NJ Public Broadcasting Authority Board

Minutes of Past Meetings:

New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority
Board of Commissioners Meeting
October 25, 2007, 4:00 p.m.
Newark, NJ

MINUTES

Scott A. Kobler, Esq., Presiding
NJPBA Two Hundred Thirty Fifth Meeting

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A meeting of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority Board of Commissioners was held on October 25 at 4:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the NJN Board room in Newark, NJ. Chair Scott Kobler called the meeting to order. In accordance with the provisions of the Open Public Meetings law of the State of New Jersey, notice of this meeting was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, posted on the appropriate bulletin boards maintained for such purposes by the Authority, and distributed by press release to newspapers in New Jersey. Notice was made ten days in advance of this meeting.

Chair Kobler requested a formal roll call and a quorum was confirmed. Commissioners participating were: Dr. Steven Fiske, Second Vice Chair; Stephanie Hoopes Halpin, Treasurer; Gale Grossman; Phyllis Salowe-Kaye; Chris Donnelly, Public Information Officer, Department of Community Affairs (on behalf of Acting Commissioner of Community Affairs Joseph V. Doria) via telephone; Robert Smartt, Deputy State Treasurer (on behalf of State Treasurer Bradley Abelow) via telephone; David Wald, Director of Communications, Office of the Attorney General (on behalf of Attorney General Anne Milgram) via telephone. Also participating were Elizabeth Christopherson, Executive Director, NJN; David Balaban, Deputy Attorney General; Robert Shane, Assistant Counsel, Office of the Governor; David Miller, Executive Vice President, NJN Foundation; Becky Corbin, Vice President, Fund Development, NJN Foundation; Robert Prindible, Deputy Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NJN; Bill Schnorbus, Deputy Executive Director, Engineering, NJN; Janice Selinger, Deputy Executive Director, Production, NJN; and Ronnie Weyl, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, NJN Foundation.

Mr. Kobler next asked for any comments on the minutes from the July 26, 2007 meeting. A correction was made that noted Dr. Steve Fisk was present at the July 26, 2007 meeting, and then Mr. Kobler asked for a motion to approve the minutes. The motion was made by Stephanie Hoopes Halpin and seconded by Dr. Fiske. The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Kobler asked for a motion to move the meeting into Executive Session to which the general public is not admitted, to discuss and, if necessary, to act upon pending and/or anticipated legal, personnel, and contractual matters. Such discussions may be disclosed to the public when such disclosures may be made without adversely affecting the Authority’s pending and/or anticipated legal, personnel, and contractual matters.

The motion was made by Dr. Steven Fiske and seconded by Ms. Hoopes Halpin. The motion carried unanimously to move into Executive Session.

Following discussion and action on the Executive Session agenda, the motion was made by Stephanie Hoops Halpin and seconded by Gale Grossman to move out of Executive Session.

Strategic Goal I: To advance NJN’s mission and vision as advocates and stewards of public television.

Mr. Kobler referenced the FY08 NJPBA Scorecard and asked Ms. Hoopes Halpin for the Treasurer’s report.

Ms. Halpin reported that the Finance Committee met on October 19, 2007. FY07 was a difficult year to budget owing to the funding gap of $1,600,000, which was closed by utilizing roll-forward funds. There were no reductions in FTE’s or services in FY07.

In FY08, the Authority not only faces increased costs relating to mandatory salary increases, utility increases and other costs, but also has the $1,600,000 funding gap. The budget for FY08 includes a reduction of approximately $500,000 in expenses, without a reduction in FTE’s or any significant reduction in program services. The budget also includes a Foundation FY08 supplemental grant of an amount as much as $1,100,000. The Foundation approved this one-time grant, stating that it would provide up to the $1,100,000 in funding to the Authority on an “if needed” basis.

The Authority continues to work with the State to identify funds that could close the funding gap for the Authority, as well as to work with the Foundation Board and staff to increase private sector support.

Ms. Hoopes Halpin also noted that Scripps Network did renew their first one year $1.3 million contract for the Food Channel; however, it is felt that they will not renew their last one year option. If not renewed, approximately $300,000 will return to the operating budget in FY09.

Ms. Hoopes Halpin then made a motion to accept the FY08 Capital Equipment Repair and Replacement Budget.

Be it resolved, that the Board of Commissioners of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority adopts the NJN Capital Repair and Replacement Budget for FY08 as submitted, totaling $1,300,000.

The motion was seconded by Dr. Fiske and passed unanimously.

Ms. Hoopes Halpin then referred to the background on the digital radio conversion grants. NJN has received seven digital radio conversion grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. We have been contacted by the CPB digital radio grants coordinator and asked to consider surrendering our seven grants and to resubmit new digital radio grant requests for our seven stations. NJN can decline the existing award offers without prejudice.

