The John Hingsbergen Blog

9/9/11 - This Week in WV - Charleston surgeon returns from Libya

2011-09-10T13:11:00.000-04:00

Paul McCartney, Live & Let Die

2011-08-07T00:48:00.000-04:00

Paul McCartney, Give Peace a Chance

2011-08-07T00:43:00.000-04:00

NPR's Toothless Defense Strategy - Newsweek

2011-03-27T23:33:00.000-04:00

NPR's Toothless Defense Strategy - Newsweek

3/25/11 - The Week in Review

2011-03-26T13:44:00.000-04:00

2/25/11 - The Week in Review

2011-02-25T21:19:00.000-05:00

2/18/11 - The Week in Review

2011-02-21T14:35:00.000-05:00

TV and Media Blog » RIP Heinz Probst, German Radio Broadcaster | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com

2011-01-26T16:15:00.000-05:00

TV and Media Blog » RIP Heinz Probst, German Radio Broadcaster | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com

This Week in WV News Review 1/14/2011

2011-01-16T13:19:00.000-05:00

This Week in WV News Review 12/17/2010

2010-12-17T23:13:00.000-05:00

This Week in WV News Review 12/10/2010

2010-12-10T22:52:00.000-05:00

This Week in West Virginia 12 3 10

2010-12-05T20:55:00.000-05:00

This Week in WV - News Review 11/19/2010

2010-11-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

CPB Board Worried About Juan Williams Fallout

2010-11-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

CPB Board Worried About Juan Williams Fallout: "The Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board is very concerned about the..."

Good Radiation (public radio rap)

2010-11-17T20:17:00.000-05:00

Don Leshner, 'Golden Tones' of WMUB-FM

2010-10-22T23:58:00.000-04:00

Don Leshner, 'Golden Tones' of WMUB-FM

Breaking: Larry King Leaving CNN | TheWrap.com

2010-06-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

Breaking: Larry King Leaving CNN | TheWrap.com

NPR: All Things D

2010-06-06T11:42:00.001-04:00

NPRCreaTV — June 02, 2010 — This video was produced to introduce NPR President & CEO Vivian Schiller at the All Things D conference, June 2010.

Mary Jo's Kitchen

2010-06-03T19:09:00.001-04:00

Check out this new blog from Mary Jo McMillin. She's a former Oxford, Ohio resident, chef and restaurant owner. She was also our regular expert on all things cooking and food-related for WMUB and our weekly show, "Free Advice."

Mary Jo's Kitchen

MSHA Director discusses Upper Big Branch public hearing process - WVPubcast.org

2010-05-16T10:20:00.000-04:00

MSHA Director discusses Upper Big Branch public hearing process - WVPubcast.org

Leno at the White House Correspondents Dinner | Gotcha Media

2010-05-02T13:54:00.001-04:00

Leno at the White House Correspondents Dinner | Gotcha Media

Posted using ShareThis

Obama Speaks at the White House Correspondents Dinner | Gotcha Media

2010-05-02T13:52:00.001-04:00

Obama Speaks at the White House Correspondents Dinner | Gotcha Media

Posted using ShareThis

Foundation grant secures funding for Marsh Fork school replacement - WVPubcast.org

2010-04-30T22:05:00.001-04:00

Foundation grant secures funding for Marsh Fork school replacement - WVPubcast.org

WV miners honored at Workers' Memorial Day event - WVPubcast.org

2010-04-29T19:22:00.000-04:00

WV miners honored at Workers' Memorial Day event - WVPubcast.org

Coverage of the miners memorial service - WVPubcast.org

2010-04-29T19:21:00.000-04:00

Coverage of the miners memorial service - WVPubcast.org

WV Public Broadcasting Welcomes Director of News and Public Affairs

2010-02-21T07:28:00.001-05:00

West Virginia Public Broadcasting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact spatterson@wvpubcast.org, Shawn Patterson or (304)556-4908

WV Public Broadcasting Welcomes Director of News and Public Affairs

Charleston, W.Va. – February 19, 2010 – John Hingsbergen has joined West Virginia Public Broadcasting as director of news and public affairs.

