WSIU Local Community Impact Report 2014 by WSIU Public Broadcasting

Local Content and Service Report to the Community

2014

“ WSIU is one of the few places that actually lets students take over a production. Without WSIU, I would not have had opportunities to travel, learn, meet new people, and gain hands-on experience, like filming gubernatorial debates during my first year. Every student interested in media and broadcasting should have this experience.”

[Photo: M. Tichenor]

Joshua Jackson | SIU Carbondale Graduate, B.A. Radio-TV-Digital Media

Richard “Pete” Peterson, host of Reading Baseball, on the SIU Salukis Baseball Field. “We love Reading Baseball and are proud to support it on WSIU Radio.” David NewMyer & Sue Burroughs | De Soto, Ill. [Photo: P. Franz]

WSIU At-A-Glance

LOC AL VA LU E WSIU Public Broadcasting works with public media, educational, governmental, and community partners to improve the quality of life in our region and beyond by: • Engaging teachers, administrators, children, families, and the public with public media resources designed to enhance learning and critical thinking and to foster understanding and action; • Encouraging civic engagement through statewide debates and legislative programming; • Connecting people with history, arts, culture, health, sports, issues, and each other; and • Empowering people of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their full potential

2014 KE Y S ER VICES WSIU engaged diverse audiences through these key services: • Summer Reading Festival featuring screenings of international children’s films at 11 regional libraries, the creative arts project “In My Neighborhood”, and Mobile Learning Labs at PBS KIDS Ready to Learn events, including Curiosity Day, 100 Days of School, and Read Across America Day; • Local TV documentary on former U.S. Senator Paul Simon, featuring three public screenings and the scheduled launch of the Paul Simon Collection on Illinois PBS LearningMedia; • Local film screenings through the BMI Critical Lens Series and Community Cinema; • Local programs showcasing the legislative process, sports, high school scholars, music genres, natural resources, health care, and our region’s people, places, and issues; and • Hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment for college students in the broadcast industry

LOC AL I MPAC T WSIU transformed local communities through: • Direct, unduplicated contact with 10,000 teachers, students, families, and the public across five states, with support from 100 student and community volunteers, through special events like the Summer Children’s Film Festival, In My Neighborhood, Mobile Learning Labs, and PBS Ready to Learn; • Over 1,000 hours of local programming focusing on local history, politics, people, resources, and events, including a new documentary about former U.S. Senator Paul Simon, annual legislative coverage through Illinois Lawmakers and WSIU Radio’s local news team, local radio programs showcasing Celtic music, our region’s natural resources, health issues, and more; • Three BMI Critical Lens and five Community Cinema film screenings and discussions, in partnership with SIU Carbondale’s Center for Inclusive Excellence, ITVS, and the Carbondale Public Library; • Professional development in the broadcast industry for over 100 SIU Carbondale students; and • Sponsorship of regional events showcasing the arts and culture

WSIU In the Community

2014 SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

The Power to Make a Difference

BMI Critical Lens & Community Cinema

OUR MISSION OF SERVICE WSIU Public Broadcasting is a vital media resource dedicated to inspiring personal growth, community engagement, and a love for learning. With support from our partners, we transform the classroom experience and improve educational outcomes; inspire creativity; encourage civic participation; raise awareness about our region’s history, people, and places; address social issues that impact individual lives and our communities; provide equal access to the arts and culture; foster dialogue between people of all ages and backgrounds; inspire positive change; and encourage individuals to achieve their full potential.

[Photo: M. Tichenor]

WSIU connected the SIU community and regional audiences with public media, key issues, social service resources, and each other through the Black Male Initiative (BMI) Critical Lens Series and the Community Cinema Film Series. Partners for Fall 2013 & Spring 2014 events included the SIU Center for Inclusive Excellence, Black Male Initiative, Progressive Masculinities Mentors, SIU College of Mass Communication & Media Arts, Carbondale Public Library, and ITVS. Films addressed a variety of issues, including the student loan debt crisis, sexual assault in the military, health and education access in minority communities, prejudice and racial inequality, poverty, and gay rights. Individuals of all ages and socioeconomic, educational, religious, racial, and political backgrounds attended the film events. A diverse group of student, SIU faculty and staff, and community moderators guided audiences through in-depth discussions about each film’s issues, how those issues impact us locally and beyond, and how each person can make a difference. WSIU-TV and WSIU Radio raised awareness about these important community conversations through project partners, on-air interviews and promos, online, social media, and through local media announcements, eCards, posters, station publications, and newsletters.

