WCTV Journal: 2009

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Thanks, WCTV

I am leaving my position as WCTV Station Director to become the Director of Communications and Marketing for Indiana University East. I am pleased to announce that longtime WCTV staffer John Schuerman has been named Interim Station Director.

It has been a pleasure to serve as Station Director during a time of unprecedented growth and change for WCTV. Many of you know that I was a longtime supporter of grassroots video and television personally before I ever had the opportunity to pursue it professionally. Today, more than ever, I believe in the promise of public access television; to empower citizens through technology and to give voice to those not represented in the mainstream. I have seen how this community embraced these ideas and recognized WCTV’s critical role in political, educational, and social discourse in Wayne County.

That is why, when I step down from this position today, the next thing I will do is write my membership check to WCTV, joining all of you who have supported this organization during its more than 20 years of community programming.

Thank you again for your ongoing interest and support of Whitewater Community Television.

Sincerely,

John Oak Dalton

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Vote for WCTV Program of the Year!

Again this year we are putting the Program of the Year Award in the hands of our viewers. You can vote between now and April 16 by emailing your choice to wctv@iue.edu.

Chamber Network Night #1

The calm before the storm, as the WCTV staff poses for a photo before the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce "Chamber Network Night" event, hosted by Comcast and Comcast Spotlight with WCTV at our studio.

Chamber Network Night #2

Sadly, I did not get to tuck into this fantastic buffet until later in the evening.

Chamber Network Night #3

IU East Chancellor Nasser Paydar welcomed the Chamber members to campus.

Chamber Network Night #4

John Schuerman takes a group of Chamber members on a tour of the WCTV facilities.

Chamber Network Night #5

Nick Poling directs in the control room during the Chamber event. We offered free Public Service Announcements for area not-for-profits and had more than 25 takers.

Monday, April 06, 2009

WCTV Press Coverage

I thought I would share with you two opinion pieces from Sunday’s Muncie Star-Press and today’s Richmond Palladium-Item about recent efforts at WCTV:

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090405/OPINION/904050320/1014

http://www.pal-item.com/article/20090406/NEWS0301/904050337/1003/NEWS03

It is thanks to all of our supporters that this recognition is possible. Thank you again for your commitment to Whitewater Community Television.

Friday, March 20, 2009

WCTV and the CCDA

I want to thank the Community Council on Disability Awareness for recognizing WCTV with their President’s Award at the 25th Annual Disability Awareness Awards Program Thursday.

I believe the promise of community television is twofold; to empower people through technology, and to give voice to those whose views are not represented in the mainstream media.

I would like to acknowledge the CCDA for helping WCTV fulfill that promise with the disabilities awareness program “A Closer Look” as well as advocating our WCTV Reading Service, which we produce for the elderly and the visually impaired.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

February 2009 Board of Directors Minutes

Call to Order - 11:05 a.m. by President Mark Linderman

Present: Daryl Greene, Robin Henry, Ed Hoffman, Mark Linderman, Eric Marsh, Jeff Plasterer, Larry Price, Valerie Shaffer, and Rob Zinkan.

Staff: John Dalton, John Schuerman, Nick Poling, and Diane Lucas.

Approval of Minutes
December Minutes: Rob Zinkan moved, with Ed Hoffman giving the second, that the Board unanimously accepts the minutes of December 9, 2008. Minutes approved.
January Minutes: Eric Marsh moved, with Larry Price giving the second, that the Board unanimously accepts the minutes of January 13, 2009. Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report
John Dalton presented the November Treasurer’s Report. John noted that this report reflects the audit expense. Ed Hoffman moved, with Larry Price giving the second, and the November Treasurer’s Report was approved.
John discussed the December Treasurer’s Report, which is a pre-audited end of year report. This report reflects that WCTV raised 98% of the operating budget this year, shows the lack of capital equipment money, and notes that much less interest was earned from Wayne Bank’s Money Market account. Our class fees are up, membership is up, and grants are up. We anticipate a $10,000 - $11,000 profit for 2008. Larry Price moved, with Rob Zinkan giving the second, and the December Budget Report was approved.

Director’s Report
John Dalton reported that on April 8, 2009, WCTV will be the not-for-profit partner with Comcast Spotlight for the Chamber Network Night. WCTV is hosting the event at the station.
On April 23, 2009, WCTV will host an open house for the Central States Alliance for Community Media. Their conference will be held at the Holiday Inn in Richmond and they are expecting 80-100 attendees from Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan.
April will also bring the Annual Meeting for WCTV, and John and Mark are working on Board development.
John gave an update on the positive response to the RP&L weather radar moving to Channel 11.
John Schuerman recently completed the Model T project. This is a two DVD set with about five hours of footage. The Model T Club has produced 1,500 DVDs to sell, with WCTV receiving half of the cost, $15.00 for each DVD sold. The Model T Club is doing all of the advertising and sales, which should begin next Tuesday. Dalton said he believes this could be the biggest project for WCTV to date.
The Lottery took place yesterday, resulting in the new line-up beginning March 1.
John is teaching a video production class again this semester. On February 14, WCTV will broadcast the first live RHS basketball game and also the last live IUE basketball game.

