming evaluation by updating my work plan, etc. and helping out with the Grassroots Radio Conference planning and logistics. We're planning to do a live remote from the High Noon with the Cipher Zone collective programming their show
Listener Sponsor Development Director
Jim Goronson
SUMMER 2006 PLEDGE CRUISE
The goal of $15,000 in pledges was reached at
SPRING 2006 PILOT
The Spring Radio Pilot newsletter was mailed to 3,156 people in the last week of May and so far has yielded 35 donations totalling $2,017.
JULY 1ST "RHYTHM & BOOMS" HOUSE PARTY
We are having a house party at Frank and Dolores Emspak's house (on the shores of
WINTER
With all pledges processed for the "Wide World of WORT/World Wide WORT" drove the total amount pledged is $98,268. We have received $89,607 in pledge fulfillments--a fulfillment rate of 91%.
WINTER 2006 PILOT
The Winter Radio Pilot was mailed to 3,014 people in mid-February and we have received 136 donations totalling $7,196.
DECEMBER 2005 DIRECT MAILING
We received 112 donations totalling $9,220.
FALL
With all pledges processed from the drive the total (revised) amount pledged is $110,671. We have received $101,953 in pledge payments--a fulfillment rate of 92%. The revised pledge total reflects new autogive pledges in accordance with WORT accounting practices (counting only half of the yearly total of any given autogive pledge).
GRC-11
I'm helping the GRC-11 Planning Committee organize fundraising workshops for the conference. Currently this mainly means the recruitment of folks to facilitate them. I am planning on facilitating one or two of the workshops myself.
COMMUNITY SHARES OF
I've been actively participating in CSW's Private Campaign Development committee in recent weeks. We are focused on getting worksite coordinators ready for their fall workplace giving campaign. I am also a member of CSW's annual Celebration Dinner planning committee with Glenn Mitroff and Peaches Lacey.
JULY 2006 DIRECT MAILING
Next direct mail is in the works and scheduled to be mailed to around 3,000 people in early to mid-July.
BUSINESS and FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENT
Maggie Weiser (interim)
I've been (finally) able to take some time to reflect on all of the events and fundraisers which have seemed non-stop since I stepped into this position. It has been a real whirlwind. Pledge drive, bowl-a-thon, conference, block party, pledge drive... Wow! The staff and volunteers have been tremendously helpful and supportive throughout this very busy season, and I daily think /what wonderful people I work with/! -Maggie
UPCOMING EVENTS
R&B House Party
Jim and I are working with the Fundraising and Events committees on this new event. Donations in the form of sponsorships are already coming in. We are planning for great music and great eats/drinks for the party.
The fair is scheduled for September 16 and 17. WORT will host the Underground Stage on Sunday the 17th. I am working with Dave Zero (Dave Stanowski, former host of Hootenanny), who is helping with selecting bands, booking, schedule, etc. Almost all the bands are booked, and contracts will go out soon. WSF committee met once last month to discuss logistics, budgets, and themes, and I attended. WSF committee granted us an increased stage budget this year. We will meet again sometime in July.
EVENTS
WORT Block Party
This year's Block Party was well-attended, & went relatively smoothly. Costs were higher this year, as we had to go with a different audio company to handle the stage sound. (The less expensive audio company that we employed in past years is no longer in business). But the sound was great, their equipment was good, & they ran totally on schedule. The volunteers were amazing, helping with many different aspects of the event. Attendees had a great time, & the event continues to be a fun, positive community event. *Net Income: $5,512.02*
Bowl-A-Thon
I didn't have all the numbers in when I last reported. So here it is: *Net Income: $2, 531.75*
First Tuesdays Reggae Night
The Cardinal Bar benefit continues to be successful. We are very grateful to the club, as well as Supra Ranks & FRP for continuing to facilitate this monthly fundraiser. *The June event brought in $305.
SUMMER PLEDGE CRUISE:
The "hybrid" pledge drive went really well. I appreciated its low-intensity nature. Mifflin Co-op helped us out by allowing us to order snacks for our volunteers at cost. Our volunteers appreciated having stuff to snack on, as we decided not to hit up the restaurants for an additional donated meal this time around. I liked being able to dedicate my pledge drive efforts toward auditing & orienting, rather than cleaning up food messes & driving all over town to do meal pick-ups. (Though it has its charms!)