Hingsbergen was most recently program director at WMUB-FM at Miami University in Ohio. Prior to that he worked for several radio and television stations in a variety of capacities and some public relations experience throughout the greater Cincinnati area.

His production work and journalism skills have garnered several regional and local awards, including a regional Emmy, a Gabriel Award, Ohio Associated Press awards, and the Society for Professional Journalists-Ohio Chapter.

“We are thrilled John is on board with us,” said Dennis Adkins, executive director of West Virginia Public Broadcasting. “His experience with a variety of news operations will add a lot to the mix as we continue to improve our statewide news service.”

Hingsbergen replaces Scott Finn who left the organization to become news director at WUSF Public Broadcasting in Florida.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting nurtures personal growth, promotes civic responsibility and inspires lifelong discovery through high-quality programming and services. West Virginia Public Radio, West Virginia PBS, wvpubcast.org and Ready To Learn® are all services of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

From the Charleston WV Daily Mail

2010-02-21T07:21:00.002-05:00

Police Briefs
Friday February 19, 2010

Robbery suspect used box cutter

Police arrested a Charleston man accused of robbing and wounding a man with a box cutter on the city's East End.

Charleston police said Darren Lester, 42, of Jackson Street robbed John Hingsbergen Tuesday night at his home, also on Jackson Street.

Lester demanded money from Hingsbergen, wrestled him to the ground and cut him several times on his face and hands, according to a complaint filed in Kanawha Magistrate Court.

Police said Hingsbergen gave Lester his wallet containing about $36 and several debit and credit cards. Lester fled the scene and was arrested early Wednesday.

Lester has been charged with felony malicious wounding and first-degree robbery. He is being held at South Central Regional Jail.

Cincinnati.Com | Cincinnati Enquirer | TV and Media Blog »

2010-02-10T10:23:00.001-05:00

Cincinnati.Com | Cincinnati Enquirer | TV and Media Blog »

Posted using ShareThis

West Virginia, Here I Come

2010-02-07T11:06:00.005-05:00

A quick note for now:

It became official this past week. On Feb. 16, I begin as News Director at West Virginia Public Broadcasting, based in the State Capitol City of Charleston.

More details to come. For now, thanks to all for your support and encouragement during the past year.

By the way, I received the job offer at WVPB on January 22, 2010....the exact one-year anniversary of Miami University's announcement that they were eliminating our jobs at WMUB! Coincidence? You decide for yourself.

Check out the website and listen online at: www.wvpubcast.org

Check this out!

2009-12-24T14:53:00.002-05:00

A quick note of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all..and a suggestion that you check out the following story from the December 24 national broadcast of NPR's Morning Edition.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121841016

Cheri was local host of Morning Edition at WMUB for three years before Miami University's shutdown of the Oxford studios. She's now producing regular stories for 89.7 FM, WNKU at Northern Kentucky University.

Still More Awards for the Former WMUB News Team

2009-09-13T14:05:00.004-04:00

WMUB's former news team received a total of ten awards from the Cincinnati Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. These were presented in a ceremony Thursday evening September 10.

Congratulations are once again in order for Cheri, Gary and Tana for these and their many other achievements over the past few years!

The judges' comments follow each of the first-place winner listings.

CINCY PRO SPJ CONTEST 2009

28 – SHORT FEATURE, RADIO
1. “Fast Fungi”
Tana Weingartner, WMUB-FM
Judge: Downright lovely, and informative.

2. “Student Protest”
Gary Scott, WMUB-FM

29 – LONG FEATURE, RADIO
1. “Model-T Party”
Gary Scott, WMUB-FM
Judge: This entry just has form—and the nostalgia element doesn’t hurt either. Good work.

31 – SPORTS COVERAGE, RADIO
1. “Double Dutch Champions”
Cheri Lawson, WMUB-FM
Well done; love mix of audio. Hard to decide between 1st and

2. “Chi Running”
Cheri Lawson, WMUB-FM

32 – BUSINESS COVERAGE, RADIO
1. “EnterTrainment”
Cheri Lawson, WMUB-FM
Judge: I was fascinated by this feature. Excellent—what more can I say?

