Speaking Grief Tuesday, May 5 at 8pm
WPSU’s Speaking Grief is a public media initiative aimed at creating a more grief-aware society by validating the experience of grievers and helping to guide those who wish to support them. Moving away from the idea that grief is a problem that needs to be “fixed,” Speaking Grief validates the experience of grievers and guides those wishing to support them. There is no “right” way to grieve. By sharing diverse representations of bereavement, Speaking Grief illustrates that grief is a universal, yet individual experience. The WPSU project is airing across the nation and is supported by a grant from
The New York Life Foundation.
From The GM's Desk
As we continue to work primarily from home, I hope this newsletter finds everyone healthy and safe. I can’t say enough about what a wonderful group of employees work at WPSU. We are continuing to report the emerging health and election news; create new videos, feature stories and websites; assist University clients with virtual streaming needs and provide educational materials to students and families across our coverage area who may lack internet connectivity, all while keeping our “regular” work moving forward and honing our skills through professional development opportunities. I encourage everyone to watch the premiere of our Speaking Grief documentary next Tuesday. It is a wonderful program and is much needed at this very trying time. Thank you all for the excellent work and your resilience, creativity and flexibility. I miss seeing everyone in person but look forward to seeing you again soon virtually.
All my best,
Birthdays
Shawn Vashaw - 5/3
Mindy McMahon - 5/4
Sam Maggio - 5/8
Kristin Bittner - 5/9
WPSU Radio Highlights
In Case You Missed It . . .
Bradford Volunteers Mobilize On Facebook To Help Neighbors During Pandemic
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the residents of Bradford sprang into action early. A busy Bradford Facebook group is connecting volunteer helpers with those in need. WPSU’s Kris Allen reports.
COVID-19’s Economic Blow To Rural Pa. Far Outstrips The Pandemic. But Reopening Won’t Be Easy
In a state where unemployment-compensation claims are already some of the highest in the country, the numbers here stand out. More than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians have filed claims since mid-March. Though the numbers are highest in urban areas such as Philadelphia, this rural, low-population region has proportionally been hit the hardest. Elk and neighboring Cameron County have the highest rate of unemployment claims per capita, at nearly twice the state average.Keystone Crossroad’s Laura Benshoff reports.
Take Note: Author Of 'Anti/Vax' On What We Can Learn From Past Vaccine Controversies WPSU's Anne Danahy talked with Bernice Hausman, chair of the Department of Humanities in the Penn State College of Medicine. She’s recognized for her research on vaccines and breastfeeding, including why both can be controversial in the United States.
Democracy Works: Federalism In Uncertain Times Jenna Spinelle talked with Charles Barrilleaux, Leroy Collins Professor and Department Chair of Political Science at Florida State University, is an expert on American federalism on the relationship between states and the federal government, and how that manifests itself during the response to COVID-19.
WPSU Television Highlights
George W. Bush: American Experience - Monday, May 4 and Tuesday May 5 at 9:00 pm:
Explore the life and tumultuous presidency of George W. Bush, from his unorthodox road to the White House to the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the myriad of challenges he faced over his two terms, from the war in Iraq to the 2008 financial crisis.
Speaking Grief (A WPSU Original Production) - Tuesday May 5 at 8:00 pm
SPEAKING GRIEF explores why the pain of losing a loved one can be so difficult to understand and discuss. The film interviews grieving families from across the U.S., whose losses range from stillbirth to suicide, to address common misconceptions about grief. Through candid personal stories and conversations with experts in the grief field, the film also presents ideas for how family and friends can better support each other through loss.
Great Performances “LA Phil 100” - Friday, May 8 at 9:30 pm
Celebrate the centennial of this landmark orchestra with "La Valse" by Ravel, Stravinsky's "Firebird" and more led by three renowned LA Phil conductors: Zubin Mehta, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and current music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel.
