Community Advisory Board Meeting Minutes August 3, 2016
The meeting started at 6:03pm at the Morehead State Public Radio (MSPR) office.
Nona Camuel, MSPR Advisory Board (CAB) Chair welcomed CAB members Sarah Dailey, Janet McCoy, Steven Middleton and Molly Smothers.
MSPR General Manager Paul Hitchcock and Samantha Morrill were also present.
Old Business
CAB meeting minutes from May 4, 2016 and June 15, 2016 were not available. They will be presented at the next CAB meeting.
Paul Hitchcock presented MSPR’s Quarterly Program Report (April – June 2016). Following general discussion, Steve Middleton made a motion to accept the report and Sarah Dailey seconded. The motion passed.
Paul Hitchcock presented a summary and update on MSPR’s FY1617 Budget and Programming. Effective on July 1, 2016, MSPR’s Operating Budget was reduced by $79,700. Due to the revenue shortfall, several part-time and work-study positions will see their hours either reduced or eliminated.
Programming will also be adjusted by the budget cuts. National programs to be eliminated include Conversations from the World Café, Thistle & Shamrock, Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me and World Café. Local programs to be cut include Odd Numbers, Sin Fronteras and Sounds of Our Heritage.
To compensate for the loss in programming, classical music will be expanded in the evening and other programs will be repeated, such as American Routes and Grant Alden’s Field Notes. MSPR also plans to add Kentucky Tonight from KET and a new local program, the Golden Age of Radio, will be added to the schedule.
Hitchcock explained the reduction in staff and programming is necessary to maintain basic operating expenses such as utilities, supplies, equipment and part-time staff. These will need to be funded by the CPB grant and the MSPR Fund (underwriting and contributions). Following general discussion, Molly Smothers made a motion to accept the summary and Sarah Dailey seconded. The motion passed.
Guest Comments
There were no guest comments.
New Business
MSPR will participate in First Friday events to be held at the Rowan County Arts Center on August 5, September 2 and October 7. Hitchcock said MSPR will have booth and staff will be available to offer information about MSPR and to hand-out stickers, pens, etc.
Samantha Morrill presented an update on MSPR’s booth at the Morehead Arts & Eats Festival on September 17. MSPR will be making SPAMwiches with many of the items being donated. All funds raised by MSPR will be donated to the festival to be disbursed to charitable organizations. Several CAB members volunteered to donate items for the event.
Hitchcock mentioned a national EAS (Emergency Alert System) test will be held on September 28. MSPR (WMKY) will be taking part in the test, which involves registering and reporting.
MSPR is planning a Fall Fundraiser and Membership Drive the week of October 17 – 21. This will be limited on-air fundraiser, using pre-recorded testimonials and pitches by MSPR staff. The fundraiser will be used in collaboration with the MSU Development Office’s call-out and mail-out campaign. Listeners will also be directed to use MSPR’s online pledge form.
Closing Comments
The next quarterly CAB meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 6:00pm.
Molly Smothers made the motion to adjourn and Sarah Dailey seconded the motion. The motion passed. With no further business to discuss, the CAB was adjourned at 7:08pm.