The terms of the proposed grant awards provide a larger award amount, additional equipment and construction time, as well as reductions in royalty licensing fees.

Resubmitting proposals allows NJN to update proposals with 2nd generation digital equipment and still retain the 70/30 match rate between CPB and NJN on eligible expenses. NJN is eligible for up to $75,000 in CPB funding for each full-power facility it operates and this is a 53% increase in available funds. The motion was then made by Dr. Fiske, seconded by Ms. Hoopes Halpin and read by Mr. Kobler: Authorizing rescission of Digital Radio Grant Funds from the Corporation for Pubic Broadcasting (CPB), and resubmitting proposals to CPB for procurement of Digital Radio funds for NJPBA radio stations, WNJP, WNJS, WNJT, WNJZ, WNJB, WNJM, and WNJN.

WHEREAS, the Public Broadcasting Authority is authorized to establish, own, and operate noncommercial educational television or radio broadcasting stations, one or more public broadcasting telecommunications networks or systems and interconnection and program production facilities;

WHEREAS, pursuant to its enabling legislation, specifically N.J.S.A. 48:23-7p. the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority (“NJN”) is authorized to acquire through lease, purchase or otherwise real and other property and to hold and use this property for public broadcasting and public broadcasting telecommunications purposes;

WHEREAS, the Authority owns and operates seven FCC-licensed radio stations at various locations within the State of New Jersey;

WHEREAS, proposed CPB digital radio award agreements, fund 2nd generation equipment purchases, including equipment necessary to enable digital radio's multicasting capabilities, replacement of antennas and transmission lines, additional construction time, and favorable licensing agreements,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that:

1. The Board authorizes termination of Corporation for Public Broadcasting Digital Radio grants #8461, #8462, #8463, #8727, #8458, #8459, and #8460, and the reapplication procedure for digital radio conversion grants for NJN radio stations WNJP, WNJS, WNJT, WNJZ, WNJB, WNJM, and WNJN.

2. The Board authorizes the Executive Director or Deputy Director to execute any necessary documents or agreements in cooperation with the State of New Jersey, Division of Purchase and Property which may be or become necessary to procure the subject equipment through a cooperative agreement with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Kobler then asked Elizabeth Christopherson to give a report on behalf of Patricia Costante, Chair of the Public Value Committee. Ms. Christopherson described how NJN’s mission intersects with the missions of the respective organizations represented on the Committee, and how we might work together to serve constituents and also enhance the recognition of NJN’s public value.

Ms. Christopherson reported that the Public Values Committee identified several key action steps such as expanding NJN’s communications with broader constituencies and inviting Committee members to become involved in NJN’s broadband initiative called New Jersey Connected. Committee members are working to evaluate the programs and services NJN currently provides and consider who we are serving and how we can plan for the future. The Committee is also considering holding a Legislative Breakfast in the spring to introduce newly elected legislators to NJN and provide a re-orientation for re-elected legislators.

Strategic Goal II: To serve New Jersey with Uniquely New Jersey programs and services that meet important public needs.

Mr. Kobler then asked Ms. Christopherson to report on the progress of Strategic Goal II. Ms. Christopherson highlighted that the PBS blockbusters this year is The War which was airing on NJN. A luncheon hosted by Bank of America with co-producer and co-director of The War Lynn Novick, and featured remarks from Governor Byrne, Governor Corzine and Secretary of State Wells. The event was attended by more than 200 veterans and students from Eastern Regional High School who interviewed veterans including Sam Hynes, a marine pilot and Princeton professor who was featured in the film.

Ms. Christopherson announced that on the day of the luncheon, Bank of America presented a grant of $25,000 to support students and teachers in Jersey City to capture veterans’ stories using MP3 players, wickis, cell phone and other digital tools. She added that NJN is capturing New Jersey’s stories with Images/Imagenes, Another View and Due Process programs. Ms. Christopherson concluded her remarks about The War by showing a very moving clip of a New Jersey veteran of World War II that is featured on njn.net.

Ms. Christopherson also noted that 135 schools, reaching thousands of teachers and students, are served by the Digital Classroom which has a new addition - a local insertion component that allows schools to create their own video and store it along with an icon of their school logo on the Digital Classroom interface. She also noted that NJN’s award-winning program Classroom Close-up, NJ is featuring Digital Classroom as a best practice in Chatham High School and concluded by showing a brief segment of the Digital Classroom.