GRANTS
We will not be receiving funds from the Evjue Foundation. We are awaiting a reply from the A.J. Muste Foundation, who is considering our application for funds to bring a delegation from Radio
EVENTS COMMITTEE:
We will meet Tues, June 20th. We will discuss the Rhythm & Booms party, & re-cap the spring events.
UNDERWRITING
Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
Frank Productions
Renewals:
Union Cab
Willy Bikes
Info Sent:
Ugly Accent literary publication
Remember Me Productions
Fastframe
Operations
Norm Stockwell
The Finance Committee met earlier this month and completed work on the FY2007 budget proposal, and filled out the necessary paperwork to implement our investment strategy. Year-end is just over a week away, and after a short time we will be looking at preliminary year-end numbers. Annual audit fieldwork will take place in mid-August, with final numbers coming in late-Fall.
The Engineering Committee met earlier this month and discussed and planned various projects (see Eng Comm Report). We are in the process of getting the Building evaluated by a structural engineer & architect.
We are in the process of applying to increase our transmitter power to better serve our listeners *and* secure our borders from potential encroachment by other new stations. (Please do not announce this publicly until all the paperwork is in hand - the approval and timeline for this is still uncertain.)
A successful Pledge Cruise and Waterfront Fest have marked a good beginning for summer activities, with more events to come. I emceed the Sunday of Waterfront Fest and WORT got many compliments.
Our Sister-Radio station group submitted a grant to bring two youth from
Plans are underway for an exciting Grassroots Radio Conference in July, with many exciting workshops and events - see
Tonite I am at the
Next week and the following, I will be in
Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Glenn Mitroff
I’m breathing a sigh of relief that I have made it through one of the busiest periods of my work year (late April thru mid-June). This period entails back to back major projects including: Great Taste Assignments, Block Party,
After sending my April Board report on April 17th, I left the next morning for
work on April 27th. I spent much of the next two days assigning the 40 volunteers for the Great Taste of the
MCOC met on 4/27, also on 6/6 (See separate report) Next meeting: 8/8
CAB met on 5/2, also 6/6 (Separate report sent on Friday) Next meeting; 9/5
The week after my return, my mom ended up in the hospital with heart problems. Fortunately, though she had unknowingly had a heart attack some 7-10 days earlier, there was not much damage and they were able to restore blood
flow to the affected area through an angioplasty and stenting. Mom was only in the hospital for 4 days and is doing well, currently attending exercise rehab classes.
On 5/8 staff hosted an NFCB Report Back for volunteers, Board, etc.
On 5/10, I joined Sybil in interviewing Robin Lee for a music internship position. Robin moved to
On 5/17 I attended Dane Co Administrators Volunteer Services program: “Creating a Career Ladder for Your Volunteers”
On 5/11, I attended the Events Committee meeting focused on the Block Party.
On 5/18, the city did a curb to curb cleaning of the street, which was facilitated by our Alder, Mike Verveer. I had written Mike to ask for his help, since usually the street is cleaned after the Block Party, which means that WORT volunteers have the backbreaking work of clearing between ¼ and ½ tons of debris from the gutter on the morning of the party.
On 5/20, I participated with the Bassett Neighborhood clean up, paired with Jane Richard. It was a great way for WORT to show support for this event and it was great fun to work with Jane.
This year’s Block Party went very smoothly thanks to all of the volunteer support (nearly 70). Most of the volunteers were signed up by direct asks by phone. We had excellent sales at the WORT Boutique (nearly $1400.) Andy Hartnett
volunteered all day overseeing the beer ticket sales area which helped tremendously. Next year I plan to split the position into two chunks.