2. “Borrower Outreach”
Tana Weingartner, WMUB-FM

34 – PUBLIC AFFAIRS, RADIO
1. “Threshold Choirs”
Cheri Lawson, WMUB-FM
Judge: All entries were excellent, but as to subject matter, this one was unique. Splendid use of narrative with music, and vice versa. I was moved by this, and I imagine many WMUB listeners were as well.

2. “Sew Much Comfort”
Gary Scott, WMUB-FM

3. “Homeless Gateway Plan”
Tana Weingartner, WMUB-FM

More Awards for the former WMUB News Team

2009-08-29T17:13:00.002-04:00

The latest awards are from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. The 17 awards listed here are, once again, the most for any station in the competition. Well done, team!

Radio Winners
Smaller Markets
Best Consumer Reporting
FIRST: Healing Touch,” Cheri Lawson, WMUB.

Best Continuing Coverage
FIRST: “SWAT Shooting in Lima,” Staff, WIMA.
SECOND: “Windstorm Aftermath,” News Team Staff, WMUB.

Best Enterprise Reporting
FIRST: “Fast Fungi,” Tana Weingartner, WMUB.
SECOND: “Sewing for Soldiers,” Gary Scott, WMUB.

Best Feature Reporting
FIRST: “The Two Miamis: Neepwaantiiyankwi,” Tana Weingartner, WMUB.
SECOND: “Model T Party,” Gary Scott, WMUB.

Best General Assignment
FIRST: “Palin in West Chester,” Tana Weingartner, WMUB.

Best Health Care Feature Reporting
FIRST: “Threshold Choirs,” Cheri Lawson, WMUB.
SECOND: “Healing Touch,” Cheri Lawson, WMUB.

Best Medical/Health Reporting
FIRST: “Alternative Healthcare,” Cheri Lawson, WMUB.

Best Minority Issues Coverage
FIRST: “WMUB Forum: Proposition 8 Protest,” Gary Scott and John Hingsbergen, WMUB.

Best Spot News
FIRST: “Explosion at Tuttle Construction,” Doug Jenkins, WIMA.
SECOND: “Palan Announcement Reax,” Tana Weingartner and Heather Reed, WMUB.

Radio Winners
Smaller Markets Individual/Station Honors

Best Anchor
FIRST: Body of work, Larry States, WAKR-WONE-WQMX.
SECOND: Body of work, Cheri Lawson, WMUB.

Best News Operation
FIRST: Body of work, News Team, WMUB.

Best Public Affairs Program
FIRST: “WMUB Forum: Year in Review,” Gary Scott and John Hingsbergen, WMUB.

Best Reporter
FIRST: Body of work, Tana Weingartner, WMUB.
SECOND: Body of work, Gary Scott, WMUB.

Awards Just Keep on Coming!

2009-06-16T12:15:00.002-04:00

The former staff of WMUB won a total of seven awards presented by the Public Radio News Directors Inc. presented June 13, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

These were in Division C, given to organizations with 1 or 2 full-time news staff. Prior to the transfer of operations to Cincinnati Public Radio, WMUB had two full-time news people, Gary Scott & Tana Weingartner, plus Cheri Lawson working part-time as Morning Edition anchor and reporter as well as numerous students.

These awards follow the announcement earlier this month of 11 awards for the former WMUB staff from the Ohio Associated Press. (see my previous blog posting about the AP Awards)

Division C

Best Writing
Second Place
WMUB - FM
“Threshold Choir #2”
(produced by Cheri Lawson)

First Place
WMUB - FM
“Fast Fungi”
(produced by Tana Weingartner)

Breaking News
First Place
WMUB - FM
“Windstorm Aftermath”
(Gary Scott & Tana Weingartner)

Commentary
First Place
WMUB - FM
“Purple Haze”
(Commentator Jennie Kiffmeyer)

Soft Feature
First Place
WMUB - FM
“Threshold Choir #1”
(Cheri Lawson)

Spot News
Second Place
WMUB - FM
“Palin in West Chester”
(Tana Weingartner)

First Place
WMUB - FM
“Student Protest”
(Gary Scott)

More Awards for Former WMUB Staff

2009-06-10T20:31:00.004-04:00

This was posted by the Miami University Communications office:

WMUB News Staff Earn Ohio AP Awards for Reporting

06/09/2009

The news and on-air staff of WMUB 88.5 FM earned numerous awards this weekend from the Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters for work produced and broadcast in 2008.