OUR PARTNERS Strong relationships fuel the engine of engagement, which is why WSIU seeks meaningful partnerships with organizations and agencies that share our service mission. With the support of our partners, we work to identify and meet the needs of our communities and to improve quality of life. From SIU Carbondale and regional PreK-12 schools to libraries and museums, from state and local service agencies to public media stations, from individual donors to corporate sponsors, from our Friends of WSIU community advisory board to students and volunteers, WSIU’s partners make achieving our shared goals possible and help to position us to make a positive difference in our communities.

2014 KEY SERVICES Among WSIU’s key services in FY 2014: A Summer Children’s International Film Festival at regional libraries; the creative arts project “In My Neighborhood”; a new documentary and education materials about the exemplary life and career of the late Senator Paul Simon; a statewide GOP gubernatorial candidate debate and year-round legislative programming; Curiosity Day at Cedarhurst, a record-breaking event that attracted 1,300 families from five states; mobile learning labs at PBS KIDS Ready to Learn events; local film screenings and discussions about key social issues and their impact; regional programming showcasing the arts, science, education, politics, events, and more; and professional training in the broadcast industry for over 100 college students.

WSIU is committed to programming and community engagement to raise awareness of the issues of race in our society. WSIU has a long-standing partnership with the Center for Inclusive Excellence (Multicultural Services) on the SIU campus through film in order to explore race, class, gender, and other social issues of the day. The Black Male Initiative film series provided a space for students to also discuss these issues in-depth, to expose them to social issues, and to provide an atmosphere in which to think critically.” [Photo: Provided]

Derrick L. Williams, Assistant Director, SIU Center for Inclusive Excellence

WSIU In the Community OUR COMMITMENT TO LOCAL PROGRAMMING WSIU’s ability to inform, connect, engage, and transform begins with programming. In FY 2014, we produced over 1,000 hours of original, locally-relevant programming and contributed thousands of hours towards student career development and community engagement. WSIU RADIO partnered with WSIU-TV and other public media stations to present an Illinois GOP Gubernatorial Candidate debate in January 2014, broadcast to a potential audience of more than 10-million people. WSIU also partnered with the Illinois Humanities Council to launch the statewide series Southern Illinois Wonders, which highlighted the history, arts, culture, and resources of the region, and the local series Acoustic Nature Hour showcasing the region’s natural beauty. These programs paved the way for us to add more local features in preparation for the Fall 2014 NPR clock change. WSIU Radio’s Jennifer Fuller produced Keep the Beat, a series of local heart health pieces as part of Heart Month, while her special report Heroin in the Heartland examined the alarming rise of heroin use in our region. WSIU’s Science Café series addressed topics such as Southern Illinois Foodworks, the impact of Asian carp on southern Illinois ecosystems, and efforts to build a prescribed fire program in southern Illinois. Other stories focused on SIU Carbondale, education, and the local arts scene. WSIU-TV produced a documentary about the late Senator Paul Simon, which was screened in Carbondale, Springfield, and Chicago and aired on public media stations statewide. WSIU also produced the Paul Simon Collection, a series of educational materials for grades 7-12, which were added to the online service PBS LearningMedia. WSIU participated in a statewide debate in January of 2014 between Illinois GOP Gubernatorial Candidates in partnership with WSIU Radio and other public media stations, with WSIUTV’s Jak Tichenor serving as a panelist. WSIU also broadcast live coverage of the legislative sessions of the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor’s annual speeches through the statewide series Illinois Lawmakers, produced the annual Lincoln Laureates program showcasing prominent Illinoisans, and broadcast seven SIU Men’s Basketball games. WSIU produced new episodes of Expressions (local arts), River Region Evening Edition (student news), Studio A (local music), alt.news 26:46 (off-beat news), and Scholastic Hi-Q (high school quiz show). WSIU InFocus showcased sustainability, local history, vintage aircraft, and programs like Extreme K-9 & This Able Veteran, which pair local veterans with PTSD with specially trained assistance dogs.

2014 SERVICE SPOTLIGHT WSIU RADIO LOCAL NEWS & SPECIALS

[ WSIU Radio News Producer Jennifer Fuller. Photo: K. Conrad]

WSIU Public Radio produces local news, programs, features, and special reports that inform, engage, and entertain and that help listeners understand the issues and events that shape their communities and the world. WSIU’s local newscasts provide detail-rich coverage of SIU Carbondale and regional, national, and global news, as well as public affairs, history, the arts, science, education, and local stories of impact. We report on key issues with an attention to fairness and civil dialogue that can foster respect, understanding, and action. We share emerging trends in a variety of areas, from politics and the economy to the arts and science, inviting local experts to discuss key topics and their potential to transform our society. We also explore locally-relevant issues with a direct and measurable impact on our region, such as the alarming rise of heroin use in an area already devastated by the methamphetamine epidemic. In her June 2014 WSIU Radio special report Heroin in the Heartland, morning news anchor Jennifer Fuller sought the perspective of recovering addicts, law enforcement personnel, doctors, and counselors to present a well-balanced view of the problem and to share how lawmakers, the medical community, and other groups are working together to find solutions.

