A PBS television station owned by a religious group that is closer to home is WXEL-TV 42 West Palm Beach. WXEL-TV is owned by Barry University which has a Catholic affiliation. I believe Barry still owns WXEL-FM 90.7; however, to my understanding, Barry has or had an agreement to sell the FM to American Public Media / Classical South Florida.
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WMFE-TV
- Thread starter Ai4i
- Start date
Gregg said:
KMBH is Brownsville, Texas is another station, owned by a local Roman Catholic Diocese.
Also, WLAE in New Orleans is half-owned by the Willwoods Community, a Catholic-related organisation, with Louisiana Public Broadcasting owning the other half. (WYES is NO's primary PBS station.)
The Orlando Weekly has a good cover story on the WMFE situation this week.
http://orlandoweekly.com/news/pbs-r-i-p-1.1151663
(One big error, tho -- they describe WDSC and WBCC as "low-power" -- certainly they have less ERP than WMFE, but are full-power licensees!)
It sounds like there is a plan afoot for UCF to partner with BCC to take up the PBS slack. The article is vague and a little confusing on details, but presumably they will use existing WBCC and expand the PBS schedule thereupon. They even call the proposed result "WUCF-TV" in the article -- whether there would actually be a call change or this is just confusion with the existing "UCF-TV" subchannel, I cannot say. In any case, if the UCF Board of Trustees approves (they were to meet this morning), they hope to have the expanded schedule ready to go by July 1, the day after WMFE plans to go dark.
If that IS the plan, it raises some questions. Is a change of licensee (reflecting the UCF/BCC alliance) and new calls (to WUCF) actually in the offing for WBCC? Will they apply to raise ERP or to change the COL to Orlando? Who will actually run the station, and from which campus (or both)? Who will handle fundraising?
If there is anyone on here associated with either school, a few clarifying details would be appreciated!
http://orlandoweekly.com/news/pbs-r-i-p-1.1151663
(One big error, tho -- they describe WDSC and WBCC as "low-power" -- certainly they have less ERP than WMFE, but are full-power licensees!)
It sounds like there is a plan afoot for UCF to partner with BCC to take up the PBS slack. The article is vague and a little confusing on details, but presumably they will use existing WBCC and expand the PBS schedule thereupon. They even call the proposed result "WUCF-TV" in the article -- whether there would actually be a call change or this is just confusion with the existing "UCF-TV" subchannel, I cannot say. In any case, if the UCF Board of Trustees approves (they were to meet this morning), they hope to have the expanded schedule ready to go by July 1, the day after WMFE plans to go dark.
If that IS the plan, it raises some questions. Is a change of licensee (reflecting the UCF/BCC alliance) and new calls (to WUCF) actually in the offing for WBCC? Will they apply to raise ERP or to change the COL to Orlando? Who will actually run the station, and from which campus (or both)? Who will handle fundraising?
If there is anyone on here associated with either school, a few clarifying details would be appreciated!
Stanislav said:
Speaking of details, in light of the fact that WMFE itself has been less than forthcoming surrounding the way the sale was announced, I don't think the controversy over Channel 24 is likely to subside anytime soon. As to what happens to Channel 24 itself, it's still in limbo as of this writing.
I do think the FCC might be a little wary of Daystar's purchase attempts, especially since the article mentions previous FCC investigations into Daystar's TV ventures with regard to educational stations. So I don't think this is over yet, at least not by a long shot. As to when WMFE changes hands, if it does, I don't know yet.
My conclusion: anything is possible, including Channel 24 remaining with PBS, albeit under the guidance of maybe UCF.
Stanislav said:
It is highly doubtful that any request to change the WBCC-TV COL from Cocoa to Orlando will be sought as any such request in all probability will be denied considering Orlando already has one NCE-TV assigned and licensed - WMFE-TV; and the FCC would frown upon any re-licensing efforts to re-locate Cocoa's only NCE-TV channel as the FCC would consider any request to move channel 68 as depriving the residents of Cocoa and Brevard County of its only local non-commercial / educational television outlet. The one possible way the FCC may consider such a move would be if the entity seeking the COL change offered a substitute NCE-TV channel to replace the one being removed.
