We often describe in these pages the collaborative work in which KRCB is engaged. As you know, it ranges from work with local non-profits to government agencies, production work to public education and outreach. Today I would like to let you know about an important statewide collaborative.
   California Public Television is a consortium of PBS and other public educational television stations across the state. Together we reach some 98% of the state’s population. In other words, CPT is the most effective and efficient way to reach the entire state. We have worked together for about 10 years and I have been President of the group for the past two years.
   CPT has just been awarded a contract, through KPBS in San Diego, from several state agencies focused on managing emergencies. The stations will participate in a novel statewide effort to promote earthquake preparedness—something we all know we should do and which few of us actually do. The “novel approach” represents an effort to change that equation on preparedness and “shake” us all into action. KRCB is proud to have helped bring this project to fruition and to participate in the television programming and web based aspects of the project.
   Watch this space this spring and summer!

 Dear Member,

     As detailed above on this page, KRCB is launching a brave new experiment with online news and information. This is a exciting new manifestation of the hopes and dreams and focus on the spirit of innovation which is driving us here at the station.

     Our community engagement mentor, Rich Harwood has written recently about innovation. He notes a common tension these days between planning and innovation, observing with regret that, "Too often, when confronted by a challenge, we reach to do more endless planning." Of course, we all know that critical and sound planning  must precede action, but too often planning is used to avoid action or in search of the illusive perfect knowledge of the future. 

     The monumental transformation of the world of news and information has had the KRCB staff, Board, and volunteers planning, talking, reading, considering for somewhat over a year. It is now time to try the innovations we've been talking about. We are going out on something of a limb, but to stay where we have been, in the face of those monumental changes, is simply not an option. In order to continue as your trusted source of information about the world and the North Bay, we are embracing innovation. There will surely be bumps along the way, but that's how we learn. And we'll measure and count and observe, as well as welcoming your comments. That is also how we'll learn.

     Keep an eye on your public media service, KRCB.

Sincerely,

Dear Member,
   Several months ago I told you about a budding partnership between KRCB and local plein air artist, Annie Murphy Springer. Annie approached us with an offer to produce a watercolor show for KRCB to air and to send to other PBS stations as well.
   Well, I have to tell you that, over the years, many folks have  come to us with excellent ideas. But pulling together the money, the team, and getting the job done is a much bigger undertaking than most of those folks recognize. Not so Annie. But then, y’all who know her recognize Annie as a force of nature. She has pulled off this amazing feat and produced, with her fantastic producer Seth, a series of seven short form television programs on the Wonders of Watercolor.     The shows are really wonderful. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the effort. Tune in at 1:28 on Saturday afternoons to catch them. They are airing elsewhere in the schedule as well, but for sure on Saturday afternoon.
   Partnerships with our community.  That’s how it works at KRCB.

Sincerely,

Nancy Dobbs

Dear Member,
   The challenges of the new year for public broadcasting and other arts and education organizations were presaged by efforts in Congress in early December to cut all funding to public radio. By the end of January or in February we expect those efforts, including de-funding public television, to be redoubled.    As these challenges have occurred, over our years of our experience, we have actually observed some reassuring dynamics. There has been, for more than 50 years, strong support for public broadcasting/public media from both sides of the aisle. The contribution that PBS and NPR have made over the decades to this nation in education, arts and culture, and news and information are parallel to none. The integrity, commitment, and quality of our programs have now shaped generations of Americans to become intelligent, engaged citizens.
   We will need your voice to carry that message with vigor to our Congressional delegation (who are fantastic supporters of KRCB, NPR, and PBS) and, most importantly to delegations in other parts of the country where you have friends and family.         Public broadcasting is a national treasure; we will absolutely need every voice of every member to carry and enforce that message.
Sincerely,

Nancy Dobbs