About KCPT .

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April 2013 Letter from Kliff Kuehl, President & CEO

Learn more about KCPT as a leading provider of educational services in our community.

Every week some 95,000 area students bring their studies to life with KCPT’s digital learning services. Our PBS LearningMedia™ is a great resource for students and educators and brings together the best of pubic media digital content from award-winning programs like NOVA, Nature, FRONTLINE, American Experience, and Sid the Science Kid. KCPT acts as the connector between this outstanding innovative digital content service and the educators and students at area schools.

Gary Brock, KCPT’s Director of Education, represented KCPT at the PBS LearningMedia™ Summit at PBS in Arlington Virginia last month. Sarah Hayden, second grade teacher from the Longfellow Elementary School in the Kansas City Public School District accompanied Gary. Sarah will work with KCPT to create workshops throughout the metro to promote the service to other schools.

Another educational initiative of KCPT is Raising Readers. The Martha Speaks Reading Buddies program now includes six high needs elementary schools in the greater Kansas City Metropolitan area.  Currently 700 children are involved with the mentoring program. Fourth and fifth graders become Big Buddies and kindergartners and first graders become Little Buddies. During the ten sessions the Big Buddies mentor their Little Buddies by watching special Martha Speaks programs, playing games, writing in journals, and reading books together. The Little Buddies get to take the 10 books home allowing these high needs children to begin building a library and a love of reading.

KCPT hosted an early childhood workshop for area teachers last month. The Family Conservancy trained the teachers in advanced skills to be used to address the high needs children they work with on a daily basis. KCPT hosts four of these workshops each year and has over 40 in attendance at each workshop.

As you can see, KCPT is more than just television. We have a broad reach in the community to help inside and outside of the classroom.  Great content plus great teachers plus great training equals life long success!

If you would like more information about our educational services, please visit our website at kcpt.org.

Click here to join me as a proud member of KCPT.

Kliff Kuehl signature

 

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Big 5: Progress Report on KC Chamber Initiatives

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce launched its Big 5 initiatives to help reinvent Kansas City. We bring together some of the key decision makers to find out what progress has been made.

What began in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Board room in July 2011 with 100 business, civic and elected leaders and 182 ideas for creating a greater Kansas City has become five initiatives which seek to to bring better health, improved education, more jobs, increased investment and a better quality of life to everyone in the region. The Local Show gathered key decision makers from each of the Big 5 initiatives to find out how much progress has been made.

Our Think Tank of Experts:

Jim Heeter, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Russ Welsh, Current KC Chamber Chair; Chairman & CEO, Polsinelli Shughart
Greg Graves, Past (2011) KC Chamber Chair; Chairman of the Board & CEO, Burns & McDonnell

Big 5 Representatives:

Moving UMKC’s World-Class Arts Programs to a New Downtown Location
Leo Morton: Champion; Chancellor, University of Missouri – Kansas City

Revitalizing Our Urban Neighborhoods Through the Urban Neighborhood Initiative
(Champions Brent Stewart and Terry Dunn were unavailable.)
Mark Jorgenson: Chairman, Urban Neighborhood Initiative Board; President & CEO, US Bank, Kansas City Market
Dianne Cleaver: Executive Director, Urban Neighborhood Initiative

Making Kansas City America’s Most Entrepreneurial City
Peter deSilva: Champion; Chairman & CEO, UMB Bank
Cliff Illig: Entrepreneurship Steering Committee; Co-founder, Cerner Corp.

Hosting the Global Symposium on Innovation in Animal Health
(Champion Gary Forsee was unavailable.)
Robert Marcusse: President & CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council

Growing Kansas City’s Medical Research, From Discovery to Cure
Dr. Patrick James: Champion; Senior Managing Director, Quest Diagnostics- Kansas Business Unit.

Keep the conversation going:

Follow us on Twitter: @TheLocalShowKC

#Big5KC
#KCPT

Like us on Facebook: KCPT’S The Local Show

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Board Member Highlight: Bradley Scott

Bradley Scott, US Bank and KCPT Board Member, talks about public television, its importance, and why it needs the community's support.