Before We Die (Series Premiere) - Sunday nights at 11:00 pm beginning May 10
This thriller series features nail-biting action and a unique twist about a tough police officer, Hanna Svensson, whose highly-developed sense of right and wrong is more powerful than any family tie. (In Swedish with English subtitles.)
Asian Americans - Monday, May 11 and Tuesday May 12 at 8:00 pm
Explore the impact of Asian Americans, the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States, on the country’s past, present and future, told through individual lives and personal histories.
Great Performances “Leonard Bernstein Mass” - Sunday, April 19 at 10:00pm
Enjoy Ravinia Festival's production of Leonard Bernstein's theater piece starring Tony Award-winning baritone Paulo Szot and featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Baltimore Symphony Orchestra artistic director Marin Alsop conducts.
A Place to Call Home (Series Finale) - Saturday, May 16
As the Blighs celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, Jack slips further into depression, until a conversation with Frank inspires him to make a courageous decision. Elizabeth sets up her maternity hospital, and the family urges Carolyn to reach out to Jack.
Industry News
Demand For COVID-19 News In March Set Off Wild Swings In Listener Behavior
In Nielsen Audio’s March 2020 PPM survey, ratings of Persons Using Measured Media, or total market average quarter-hours, went on a rollercoaster ride. The first two weeks of the March survey reported total market listening ratings above average from the February 2020 survey in most of the 45 metro areas. During the third and fourth weeks of the 28-day ratings period, PUMM reversed course and declined by double digits. Full story here.
Nebraska Officials Ask AT&T For Local Coverage
Lawmakers wants AT&T to carry local stations for some areas that currently only receive distant networks through DIRECTV. The group notes that the current pandemic has highlighted the importance of local news coverage, while AT&T has said it is negotiating with networks for the rights to offer their content. Full story here.
Kids Register Biggest Gains in Quarantine Viewing: Nielsen
With kids remote learning and parents trying to work from home, TV viewing among the youngest demos has skyrocketed, especially during daytime, according to a new report from Nielsen. Adult viewing had risen, but those gains are drafted by the increases among kids 6 to 11 and teens 12 to 17. In the top 25 markets, Nielsen found a 300% jump in TV usage among 6- to 11-year-olds during the quarantine, compared to a year ago.
Governmental Relations
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has notified WPSU that the organization will be receiving $260,204 for TV and $112,136 for FM. This total of $372,340 will be a nice (although partial) offset to our projected loss of revenue in development and production. The money is to be distributed shortly after CPB receives it from the federal government. WPSU was given an extra boost given its rural status. The monies were part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act.
Congress is already beginning work on another relief package to follow the recently passed Paycheck Protection Program Increase Act.
Recognizing that the $75 million that was provided for local public media stations in the CARES Act does not fully cover the current and anticipated losses of local stations, or the new expenses incurred as stations provide essential services, America's Public Television Stations (APTS) have been working with the other national public broadcasting organizations to coordinate efforts around our next request.
CPB's latest estimates, as of early April, are that the public media system will face a loss of $400 million or more in non-federal funding over the next several months.
CPB submitted a formal request to Congress for an additional $175 million and APTS has been working with key congressional offices to support this request.
Olive Veronesi, 93, of Seminole, Pennsylvania, wasn't shy about letting loved ones know what she needed during the lockdown. "I need more beer!" read a sign she held up, along with a can of Coors Light. A relative posted Veronesi's photo to social media, KDKA reported, and her predicament went viral. "I have a beer every night. ... I was on my last 12 cans. You know what, beer has vitamins in it. It's good for you, only don't overdo it," Veronesi said. On April 13, she got her wish: Molson Coors delivered 10 cases of her favorite brew to her front door. Her new sign reads, "Got more beer!" [KDKA, 4/13/2020]
Quotables
"Mom, did you know that if you play in mud and don't wash your hands, you can get grownupvirus?" - Joseph, age 5
Resources and Tips
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