WSIU is often on ‘in the background’ of our lives – the classical music as we go about our day, and the soothing voices and music of Rhythm in Bloom and Magic Soul calming us in the evening. But its real power is its ability to move into the foreground, as when a news piece educates us, A Prairie Home Companion makes us laugh, The Splendid Table makes us salivate, The TED Radio Hour makes us think, This American Life draws us in, or StoryCorps makes us weep. Thank you, WSIU.” Tony & Terri Goodin, Makanda, Illinois

[Photo: Provided]

WSIU Stories of Impact [Photo: Brehm Memorial Library]

Have Book, Will Travel Film Series WSIU, Prix Jeunesse International, the SIU College of Mass Communication & Media Arts (MCMA), and the SIU Center for International Education partnered to expand knowledge and understanding of different cultures and the global community by hosting screenings of international children’s television films as part of the 2013 Illinois summer library reading theme “Have Book, Will Travel.”

Thank you so much for the excellent international programming you arranged for our local children’s summer reading programs in southern Illinois. The children and adults were enthralled with the films and the student ambassadors. You definitely broadened our horizons and showed that books and films can take you many places.” Sharon Yearwood Retired Children’s Librarian, C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library, Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Films featured came from the Prix Jeunesse Foundation and International Children’s Television Festival, which promote excellence in children’s television and spotlight high-quality programs designed to meet children’s unique cultural needs and to expand their view of the larger world. WSIU traveled more than 900 miles and interacted with more than 500 children during this highly successful cultural enrichment project, which included screenings of children’s television programs at 11 regional community libraries paired with activities, books, and international student guests. Ten SIU Carbondale students from Canada, China, Iran, Japan, Kenya, South Africa, and Turkey shared insights about their home countries, cultures, and traditions and conducted activities, such as providing children with autograph cards with their names written in Chinese, Japanese, and Farsi. “Kids are curious and want to know more,” said participating student Lindani Memani of South Africa, who believes knowledge can dispel stereotypes about different cultures. “Students can get a different perspective on things because sometimes, hate and violence is fueled by misinformation.” WSIU distributed free DVD project toolkits to libraries, and WSIU education and community engagement coordinator Beth Spezia published articles about the project in both the February 2015 issue of the Illinois Library Association’s Reporter journal and the Winter 2013-2014 issue of WatchWords, the newsletter of the Prix Jeunesse Foundation. Spezia and SIU MCMA Dean Dafna Lemish also were invited to review films in the 2014 Prix Jeunesse Festival.

QUICK FACTS WHEN Summer 2013

WHERE 11 public libraries across southern Illinois

PARTNERS Prix Jeunesse International, SIU College of Mass Communication & Media Arts, SIU Center for International Education, and regional southern Illinois libraries in Eldorado, Mt. Vernon, West Frankfort, Murphysboro, Metropolis, Marion, Herrin, Du Quoin, Benton, and Salem

RESULTS Over 500 children gained understanding about cultures around the world. Participating libraries received free DVD project toolkits. SIU international students honed their public speaking skills while educating others about their countries and traditions. WSIU strengthened existing partnerships and built new contacts through Prix Jeunesse International, with Beth Spezia and SIU MCMA Dean Dafna Lemish invited to review films at the 2014 Film Festival. WSIU raised awareness through interviews on WSIU Radio, web pages at wsiu.org, articles in local newspapers and WSIU-TV program guides, and fliers, eCards, and social media posts. [Photos below: C. R. Ballard]

Lindani Memani of South Africa points out her country to children in Du Quoin, Ill.

Children enjoyed receiving autograph cards with their names written in another language (here: in Farsi).

Nina Marhamati of Iran (right) talks with children at Sallie Logan Library in Murphysboro, Ill.

Bowen Gao of China points out animated characters from a Chinese children’s film.

WSIU Stories of Impact [Photo: Paul Simon Institute]

P.S. Illinois: The Paul Simon Story WSIU provided new insights into the inspirational life of the late former U.S. Senator Paul Simon of Illinois and expanded learning opportunities for teachers and students through the production of a 90-minute documentary about Simon and creation of free classroom resources for grades 7-12, uploaded last year to Illinois PBS LearningMedia, an online public media resource for teachers.