Coming just 9 days after the Block Party, the “Low Pressure” Pledge Cruise” was definitely easier than the traditional one-week drives that we did prior to our “Below the Radar” appeals, but considerably more work than “Below the Radar”. I worked with Jim and Sybil to determine the level of volunteer staffing that we would need and with Tom Christie for posting the web sign ups for phone answerers (including clear and repeated messages that snack and beverages, not meals would be provided; and that we really wanted a phone number to facilitate notifying folks
should the drive end early.) I wrote promo scripts for phone answerers and premium pickup. I also solicited volunteer help with auditing pledge folders. I reminded folks of their phone shifts and when the drive ended early, called folks to notify them of the cancellation of their shifts. Tom Christie and I worked together on an adaptive pledge card, allowing
individuals whose handwriting is hard to read, to enter the pledge on a form via computer which is then printed out to function as a pledge card. Lydia Stephens trialed the system and thought that it helped her in taking pledges.
I think that this drive was very innovative and successful. Our experiments with this end of the fiscal year drive are providing us with some excellent new alternatives. The one suggestion that I have made is that we not start the day after returning from the Memorial Day weekend, as it would have been better to have an extra day to mobilize sign ups
for phone answerers.
On Saturday during the drive, WORT was a stop on the Progressive Dane Bikeride. Sybil, Jim and I checked in riders, gave them refreshments and encouraged them to contribute to the drive. We put together some multiple choice questions
about the station for the riders. It was a fun addition to the “Pledge Cruise” final day.
Receptionists
I have been working on filling a number of receptionist holes. Two new daytime receptionists have started in the past few weeks. This week I will be orienting Irre, our new volunteer from
GRC
On 6/7 I met with the GRC planning group to talk about volunteer needs. At the next meeting, I submitted a sign up grid which we then collectively tweaked. Tom Christie is now in the process of putting the sign ups on the web site like we do with pledge drive phone answerers.
Waterfront Festival
On 6/10 & 6/11 we set up the WORT Boutique, CD & record sale at
were better.
Isthmus Poll
I have been encouraging folks to vote for WORT in the Isthmus Poll by sending out emails, putting stickers on pledge thank you letters and invitations to the July 1st fundraising event, posting signs for announcements in the on-air studios, stuffing volunteer mailboxes and running an on-air promo. If you have not already submitted your ballot, please make sure that you do so by
Quarterly Planning
On 6/13 the staff met for Quarterly Planning during which we looked ahead for the remainder of the year!
Community Shares Fall Celebration Planning Committee
On 6/15, Jim Goronson, Peaches Lacey and myself participated in the first meeting of the planning committee for the annual CSW fall celebration and campaign kick-off. This is a good way for WORT to fulfill some of the volunteer
hours required by CSW. Peaches and I have been on the committee together for several years. This year is CSW’s 35th anniversary and the celebration will be at Monona Terrace on Wednesday, September 27th from
keynote speaker Tracy Gary will hold fundraising training the day following the celebration. Moira Urich is stepping in as the coordinator for this event and chair of the planning committee, so is happy to have committee members with
several years of experience with planning the event. I have been working on reserving a date for CSW to host an Access Hour during which Cheri Dubiel will interview Tracy Gary prior to the event. I also have contacted Jon Miner to ask
him if he will take photos at the celebration.
Summer Outreach Schedule & Promotional Exchanges
I continue to work on the summer outreach schedule and to confirm promotional exchange agreements. I produced a script for Juneteenth. In exchange for the announcement, we received a full page ad in the program booklet. I have also been working with an exchange for the Madison Pride events on July 8th and 9th.
Print Ads
In addition to our monthly ads in Maximum Ink and Rick’s Café, I have submitted ads for the Outreach Awards program booklet and the Outreach Directory, as well as an ad for the Pride program booklet.
Promotional Fans
We had put extra money in the budget for 05/06 for promotional items for our 30th anniversary year. We are now finalizing arrangements to have 1,000 promotional fans produced to hand out at summer festivals beginning with GRC and Fiesta Hispana. Inspiration for the fans came from Sybil. Nathan created the design with the shape being an old-timey radio. Norm has been helping with the arrangements.
Stricken with Laryngitis!
