2006 PRPD Conference Agenda
Philadelphia PA
Pre-Conference Workshops and Meetings
Sunday, September 10 – Tuesday, September 12 - Thirteenth Annual PD Workshop
Monday, September 11 – Tuesday, September 12 - Second Annual Beyond the Basics for Programmers
Tuesday, September 12 - Wednesday, September 13 - Tools of the Trade: Understanding and Using Arbitron Data
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
9:00am -1:30pm - Jazz Station Consortium Meeting
Hear about the new tools developed by the Jazz Core Values project group to enhance on-air fundraising and station imaging/positioning. For information contact Scott Hanley, WDUQ.
11:00am – 1:00pm - Classical Station Meeting
Get an update on the first full year of the PRPD/AMPPR Classical Core Values Project being piloted at six partner stations. For information contact Frank Dominguez, WDAV
11:00am – 1:30pm - News/Talk Station Meeting
In the wake of A2010 and New Realities, we’ll talk about what stations can do to improve public service. Jay Kernis, NPR Program Director, will lead a discussion on what NPR News is doing differently now and how the changes will enhance our public service. Then PDs will discuss how the plan might apply to local stations and what stations that are still growing are doing that might be applied at stations that are not. For information contact Jeff Hansen, KUOW.
2:00 - 4:00pm - Arrival Lounge - “A Taste of Phillly!””
Start re-connecting with colleagues as you sample an array of Philly treats: Philly Soft Pretzels provided by American Public Media; Chilly Philly Ice Cream from National Public Radio; mini Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches from Public Radio International and soft drinks from PRPD. We’ll also be handing out prizes to those who have survived the trials and tribulations of being a PD and get a sense of the issues and ideas you’ve been thinking about since our last conference.
4:30 – 5:30pm - Newcomers Session
Our annual session for conference first-timers - a memorable and entertaining start for those new to our conference. As we get to know each other you'll learn a little bit about PRPD and the conference agenda. Along the way we’ll have sodas, snacks and some off-the-wall contests featuring cheesy – and we do mean cheesy – prizes.
7:00 – 9:00pm - PRPD 2006 Opening Reception presented by WXPN, WHYY, and NPR
featuring an evening with R&B singer-songwriter James Hunter. Join David Dye of World Cafe and Terry Gross of Fresh Air as they co-host this intimate performance session at World Cafe Live from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Dinner, beer and wine will be served. Bus transportation from the hotel begins at 6:30pm.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
7:30 – 8:30am - Breakfast with BBC World Service
Join the BBC World Service for breakfast. Hear from the Head of BBC Newsgathering and meet “Newshour” host Robin Lustig.
9:00-10:30am -Opening Session: The State of Public Radio
The Audience 2010 study was undertaken to examine a stall in public radio’s audience growth. During the first part of this RRC President Joanne Church, will summarize how it was done and the key findings. The second part of the session will contextualize the environment in which PD's are currently working and talk about his these factors impact our stations. Additionally, we will examine potential opportunities for improvement and audience growth.
* Moderator: Tom Ashbrook, On Point Host, WBUR, Boston
* Joanne Church, President, Radio Research Consortium
* Mark Ramsey, President, Mercury Radio Research
* Paul Jacobs, General Manager, Jacobs Media
* Tom Thomas, Co-CEO, Station Resource Group
10:30 – 10:50 am - Coffee Break with NPR’s Justice Talking
Come hear the Philly natives from Justice Talking debate their favorite local places to eat, drink and be merry. Margot Adler and other JT staff will be on hand to chat about the City of Brotherly Love. Drinks and snacks too.
11:00am -12:15pm - Breakout Sessions (4)
Making Your Own Driveway Moments: Finding and Telling Great Stories
We hear from listeners all the time -- "I sat in the parking lot riveted to that story -- I couldn't get out of the car." How do you create stories you can see, smell, taste -- stories that stay with you, that you talk about over the dinner table. As we look to deepen our relationships with our listeners and our communities, we’ll hear how some of our best producers find and tell the stories they’ve found in their home towns and ours.
* Davia Nelson and Nikki Silva, The Kitchen Sisters
Applying Classical Core Values
The Classical Core Values Application project is working to improve the on air presentation of local classical programming through better preparation, focus, and consistency. Hear about the strategies and results from CV participants who've committed to find new approaches to revitalize the format, including the creation of an "attack yourself" music service: WMHT's bold experiment to make classical music appealing to a younger audience. Is it working?
* Frank Dominguez, Program Director, WDAV, Davidson, NC
* Craig Cohen, Program Director, WITF, Harrisber, PA
* Chris Wienk, Program Director, WMHT/WBKK, Schenectady, NY
Change Management Stories and Lessons Learned
A peer-to-peer discussion in which panelists share their "change management" cases and provide proven models and frameworks for change. They will discuss lessons learned, biggest challenges and how they overcame them; what kind of "mindset" or strategies they themselves used to lead their staff through the changes. You’ll have a chance to ask folks - "well, what did you do?" and share your own experiences.