The Paul Simon Collection is a model of taking the life, career, and public service of a significant political figure and turning it into an extraordinary teaching resource. The raw material was there in the book and WSIU film, but it needed to be assembled, packaged, and marketed so teachers could make easy use of it in the classroom. These learning modules ensure that Simon’s accomplishments, service, and policy commitments will now be available to generations of students and teachers.” John S. Jackson Visiting Professor, Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, SIU Carbondale, Illinois

P.S. Illinois: The Paul Simon Story: A Life of Uncommon Courage chronicles the life of Simon, a corruption fighting newspaper publisher, state lawmaker, Lieutenant Governor, U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator, college professor, author, and founder of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. The film also highlights key issues Simon championed during his career, including education, disability rights, campaign finance reform, religious tolerance, human rights, health care, clean water, improved international relations, and public service. P.S. Illinois aired on WSIU-TV’s primary HD and WORLD channels, and on public media stations statewide. The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute hosted three well-attended screenings of the film at WSIU-TV’s studios in Carbondale, at the Illinois State Library in Springfield, and at the Union League Club in Chicago. WSIU Education and Outreach Coordinator, Beth Spezia, and education consultant Melanie Hammond co-produced four teaching modules, including videos, lesson plans, essays, and standards correlation, for use with U.S. and Illinois Government, World and American History, Current Events, Journalism, and General Social Studies courses in middle and high schools. Lessons were enriched by excerpts from the book The Essential Paul Simon: Timeless Lessons for Today’s Politics, edited by John Jackson of the Simon Institute. The modules were uploaded to the Illinois Edition of PBS LearningMedia at illinois.pbslearningmedia.org and are available to teachers free of charge.

[Photo: Martin Simon]

QUICK FACTS WHEN Fall 2013 & Spring 2014

WHERE Broadcast on WSIU-TV and PBS stations statewide, with three public screenings (see results)

PARTNERS Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, SIU Carbondale, Illinois Edition of PBS LearningMedia, educational consultant Melanie Hammond, John Jackson of the Public Policy Institute, videographer Erik Mauck

RESULTS

Multiple broadcasts on WSIU HD & WORLD channels, and on PBS stations statewide. Three public screenings in Carbondale, Springfield, and Chicago. Four teaching modules created by WSIU’s Beth Spezia and educational consultant Melanie Hammond for grades 7-12 and available free of charge online at illinois. pbslearningmedia.org.

Illinois Gubernatorial Primary GOP Candidates Debate & Statewide Legislative Programming

GOP candidates in the Illinois Gubernatorial Primary – (left-right) State Senator Bill Brady, State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, businessman Bruce Rauner, and State Senator Kirk Dillard – debate the issues at WTVP Peoria on January 23, 2014. [Photo: Video clip, WTVP Peoria]

WSIU, along with partners WILL /Illinois Public Media, WTVP Peoria, WUIS Springfield, and the League of Women Voters of Illinois encouraged civic engagement and informed voter decisionmaking by partnering to host a downstate debate between four Republican candidates for Governor of Illinois at WTVP’s studios on January 23, 2014. The debate was followed by 30-minutes of analysis by journalists from around the state. It aired live on WSIU-TV and WSIU Radio and on public media stations statewide, and was streamed live online, reaching approximately 10-million citizens. WSIU also raised awareness about the political process and issues impacting our communities by covering the spring and fall sessions of the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor’s annual State of the State and Budget speeches as part of the statewide series Illinois Lawmakers. Hosted by WSIU-TV senior producer Jak Tichenor, the series airs on WSIU-TV and PBS stations statewide, with past episodes available for online viewing at illinoislawmakers.org.

WSIU Stories of Impact [Photo: WSIU]

In My Neighborhood Art Project WSIU partnered with national and local partners to encourage an appreciation of local history, architecture, and the arts as part of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation grantfunded project “In My Neighborhood”. Two-hundred-forty 4th graders at Herrin Elementary spent a semester developing a multi-faced creative arts enrichment project that showcased the rich history and heritage of Herrin, Illinois, a small city of 12,500 residents. Students learned about local history and architecture, and improved their research, critical thinking, writing, and visual arts skills.

The kids were excited and eager. I want them to think about what they see in their own neighborhood, the buildings that really stand out to them that they recognize as special...the buildings that indicate to them ‘this is where I live’. When they get older, then maybe they’ll look more closely at their neighborhood and think, ‘I can change my neighborhood and make it better’”. Brad Moore Art Teacher, Herrin Community Unit School District 4 Herrin, Illinois

Motivational signs were posted around the school to inspire the students’ imaginations and creativity.