WMUB’s awards, earned for medium-sized markets, are as follows:

Best use of sound, 1st place, Cheri Lawson, on-air host, for “Double Dutch Champions” and 2nd place, Tana Weingartner, news producer, for “Miami Stomp Dance.”

Best broadcast writing, 1st place, Gary Scott, news director, for “Model-T Party” and 2nd place, Jennie Kiffmeyer, a commentator, for “Purple Haze.”

Best documentary or series, 1st place, John Hingsbergen, program director, and Gary Scott, “WMUB Election Forums.”

Best feature reporting, 1st place, Cheri Lawson, “Threshold Choirs” and 2nd place, Tana Weingartner, “The Two Miamis: Neepwaantiiyankwi.”

Best continuing coverage, 2nd place, Tana Weingartner and Gary Scott, “Windstorm Aftermath.”

Best enterprise reporting, 2nd place, Gary Scott, “Sewing for Soldiers.”

Best anchor, 2nd place, Cheri Lawson.

Best reporter, 2nd place, Tana Weingartner.

“WMUB won more awards than any other public radio station in Ohio for work in 2008. I could not possibly be prouder of the immensely talented group I have been privileged to work with at WMUB,” said Cleve Callison, WMUB general manager.

The full list of award winners is here: www.ap.org/ohio/oapb.html.
Click on medium markets for WMUB’s categories.

WMUB has been managed by Cincinnati Public Radio (CPR) since March 1. The university reached an operating agreement with CPR following a two-year process of exploring options for the future of WMUB.

Personal Note: As WMUB Program Director for the past nine years, I add my congratulations and thanks to our hard-working staff.

More In Memory of the Urban Forester

2009-06-10T20:28:00.003-04:00

My friend, former Miami University English Professor and "Poet in Residence" Jim Reiss, penned the following in tribute to Steve Sandfort:

ELEGY FOR "MR. TREE," THE URBAN FORESTER

(In Memoriam: Steve Sandfort)

If he now lies lifeless,
he fell in a faraway place
where we could not hear him
so he has not vanished but still
speaks out on programs, dispensing
his free advice about trees

on our radio station that lasted
as long as his sixty-sixth year,
then somehow got caught in a storm
but lives on in digital archives,
in his words about buckeyes and elms
meeting spring in a thousand green glades.

Farewell to "The Urban Forester"

2009-05-29T22:28:00.010-04:00

Steve Sandfort at the final broadcast of Free Advice at WMUB February 26, 2009 and with WMUB General Manager Cleve Callison during the show's very first broadcast in September 2002.

A dear friend and treasured colleague has passed on. The Cincinnati Enquirer obituary listings of Friday May 29, 2009 marked the passing of Steve Sandfort, former Director of the Office of Urban Forestry for the City of Cincinnati and more recently a consultant with the Hamitlon County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Steve apparently died suddenly Saturday May 23rd. At his request, no services were held. Knowing Steve, he didn't want to trouble anyone and would want us to remember him as we knew him, a big man with an even bigger heart.

I'm practically at a loss for words since I am in shock and deeply saddened by Steve's passing. My former WVXU colleague Mike Martini, now with WMKV, has written a very fitting tribute to Steve in his blog at Cincinnati.com. You should be able access it via the link below:

Mike Martini's Blog Entry on Cincinnati.com

Steve was a frequent guest on my program "Free Advice" at WMUB over the past 8 years or so. In fact, he was the very first guest when we launched the show and was on the air at least four times every year. We also called on him following ice storms and events such as last September's wind storm for special call-in shows and news stories.

For those who've never heard him, here are links to audio from his last show on January 29, 2009:

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

Steve was also among the guests on the final edition of "Free Advice" in which I had invited all our "guest experts" to participate on February 26, 2009.

If there is some interest, I'll post links to that show here as well.

For now, rest in peace, my friend and thanks for the smiles and belly laughs you brought into my life.