* Moderator: John Hess, General Manager, BSU Radio, Boise
* Mikel Ellcessor, Sr. Dir, Programming Operations and Distribution, WNYC
* Elisabeth Perez-Luna, News Director, WHYY, Philadelphia
* Bruce Warren, Asst. General Mgr. for Programming, WXPN, Philadelphia
The Future Sound of Pledge (Pledge in the Post-Modern World)
Stations depend on them for donors and dollars. Listeners, at least some of them, say they listen less or tune out altogether. In the third part of our series on pledge drives, we will brainstorm ideas that could change pledge drives as we know them or replace them in favor of other efforts that could grow membership with equal or greater effectiveness. Bring your ideas and an open mind. This session will take the conversation begun at DEI’s conference and broaden it to include the perspective of programmers.
* Moderator: Jay Clayton, President, Jay Clayton Associates and Individual Giving Coordinator, DEI
12:30 – 1:45 pm - Lunch with NPR’s ME * D2D * ATC
NPR’s new(s)ish newsmagazine hosts talk about what it’s like being your
listeners’ connection to the world’s news. Share in the joys, challenges, and
maybe even some comedic moments (!?) of hosting daily news coverage for
the nation. Meet very new (to NPR) host Michel Martin who’ll put the
questions to Steve Inskeep, Madeleine Brand, and Michele Norris.
2:00 - 3:30pm - General Session: PRPD “Sense of Place” Research Findings
Public radio listeners are the same all over. Yet the listeners to a given station may have a particular sense of place when they think about their local community. Understanding their sense of place may be a prerequisite to the design of truly valuable local programming."
Many stations see expanded local programming as a major listener service growth opportunity for the future. To help develop a better understanding of how our listeners define and value “sense of place”, a major new research project has been done by PRPD, nine partner stations and NPR’s Local News Initiative. The goal of the project was to more clearly define what our 2001 study termed the “phantom core value.” Come hear what we learned and the implications for station programmers everywhere as we all work to reinvigorate our public service.
* Marcia Alvar, PRPD/LNI Station-Based Projects Manager
* George Bailey, President, Walrus Research
* Dave Edwards, General Manager, WUWM, Milwaukee
* John Stark, General Manager, KNAU, Flagstaff
3:30 – 3:50pm - Take a Break with NPR
Eat. Drink. Mingle. Music button. Credit. Local avail. Hit the post.
4:00 - 5:15pm - Breakout Sessions (4)
Local News Initiative: Morning Edition Grad School
NPR’s Local News Initiative (LNI) is a major new collaborative effort to strengthen station news programming. PRPD and its outgoing President Marcia Alvar are taking a leadership role in the design, organization and oversight of station-based projects in this ambitious new effort. In this session we share results from one of the first LNI projects to be rolled out. Designed by Strategic Programming Partners with participation from both PRNDI and DEI, the “Morning Edition Grad School” is focusing on local presentation and "best practices" in the most important program on many public radio stations.
* Marcia Alvar, PRPD/LNI Station-Based Projects Manager
* Tim Emmons, General Manager, Northern Public Radio, Dekalb, IL /Strategic Programming Partners
* Peter Dominowski, Market Trends Research/Strategic Programming Partners
* Scott Williams, Program Director, KBAQ/KJZZ, Phoenix/Strategic Programming Partners
* Dana Davis-Rehm, VP, Member and Program Services, NPR
Living Your Demo
Commercial radio has long dedicated significant resources to branding, marketing and getting out on the street for promotions and community events. On air talent "live the demo" to forge a strong connection with listeners. What are public radio program directors doing to make that connection? Take away plenty of inspiration to apply to any format.
* Moderator: Roger LaMay, General Manager, WXPN, Phildelphia
* Steve Nelson, Program Director, The Current/KCMP, St. Paul, MN
* Mike Vasilikos, Program Director, WTMD, Towson, MD
* Joan Kjaer, General Manager and Program Director, WSUI/KSUI, Iowa City
Ensuring Diversity in your Local Programming
To some, public service is reflecting the “diversity of voices” in their community. In this session, stations will share their tactics and tips for providing well-balanced diversity in local programming. We’ll have practical examples of how stations are working to attract a more racially diverse audience, diversify their own staffs and issues in trying to attract listeners with individual programs.
* Brenda Williams-Butts, Director of Community Affairs & Events, WNYC, New York
* Johanna (Jones) Franzel, Project Director, Generation PRX
* Ron Jones, Vice President for Programming, Chicago Public Radio
* Walt Swanston, Director Diversity Management, National Public Radio
Challenges, Matches, Sweepstakes
Without them, you probably wouldn't meet your on-air fundraising goals. But the rewards of using these fundraising tactics also come with responsibilities and risks. Join this exploration of some of the potentially damaging mistakes public radio stations make with Challenges, Matches, and Sweepstakes. We'll also look at how to successfully raise money with these tactics while complying with the law and codes of ethics.
* John Sutton, John Sutton & Associates
* Mikel Ellcessor, Sr. Dir, Programming Operations and Distribution, WNYC
* Andy Bienstock, Program Director, WYPR-FM
5:30 – 6:30pm - PRSS Toasts Public Radio Stations and Producers
Please join NPR Distribution for a glass of wine to thank you for your ongoing support of the shared, national distribution network. This year, PRSS will transmit nearly 400,000 hours of public radio programming to stations and producers across the country. Your contributions and insights have been crucial to the management and evolution of PRSS, including the long-awaited ContentDepot.