Last Wednesday and Thursday I started losing my voice which got quite bad. On Friday I went to the doctor and took most of the day off except for working quietly in my office for a few hours. Because I hadn’t been successful finding volunteers to staff the WORT info table at Juneteenth, and since I wasn’t going to be able to talk to folks, I made
arrangements with former WORT volunteer Jody Wortsman to put out our materials on the table with the South Metropolitan Planning Council. Peaches also took a WORT banner to the event where she was spinning discs.
Going to
Twenty two years since my last visit, Dan and I are going to
This is the longest that I have been away from the station since I began in 1999 and the longest time off together that Dan & I have ever had. We are very excited about this trip and will return just in time to for me to attend the GRC. I have appreciated that staff has supported and encouraged me to take a substantial summer vacation for the first time
as this is my busiest season. During the time that I will be gone, a new festival—La Fete de Marquette will happen in the area slated to become the new
News and Public Affairs Facilitator
Nathan Moore
I will not be at the Board meeting, as I’m out of the country, June 17-26. I’ll be back in the office June 27. Also, I’ll be primarily working from home July 5-12, taking care of Lisa following her knee surgery.
Grassroots Radio Conference 11
Again, the GRC-11 date will be July 28-30. Planning is on target with our timeline. The website is up at www.grassrootsradio.info. I’ve updated it recently to include the workshop schedule, conference scholarship funds, and several other things. I can send you notes from our last few planning meetings if you’re interested in the details.
Programming Committee
See report already submitted. I’ve been pretty busy with PC-related tasks.
Contract bargaining
Thanks for your hard work on this. It’s nice to have it settled well in advance of the July 1st deadline.
Web development
This continues to move forward. I met with our main designer (Lincoln Theiler), who showed me the latest comps. Now, we’re ready to move into the coding phase.
Equipment
• Laura Gutknecht is making some good headway on the Das Schuh studio. We’ll likely need to have this operational before we carry out the just-passed Programming Committee changes.
• I’ve developed a way to turn the iRiver mp3 players into broadcast quality field recorders. These have many advantages: extremely portability, 47 hours of audio record time, and USB drag-and-drop file transfer (as opposed to real-time dubbing). I conducted a successful beta-test with a couple WORT reporters, and just ordered five units for the news department and one for the music department.
Staffing
• We hired Barbara Golden to fill the open APA slot every other Thursday. She’s a longtime community activist in
• APA engineer shifts have filled up nicely. Eva Schulte is doing Thursdays, Laura Miller is doing Fridays, and Steve Zelaznik is covering Tuesdays on an interim basis. Jonathan Walton will start training for Tuesdays at the end of June and take over on a permanent basis sometime after that.
• Meredith Holmgren’s schedule has changed, leaving Sara Braun the every-week-hosting position for Thursday’s IOBY.
• Katjusa Cisar, a new IOBY volunteer, has produced some very good features the last couple weeks, and I look forward to more. Other new IOBY volunteers include Cin Ying Chan, Jon Allen, Laurene Mainguy, Sam Katz, and Will (whose last name I’ve forgotten).
• Sadly, Bridget Holcomb is leaving IOBY after the June 21 show to do some traveling & move to the Twin Cities
• Laura Newman, Friday
• Dan Jaffee will be leaving his APA host position & Prog Committee seat in August to take a professorship in
• Stan Woodard is teaching a morning class this summer at
• Healthwriters has a new volunteer coming around – Mary Ann Swissler.
• Keith Harrsch is engineering Tuesdays
• The Science show has a new collective member who has learned engineering – Sara Kerr.
Committee Reports: May 2006
EXECUTIVE
Scott Herrick
The Executive Committee has acted twice this month: we gave interim approval to a rebroadcast request from Lucas Osmond; and we agreed to receive grant funds (if awarded) on a grant request to the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission for $3000 to be used for a mural and descriptive brochure at the Madison Labor Temple depicting Madison's Labor History (including the 1990's advent of Madison Labor Radio on WORT). WORT would be credited in the brochure.
Finance
Annie Courtney
The Finance Committee held two regular meetings on May 11 and June 8.
INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
We discussed and scheduled the administrative work necessary to open our investment accounts. It was decided that the signers for the account should be the Board President and Treasurer and the staff Listener Sponsor Development Director. Additionally, the Secretary was present as a witness at the signing of the paperwork. Paperwork to establish the accounts was signed on
ACTION ITEM – We ask the Board to approve the designation of the positions listed above, and the individuals who currently serve in that capacity: Scott Herrick, Anne Courtney & Jim Goronson, respectively, w/ Jane Richard as witness.
Funds will be dispersed to Custer Financial Services on a weekly basis throughout the month of July as the CD’s funds are currently held in mature.
2007 BUDGET NOTES
At both meetings the Finance Committee developed the 2007 Fiscal Year Budget for the fiscal year beginning on
Following past practice, most numbers Income and Expense projections reflect a 5% increase on actual numbers.
Exceptions include the following:
INCOME
CPB Grants (4110) is reduced by over$10K due to cutbacks in this federal funding program.
Combo B (4113C) and PTFP Grants (4115) at $27,368 and $25,368 respectively, are funds we hope to have to upgrade equipment in Combo B. If we receive the PTFP grant, which we have applied for, then we will write other grants to
attempt to raise the additional funds required to buy the equipment. If we cannot raise the matching funds portion from additional grants, then the project will not be done this year.
Interest Income (4145) is reduced because funds currently in money markets and CD's will be transfered to mutual fund accounts and the interest earned will be reinvested.
The amount listed in Ind Donor/CLC - Dev/Sponsor (4304) shows $10,000 for 2007 that indicates additional income that the Fundraising Committee will need to raise from yet to be determined sources.
Birthday Party (4310C) is reduced because this year's 31th Celebration won't be the draw that last year's 30th was.
Major donors (4311) was increased by more than 50% because the Fundraising Committee is launching a new major donor program which will include efforts to bring in large gifts.
Underwriting (4320) has been raised by 20% - $8000 - with an expectation that we will aggressively pursue more underwriters.
EXPENSES
Administrative Expenses
- Salaries (5150) increase by about $15,000 under the terms of the new contract, a 6.7% increase.
- Back Pay and Vacation Cash out (5150-A) is a new line and reflects the $5,475 vacation cash out benefit approved under the new contract.
Health-Dental Adm (5157) increases 33% to $35,452.
Development/Sponsor Expenses
Computer Software Dev Sponsor (5371) is $5000 to allow purchase of better fundrasing software. This is a one time expense.
Promotion Expenses
GRC-V Conference (5475-B) includes funds for expenses incurred hosting this summer’s Grassroots Radio Conference. This is a one time expense.
Engineering Expenses
Combo B (5590) includes the expenses for a new SAP and mixers that are balanced by the Income shown for Combo B (4113C) $27,368 and PTFP Grants (4115) $25,368. As noted above, if the grants are not obtained, the expenses
will not be incurred.
Music Expenses
- Contract Labor – P&P/Music (5660) and Work Study – P&P/Music (5662) provide funds for continued assistance with the music library and other administrative tasks.
- Dues and Subs – P&P/Music (5680) is reduced by $600 because the we paid for a two year subscription to CMJ this year and will not have the expense next year.
Development/Business Expenses
Birthday Party (5775C) is reduced by $750 due to a smaller party this year for the 31st
ENGINEERING
Justin Richardson
Committee met on
CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES
Web Switch
The web switch works! The switch works concurrently in both studios. When the red light is on, you are streaming. When the red light is off, a CD plays a looped message on the webstream to explaining that the programmer has temporarily switched off the stream.
Das Schuh will be operational mid-July.
Equipment Database Status On hold for now. Laura completed a preliminary paper inventory. Items that are currently in service have been tagged with blue circles.
Master Control Room Remodel: Harry Rag (of Friday on My Mind) agreed to build the countertop Terry O. designed
Remote Broadcasting
ResTech is the company that is retailing wireless access for MadCity broadband. ResTech agreed to give us access to their 5-gig network in exchange for something TBD. This will soon make remote broadcasts via laptop computer much easier
Content Depot
In May, the Content Depot was set up but still content-less. Content is being added and dual operations (that is, both audio and data feeds) are expected to begin June 19. We will be able to subscribe to programs and test it to see how it works. Eventually the Contect Depot will do away with the audio and just have the digital format available.