On the other hand should WBCC-TV desire to become Orlando's primary PBS affiliate, a simple power increase from its present tower site will be enough to give WBCC-TV (or WUCF-TV) comparable city grade coverage over Orlando and all of Central Florida. In other words a COL change isn't necessary to accomplish the overall objective.
Mr. Mike said:
OTOH, Daystar has probably learned a few lessons from their previous ventures to make sure they approach the situation in such a way as to placate the FCC. There are many, many religious stations already operating on educational allocations (many of them TBN), and the FCC does not want to be put into a position that could be interpreted as "discrimination" against religious broadcasters (that would arouse the ire and public squawking of the right wing).
jmtillery said:
They'll probably just ID on-air as "Cocoa-Orlando," which is perfectly legal as long as the COL comes first.
jmtillery said:
Depends on the engineering involved as regards interference with other stations on RF ch. 30 (most notably WSCV in Ft. Lauderdale), as well as other stations on the same tower (though there are no adjacents at the same site). They probably have some wiggle room to boost power a tad, but possibly not to as high an ERP as WMFE.
I think the way it will all go down is.....FCC approves the transfer, noting that there are two other PBS affiliates receivable in the market (if WMFE were the only PBS, it would be a very different situation), UCF/BCC agree to operate WBCC and expand the PBS schedule thereupon and increase ERP as much as possible (and maintain a significant percentage of Brevard-oriented local programming, given their COL), and Daystar is required as a condition of the transfer to devote a certain percentage of their schedule to legitimate (non-proselytizing) educational/cultural/public affairs programming.
Does anyone know the outcome of yesterday's UCF Board of Trustees meeting/vote in regard to this matter?
Typically jumbled Sentinel article -- they keep referring to a "new" station, but it's clearly a repurposing of WBCC, with HD PBS on the main channel, and local BCC and UCF oriented programming on subchannels (and I hope they don't drop ARTS -- that's my "insomnia" channel when I'm up in the middle of the night). I guess the calls will change to WUCF (though they will need FCC approval for that, and possibly a licensee change unless it will still be in BCC's name) and the "broadcast upgrades" may include a boost in ERP (also requiring FCC approval) -- the article keeps talking about them clearing it all with PBS, with no mention of the FCC, whom I doubt will approve all these changes by July 1st. As for "working out where WUCF will be situated on cable and satellite systems" -- well, the station (as WBCC) is already carried on those, unless they are referring to putting it on a lower tier or in a more prominent channel position (I've been OTA only by choice for quite some time now, and have no idea what's where on the money-sucking CATV/satellite systems).
Can they really get all this approved, up and running in 5 weeks? Remains to be seen, I guess.
Can they really get all this approved, up and running in 5 weeks? Remains to be seen, I guess.
I think WBCC has channel position "1" on Bright House set top boxes according to BHN channel listings, which probably translates to channel 98 or something closeby on regular cable-ready tuners.
If not for already having that position, I'd say gun for Channel 24's spot of cable channel 2, which Daystar will otherwise get by default.. and that, placement-wise, would just be a waste.
Blah, anyways.
Byron
If not for already having that position, I'd say gun for Channel 24's spot of cable channel 2, which Daystar will otherwise get by default.. and that, placement-wise, would just be a waste.
Blah, anyways.
Byron
jmtillery said:
I'm not so sure the FCC would deny a Cocoa=>Orlando move if, for some reason, WBCC were to request it. There's another channel, albeit commercial, licensed to Cocoa, (WHLV channel 52) so Cocoa wouldn't lose its only TV station. I don't know of any policy prohibiting the removal of a city's only NCE allotment, as long as that city retains at least one full-power allotment of some kind, and as long as there is no net loss of NCE allotments. (the NCE station could be moved to a different city but not deleted altogether)
Can't say I've seen such a situation happen though, and the FCC does reserve the right to change its mind!
Absolutely, and for that reason I agree that we won't be seeing such a change.
_________________________________________________
I think there is little chance this move will face FCC issues.
There really aren't any grounds for it. It's long been held that educational FM and TV stations may be used to educate on any subject, including religion. There's nothing unusual about a station on a reserved channel being used by a religious broadcaster. Daystar is on good terms with the Commission.