Students learned about author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats, explored the meaning of “neighborhood”, and met with local architects, faculty and students from the SIU School of Architecture, Herrin City Library children’s librarian Irene Just, and Herrin district art teacher Brad Moore. They discussed Herrin’s architectural history and applied architectural concepts, with a focus on comparing and contrasting contemporary and historic buildings in downtown Herrin. Utilizing what they learned about architecture, students created collages depicting their own neighborhoods, which were exhibited at the annual HerrinFesta Italiana in May 2014. They also experimented with hands-on mini-geodesic dome construction following the model of visionary architect R. Buckminster Fuller, who taught at nearby Southern Illinois University in Carbondale from 1959-1970. WSIU coordinated photography and videography of the project with support from partners. SIU Radio-TV-Digital Media student Kristopher Lewis gained professional broadcast experience by producing a video documenting the semesterlong project, which aired on WSIU-TV in April 2014 and was posted to WSIU’s YouTube® channel. Lewis set up interviews, shot, edited, produced, and uploaded the video to wsiu.org, where photos from the project also were posted. In addition, SIU’s College of Education highlighted the project in their monthly magazine, Journeys, in May 2014.

A student works on a drawing for his art collage.

QUICK FACTS WHEN Fall 2013 & Spring 2014

WHERE City of Herrin, Illinois, Herrin City Library, Herrin Elementary School

PARTNERS Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, Herrin Elementary School, Herrin City Library, HerrinFesta Italiana, SIU School of Architecture, SIU College of Education, SIU College of Mass Communication & Media Arts

RESULTS 240 children created art collages and mini-geodesic domes to conclude the semester-long project. The collages were exhibited at the May 2014 HerrinFesta Italiana, a nationallyrecognized annual festival. Students gained knowledge of Herrin history and architecture, and learned more about their own neighborhoods, author Ezra Jack Keats, and architect R. Buckminster Fuller. They also improved their research, critical thinking, writing, and visual arts skills. SIU student Kristopher Lewis gained professional experience producing a video, which aired on WSIU-TV in April 2014 and was posted to WSIU’s YouTube® channel & online at wsiu.org. Photos were posted to WSIU’s education Facebook page. The project also was featured in the May 2014 issue of the SIU College of Education’s magazine Journeys.

[Photos: B. Spezia] SIU Carbondale students pose with Herrin Elementary School 4th graders who participated in the creative arts enrichment project “In My Neighborhood.”

WSIU Stories of Impact [Photo: Provided]

Curiosity Day at Cedarhurst

QUICK FACTS

WSIU and Cedarhurst Center for the Arts nurtured a love for art, science, and the outdoors at “Curiosity Day”, a free spring family event held on April 26, 2014 on the Cedarhurst grounds in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Sponsors included Cedarhurst, the SIU Credit Union, and Modern Woodmen of America.

Our collaboration with WSIU brings families from the southern Illinois region together for an afternoon of fun, exploration, and learning. It is evident the educational impact that WSIU’s programming has on children when you witness the joy parents and children experience while engaged in activities based on popular PBS shows. Cedarhurst is proud to be associated with such excellence and quality.”

In the station’s largest event to date, 1,300 children and families from five states enjoyed multiple activities based on the PBS KIDS series Curious George. Among the activities were photo opportunities with Curious George and the Man With the Yellow Hat, outdoor mural painting, flying kites, making music instruments, testing new sound sculptures, planting seeds, making masks, building with Citi Blocks, creating sidewalk chalk art, jump roping and hula hooping, a children’s art exhibit, and Curious George videos and books. Families also received WSIU materials and free books. More than 40 community volunteers and SIU Carbondale students from the College of Mass Communication & Media Arts, Speech Communications, and Student Registered Organizations gained experience in organizing and managing a large public event under the supervision of WSIU and Cedarhurst staff. WSIU production, promotion, and outreach students and staff recorded video, taped testimonials for on-air use, and documented the event in photos. WSIU outreach student employee Kristopher Lewis narrated the on-air TV and radio promotional spots for the event. [Photos below: T. Price, M. Tichenor]

WHEN April 26, 2014

WHERE Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mt. Vernon, Illinois

PARTNERS Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, SIU Credit Union, Modern Woodmen of America, SIU College of Mass Communication & Media Arts, SIU Speech Communications, SIU Student Organizations

RESULTS

Over 1,300 children and families from across five states enjoyed hands-on art and science exploration at multiple activity stations, interacted with Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat, and more. SIU students and volunteers gained experience helping to organize, promote, manage, and document a large public indoor / outdoor event. WSIU and sponsors raised awareness about the event via on-air TV and radio spots, on-air interviews, newspaper articles, electronic & print promo materials, e-blasts, and social media.