Favorite PBS/KCPT Program:  While I can list my favorites, it is far too difficult to name THE favorite program.  Here they are in no particular order:

  • Downton Abbey – I am a history buff and this series is remarkably accurate, well written and portrayed.  Did I mention that it is also highly entertaining?
  • The Local Show – I always learn something new about what’s going on in Kansas City.
  • FRONTLINE – It is what a news documentary series should be, tough and often controversial but always thought provoking.
  • NOVA – Food for my inner science geek.  NOVA gives me a much deeper dive than other, more commercial programming is able to do.

What do I enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?  I enjoy working with an organization that does so much for the Kansas City Region.  I have worked with many non-for-profit organizations over the years and I have yet to work with a more passionate, devoted and talented staff as what I have found at KCPT.  Their passion for Public Television and the way they weave that mission into the fabric of the Kansas City community is amazing.

Why should someone support KCPT?  In addition to all that was said above, I would like to remind everyone that the quality programming has a cost that is not supported by commercial advertising or cable subscription fees. The only way that we can continue to enjoy the independent high quality national and local programming is for us to vote with our wallets.  It is incumbent upon me, as a viewer, to financially support this programming.  To me, FRONTLINE is a perfect example of a program that began out of the void created when commercial networks began producing “more profitable content” and moved away from revealing, hard-hitting investigative reporting.  Without our support, programming like FRONTLINE would disappear and I believe the public would be less informed because of it.

Click here to join Brad as a proud member of KCPT.

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Board Member Highlight: Brian Johnston

Meet Board Member Brian Johnston, Sponsorship Sales Manager with the Kansas City Chiefs.

What is your favorite PBS or KCPT program and why?
The Local Show—I love to learn about the fascinating talents of people around the city!   For example, I had just finished reading both the River of Doubt & Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard.  The next week I was watching an episode of The Local Show and they had a great interview with her.  Honestly, I didn’t realize she was from Kansas City until I watched the show.

History—I love history so whenever a Ken Burns program is on I’m hooked.  And, of course anything about Kansas City history I love too!

What do you enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?
I am a big fan of Kansas City as I grew up here.  Like most kids, I started watching Sesame Street on KCPT.  While most of my life is involved in sports, I truly love the arts and to have the ability to give back to a great board and organization like KCPT is something I am very proud of.

Why should people support KCPT?
KCPT is Kansas City.  There is no other media outlet in our area that offers the type of programming that KCPT offers — and has for many years.  If you believe in the community and enjoy the programming available on KCPT, you should support it.

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Board Member Highlight: Charles Romero

Meet Charles Romero, Diversity Officer and Director of Training, Human Resources, The University of Kansas Medical Center.

What is your favorite PBS or KCPT program and why?
NOVA is my favorite program because I get to see remarkable science programs. I work at an academic medical center and find the NOVA programming fascinating.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?
KCPT allows me the opportunity to learn things about the greater Kansas City community that I would have never known otherwise.

Why should people support KCPT?
It  is critical for folks to support KCPT because they’re a premier educational resource.

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Board Member Highlight: Karen Zecy

Meet Karen Zecy, KCPT board member. Karen is President at American Micro Co.

What is your favorite PBS or KCPT program and why? 
Definitely The Local Show and Check, Please!.  I love to see what KCPT uncovers that is only in Kansas City.  Food – who doesn’t like to find a new restaurant!

What do you enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?
As a volunteer and board member, KCPT is always fun.  There is SO much going on.  I always leave a KCPT event with a sense that the time spent was worthwhile.

Why should people support KCPT?
KCPT covers what is best about Kansas City and what we need to know about Kansas City.  Whether it is human interest or difficult issues, we can always count on KCPT to provide details and perspective.  Our region is complicated by the state line.  Further, we sometimes have unwelcomed influence by Topeka or St. Louis.  There is so much to investigate and keep track of.  We have to stay informed to sustain our city.  Supporting KCPT helps all of us stay more knowledgeable and dedicated to our city.