What I suspect will happen... is that Daystar will volunteer to carry WBCC and/or WDSC on a subchannel(s) until/unless one or both of those stations are able to increase power to match WMFE's coverage. The FCC and the three stations will be happy, and the whole issue will go away.
w9wi said:
If we were talking about re-licensing WBCC-TV to a community with no television channel assignment such as Altamont Springs, Maitland, Longwood, Winter Park, Sanford or even Bithlo, I would tend to agree with you using your argument that Cocoa still has commercial WHLV-TV 52 after removing WBCC-TV. However, considering Orlando has one NCE-TV (WMFE-TV 24) and five commercial television channels (WKMG 6, WFTV 9, WRDQ 27, WOFL 35 and WRBW 65), the FCC in all probability will view any request to take a television channel from a community with only two TV channels and giving one of those channels to a community already served by six full power television signals as inconsistent with serving the public interest. Re-assigning the channel to any of the communities first listed would be consistent in serving the public interest as such a request is bringing first service to any of those communities. This is why I suggested if Orlando is the desired new COL that any request should include offering an alternate replacement channel should a COL change to Orlando be sought.
Additionally I am speaking from first hand experience with the FCC. I was directly involved in a television channel “swap” during the 1980s. My group and I had petitioned the FCC to re-assign a vacant NCE-TV channel assignment as a commercial assignment, creating a commercial television station. We had proposed taking a second vacant nearby community’s NCE-TV channel assignment and re-allocating it to the community where the first NCE-TV channel was being converted to commercial. The FCC told us the Commission would approve the petition provided we identified a third television channel that could be allocated to the second community as a replacement NCE-TV channel replacing the NCE-TV channel we were proposing to move to the first community. The FCC’s reasoning was the second community would not be deprived of its local non-commercial television service under this scenario.
Also, it should be understood why the FCC allocated the NCE-TV channels to the respective communities where each are assigned to fully understand why they are there including understanding why channel 68 is licensed to Cocoa. Using Florida as an example, you will notice that each community that has at least one NCE-TV assignment also has a state college or state university. (The one exception is WDSC-TV 15 which is actually licensed to New Smyrna Beach while the licensee is Daytona State College). That is because originally the NCE-TV channels were reserved for educational and instructional purposes with the intent that the state colleges and universities would apply for said NCE-TV channels and use said channels for instructional purposes. In some instances communities such as Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville have two NCE-TV channel assignments.
Interestingly not all colleges had an interest in owning and operating a TV station so many of the NCE-TV channel assignments remained unused for years. These channels were basically worthless to anyone else because they were non-commercial; Hence the reason many of them remained unused. The FCC eventually relaxed its underwriting rules as well as programming guidelines to allow for entertainment, cultural and arts programming on NCE-TV channels. Religious broadcasters became interested in NCE-TV and NCE-FM after attorneys for a Christian broadcasting group successfully argued before the FCC that religious and Christian programming was, in fact, educational and instructional and is also consistent with FCC rules governing public interest issues.
Lastly, it’s difficult to say exactly how the FCC will rule on the WMFE-TV license transfer request although, in all probability, the Commission will eventually approve the sale once all the conditions are met.
jmtillery said:
Darn it, good point. They tend to lean against moving a station from one city to another if the destination city has more stations than the source.
I suppose with the new DTV rules, there's a better chance of being able to find a new channel for a replacement assignment in Cocoa. Except that the FCC doesn't seem to be accepting such applications right now.
Interesting.
I don't recall anyone actually doing this kind of swap; my post was pretty much assembled from other actions, approved & otherwise. You add a datapoint that will result my providing a different response next time this comes up. (as if it *will* come up again (grin))
Absolutely. I will be shocked if this isn't approved, unless someone manages to dig up some dirt on Daystar that isn't currently known. I think the whole FCC inquiry is for show.
w9wi said:
Prior to the mandated conversion to all digital television transmission, the FCC allowed television channel swaps and substitutions. Those rules may still apply now although I have not researched and verified that to be fact today although I see no logical reason why the FCC would deny any such proposals.