Jennifer Sarver Director of Education, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Mt. Vernon, Illinois

PBS KIDS Ready to Learn: Mobile Learning Labs WSIU strengthened and expanded our Mobile Learning Labs to include partners such as Boys & Girls Clubs, SIU Child Development Laboratories, Herrin City Library, and North Side Primary School and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Schools in Herrin, Illinois. WSIU emphasized Ready To Learn math and literacy frameworks and new PBS KIDS game content while expanding mobile learning labs using iPad and Kindle Fire tablets and other mobile applications at events such as 100 Days of School, Dr. Seuss Read Across America, Red Cross Blood Drives, Catholic Schools Week, and Parent Night at child care centers. Children enjoyed Peg + Cat and other PBS KIDs program videos, computer games, and crafts, such as creating flipbooks and stick puppets to strengthen skills in counting and identifying shapes. Teachers also shared how they are using Mobile Learning tools in the classroom. Some events included Raising Readers Theater performances. WSIU provided giveaways and books, and SIU students captured video and photos with participating classrooms and families. WSIU’s Beth Spezia shared WSIU’s Mobile Learning Lab efforts with educators and other PBS stations through webinars and conferences.

A young boy at North Side Primary School in Herrin, Illinois tests a PBS KIDS game on an iPad at a 100 Days of School event in 2014. Photo: T. Price.

WSIU Stories of Impact

Celtic Connections

[Photo: Provided]

WSIU provides equal access to music and culture through its Celtic music series, Celtic Connections, produced by and broadcast weekly on WSIU Radio and on over 145 radio stations nationwide. Launched in 1991 and hosted by musician Bryan Kelso Crow [see photo at left], an associate professor in Communication Studies and Lecturer in Irish Studies at SIU Carbondale, Celtic Connections showcases the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music and includes interviews, commercial recordings, and concert performances by renowned regional and visiting national and world artists.

Since the program’s inception, there has been an explosion of world-wide interest in and awareness of Celtic music, matched [Photo: R. Snow-King] by a huge increase in the number of recordings. As the program matured, Crow added interviews with Celtic musicians and recorded entire concerts for later broadcast. In July of 1996, Celtic Connections became syndicated nationally. Crow regularly receives e-mail from Celtic music fans around the country as the popularity of the series continues to grow. In 1998, the series was honored by the placement of four episodes into the permanent archives of the Ethnic Radio Collection of the Museum of Television and Radio in New York. The programs are “The 1798 Uprising in Song,” “The Scotch-Irish People and Their Music,” “Celtic Americans,” and “New Releases”, all available for listening at the Museum, located on 25 West 52nd Street in New York City.

Southern Illinois Wonders / Acoustic Nature Hour

Southern Illinois Wonders episode featuring the history of steamboats in southern Illinois. [Photo: Cairo Public Library]

I have taken your 7pm podcast with me across the country, from Missouri to Georgia and Georgia to Oklahoma. Through the toils of Army life, my lovely wife and I always set aside one hour every Sunday evening to cook dinner together and listen to your show. I can’t tell you how much Celtic Connections means to us. We have gone through trials and solitude, but in the end, we look forward to our Sunday evenings and our 7pm date with the best hour of radio on the airwaves.”

WSIU Radio turned the spotlight on the region’s history, art, culture, and natural resources by launching Southern Illinois Wonders [see photo at left] in partnership with the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC), and Kevin & Suet-Lee Growney Acoustic Nature Hour, which combines acoustic guitar with nature sounds and personal stories Fort Riley, Kansas from outdoor enthusiasts. A positive audience response to both programs has led to an increase in broader WSIU features showcasing the history and beauty of the region.

We’re very excited to be working again with our valued partner WSIU Public Radio. Southern Illinois Wonders will create opportunities for audiences to learn about the region’s long history and distinctive culture from those who study, celebrate, and live it.” – Angel Ysaguirre, IHC Executive Director

River Region Evening Edition & alt.news 26:46 On the Evening Edition TV news set. [Photo: T. Price]

The 2013 National Beard & Moustache Contest in New Orleans, alt.news 26:46, episode 1504. [Photo: altnews2646.com]

WSIU-TV is preparing the next generation of broadcast professionals with the River Region Evening Edition and alternative news magazine series alt.news 26:46. Produced completely by students, the Evening Edition series airs live Monday through Thursday during the academic year and has been named the best student newscast in the state by the Illinois Broadcasters Association and the best Student TV News Magazine in the U.S. In its 14-year history, alt.news 26:46 has won over 30 Professional Regional Emmy Awards and 5 National College Television Awards, more than any other student-produced program in the country. It showcases events, the arts, history, human interest stories, and more, spotlighting everything from a national moustache contest to an underground zipline.

Some of the top broadcast journalists in the nation got their start here at SIU. We have an enviable reputation for not only providing students with a quality education, but also giving them actual hands-on experience covering news for TV, the web, and radio.” – Greg Todd, WSIU-TV News Director

WSIU Evaluating Outcomes, Measuring Impact

2014 SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

PARTNERING FOR POSITIVE IMPACT LOCAL / REGIONAL PARTNERS

[Photo: P. Franz]

WSIU inspires an appreciation of the arts and culture through locally-produced programs, station-sponsored events, and the sponsorship of cultural events across our service region. Examples include WSIU-TV’s Expressions and WSIU Radio programs Celtic Connections, Rhythm in Bloom, and Magic Soul; station events like screening parties for Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey and Last Tango in Halifax; and regional events, including the Big Muddy Film Festival, Carbondale Friday Night Fairs, Murphysboro Apple Festival Parade [see photo above], Southern Illinois Irish Festival, Southern Illinois Music Festival, Southern Illinois Symphony Series, and the Stage Company Performance Series.

