One of the little known programming services that your membership with KRCB supports is Learn to Read, an educational program  geared to adults who are learning to read. KRCB has aired this weekly television program—seen Mondays at 10:30 am—for more than 10 years. Reading is such a critical survival skill, and it is so often taken for granted. But for many among us that ability is not at all a given, and having the lessons available at home where one is spared public embarrassment is a gift your membership makes possible.

We have learned over the years that the program is also used by folks who are learning English for the first time, because it is a good, clear set of lessons in spoken and written English.

 In addition to Learn to Read,  KRCB Television airs GED on TV in both English (Tuesdays at 10:30 am) and Spanish (Thursdays at 10:30 am). Again, for those who were unable, for whatever reason, to finish their high school diploma, watching the lessons at home is a safe place to work towards that all-important diploma. Especially as Adult Schools are, unfortunately, losing funding, KRCB’s offering to the community of these three programs is critical.

Finding businesses that recognize the value of these important programs and will support their airing, is always an issue for us. If you are such a business person, willing to assist those in our community who could use a supportive hand, give Stan Marvin a call at 707-584-2010 and let him know you’re ready to help.

Dear Member,
   Here at the station we have been spending a lot of time lately working on the concept of expanding our service to our local communities. A friend of the station recently suggested an adjustment to the regular concept of “network.” We should conceive of ourselves not as a part of a network but rather as providing and creating a network among local groups, using our on-air and on-line capacities to accomplish this. Perhaps we use radio and television to introduce folks to on-line communities which form around a program or a local band or a shared issue, offering everyone a chance to meet up with folks of similar interests and concerns. Connecting audiences, if you will.
    We, as a community, might reap remarkable and unanticipated results: Do we re-learn the concept of community involvement and engagement; do we become a community of learners and doers; do we consciously and purposefully put our collective attention to making the North Bay the best possible community? Certainly food for thought in the world of new media.
   I believe that KRCB—as our locally owned, locally controlled, locally programmed media resource—is a key element in achieving this potential. We’re lucky to have it, thanks to you!

Sincerely, Nancy

Dear Member,
     Over the past several months you have seen KRCB increasingly using the expression “public media” rather than “public broadcasting.” I thought you might be curious what that shift signified.
     As we have discussed in these pages over the past two years, KRCB has a broad definition of our job in the community. Our mission statement captures the commitment most clearly: “In order to encourage full participation in society and community, KRCB provides educational, informational, and cultural telecommunications services in partnership with our community.” Our goal is not simply to provide the best possible television and radio service, but to use all the telecommunications tools available to us to serve the community. So you will see an increasing amount of content and opportunity to communicate and discuss at our web site, krcb.org. We will welcome your feedback as this service develops.
     And because we are working “in partnership with our community,” you will find us very present outside of our studios, working with our valuable community colleagues to focus attention, stimulate discussion, and encourage engagement across a wide range of issues and concerns. So, “public media” encompasses all the tools available to us to carry out that very ambitious mission statement. And, as I always say, your loyal and generous support makes it possible for KRCB to be one of the most forward looking stations in the nation.
     Thanks a million.

Nancy Dobbs

   December brings two local productions to the air, both a result of partnerships with strong community organizations.
   The partnership with Climate One, a project of the Commonwealth Club, is described on page 3 in the December Open Air. We here at KRCB believe that the information presented in this series is critical to our understanding of the debates on climate change issues. Too often commercial media presents “information” in an hysterical, misleading, dis-information style, as fed to them by special interest groups. You will find on KRCB Television and Radio just the opposite —the information you need to understand the range of the debate and to make up your own mind.
   Another wonderful partnership continues to grow with Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Sonoma County. On December 28, catch the special produced by CAP teen leaders along with KRCB’s Voice of Youth team. Our young citizen journalists wanted to examine the impact of the economic crisis, close to home. Not only did the teens learn all aspects of video production (and you will be able to see their work), but we are consciously involving these youth in difficult community issues which we must all solve together. That is the stuff of great community collaboration and you help make it happen.
   Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Nancy Dobbs, President & CEO