Just curious

2009-04-22T00:16:00.003-04:00

I'm wondering if any of our WMUB listeners from the days when the station operated at Miami University are still listening now that the station is operated by Cincinnati Public Radio? How has your listening changed as a result of the change in management of the station?

What do you miss most about our former programming?

What do you like most about the change?

You can post your comment to the blog for all to see.

Thanks

John

My Son on Stage

2009-03-27T16:09:00.003-04:00

LaSalle High School's production of Pippin is underway with performances starting last night (Thursday March 26) continuing the 27th and 28th at 8:00 pm with a final show Sunday the 29th at 5:00 p.m.

My son Jay is one of four leads in the show, playing the role of King Charles (aka Charlemagne.) His friends and co-members of the teen DooWop group, the Undertones, are also in major roles, namely: Nathan Huey as the "Leading Player", Ben Huey as "Pippin," and Tyler Kuhlman as "Lewis."

For more information about the Undertones, visit their site at: http://undtones.blogspot.com

Coverage of WMUB's Final Days of Local Programming

2009-03-08T00:14:00.002-05:00

For those who might be interested, here are some links to articles about the shutdown of WMUB's studios in Oxford:

A Radio Era Ends Quietly - Dayton Daily News 3/1/09

WMUB Signs Off - Dayton Daily News 3/1/09

Miami University to cut 216 jobs: 9 at Middletown campus - Dayton Daily News 2/27/09

Options run out in Ohio college town as licensee guts its pubradio budget - Current (Public Broadcasting newspaper) 2/2/09

Miami University and Cincinnati Public Radio pursue agreement for WMUB - Miami University News Release 1/22/09

Acts of Kindness and Support

2009-03-02T20:59:00.003-05:00

Events of the past week have demonstrated the basic goodness of a lot of people. As we entered the final week of local broadcasting on WMUB, signs of support were constant and sometimes overwhelming. From the people who sent cookies and other sweet treats, to the steady stream of folks at Friday's open house, all of us on the staff have been recipients of constant demonstrations of kindness and concern.

I would hope that most of the concern has been from people who realized they were losing access to local programs and news that we have developed in service to Southwest Ohio and the Miami Valley. It's obvious that the programming we've been doing has touched some people in a positive way.

And here's a good one: Listener Scott from Dayton has put together a "WMUB Friends" website. Here's the link so you can check it out if you like: http://www.wmubfriends.org

I remain thankful for the opportunity to oversee programming at the station for nearly nine years. Where do I go from here? Who knows but I'm expecting another adventure.

Public Meeting concerning WMUB February 3, 5:00 pm

2009-01-29T23:15:00.001-05:00

Miami Announces Changes to WMUB;
--public meeting POSTPONED to Feb 3. due to the winter storm
--last Friday's WMUB Forum podcast
--reactions on our Directions blog

(OXFORD, OH, January 22, 2009) - Miami University and Cincinnati Public Radio (CPR) are actively negotiating an operating agreement for CPR to manage WMUB, in order to continue to provide public radio services to listeners of WMUB while addressing the university's projected budget deficit.

WMUB has broadcast from Miami University for 58 years. However, due to its rural location and signal strength, it has not been able to achieve the audience and listener pledges that urban-based public radio stations receive. Consequently WMUB receives more than $500,000 in annual direct subsidy from the university plus more than $300,000 in indirect support.

"We have come to this decision with deep regret because of our long history with WMUB and the excellent staff there now, but the financial obligation of WMUB can no longer be borne by the university with the economic challenges we face," said Miami President David Hodge.

WMUB Forum on Friday, January 23rd was devoted to this topic. You can listen to or downoad the podcast here.
Miami's public information meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 28th has been postponed to Tuesday, February 3rd, 5pm in 102 Benton Hall on the Miami campus. You will be able to listen to this event in one of 3 ways:

aired live on our HD3 channel (requires an HD receiver)
streamed live on the web
re-broadcast on 88.5 & HD1 at 7 pm Tuesday 2/3
Find out more at the Miami University web site (here's the story link directly).