TRANSFORMING LIVES AND COMMUNITIES ADDRESSED the educational needs of 10,000+ teachers, students, children, and families through Summer International Children’s Film Events at regional libraries, the creative arts project “In My Neighborhood”, Mobile Learning Labs at PBS Ready to Learn events, Illinois PBS LearningMedia webinars and presentations, PBS KIDS workshops for parents and child care providers, Raising Readers Theater performances, and PBS KIDS activities at book fairs, block parties, math nights, Martha Speaks Read Aloud Book Clubs & Dia de Los Nînos. ENGAGED millions of Illinois citizens in the political process through a statewide GOP Gubernatorial Primary Debate, coverage of the Governor’s speeches & the Illinois General Assembly on the statewide series Illinois Lawmakers, and local analysis on WSIU InFocus, the River Region Evening Edition, and WSIU Radio News. EXPANDED learning opportunities for the general public, teachers, and students by producing a new documentary on the life and career of the late Senator Paul Simon, the development of the Paul Simon Collection for Illinois PBS LearningMedia, and the SIU student-produced quiz show Scholastic Hi-Q. CONNECTED diverse adult audiences to local resources and each other while encouraging respectful dialogue about key social issues at the BMI Critical Lens Series and at monthly public Community Cinema screenings at the Carbondale Public Library.

Area PreK-12 Schools Area Public & Community Libraries Big Muddy Film Festival Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale Carbondale Community Arts Carbondale Kiwanis & Rotary Clubs Carbondale Main Street Carbondale Public Library Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Child Care Resource & Referral Chocolate Factory - Golconda Early Learning Challenge Innovation Zone Girl Scout Shagbark Council Illinois Eastern Community Colleges John A. Logan College Marion Cultural & Civic Center Murphysboro Apple Festival Regional Chambers of Commerce Regional Libraries Regional Offices of Education Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Science Center of Southern Illinois Shawnee National Forest SIU Credit Union Southern Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children Southern Illinois Association of Museums Southern Illinois Coalition for Children & Families Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market Veterinary Tech Program Southern Illinois Healthy Communities Coalition Southern Illinois Healthcare Southern Illinois Humane Society Southern Illinois Irish & Music Festivals Southern Illinois P-20 Education Alliance Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra Southern Illinois Technology Showcase Southern Illinoisan Southern Illinois University: Colleges of Agriculture, Education & Human Services, Engineering, Mass Communication & Media Arts, SIU Carbondale Southern Illinois University: Departments and Units: Athletics, Child Development Laboratories,

INSPIRED an appreciation of the arts through the WSIU Radio

Center for Inclusive Excellence, Center for International Education; educ8kdz, Head Start, Morris Library, Non-Traditional Student Services, Recreation Center Southern Region Early Childhood Programs Stage Company United Way of Southern Illinois University Mall The UPS Store - Carbondale Varsity Center for the Arts WIDB Women With Infants & Children, Region V Wright Do-It Center

ILLINOIS PARTNERS

Illinois Arts Council Illinois Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Education Collaborative Illinois Farmers Market Association Illinois Humanities Council Illinois League of Women Voters Illinois Migrant Council Illinois News Broadcasters Association Illinois P-20 Education Council Illinois Public Broadcasting Council Illinois Public Radio Illinois State Board of Education Illinois State Library Public Media Stations – WILL Urbana/Champaign, WTVP Peoria, WUIS Springfield

NATIONAL / WORLD PARTNERS American Public Radio & American Public TV Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) Independent Television Service (ITVS) National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) National Public Radio (NPR) Prix Jeunesse International Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) PBS LearningMedia & PBS KIDS Ready to Learn Public Radio International (PRI) United Way WGBH Boston WTTW Chicago

specially trained dogs to area veterans with PTSD, sustainability, vintage aircraft, local history and architecture, and the protection of natural resources, such as the Shawnee Forest.

programs Celtic Connections (Celtic music), Rhythm in Bloom (jazz) and Magic Soul (soul) and new programs Southern Illinois Wonders and Acoustic Nature Hour; the local TV arts series Expressions; and by sponsoring regional events like the Big Muddy Film Festival and the Southern Illinois Music Festival.