6:30 – 7:30pm - PRI Free Time
Enjoy some free time on PRI! We’re giving you an hour free at the conference -- so you can check in at your station, call your loved ones, or have a bite to eat with an old friend. PRI staff and program hosts will be around … in case you want to spend your free time with us.
7:45 – 10:30pm - A Philadelphia Reception with NPR
Join NPR hosts and producers for an evening in beautiful Pepper Hall - just a short stroll away at the historic Franklin Institute. Lounge, chat, relax and enjoy the great food and impressive surroundings. There’ll be cameo appearances from some up-and-coming young musicians, and after dinner, special guest jazz artists from New Orleans will usher in some big easy listening.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
7:30 – 8:30am - Breakfast with PRI
PRI breaks new ground at night! Be among the first to hear about our new evening program and how it will help expand your stations' reach and impact on air, online and on demand.
9:00 -10:30a - General Session: PRPD ACE Awards with Ira Glass
We announce the winners of PRPD's 4th annual Award for Creative Excellence (ACE) competition and honor the outstanding application of core values in a variety of programming areas - News, Classical Music, Jazz, Triple-A, On-Air Fundraising and Promotion/Positioning. Ira Glass, host of This American Life, will be our featured speaker… with welcome words of wisdom about the creative process.
* Moderator: Kingsley Smith, Program Director, NPR Sirius Channels
10:30 – 10:50am - Refreshment Break with The Story
Get The Story on public radio’s newest program collaboration from WUNC and American Public Media. Meet host Dick Gordon and discover how this daily personal interview program brings great stories to public radio middays in a way that will help listeners understand what is going on in their world and why it matters to them.
11:00am – 12:15 pm - Breakout Sessions (4)
All You Do is Ask – The Art of the Interview
What does it take to do great interviews? We’ll hear a variety of perspectives from some of public radio’s best known, most provocative and interesting people about the way they plan and conduct compelling conversations.
* Moderator Farai Chideya, Correspondent/Substitute Host, News & Notes with Ed Gordon
* Terry Gross, Host, Fresh Air
* Ira Glass, Host, This American Life
* David Isay, Producer/Executive Producer, Sound Portraits Productions
“Flying with a Net”
Creativity gurus promote a process for creative thinking, Google expects mandatory “think time” from employees, universities provide sabbaticals for people to learn and re-charge. How do creative people create? How do we make creative workplaces, and how would public radio programming benefit? We'll talk with several inventive people from beyond the universe of radio who use systematic approaches to foster creativity in their work.
* Moderator: Judy Carmichael, host, "Jazz Inspired”
* Sue Schardt, SchardtMEDIA
* Matt Holzman, Producer of “The Business”, KCRW, Los Angeles
* John Silliman Dodge, Program Director, KBPS, Portland, OR
Planning Programming for the Future in a Multi-Platform Media Environment
This session will discuss knowledge and skills that programming decision makers in media need to identify, develop and focus on if they want their stations to provide better public service. This session will address the "new" skills and thinking and knowledge that PD's need to make decisions about content and where to put resources if they are to be competitive in their local markets. Content producers, providers and distributors will share their "knowledge base" along with lessons they've learned to move their organizations ahead strategically.
* Moderator: Bruce Warren, Asst. General Mgr. for Programming, WXPN, Philadelphia
* Joey Cohn, Program Director, KPLU, Seattle
* Paul Marzalek, Managing Partner, Media Mechanics
* Jack Isquith, Executive Director, AOL Music
Effective Use of Airtime for Development Activities
Some stations do a better job managing inventory than others. Around the system, programming and development are thinking together about new ways to generate revenue outside of pledge. Thinking differently about the "promo" time available to development can pay back with shorter drives and more money to spend on programming. With new approaches come new questions about clutter, and commercialism. We’ll talk about who’s trying what, and the risks and rewards of pushing the envelope.
* Flo Rogers, Program Director, Nevada Public Radio
* Melanie Cannon, Director of Development, Nevada Public Radio
* Ele Ellis, Program Director, WNCW, Spindale, NC
12:30 – 1:45pm - Lunch with Marketplace
Marketplace proudly presents Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and Professor of Public Policy at the University of California at Berkeley, and David Frum, former speechwriter for George W. Bush and resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. These two experts will discuss which issues voters won’t hear about during mid-term election campaigns that they believe ought to be debated. Join Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal as he moderates the discussion at this special luncheon.
2:00 - 3:30pm - General Session: Radio’s Role in a Multi-Platform World
Being good hunter-gatherers and curators of information, radio still has the bully pulpit in terms of size and ease of use. What are our strengths and opportunities that can help keep the core business thriving and allow us to participate in the future? This session will focus on Radio and what role it will play in the emerging mix of media choices. Hear what the latest research shows about how listeners’ habits are changing. Learn more about how Arbitron’s PPM system may change how we understand our audiences.
* Moderator: Marty Moss-Coane, Host & Ex