NCPR Executive Council Meeting Minutes 10/27/14

Agenda Item/Topic

Details/Discussion

Action/Follow-up

Introductions/

Appreciation

Rod Giltz called the meeting to order.  Council roll call was taken.

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1)      Ellen brought to the attention of the Council the ongoing situation with the CBC show Q and host Jian Ghomeshi. Amidst allegations of inappropriate behavior with various women, the host of the popular show has been asked to leave the CBC network.

2)      CBC is currently utilizing guest hosts, but exploring more options for the future of Q. NCPR will make decisions on scheduling once details are finalized with the status of Q.

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NCPR 2014 Fall Fundraiser

1)      Ellen discussed the Fundraiser from a historical standpoint – when NCPR had a small listening area, station employees  knew all the listener and that is not the case anymore. Feedback from across the region indicated the old style of fundraiser was sounding flat, people would admit to tuning out (including some E.C. members). In light of this, NCPR needed a new approach to the Fundraising campaign.

2)      Stations throughout the country have tried “silent days” of fundraising, but not an attempt to completely eliminate on-air fund drives. The goal for NCPR – to reach $325,000 ($15.000 more than ever before asked) and then stop on-air fundraising without  interruptioning programs. June, Jackie and Ellen met daily as the “heart of the planning team,” to discuss what messages needed to be given throughout the three week campaign.

3)      The message plan was during week 1 to let everyone know that we were “fundraising, but done differently,” which led to the core listeners giving early and more than they normally would. Week 2 messaging was to target lapsed members who returned because of their appreciation for the new approach of fundraising. The Week 3 objective was to target new donors.

4)      To further incentivize early giving, the grand prize drawing ($2,500 airfare, travel voucher) was drawn on Monday, the beginning of the scheduled on-air drive.

5)      The goal of $325,000 was reached after only 3 hours of on-air fundraising on the first day of the scheduled on-air drive and money has continued to come in since. June Peoples is currently working on the campaign totals, but NCPR blew past the goal.

6)      It was noted that there was appreciation that listeners were “treated like adults.” Ellen stressed that NCPR was respectful of the listeners and upbeat throughout which led to the successful campaign.

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Digital News Producer Position

1)      Position posted to fill void left by departure of Nora Flaherty.

2)      Ellen specified that the position is designed for a digital producer first, who will work with broadcast second.

3)      The hire will be someone who is digital savoy, creating original web content, charts, stories, graphics and more.

4)      Ellen hopes that by 1/1/15 someone will be in place.

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NPR Changing Program Clocks

1)      The program clock from NPR during Morning Edition and All Things Considered is changing. This change will allow for more time during the NPR flagship shows for local breaks – this will allow headlines, underwriting spots, weather, etc…

2)      There will also be a change during the Eight O’Clock Hour, when the 8:30 NPR News break will no longer be airing. Martha, Jackie and the News Team are exploring ideas such as more weekly segments (like the Amy Ivy call-in, or Natural Selections) to fill the daily 5 minute time slots.

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John and Margot Ernst

1)      Ellen took a moment to recognize John and Margot Ernst’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered underwriting message in support of the environment and NCPR, in Canton, NY.

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Zach Hirsch

1)      E.C. Chair Rod Giltz recognized the quality of work by Zach Hirsch in Plattsburgh and the Champlain Valley region.

2)      Rod had met Zach and has seen him at several events and commented that although he is young, he reports beyond his years and is doing a great job.

3)      Ellen echoed Rod’s comments and feels that NCPR has found a “gem” who is hard-working and motivated. Ellen mentioned that Zach is also receiving mentorship from Brian.

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NCPR / SLU connections

1)      NCPR Council Member & St. Lawrence University Trustee Marion Roach-Smith discussed the SLU search for a new VP of Communications. Previous VP of Comm., Tom Evelyn worked as a liaison between NCPR and SLU.

2)      Ellen expressed initial concerns with working with a Communications person, since “that’s what we do,” and Ellen prefers to work with the Advancement offices since it’s what NCPR would benefit most from. In addition, the station is a news organization and cannot be the PR voice for any entity. Ellen identified VP for University Advancement Tom Pynchon as a station friend and someone she relies on at SLU.

3)      Marion also noted that President Bill Fox is excited for an NCPR presentation to be made to the board of trustees by Marion with guidance and information provided by Ellen. This meeting will be to promote the value of NCPR to other SLU Trustees, many of whom do not know of NCPR’s connection to SLU.

Action Item:

Ellen to discuss approach of SLU presentation with Marion: How does the SLU and NCPR relationship compare to other universities holding public radio licenses?

Feet on the Ground

1)      Ellen mentioned that after discussing with June, they would like to see more events beyond the typical cocktail parties.

2)      Ellen welcomed Council Members to encourage leaders, activists, philanthropists, or others engaged in their communities to contact Ellen via said Member to set up events.

3)      Council Member Cali recommended that at events where NCPR has a presence, we at least have a table with someone getting names and emails. Cali pointed to a lecture given by Brian Mann that had least 100 attendees, a good opportunity to promote NCPR.

Action Item:

E.C. Members to encourage friends in their communities to get involved with NCPR.

NCPR to canvas more events.

E.C. Members to promote NCPR

1)      Ellen asked if the E.C. Members would record messages to air during fundraising campaigns to promote giving in their communities.

2)      Rod offered the time during the annual meeting in Canton as a good time to do so, since members will be available in person.

Action Item:

E.C. Members to record messages of support for on-air use.

Moving NCPR to a new location

1)      Ellen gave background on NCPR moving to the EJ Noble Medical Facility and the relationship between SLU and Canton-Potsdam Hospital. NCPR has roughly 3,500 square feet in the current location; Ellen would like around 7,000 to address current space needs and to allow for growth.

2)      Ellen’s previous proposal to CPH was to have the hospital buyout NCPR’s space and then use that money as capital to invest in a new location. Ideally for Ellen, close to campus but still facing out to the public, e.g., along Ramoda Drive.

3)      Rod mentioned that he spoke with SLU President Bill Fox about this being in future facility budgeting and planning.

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Next Meeting

Monday, February 9^th, 2015 at 3:00 pm

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Adjournment

2:59 pm