Sad News

2009-01-27T23:22:00.001-05:00

22 January 2008
embargoed until 4 p.m. Jan. 22

Contact: Claire Wagner
wagnercm@muohio.edu
office: (513) 529-7592
home: (513) 521-0124

WMUB FM AND CINCINNATI PUBLIC RADIO PURSUE AGREEMENT

OXFORD, Ohio – Miami University and Cincinnati Public Radio (CPR) are actively negotiating an operating agreement for CPR to manage WMUB 88.5 FM, its NPR-affiliated radio station, in order to continue to provide public radio services to listeners of WMUB while addressing the university’s projected budget deficit. Public Radio Capital, a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen public radio, has assisted both groups with the negotiations.

WMUB has broadcast from Miami University for 58 years, however, due to its rural location and signal strength, it has not been able to achieve the audience and listener pledges that urban-based public radio stations receive. Consequently WMUB receives more than $500,000 in annual direct subsidy from the university plus more than $300,000 in indirect support.

“We have come to this decision with deep regret because of our long history with WMUB and the excellent staff there now, but the financial obligation of WMUB can no longer be borne by the university with the economic challenges we face,” said Miami President David Hodge.

The university chose not to sell the station, as it would have likely meant losing the public radio programming that it now provides to the Miami Valley. This decision follows a two-year process of exploring options for the future of WMUB, which did not result in an economically viable way to continue WMUB as a stand-alone station. Under this operating agreement, WMUB would join public radio stations WGUC FM and WVXU FM, which are owned and operated by Cincinnati Public Radio. WVXU and WMUB currently offer similar programming. With this alliance, WMUB will maintain its emphasis on news and information offerings on 88.5 FM as well as offer opportunities for student development.

WMUB’s signal direction means most of its listeners are in Montgomery and Butler counties and parts of eastern Indiana. The combination of WMUB, WVXU and WGUC would create a radio alliance that would serve both WMUB’s audience and the rest of the tri-state region, and, under this agreement, Miami would also receive air time to promote both its faculty expertise and its cultural, arts and educational programs to a broader audience in Greater Cincinnati and throughout southwest Ohio.
President Hodge, Provost Jeffrey Herbst and Vice President for Finance and Business Services David Creamer will host a community forum to provide background on plans for the station at 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, in 102 Benton Hall on High Street on Miami’s Oxford campus. Cincinnati Public Radio representatives Richard N. Eiswerth and Chris Phelps will also be present.

-30-

WMUB FM BACKGROUND AND ADDITIONAL DETAIL

History of this decision:
In January 2007, Miami President David Hodge asked a committee to provide a strategic perspective on WMUB’s future, including assessing “the investment that Miami currently provides WMUB and examine the full range of alternatives to the current financial commitment. … I specifically request that the committee carefully evaluate the efficacy of the current arrangement and the options of merging with or taking over management of another station, selling the station, or other actions that would significantly redefine Miami’s financial investment in WMUB.”

The committee's report, delivered in September 2007, confirmed “WMUB faces serious challenges in raising funds through underwriting and membership.” Working with public radio consultants and receiving input from various stakeholders, the committee produced four possible paths for the station, two of which involved creating potential partnerships with public or commercial media in the region, and/or sharing resources. The committee’s major recommendation was to pursue a partnership with Dayton-area public stations, but efforts to do that over the past year did not yield viable solutions.

WMUB refocused its format in August to include more news to try to satisfy its demographic, but unfortunately, it did not help raise listener contributions. Programming changes usually take several months if not years before new listeners respond with financial support.

Finances:
Miami's subsidy in 2006 covered approximately 62 percent of WMUB's full $1.7 million budget. Of the more than 185 public radio stations licensed to U.S. universities, the average subsidy is approximately 37 percent.

WMUB has progressively reduced costs, trimming $230,000 over the past four years to be operating at a minimal budget, but it still cannot function without significant university funding.

Staff:
The most difficult part of the transition is the loss of seven full-time and three part-time positions at WMUB. The staff can remain university employees until June 30 and the university will offer assistance in career counseling and job searches.

The near future:
Miami will retain the broadcast license to WMUB. Listeners will still hear those call letters at the top of the hour. Miami University will obtain a seat on the CPR board of directors, thus helping ensure that the interests of the university, as well as the greater Oxford area, are served.
It is anticipated the change of operations will take place March 1.