Tower Climb
Spring cleaning on the tower behind WORT: Take down old antenna, do some cleaning, check auxiliary transmitter. Also, we will take some photos from there in the direction of the main transmitter on the Channel 15 tower, to record the current landscape and our sight line for future reference. This is to happen soon, pending committee
members’ availability.
WBA/SBE ENGINEERING WORKSHOP
TRANSMITTER RACK REARRANGEMENT
Old Gentner equipment (broken and obsolete) will be removed and other equipment rearranged to make room for our Digital Audio Analyzer and Secondary Digital Channel equipment. Norm will send a note to the Engineering Committee to call for volunteers to help with this task on a weekend this summer. We also need to upgrade the air conditioner at the
transmitter site, since the current unit barely keeps up (if it does) with the equipment already housed at the facility.
DIGITAL SECONDARY CHANNEL (WORT2)
We will hear the results of the PTFP Grant in a few months. If funded, we will need to raise matching funding to make this happen. Also, we need to decide which mixing board to purchase with the grant money. The mixing board should have analog and digital capabilities and needs to be flexible to handle our various needs.
Meanwhile, we will prepare for a second internet-only stream, for which the Programming Committee has been discussing ideas for the schedule. We will get our feet wet with the internet-only stream, until we are able to broadcast the digital channel.
Lucas presented some software that he uses at home to broadcast internet radio. The software is called SAM (Spacial Audio Management) www.spacialaudio.com and may be a good way for us to test WORT2 on the web.
FULL POWER, NON-COMMERCIAL OR EDUCATIONAL (NCE) LICENSING WINDOW
We have an opportunity to expand our listening area radius by about 5 miles. While a small geographical change, this would add 17,739 potential listeners (new total would be 469,175). Also, this upgrade would serve to shore up our listening area at the borders. There is currently some room around our edges for other non-commercial stations
to grow or be created. An example of this is a currently non-existent Christian radio station in
There are 2 parts to this opportunity. The first is the paperwork, which will cost about $2,500 including application and legal fees (funds for this are already available in the FY2006 budget). The Engineering Committee favors doing this now before the window opens, at which time there will be a freeze on minor changes to current full power stations. No hardware upgrades should be needed so we should be able to do this fairly quickly
PROGRAMMING
Nathan Moore
The Programming Committee met twice since the last Board meeting: May 3 and June 8. There is an action item from the June 8 meeting.
May 3 meeting
Programming Change Proposal for the Tuesday/Thursday news block was considered. Nathan reported on the volunteer input he sought, including paper and emailed letters to Radio Lit and En Nuestro Patio on April 18, and a reminder email to both on April 28. Nathan shared the responses he received by email. The PC heard from three volunteers from Radio Lit (Daniel K. and Keenan S.) and En Nuestro Patio (Glenn Fung) at the meeting. Following their comments, the PC decided to not ask Radio Lit to be pre-recorded in its new slot as part of the proposal. The PC decided we need more input from other En Nuestro Patio folks, and will also seek input from indirectly affected programmers (the Science show, Healthwriters, In Our Backyard).
WORT2 – The PC discussed the idea of WORT2, including some broad ideas about how it might work. The committee was excited by the prospect of a second station, but noted that studio space and staff/PC time would both be problems. Nathan sent around a memo about this by email.
Ascertainment – The PC will revisit this item in August.
June 8 meeting
Programming Change Proposal for the Tuesday/Thursday news block was further considered. Nathan reported on the volunteer input he sought and shared written comments he received from In Our Backyard and the Science show. Steve Zelaznik from In Our Backyard was at the meeting to advocate for the proposal. Dennis Shaffer from the Science show was at the meeting, and said that the loss of Making Contact would make it much more difficult for them to preempt that time slot to do a 60-minute broadcast (which they do maybe 2-3 times per year). We explained that preemption would still be possible, but would require more advance planning (three weeks or more) and cooperation with other WORT programmers (namely, Radio Lit hosts). Alex Gillis spoke with the committee, explaining that the ENPA members didn’t really object to the change, but he said that the PC needs to look at long-term strategies for Spanish-language programming, and that we should not just move around the Spanish-language news without a plan. The PC (including Alex) decided that we would not be able to develop that plan in one meeting, but agreed to attach a rider to the proposal that the PC would discuss Spanish-language programming at future meetings.
