PUBLIC RADIO IN MID-AMERICA (PRIMA)
Board Conference Call
August 4, 2009
2:30 ET
Minutes
Present: Christina Kuzmych, WFIU (Acting President) Dan Skinner, Texas Public Radio, (Acting Vice President and Secretary); Dorie Vallillo, WIUM (Treasurer), Jon Schwartz, Wyoming Public Radio, (Board Member No. 2), Bill Wheelhouse, WUIS, (Board Member No. 3), Cleve Callison, WMUB (Past President)
I. Meeting began at 2:33 E.T.
II. Fall PRIMA Conference
Christina reported that the hotel registration process seems to be working and encouraged board members to register. Planning is proceeding on meeting space schedule, tickets for “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me,” PRIMA Suite Schedule, etc. No eligible applicants for the PRIMA scholarship. It was decided to extend the deadline for the scholarship to August 15th and distribute the scholarship application info via both PRIMA talk and AREPS listserv.
III. Nominating Committee
Christina will touch bases with Tim Eby to add a person to the nominating committee and prepare a slate.
IV. NPR Board Meeting Report
Christina reported on NPR Board Meeting. Highlights included NPR Board soliciting more input from regional organizations regarding NPR policies, specifically the program fee model, NPR survey, etc. The next PRRO meeting will discuss the role of PRRO in advising the NPR board. The PRIMA Board members discussed the existing program fee structure, forces bearing on it and some background on previous efforts to adjust it. NPR is moving forward with plans to build a new facility. Christina reported on NPR Board discussion about CPB efforts to get one-time appropriation to provide relief for stations during this time of economic stress, the CPB Future Fund and the lack of a strategic plan for the fund. The PRIMA Board Members discussed input of PRIMA members at San Antonio Meeting regarding system issues and suggested that the summary of issues be shared with PRRO. The issue of Rural Funding qualifications and whether it is still relevant was raised at the NPR Board Meeting. Two resolutions were passed to create greater transparency regarding board meetings.
V. Meeting adjourned at 3:38 p.m. E.T.
Respectfully submitted,
Dan Skinner, Secretary