WMUB’s 35,000 listeners will hear two-thirds of the same programming they’re used to and have the opportunity to enjoy additional news, information and entertainment programs, including Marketplace, The Splendid Table, Jazz with OT, Blues with Lee Hay, and Echoes.

About Cincinnati Public Radio:

Cincinnati Public Radio is committed to preserving public radio’s service to the tri-state region and is honored to be asked to form this alliance with Miami University. As part of the negotiation process CPR is determining the feasibility of managing WMUB as a news and information station and maintaining its long tenure of public radio service to the university and surrounding communities.

Cincinnati Public Radio is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that owns and operates 90.9 WGUC and 91.7 WVXU. Its mission is to bring the finest classical music and news and information programming to the people of the tri-state. CPR accomplishes this via a variety of over-the-air radio broadcast services, on-line Internet streams and on-demand downloads.

Cincinnati Public Radio is led by a 20 member volunteer board of directors with additional input provided by a 30 member community advisory board.

WGUC has been a leader in the public radio system throughout its history. The station was one of the first in the nation to meet the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's qualification standards and a charter member of National Public Radio. WGUC was also one of the first NPR uplinks; the producer of the first digital west-to-east transatlantic broadcast; and is the only public radio station with an ongoing music-commissioning program.

In 2003, WGUC was the first public radio station in Ohio to broadcast an HD Radio™ signal. And, in 2006, WGUC became the first station in America to broadcast in Surround Sound.

WVXU became a part of Cincinnati Public Radio in 2005. Its programming was focused on news and information and WGUC became a full-time classical station. Evenings and weekends feature classic radio shows, BBC world news and music programs showcasing blues, swing and jazz.

In 2007, WVXU launched a digital HD RadioTM signal and began multicasting which enabled the award-winning woxy.com, “the Future of Rock and Roll,” to return to Cincinnati’s airwaves after several years as an Internet only radio station.

Because of this dedication to quality public radio, both in content and in the most current broadcasting technologies, Cincinnati Public Radio is committed to doing everything within its resources to develop this alliance with Miami University on behalf of the listeners of WMUB.

###

Testing with audio

2009-01-27T22:48:00.005-05:00

Can I post audio here? I don't know but I will now try.

Here is a Miami University Bicentennial Minute.

Video from NPR West

2008-10-05T01:38:00.004-04:00

This is a short video presentation I put together from my visit to NPR West. It includes front and back exterior shots plus video from the "live" production of Day to Day and General Manager Cinny Kennard giving me a tour of the studio where Renee Montagne co-hosts Morning Edition.

Overall, the NPR West facility is very relaxed and comfortable, yet professional. Makes me think this must be what NPR Washington was like 30 or so years ago before it became as complex and sophisticated as it is today.

A Visit to NPR West

2008-10-05T01:02:00.000-04:00

During my recent trip to the Public Radio Program Directors' Conference in L.A./Hollywood, I took a side trip to NPR West.

The facility in Culver City is the site where Renee Montagne co-hosts Morning Edition with Steve Inskeep (He's in Washington.) NPR West is also home to the mid-day magazine show Day to Day and Farai Chedaya's News & Notes.

I'll upload some interior shots, including video, at a later time.

First Entry

2008-10-05T00:39:00.000-04:00

Hi. This is my first attempt at a personal blog so we'll see how this goes. By way of introduction, I am Program Director of WMUB public radio at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. It's a great job that I enjoy very much since I pretty much get to use all the skills in broadcasting and management that I have developed over the past 40 or so years.

On the personal level, I am a husband and a father of two. My wife, daughter and son are the people who keep me honest and in my place. I spend so much time on my career and work-related stuff that I need as much of the balance that the family can give me.

In this blog, I'll plan to write about thoughts and ideas that cross my mind. Most of it will likely be about radio, public broadcasting and related matters.

I'm going to leave the "comment" setting open for now so any registered "blogger.com" users can post your comments. I ask that you refrain from inappropriate or abusive language so we can maintain this open communication.

I'll look forward to hearing from you....maybe after I write something of substance. (Let's see how long it takes for me to do so.)