Ms. Christopherson explained that NJN continues to develop programs that educate and inform New Jerseyans about issues important to them and our state including the environment, law, health, history, education and the arts. In December, Ten Crucial Days will be aired about that brief, but critical period beginning on Christmas Day 1776 that breathed new life into the American Revolution. A special preview is planned for NJPBA Commissioners and invited guests on December 13.

Additionally, Ms. Christopherson reported that a new NJN program with the working title of Green Builders about the quiet revolution in constructing buildings that are environmentally sound is underway and slated to air during Earth Week next spring. David Grant, President and CEO of the Dodge Foundation was honored at the October 23 reception hosted by Peter and Sharon Cocoziello and attended by over 100 people. Ms. Christopherson then showed the clip shown at the reception that provided moving highlights from Green Builders (wt) and credited The Dodge Foundation for generously underwriting.

Ms. Christopherson also mentioned that NJN earned 4 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for “The Body You Have” produced by Susan Wallner, “Due Process-Needle Exchange Redux” produced by Sandra King and Jeff Friedman, “Classroom Close-up New Jersey: Whodunit?” produced by Wanda Swanson and Kevin Ronan, and “The Healing Arts” produced by Susan Wallner, Eric Schultz and Chris Benincasa. In addition, the NJN original documentary “Turning the Tide” garnered third place for Outstanding Beta/In-depth Reporting Television, in the world’s largest and most comprehensive awards on environmental issues by the Society of Environmental Journalists. And finally, “Words and Music by Jerry Herman” that was successfully premiered at the Kennedy Center, will air on NJN on New Year’s night and nationally in January on all PBS stations.

With regard to the NJ Campus Channel, Ms. Christopherson noted that a Blue Ribbon Task Force co-chaired by Peter Cocoziello and Tim Teen convened on July 25, 2007 to study the feasibility of creating a “Campus Channel.” Lynn Burstan from the University of California at San Diego-TV and University of California TV met with the task force on September 20 to answer panel members’ questions regarding such issues as partnerships, content providers, budget, relationship to the university, equipment needs, and model of operation. UCSD-TV could be a model for the NJ Campus Channel. The task force is to complete its study by December 31, 2007 and to file a report with the Carnegie Corporation by April 1, 2008.

Ms. Christopherson reported that the Broadband Summit chaired by Secretary of State Nina Wells and with funding from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and CPB, convened a Summit Advisory Group meeting and has launched the New Jersey Connected Initiative. Five sector groups composed of experts oriented around the areas of education, economic growth, the arts, culture and tourism; health and emergency communication have been formed and have been holding meetings.

Mr. Kobler then asked Phyllis Salowe Kaye to provide an update on her initiative to create workshops for staff members and volunteers from nonprofit organizations. Ms. Salowe Kaye announced that NJN, in conjunction with New Jersey Citizen Action and Dumont Television Center at Montclair State University, will be presenting a digital video production seminar for non-profits. The workshop will take place at the Dumont TV Center on Montclair’s campus.

At a past Board meeting, Ms. Salowe Kaye had inquired about the idea of having a video production workshop where non-profits could get tips about production and what they need to improve videos they might be producing on a shoe-string budget. Ms. Christopherson arranged for this workshop, working with Jeff Friedman who formerly was NJN’s Newark Station Manager, since what was envisioned was a “hands-on” workshop that was very affordable and MSU had the equipment, space and other resources to partner with us.

Ms. Christopherson thanked Ms. Salowe Kaye for her efforts. She also highlighted Gale Grossman as another example of a Commissioner who proposed an excellent idea and then provided key support for it. Ms. Grossman described her family’s personal experience and their commitment to advancing education about the issue of postpartum depression. Mr. Kobler and the entire Board thanked Ms. Grossman for her vision and generosity to make a $50,000 gift to fund a documentary about the issue of postpartum depression.

Strategic Goal III: Complete build out of digital infrastructure.

Ms. Christopherson stated that John Lawson, APTS President and CEO, will testify before the Senate Commerce Committee on October 17 regarding the digital transition and consumer outreach efforts surrounding the transition and that APTS invited NJN to submit “local station stories” of consumer education and outreach to add to Lawson’s testimony. Ms. Christopherson added that NJN shared its progress with the Access to Emergency Alerts Advisory Committee.

To conclude her report, Ms. Christopherson expressed her gratitude to all of the Commissioners for their dedication and ingenuity to help NJN meet its challenges and help NJN fulfill its public service mission.

Mr. Kobler thanked Ms. Christopherson for her report and conveyed his appreciation to the entire NJN staff, and to the Commissioners. He noted that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. in Trenton with a premiere and reception of Ten Crucial Days to follow the meeting. He asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was made by Gale Grossman and seconded by Stephanie Hoopes Halpin.