EMPOWERED 1,400 area listeners who are blind or print-

INFORMED regional audiences about local history, people, resources, and health issues on the FM series Morning Conversation, such as our “Keep the Beat” heart health series and specials like Heroin in the Heartland, and on the TV series WSIU InFocus, with features on Extreme K-9 and This Able Veteran programs providing

EDUCATED over 100 students in all aspects of the broadcast industry through in-studio and field work on local productions, at education and community engagement events, at general station-sponsored events, through on-the-job training, and through intensive practicum and internship experiences.

impaired to live more independent lives through WSIU Radio’s Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS).

In Their Own Words

public media fans share their thoughts about WSIU

“We are really excited about our partnership with WSIU to help build on the momentum of this 100th Day of School celebration. I’m looking forward to this partnership growing and strengthening, and working together to help families make connections in education.” Cassie Burgess, Principal, North Side Primary Center, Herrin, Ill.

“I have a three year old great-granddaughter living with me. We really appreciate the PBS KIDS programs!” Katharine D., Effingham, Ill.

“It’s so educational. I started listening to classical music when I moved here and now I listen to everything all the time. WSIU Radio is everything...wonderful!” Shad H., Herrin, Ill.

“We love DJ Sweets [host of Magic Soul] on Sunday evening. Remember: everyone has some soul!” Katherine P. & Steve G., Murphysboro, Ill.

“Life without WSIU is a life not worth living. When I grow up, I want to sound just like WSIU Radio’s Lisa Morrisette!” Jennifer D., Carbondale, Ill. “Thank you for an awesome eight weeks packed with learning and fun. I appreciate all of the diverse experiences I’ve had at WSIU. Thank you for your time and wisdom.” Sara Blackstad, SIU Early Childhood Education Intern & SIU Carbondale Graduate “Thank you so much for sharing the Ezra Jack Keats Project and providing the opportunity for our pre-service teachers to participate in this endeavor.” Louise Stearns, Senior Lecturer, Curriculum & Instruction, SIU College of Education and Human Services “Over 25 years ago in Pennsylvania, I loved listening to Radio Reader with Dick Estelle. When I moved from that area it was never on any of the NPR stations. Two years ago I moved to Carbondale, and it is on WSIU! I listen to it every night when I’m home. Dick picks interesting books to read, and I like to hear him.” Clare C., Carbondale, Ill.

“Mobile technology is the wave of the future. It opens the possibilities of faster learning.” [Comment about WSIU’s Mobile Learning Labs] Sue & Bob T., Mt. Vernon, Ill.

“Like most artists, I spend a lot of time alone in my studio. WSIU keeps me company, and it keeps me informed. I used to live in a small town in Montana with no NPR – it was torture. As soon as I crossed over the mountains, I would start searching the lower end of the dial for those familiar voices!” Mel W., Cobden, Ill. “We started as contributors to support the broadcast of Live Saluki Basketball games. Since then, we discovered the treasures that are your news, drama, and other offerings. Your smart programming is sincerely appreciated.” Judy D., Carbondale, Ill. “Thank you very much for bringing international films to Benton Public Library this summer. I know those who attended really enjoyed them.” Erin Steinsultz, Director, Benton Public Library

“We really enjoy the CREATE channel on WSIU-TV.” Shirley R., Jackson, Mo. “My day is barely complete without WSIU. I’m almost always tuned for Fresh Air at 2pm, then All Things Considered for the rest of the afternoon. I usually have a podcast or two from This American Life to listen to, as well. I love the unique mix of news, entertainment, and storytelling provided by NPR. and I am proud to support my local station.” Andrew S., Carbondale, Ill. “WSIU is what makes my hour-long commute worthwhile.” Patricia S., Effingham, Ill. “In high school, I volunteered at my local educational public access TV/FM station. We began broadcasting a new show called Sesame Street in 1969. A few years later, we added All Things Considered. This was 40+ years ago, and these two wonderful programs are still around. ATC and many other NPR programs are a mainstay of my daily routine.” Ron N., Makanda, Ill. “WSIU is my constant companion whether traveling around in my car or listening at home. I keep up with the news, enjoy interviews with interesting authors, artists, and daily shows, and am musically entertained throughout the week. I wouldn’t feel at home without it.” Joyce C., Carbondale, Ill.

“I really enjoyed last night’s My Music special with Burt Bacharach. I had forgotten that he wrote so many songs. Yay, PBS!” Lois A., Murphysboro, Ill.

“Our family loves watching all the great shows on PBS! Everything from Curious George to Rick Steves and Downton Abbey. Keep up the fantastic programming.” Mark F., Carterville, Ill.

“WSIU always goes that extra step.” Irena Just, Children’s Librarian, Herrin City Library, Herrin, Ill.

“Nature, NOVA, Downton Abbey, Sherlock – all superlative!” Gregory E., Olney, Ill.