Public Radio in Mid America
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2014
Called to Order: 2:35 PM
Board Members Present: Regina Dean, Tim Eby, Paul Maasson, Mike Savage, Steve Schram, Dan Skinner
Guest: Tom Hunt
- Report on PRIMA Survey Results (Dan) – 15 respondents completed the survey. Highlights of survey – 86% of the respondents indicated they will are the NPR crete as feed by the network; 56% of respondents indicated that they plan to attend the Spring 2015 PRIMA.
- Update on PRIMA Spring Conference Planning (Paul & Tim) – PRIMA will offer 5 scholarships of up to $1000 each to reimburse travel expenses; Hotel secured. Potential Sponsorship for PRIMA Wednesday evening event at Cardinals game being explored, also potential Thursday night event in Public Media Commons followed PRIMA suite at hotel.
- Suggestions for Guests at PRIMA Conference (Dan) – The PRIMA survey responders requested NPR’s president Jarl Mohn and Joyce MacDonald from National Public Media as guests at the PRIMA Conference. Other suggestions for sessions include an FCC Legal Session with Ernie Sanchez and Meg Miller; a CPB official to talk about grant compliance requirements; and a large station/small station issues panel discussion.
- Discussion of NPR Clock Changes (Paul) – NPR lifted restriction on inserting other content into ME/ATC; SRG has shared a series of recommendations to NPR including mixture of local versus national content, highlighting changes in terms and conditions document, how stations and NPR can work together better; etc.
- Discussion of NPR One (Tim) – Early metrics indicate good response from users; very little data exists about effectiveness of membership spots; questions remain in the system about how NPR1 and Station content will interact for the attention of listener/users. Board discussed need for stronger co-branding with stations, stronger presence for local stories and earlier positioning of membership spots.
- Discussion of CPB funding concerns post November Elections (Tim) – With a political shift expected in Washington with upcoming elections, does this leave public broadcasting funding vulnerable. What is NPR government relations doing to address potential funding issues?
- USA Update (Tom) – Tom noted information contained in recent USA Survey especially noting the large number of public radio general managers who will be retiring in the next 3-5 years; noted that Craig Beeby will be presenting at the SuperRegional Conference; recommended that managers check out the training resources available on the USA website.
Adjourned at 3:30 PM.
Next meeting will be October 15th at 2:30 PM EDT.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan Skinner on behalf of
Karen Olstad
Secretary