ACTION ITEM: Having gathered input from directly and indirectly affected programmers, the PC moved to a vote. The Program Change Proposal (as amended) passed by a vote of 5-1. The amended proposal is attached on the last page.
BBC News discussion was undertaken. Unbeknownst to WORT, the BBC has required stations to run only the live satellite feed for more than a year now. Their “Newshour” program feeds at
Programmer Review Process – PC members have now received Draft 2 copies of the Programmer Self-review document. Members will look it over this month and bring feedback to the next meeting.
3-month evaluation plan for new shows – Sybil introduced a draft one-page probationary review document. PC members will look it over this month and bring feedback to the next meeting.
PC membership – The PC will be losing two members in August, including Dan Jaffee and Laura Newman (the current chair). We will start doing recruitment soon.
WORT Programming Committee
Program Change Proposal, as passed by the PC
CURRENT WORT PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
5 6 7 8 BBC Newshour Free Speech Radio News En Nuestro Patio Radio Literature Counterspin BBC Newshour Free Speech Radio News In Our Backyard Making Contact Science/Healthwriters
TUESDAY THURSDAY
5 6 7 8
PROPOSED CHANGES TO WORT PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
Move “En Nuestro Patio” to
5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8
TUESDAY THURSDAY
Addendum to the proposal: The Programming Committee shall place on its ongoing agenda a discussion of the long-term strategy of Spanish-language programming on WORT.
Citizen’s Advisory Board (CAB)
Glenn Mitroff
Minutes for the WORT CAB Meeting of
Attended by
Minutes for
- Fundraising activities being planned for Summer.
- The WORT Table mobbed at Earth Day Celebration at Habitat Restore.
- WORT members attended workshops at National conference
- May 21 is block party. The newest T-Shirt will be rolled out at the party.
- Hybrid pledge drive w/overall goal will occur at the end of May 30 – June 4. and the beginning of June. It will be low key, $15,000 goal, not a lot of premiums.
- Fundraising committee is focusing on finding a major donors who would contribute $250. Rhythm and Booms party being planned, maybe a $20 donation to attend and ask for additional donations.
- Considering setting up a small booth at La Fete de Marquette party in mid-July.
- Considering a small presence at
- WORT is hosting Grassroots Radio Conference July 27-30. People from around the country and world will be attending. The Board of Directors (BoD) has approved 10/hrs./week salary for planners for the conference.
The CAB Charter was discussed in detail. Changes were recorded by various members in attendance. After working on previous revised drafts of the Charter, members requested a copy of the last approved Charter, which was approved by the BoD in 1998, and agreed that it would be a better starting point for new revisions. Clarifications were made about the difference between the Bylaws and the Charter. The Charter is a document written by the BoD which serves as a basic structure and set of procedures for the CAB. CAB members noticed that it is clear that there is much language to insure that the CAB has little, if any power and that the CAB and its members should not represent the station in any official capacity. This apparently stems from some turmoil at WORT in the early 1990's. Various members recorded changes during the discussion and it was agreed that the discussed changes would be assembled by Mitch and voted upon at the next meeting.
June 6, Tuesday,
MINUTES FOR WORT CAB MEETING OF
Called to order at
In attendance: 2
Minutes of May 2006 meeting approved with corrections.
Reports by Glen: Successful block party and pledge drive and busy summer outreach schedule.
Revised CAB Charter of 2006: After discussion a motion to recommend adoption by Board of Directors passes unanimously.
Discussion of meeting dates settled on three meetings on the first Tuesdays at
CAB Farm Fest discussed for late summer or early fall.