A prime real world example of a television channel swap case is using the very television station in question - WBCC-TV Cocoa, Florida. WBCC-TV was originally religious formatted WRES-TV 18 while channel 68 was initially assigned and licensed to WKCF-TV 18 Clermont as WKCF-TV 68 Clermont. Going back further in history, television channel 18 was originally assigned and licensed to Orlando and again to Winter Park as WABR-TV 18 in the 1950s. The commercial UHF channel was eventually deleted as a commercial TV channel serving Orlando and was re-assigned to Cocoa as a NCE-TV channel. The Orlando to Cocoa re-assignment was not, however, a channel swap but rather a deletion from Orlando as a commercial channel and re-assigned to Cocoa as a first service non-commercial / educational television channel.
Eventually WRES-TV 18 was sold to its present owner Brevard Community College and the call letters were changed to WBCC-TV. WKCF-TV’s licensee Press Broadcasting entered into an agreement with Brevard Community College to swap TV channels with some cash whereas WBCC would be given channel 68 and cash in exchange for channel 18 going to WKCF.
The strategy that laid the foundation and early groundwork for the WBCC / WKCF television channel swap began during the 1980s. The first TV channel swap proposal began when Hubbard Broadcasting, which then owned independent commercial WTOG-TV 44 Saint Petersburg - Tampa Bay, entered into a tentative agreement, pending FCC approval, with non-commercial WEDU-TV 3 Tampa to swap TV channels. Under the proposal WTOG would give WEDU-TV Hubbard’s UHF TV channel 44 with some cash in exchange for WEDU's VHF TV channel 3. The proposal presented to the FCC was that since WEDU was a NCE-TV licensed facility, Hubbard would make it possible for WEDU to gain substantial cash to further ensure educational programming would continue to be provided by WEDU-TV in exchange for WEDU's valuable VHF TV channel 3. The completed scenario would have been independent commercial WTOG-TV 3 Saint Petersburg - Tampa Bay and non-commercial / educational WEDU-TV PBS 44 Tampa.
The FCC’s final ruling resulted in a finding that a swap of a VHF NCE-TV for a commercial UHF was unacceptable as the few VHF NCE-TV stations in existence were valuable and needed to served the non-commercial / educational objectives or the relative communities being served by these stations; However, the Commission did determine that trading a higher frequency commercial UHF with cash to a public broadcaster or other NCE-TV licensee for a lower frequency UHF NCE-TV was determined to be acceptable and met FCC public interest guidelines; Hence the WBCC / WKCF TV channel trade was approved. This is also how my television group managed to create a commercial UHF TV station from a vacant NCE-TV channel in the late 80s. We simply “played chess” with a few channels till we made all the pieces fit.
And there is a real world example of someone “actually doing it” in relation to swapping TV channels.
As of June 2nd, per the Sentinel.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-wucf-pbs-20110601,0,372588.story
Gives a start date of July 1 for WUCF TV. PBS approved. Doesn't appear call letters will change, as WBCC and UCFTV will remain. WUCF PBS takes over 68.1 on the signal, but BCC keeps the FCC license as-is and lends facilities over in the agreement. WUCFTV.org has also been spun-up as a result.
Q&A section of the site => http://wucftv.org/#q-a
Byron
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-wucf-pbs-20110601,0,372588.story
Gives a start date of July 1 for WUCF TV. PBS approved. Doesn't appear call letters will change, as WBCC and UCFTV will remain. WUCF PBS takes over 68.1 on the signal, but BCC keeps the FCC license as-is and lends facilities over in the agreement. WUCFTV.org has also been spun-up as a result.
Q&A section of the site => http://wucftv.org/#q-a
Byron
A nice thing about virtual channel numbers is that any channel can seemingly have any number that is available. WMFE or whatever could/should have been given a new number and whichever station got the primary PBS affil should have been assigned PSIP 24 and none of the public would have been confused.
Comcast in south Florida takes an interesting approach for those subs using cable ready HDTV tuners: local channels 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 17, 33, 39 are sent out on their natural numbers in analog, given PSIP's of 100.2, 100.4, 100.6, 100.7, 100.10, 100.17, 100.33, and 100.39 respectively for standard def digital, and 94.2, 94.6, 94.7, 94.10, 94.17, 94.33, and 94.39 respectively for high def video.