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Board Member Highlight: Lan Strickland

Meet Lan Strickland, CEO & Global Business Culturalist with ADDPT, LLC.

What is your favorite PBS or KCPT program and why?
Actually, I have several favorites.  Forced to choose, it is definitely The Local Show.  I enjoy learning about what is happening in our own community, at the local level.  We have a tendency to forget all the great people and developments in our own backyard.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?
The opportunity to meet and work with great people I may not run into otherwise.  We bond and are all driven by our common passion of helping position KCPT as the local channel of choice.

Why should people support KCPT?
Education, and therefore knowledge, is a wonderful antidote to poverty while promoting understanding.  Where else can you get a world-class education for just pennies?  Let’s not forget the first class art programs (“food for the soul”) coming to our family rooms thanks to KCPT.

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Board Member Highlight: Paul Barker

Meet Paul Barker, KCPT board member. Paul works for Hallmark Digital and has been on our board since 2010.

What is your favorite PBS or KCPT program and why?  

It is hard to pick just one so I will share a few of my favorites…I am a big fan of Antiques Roadshow as I like to see the reaction people have to some of the treasures they have in their family.  I particularly like hearing the personal stories and histories of the antiques on display.  Sometimes those are more interesting than the pieces themselves.   But I am also a big fan of Great Performances, NOVA, Frontline and, of course, The Local Show.  I always feel a little bit smarter, more inspired and more informed with these programs. It is hard to find this kind of content anywhere else.  I also enjoy watching KCPT online.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?

I am really impressed with all the people working at KCPT and generous members and supporters of KCPT.  This is really a remarkable organization supporting the diverse needs of the Kansas City community with quality, informative and inspiring programming. I marvel at the level of trust viewers place in KCPT and, in today’s television media landscape, that is a rare quality!  I don’t believe that happens by accident but through thoughtful and responsible servant leadership.  It is an honor and a real privilege to be associated with this organization, the people working at KCPT and all the members and supporters of this dedicated organization.

Why should people support KCPT?  

I believe KCPT brings something rare to the Kansas City community that is hard to find in other venues and media.  Just look at the programming line up!  It is amazing.  KCPT does this without commercial sponsorship and completely relies on viewers and organizations to endorse and support the work they do.  I like the fact that KCPT and PBS focus on producing and delivering on such high quality programming but is also respectful of that very programming, and its viewers, by not interrupting with commercials.  But this requires other support and KCPT looks to the community of viewers to help them continue with this commitment to quality and respect for the programming and viewers.  I also like the fact that KCPT has become a reflection of the Kansas City community and the people who choose to live in this amazing city.  It is because of this, I choose to support KCPT with my membership and time.

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Board Member Highlight: Steve Green

Steve Green is a KCPT Board Member and President and CEO Kauffman Scholars, Inc.

What is your favorite PBS or KCPT program and why?

”The Local Show” and all of the exciting topics and ”Check, Please! Kansas City.” My wife and I actually use this program to decide what new place we are going to try for dining out.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?

I love KCPT’s commitment to public service and education.  I am most impressed with the creative ways KCPT accomplishes its mission.

Why should people support KCPT?

Because they know and understand the vital role that local public television plays by reaching all segments of our community. Those who support KCPT recognize the importance of having a station dedicated to educating and edifying the Kansas City community.

 

 

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Board Member Highlight: Willetta Willis-Mcghee

Meet KCPT Board Member Willetta Willis-Mcghee.

What is your favorite PBS or KCPT program and why?

My favorite show is Check, Please! Love the one-on-one conversations with KC food enthusiasts, the restaurant proprietors as well as passionate patrons. It makes food much more personal.

What do you enjoy most about being involved with KCPT?
What I enjoy most about board membership is the fascinating behind-the-scenes exposure to Kansas City treasures.

Why should people support KCPT?
I must admit that before my involvement, I had no idea of the unique value KCPT affords to virtually all segments of the local community. But if there is one reason to make support a priority, it’s the obvious commitment to education. The children’s programming is phenomenal.

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