NCPR Executive Council Meeting Minutes 7/24/13
NCPR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2013, CANTON, NY
Council Attendance: Rod Giltz, Tom Evelyn, Linda Cohen, Alan McLeod, Cali Brooks, Michael Clarke, Mark Scarlett, Cathy Pircsuk, John Rosenthal, Lee Keet, Janet Langlois, John Ernst, Nancy Keet, Ellen Rocco, Dale Cramer, Steve Hopkins
Staff Attendance: June Peoples, Martha Foley, Bill Haenel, Jon Sklaroff, Joel Hurd
Excused: Dick Munro, Marion Roach Smith
Call to Order: 1:41 pm RECORDED BY: June Peoples
Adjournment: 2:57 pm Chair: ___Rod Giltz_____________________________________
| Agenda Item/Topic | Details/Discussion | Action/Follow-up |
| Introductions/Appreciation | Rod Giltz assumed his duties as new Chair of the EC.Outgoing Chair Michael Clarke was acknowledged for his guidance and service to the council.
Council and staff introductions were made and new members Cali Brooks, Cathy Pircsuk and Alan McLeod were welcomed. |
Information only |
| Meeting Schedule | There will be four meetings in FY14.· September 26th is currently scheduled, but needs review.
· February – typically held via phone · May · July – (includes public meeting) Rod noted that there is no substitute for meeting in person, but that members are welcome to join via phone as needed. Several date conflicts for the September meeting were noted. A new schedule will be forthcoming. |
Action item: email date suggestions for September and beyond to Rod |
| Approval of Minutes | The minutes of the May 14, 2013 were moved and approved as written. | Approved |
| Station Manager’s Report
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Summary materials (attached) were provided to the council. These materials outlined most of the conversation.1) Ellen discussed the personnel changes included in the summary materials. She then asked that each department head in attendance review their summary materials with the council.
2) Martha Foley provided the news department update (see summary materials.) Council questions included the following: · John Ernst asked how many Knight interns are staying with NCPR. Most are not. NCPR would like to find a way to keep Natasha. · It was noted that All Before 5 was not canceled due to lack of staff coverage, but in an effort to provide more compelling content and a more intentional link between NCPR’s digital and on-air efforts. · Linda asked how NCPR’s reporters are compensated when they report for the nationals. Response: Producers/Reporters are compensated directly by the national producer. NCPR is provided with expanded coverage of the story. · Rod asked for a copy of the Knight report showing how the funds were used. · Martha stated that the FY14 plans include reorganization of news department to stabilize personnel and meet the challenges of managing a growing digital and broadcast presence with the same resources. 3) Bill Haenel provided an overview of NCPR’s digital efforts (see summary materials): · Visits to our website are up 40% & unique visitors up 50%. The traffic increase is due almost entirely to news. Use of story audio is up 30%. · FY14 goals: develop new ways to generate digital audience, build loyalty and generate revenue. · North Country Digital: a collaboration with other new organizations. By aggregating our own data NCPR will provide greater access to our news, maintain more of our audience, and increase traffic to participating sites. 4) June Peoples reviewed the FY13 budget (see summary materials.) |
Information only
Action item: Cali & Ellen to provide copy of Knight Report to EC
Information only
Information only |
| Other Business | 1) Rod encouraged all council members to introduce Sandy Demarest (underwriting director) to others—perhaps 5 businesses each. Rod explained that he did this last year and it proved very successful for her. The process is easy — Sandy writes a letter for the council member to sign and does all of the mailing and follow-up. Rod asked that a copy of the letter he and Sandy used be distributed to all council members for their guidance in working with Sandy. Follow-up will start with EC members where we have low underwriting support.2) Rod solicited ideas from members about how to make their work meaningful and worthwhile for the council and for NCPR. | Action Items:EC members to suggest 5 businesses. Copy of letter to be distributed to all EC members
Action Item: Provide ideas to Rod via email |
| Next Meeting | The annual schedule will be determined and a calendar will be emailed to the group. | Action Item: Finalize schedule |
| Adjournment | 2:57 pm |