Comcast in south Florida takes an interesting approach for those subs using cable ready HDTV tuners: local channels 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 17, 33, 39 are sent out on their natural numbers in analog, given PSIP's of 100.2, 100.4, 100.6, 100.7, 100.10, 100.17, 100.33, and 100.39 respectively for standard def digital, and 94.2, 94.6, 94.7, 94.10, 94.17, 94.33, and 94.39 respectively for high def video.
Upon hearing that WMFE would be selling the TV station for the sum of 3 million dollars to DayStar and dumping PBS, I became interested in this issue. Many years ago I attended a WMFE public meeting at their location in support of WPRK retaining their independence. WMFE was trying to take over WPRK. They wanted WPRK's daytime broadcast hours.
As a fan of WPRK I'm glad WMFE's take over failed. Without local media coverage and community support the President and board at Rollins College probably would have approved the deal.
Now there's the issue of WMFE selling it's TV station and non-disclosure to the contributing public donors.
On May 25th I attended the post sale announcement/public board meeting at WMFE. The pathetic community turnout totaled about 10 people. The meeting was dictated with heavy handed control by Bob Showalter. We were only allowed 2 minutes to speak as Jose Fajardo and the board sat waiting for their catered meal. There was no response allowed or offered to any questions from Jose Fajardo, Catherine McManus-Senior Vice President for Development & Chief Philanthropy Officer, Sherry Alexander-Chief Financial Officer or the Board.
( http://www.wmfe.org/site/PageServer?pagename=officers_board )
They sat like zombies hypnotized under a spell by WMFE chair Bob Showalter. Being in the same room with them was a miserable, uncomfortable experience. Though we were the "Public" we were refused answers or explanations. A total waste of time. We were told we could pick up a printed statement in the lobby.
The following day (May 26th) UCF voted to fund and broadcast PBS programs. They will begin on July 1st. As a musician and educator of young learners I'm very thankful to UCF and I'll support their efforts.
I've noted in earlier comments that WMFE dodged a bullet with this issue, but the Jose Fajardo brokered sale of the station for 3 million dollars is still very questionable. He denies any insider collaboration in the sale of WMFE-TV to Daystar.
( http://www.patcomm.com/television-transactions.htm )
Though Orlando is listed as eighteenth in the US radio and TV market, Mr. Fajardo accepted Daystar's 3 million dollar offer.
Another of my many complaints is the lack of WMFE produced local community programs. They are a public community radio station that pays fees to NPR to broadcast those programs. Because many of these programs are popular, WMFE has been able to ride the profit wave of NPR.
The situation with national NPR is under attack. There is a movement that the government immediately defund NPR! Rick Scott also has his defunding agenda.
I certainly support good radio and creative programs. I will continue to financially support these programs...but...I can't support WMFE.
Listening to Jose Fajardo-Bob Showalter and Catherine McManus this week during their summer fund drive is sickening. Pimping their "Fresh Perspectives" over the airwaves to join and become part of their WMFE family makes me hit the off button. Sorry-I'm not interested in joining their family.
I hope Terry Gross, Ira Glass and Garrison Keillor don't endorse this type of management. A corporate mafia led by individuals that only profit from the creativity of others. Click and Clack-Fresh Air-Wait Wait and those mentioned are part of the giant NPR machine. As national NPR fund drives take place they need to pitch the public for donations. NPR gets half it's income from over 900 local NPR stations. In my opinion-If NPR gets de-funded programs like (Fresh Air-Car Talk etc) are strong enough to survive elsewhere-even commercial radio. My favorite programs are only broadcast by NPR, independently produced. (Fresh Air-Car Talk-Prairie Home Companion and others)
NPR and WMFE are profitable because of the creative efforts of others. Those that I witnessed at the WMFE meeting are not creative. If they were they would have produced TV programs for the local community while they had it. They choose to take easy street and continue to reap 6 figure incomes from "plug and play" NPR programs they broadcast. I encourage you to examine WMFE's operating statement. ( 3 million dollars for development and administrative expenses )
( http://www.wmfe.org/site/DocServer/WMFE_MK_AnnualRep2011_rev4.pdf?docID=2641 )
WMFE produces "Intersection" and what else?
http://www.wmfe.org/site/PageServer
What's so expensive about broadcasting 24 hour programing? WUCF radio broadcast 24 hour's. Do they spend millions for salaries and expences? I don't think so.
