Rotary In Review: Is Local Broadcasting Still Relevant?

 

President Heidi Fisher called the hybrid meeting to order at 12:20 pm. Lynne Beck was scribe. The greeters were Bo Alyin and Todd Nicholson. The A/V Tech Team was Paul Meekin and Noble Orji.

 

Heidi Fisher led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Doug Hartford read the Prayer of St. Francis for the Inspirational Minute and led members in the 4-Way Test.

 

John Andrews introduced Chris Nelson, Metro State University Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, a guest who is applying for membership.

 

St. Paul Foundation President John Chandler presented the Scholarship Management Task Force Update. Since 2010, we have raised over $580,000 for the student scholarship fund. The yearly scholarship recipient, who receives $20,000 over four years for college, must be a St. Paul High School graduate and participant in RYLA. Scholarship America has managed the fund for an annual fee of $1,540 but is raising the amount to $3,320. The four Rotarians on the Task Force are John Chandler, Carla Hauge, Jim Kosmo, and Melissa Musliner. They are considering 4 options for the future of managing the fund.

 

 

John answered questions from the members and will bring feedback to the Task Force. 

 

Jay Pfaender introduced the speaker, Wendy Paulson, President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and President Elect of the National Alliance of State Broadcast Associations. Wendy started in the broadcast industry nearly 40 years ago, working at Midwest radio stations serving as news director, on-air, promotions and as Program Director running News Talk stations, including 12 years at WCCO radio. The highlight of her career was leading the team who covered the Flood of ’97 in Fargo, ND and ultimately winning a George Foster Peabody Award. She followed this by working with WCCO legendary broadcasters like Steve Cannon, Boone and Erickson, Dave Lee and Sid Hartman. The topic of her presentation was “Is Local Broadcasting Still Relevant?”

 

Wendy asked Rotarians where they get the news? The answers varied from TV to radio, newspapers, and social media. The Minnesota Broadcasters Association serves 300+ radio and TV stations in Minnesota. Their key issues are: business issues; First Amendment Rights, Freedom of the Press and Protection of Journalists; and local broadcasting.

 

5 people will be inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame this year. They all have a love for community and giving back.

 

Local broadcasting helps the national and local economy by providing jobs. The stations also contribute to national and local charities. They are staying relevant by making the news available on numerous platforms: online, apps, pod casts, websites, social media, streaming, etc.

 

The National Association of Broadcasters is working with stakeholders on key issues such as the Journalist Competitions and Preservation Act and AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. 

 

Wendy told about the launching of NextGenTV on August 14 in Minneapolis. It is a new free broadcasting platform. This announcement was followed by Q&A’s.

 

John Andrews asked for Happy Dollars. Everyone is invited to Night at the Gatsby at Landmark Jewelers on August 10, 4-8. It is a partnership with Meritage and Heimie’s Haberdashery. Doug Hartford’s grandson hit a grand slam and another home run. Jason DeKeuster is this year’s Aquatennial Commodore.  Amanda Mai is in the play “Ruthless” at Theatre Elision. Dana Bruce invited everyone to Bad Luck Ball at the Commodore on Oct. 26, a fundraiser for St. Paul Parks Conservancy. David Dominick gave a happy dollar in honor of President Heidi Fisher.

 

Heidi Fisher made the following club announcements:

 

August 1, 2023, 5:30-9:00 PM

422 E. Mulberry St., Stillwater, MN

 

August 8, 2023

InterContinental Hotel or Online via zoom 12:00 PM

 

Rotary Night at the Saints game

August 31, 7:07 PM

Contact Sherry Howe

 

The meeting closed at 1:15 pm.  

 

Lynne Beck

Scribe