Adjourned at
FUNDRAISING
Jane Richard
The following is for 2 Fundraising Committee meetings, May 18 and June 12, 2006: The topics were the same for both meetings, though at the May 18th meeting we spoke in the future tense for the Block Party and the Pledge Drive and on June 12, we spoke in the past tense, as presented here:
Block Party May 21
income down a bit from last year in merchandise and beer, but we did pretty well, considering the chill in the air.
Things that went our way:
* Streets were cleaned before
* Upgraded sound system and operators
* Everyone showed up on time, even musicians!
* Beer ticket sales process was streamlined
Pledge drive: May 23-27
* Ended more quickly than anticipated
* at meeting time, already 2/3 fulfillment rate
* Web pledges same or very slightly higher
* Next time, money goal will be higher
* Some brainstorming for premium-offering next drive; Jim took notes to consider
Reminded us to form ad hoc committee to shop for best credit card rate
Major donor project
* $15K goal FY 07
* House party to begin cultivation, then direct mail/contact in December asking for more money
House Party: July 1, Frank and Dolores Emspak home on Lake Mendota for Rhythm and Booms viewing, with drinks and appetizers; music by Tony Castaneda et al.
* Good response for sponsor level ($150 donation gets your name on the invite): about 10 units
* Sponsor-level invitee list generated from WORT database and Frank Emspak
* Some discussion about specific plans and suppliers
* An as yet undetermined amount of proceeds will go to WINS as per Frank Emspaks request
* An as yet undermined donation will be made to the church in appreciation for letting us use their parking lot
* Jim will send invites to Board of Directors
Next Meeting will be June 27
EVENTS
Justin Richardson
Committee met
BLOCK PARTY FOLLOW-UP
A. We did not do as well as last year
1. Increased cost with different sound company (previous company went out of business)
2. Theft of 2 kegs (loss of $200)
B. Feedback
1. Logistically smooth running.
2. Andy acted as beer area coordinator, which was helpful.
RHYTHM AND BOOMS HOUSE PARTY
This is being organized by Jim and the Fundraising Committee
Frank and Dolores Emspaks’s house
Suggested donation: $20 per person
WILLY ST. FAIR
September 16 and 17 – WORT stage on Sunday 9/17
MCOC
Glenn Mitroff
MCOC met on 4/24 and 6/6.
On 4/24, Bundy Trinz presented info on the Wisconsin Forward Awards, recommending that WORT consider engaging in the process which could provide valuable information to the organization regarding next steps for continued improvement and also possibly public recognition. We reviewed the list of community group contact reformatted by Bundy. We also discussed genre promotion and reviewed the first news and music promotions fliers. Lynn Pophal has agreed to play around with the layout to improve the presentation/readability. We also discussed the summer outreach schedule and talk about potential involvement in additional events including La Fete de Marquette (July 15 & 16) and Savor the Summer (August 12).
On 6/6, Peter Lipton brought a draft of a letter written to be a template for outreach to community groups. The letter was later distributed via email to committee members for editing suggestions. We discussed the possibility of doing a mailing to our community group list which Peter estimates would cost approximately $50. New member Jordan
Ellefsen (background in advertising!) said that he would ask his wife if she will work with the list to generate mailing labels. We reviewed the summer outreach schedule.
Per request of the Board Chair after consulting with the Executive Committee, we brought discussion of the Wisconsin Forward Award back to MCOC to discuss whether or not at this time we could make a concrete proposal to the Board. In light of Bundy’s move at the end of the month to the Twin Cities, MCOC will continue to investigate the possibilities,
but will not submit a proposal to the Board at this time. Bundy will try to identify a contact within the WFA who could meet with MCOC or a subset of MCOC re: our options for 2007. Bundy suggests that we also check out the WFA web site and consider sending volunteers to become examiners for another organization. Bundy handed off some materials to
We ended the meeting with an informal discussion of some of the barriers to involvement with the station and volunteering that affect lower income individuals and communities in our listening area. There was a suggestion that we consider budgeting some funds for local transportation for low income volunteers.
The next MCOC meeting is set for August 8th
Personnel: Did not meet
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Did not meet
BYLAWS: Did not meet
Sister Station Radio Project Ad Hoc Committee: Did not meet
posted by Jane at 2:23 PM
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