With the extra 3 million dollars maybe WMFE will add a few local commentaries. Non-threatening Orlando Sentinel writers that jump as high as they ask. If this is business as usual for NPR and other stations around the United States, I'm preaching to deaf ears.
And- Is this typical of public funded non-profit PBS and NPR stations around the United States? Maybe my view of WMFE's current leadership is personal. There's much to distrust about politics and those in power.
Americans have experienced Wall Street bailouts-Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae- etc. etc..
As the sale of WMFE goes to the FCC for approval, I'm totally cynical, based on my knowledge of the FCC board members that make that decision. After voting to approve Comcast's joint venture with NBC Universal, Meredith Attwell Baker, one of two Republicans on the five-member Federal Communications Commission, announced that she was taking a job in Comcast's Washington lobbying shop. This is how public trusteeship operates?
http://www.cedmagazine.com/News/201...th-Baker-resignation-resign-NBC-FCC-quit.aspx
WMFE's new "Fresh Perspective" motto will probably include retoric about creative ways to spend the 3 million from the sale of the TV station. New programs for the community. As a musician in the Central Florida community I've heard of very little to promote the working musicians/artists/writers/film makers and other creative individuals that live here. My musician friends are always the first to perform and donate for free or very little pay. The leadership at WMFE had a valuable TV station that many Central Florida creative individuals could have used to display music,art,writing,dance and other cultural genres. They sold it off to Daystar.
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daystar_Television_Network )
In the early 80's I performed with a SCC Faculty Jazz Trio in WMFE's studios. It was broadcast many times way back then. I hope UCF-TV will produce and broadcast those kind of community projects. The Central Florida community has many world class artist in various fields. If ask they're always the first to donate their skills.
WMFE failed to utilize these valuable resources.
Searching the internet and looking at other Public Radio stations I'm questioning the current situation of NPR of public radio. Though I enjoy listening to NPR via WMFE I know I can bypass them and hear my favorite show anytime, via podcast or their direct website. I can also contribute directly to my favorite program to support their efforts.
Though Federal funding is really very little, in a small way we all contribute to NPR as American taxpayers.
Even "This American Life's" Ira Glass
As a fan of WPRK I'm glad WMFE's take over failed. Without local media coverage and community support the President and board at Rollins College probably would have approved the deal.
Now there's the issue of WMFE selling it's TV station and non-disclosure to the contributing public donors.
On May 25th I attended the post sale announcement/public board meeting at WMFE. The pathetic community turnout totaled about 10 people. The meeting was dictated with heavy handed control by Bob Showalter. We were only allowed 2 minutes to speak as Jose Fajardo and the board sat waiting for their catered meal. There was no response allowed or offered to any questions from Jose Fajardo, Catherine McManus-Senior Vice President for Development & Chief Philanthropy Officer, Sherry Alexander-Chief Financial Officer or the Board.
( http://www.wmfe.org/site/PageServer?pagename=officers_board )
They sat like zombies hypnotized under a spell by WMFE chair Bob Showalter. Being in the same room with them was a miserable, uncomfortable experience. Though we were the "Public" we were refused answers or explanations. A total waste of time. We were told we could pick up a printed statement in the lobby.
The following day (May 26th) UCF voted to fund and broadcast PBS programs. They will begin on July 1st. As a musician and educator of young learners I'm very thankful to UCF and I'll support their efforts.
I've noted in earlier comments that WMFE dodged a bullet with this issue, but the Jose Fajardo brokered sale of the station for 3 million dollars is still very questionable. He denies any insider collaboration in the sale of WMFE-TV to Daystar.
( http://www.patcomm.com/television-transactions.htm )
Though Orlando is listed as eighteenth in the US radio and TV market, Mr. Fajardo accepted Daystar's 3 million dollar offer.