New Business
For the May meeting, Mark Linderman asked the Board members to come up with some ideas for fund raising and to think of who might be good to partner with.
John Dalton requested the Board approve the purchase of two lav mics for the cost of approximately $350 out of the remaining capital equipment money. Jeff Plasterer moved, with Ed Hofffman giving the second, and the purchase was approved.

Good of the Order
John Dalton sent Sharon Palmer good wishes on behalf of the staff.

Adjournment - 11:55 a.m.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Red Wolves Loose in Studio

Troy Derengowski hosting 'Red Wolves Rundown' in the WCTV studio, produced by TEL-T students at IU East. The program airs weekly on Channel 20.

Running with the Pack

Me teaching IU East communications students how to prepare for 'Red Wolves Rundown' in the WCTV studio, a weekly sports show produced by my class.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Hoops Action on WCTV!

Join us tomorrow, February 14th, for our first-ever live broadcast of Richmond High School basketball, as the Red Devils take on the Jay County Patriots at 12:30 from the Tiernan Center.

At 3 p.m., tune in for the second half of our double-header as the high-flying Red Wolves of IU East take on Cincinnati Christian.

Students from the RHS A/V Department and students from IU East’s TEL-T 283/498 class will be teaming up to bring you this special sports broadcast. We hope you can join us tomorrow on WCTV Channel 20.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

January 2009 Board Minutes

Call to Order - 11:05 a.m. by President Mark Linderman
As there was not a quorum, Linderman presided over an informational meeting.

Present: Waketha Downs, Ed Hoffman, Mark Linderman, and Valerie Shaffer.

Staff: John Dalton, John Schuerman and Diane Lucas.

Approval of Minutes
Tabled until February meeting.

Treasurer’s Report
John Dalton noted audit expense and the amount for a part-time temp. We received $500 from the Gannett Foundation for the continuation of the Reading Service.

Director’s Report
John Dalton reported that the Alliance for Community Media would be hosting its regional conference here in April at the Holiday Inn. John expects that we might participate in some way, perhaps with a station tour. The conference lasts three days.
Dalton updated the group on ongoing efforts to bring RP&L’s defunct weather channel back on the air with WCTV.
The IU East class made for the Spring Semester, and it will generate revenue.
The membership drive will be in February, with help this year from IU East.

New Business
Mark Linderman asked the Board members to come up with some ideas for fund raising and to think of who might be good to partner with.

Adjournment - 11:30 p.m.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

RP&L Weather Channel on WCTV

Some of you already know that we have been working closely with RP&L in moving their Weather Channel service to fill open time in the Channel 11 schedule. Both organizations feel that this is an important public service that our community needs and desires.

Although this service is not officially launching, because of approaching severe weather we are inviting you to watch the “soft launch” tonight to follow current conditions, scheduled alongside this evening’s regular programming (including the live Sanitary Board of Commissioners meeting).

More information on this partnership will be forthcoming.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

December 2008 Board of Directors Minutes

Call to Order - 11:05 a.m. by President Mark Linderman

Present: Waketha Downs, Daryl Greene, Robin Henry, Ed Hoffman, Mark Linderman, Eric Marsh, Barb Orbik, Sharon Palmer, Jeff Plasterer, Larry Price, Valerie Shaffer, and Rob Zinkan.

Staff: John Dalton, John Schuerman and Diane Lucas.

Approval of Minutes
November Minutes: Ed Hoffman moved, with Waketha Downs giving the second, that the Board unanimously accepts the minutes of November 11, 2008. Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Robin Henry presented the Treasurer’s Report. Robin noted that the report reflects unexpected expenses for the copy machine and repairs to the van. Rob Zinkan moved, with Ed Hoffman giving the second, and the Treasurer’s Report was approved.
A six-month budget was presented for January through June of 2009, at which time WCTV will be on the same fiscal year schedule as IU East. Sharon Palmer moved, with Waketha Downs giving the second, and the six-month budget was approved.

Director’s Report
John Dalton reported WCTV will receive $20,000 from Wayne County for 2009.
The WCTV Auction brought in slightly more money than last year; there were fewer items and bidders, but more underwriting.
The Salvation Army Christmas Show was a success. WKBV simulcast the program with WCTV.
John shared a letter with the Board that summarized the conclusion of WCTV’s three-year plan and outlined a two-year plan for 2009-2010.

New Business
Mark Linderman asked the Board members to come up with some ideas for fund raising and to think of who might be good to partner with.

Good of the Order
Mark Linderman thanked everyone for their effort at the Auction.

Adjournment - 12:00 p.m.

WCTV Journal