Another of my many complaints is the lack of WMFE produced local community programs. They are a public community radio station that pays fees to NPR to broadcast those programs. Because many of these programs are popular, WMFE has been able to ride the profit wave of NPR.
The situation with national NPR is under attack. There is a movement that the government immediately defund NPR! Rick Scott also has his defunding agenda.
I certainly support good radio and creative programs. I will continue to financially support these programs...but...I can't support WMFE.
Listening to Jose Fajardo-Bob Showalter and Catherine McManus this week during their summer fund drive is sickening. Pimping their "Fresh Perspectives" over the airwaves to join and become part of their WMFE family makes me hit the off button. Sorry-I'm not interested in joining their family.
I hope Terry Gross, Ira Glass and Garrison Keillor don't endorse this type of management. A corporate mafia led by individuals that only profit from the creativity of others. Click and Clack-Fresh Air-Wait Wait and those mentioned are part of the giant NPR machine. As national NPR fund drives take place they need to pitch the public for donations. NPR gets half it's income from over 900 local NPR stations. In my opinion-If NPR gets de-funded programs like (Fresh Air-Car Talk etc) are strong enough to survive elsewhere-even commercial radio. My favorite programs are only broadcast by NPR, independently produced. (Fresh Air-Car Talk-Prairie Home Companion and others)
NPR and WMFE are profitable because of the creative efforts of others. Those that I witnessed at the WMFE meeting are not creative. If they were they would have produced TV programs for the local community while they had it. They choose to take easy street and continue to reap 6 figure incomes from "plug and play" NPR programs they broadcast. I encourage you to examine WMFE's operating statement. ( 3 million dollars for development and administrative expenses )
( http://www.wmfe.org/site/DocServer/WMFE_MK_AnnualRep2011_rev4.pdf?docID=2641 )
WMFE produces "Intersection" and what else?
http://www.wmfe.org/site/PageServer
What's so expensive about broadcasting 24 hour programing? WUCF radio broadcast 24 hour's. Do they spend millions for salaries and expences? I don't think so.
With the extra 3 million dollars maybe WMFE will add a few local commentaries. Non-threatening Orlando Sentinel writers that jump as high as they ask. If this is business as usual for NPR and other stations around the United States, I'm preaching to deaf ears.
And- Is this typical of public funded non-profit PBS and NPR stations around the United States? Maybe my view of WMFE's current leadership is personal. There's much to distrust about politics and those in power.
Americans have experienced Wall Street bailouts-Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae- etc. etc..
As the sale of WMFE goes to the FCC for approval, I'm totally cynical, based on my knowledge of the FCC board members that make that decision. After voting to approve Comcast's joint venture with NBC Universal, Meredith Attwell Baker, one of two Republicans on the five-member Federal Communications Commission, announced that she was taking a job in Comcast's Washington lobbying shop. This is how public trusteeship operates?
http://www.cedmagazine.com/News/201...th-Baker-resignation-resign-NBC-FCC-quit.aspx
WMFE's new "Fresh Perspective" motto will probably include retoric about creative ways to spend the 3 million from the sale of the TV station. New programs for the community. As a musician in the Central Florida community I've heard of very little to promote the working musicians/artists/writers/film makers and other creative individuals that live here. My musician friends are always the first to perform and donate for free or very little pay. The leadership at WMFE had a valuable TV station that many Central Florida creative individuals could have used to display music,art,writing,dance and other cultural genres. They sold it off to Daystar.
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daystar_Television_Network )
In the early 80's I performed with a SCC Faculty Jazz Trio in WMFE's studios. It was broadcast many times way back then. I hope UCF-TV will produce and broadcast those kind of community projects. The Central Florida community has many world class artist in various fields. If ask they're always the first to donate their skills.
WMFE failed to utilize these valuable resources.
Searching the internet and looking at other Public Radio stations I'm questioning the current situation of NPR of public radio. Though I enjoy listening to NPR via WMFE I know I can bypass them and hear my favorite show anytime, via podcast or their direct website. I can also contribute directly to my favorite program to support their efforts.
Though Federal funding is really very little, in a small way we all contribute to NPR as American taxpayers.
Even "This American Life's" Ira Glass
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