"North Carolina City Confronts Its Past in Report on White Vigilantes"

"Report Released on 1898 North Carolina Race Riot"

"Report Released on 1898 North Carolina Race Riot"

"Winners of 2006 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Broadcast News Award Announced"

"Winners of 2006 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Broadcast News Award Announced"

This release puts WUNC's impressive award in better context than the item on the WUNC website. In addition, this release recognizes, by name, those at WUNC who participated in the making of the winning series:

"Emily Hanford, senior editor and producer; Paul Cuadros, Dawn Dreyer, Leda Hartman, Rose Hoban, Leoneda Inge, Rusty Jacobs, Michelle Johnson, Alison Jones, Jessica Jones, Susan Leffler, Laura Leslie, Amy Nelson, Paul Overton, and James Todd, producers; Sharon Ball, John Biewen, Cheryl Devall, Neenah Ellis, Deborah George, Maria Martin, Marcus Rosenbaum and Ben Shapiro, editors; George Boosey, program director; Joan Siefert Rose, general manager."

It would be nice to for WUNC to share this sort of thing with its listeners and supporters on the WUNC website. Well-deserved congratulations, no doubt, are to be shared by the entire team.

"'We're your local station' in Carrboro - WCOM is like radio 'used to be'"

"'We're your local station' in Carrboro - WCOM is like radio 'used to be'"

"Governor Mike Easley"

"Governor Mike Easley"

One might think that the full audio of the interview with Governor EASLEY would appear on the WUNC website. My own reaction to the interview is that it could have been done by his campaign staff. It is not exactly fully of hard-hitting and probing questions of the Governor.

"Melinda Penkava Steps Down as Host of The State of Things"

"Melinda Penkava Steps Down as Host of The State of Things"

One would think that the people who have signed up to receive e-mails with the upcoming content of the State Of Things might have been interested in seeing this press release, but I do not recall seeing it in any of those messsages.

Marketplace from American Public Media

Marketplace from American Public Media

It remains at least curious that with all the hoopla from WUNC about opening a "Southeast Bureau" for Marketplace that nothing at all about this appears on the Marketplace site.

"Chapel Hill's WUNC-FM poised for big things "

"Chapel Hill's WUNC-FM poised for big things"

This Herald-Sun story about Dick GORDON's program raises a very long list of questions. At the top of the list are these two:

1. The story says that the "station's leadership" decided to raise the "national profile". WUNC is "owned" by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Who, exactly, is the "station's leadership" and where is the public record of this decision?

2. Who, by name and amount, contributed the $650,000 needed, according to the article, to hire GORDON and "a staff"?

I would say that a followup story is very much in order.

Fund drive....

Fund drive....

The text on the WUNC home page relating to the fund drive promised - a couple of days ago - that the station would provide an accurate count of how much money was pledged as soon as they finished counting it. That promise is no longer there, nor is a precise count.

"North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC"

"North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC"

The home page reports that $855,000 was rasied during the pledge drive that concluded yesterday. When the promised "official tally" is posted, it would be good if it included some analysis of these pledges. Who, specifically, made the largest commitment and how much is it? In fact, I think WUNC ought to publish a list of the 10 people or organizations who give the largest amount to the station in this fund drive and generally. North Carolina taxpayers, who ultimately "own" the station are entitled to know this.

"UNC board passes control rules"

"UNC board passes control rules"

Will these new rules apply to WUNC? Will it make the station transparent? One can only hope so.

"Community Advisory Board"

"Community Advisory Board"

Where is the WUNC equivalent of this?

"Current.org | The newspaper about public TV & radio in the U.S."

"Current.org | The newspaper about public TV & radio in the U.S."

This is a tremendous resource for anyone interesting in following the vicissitudes of public radio and television.

"Dick Gordon to Return to the Airwaves"

"Dick Gordon to Return to the Airwaves"

"Popular public radio host joins North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC"

"Popular public radio host joins North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC"

How much will this cost? What are the prospects for success?

WUNC's penchant for secrecy is intolerable.

"The Women of National Public Radio"

"The Women of National Public Radio"

"NPR's Podcasting Numbers Touch 4 Million Downloads"

"NPR's Podcasting Numbers Touch 4 Million Downloads"

"President Bush's approval rating drops in latest Elon University Poll"

"President Bush's approval rating drops in latest Elon University Poll"

The above is a link to the details of the opinion poll reported in local news from WUNC this afternoon.

Callers?

Callers?

Another piece of information that some WUNC listeners might find interesting are some statistics on the number of calls that come to the station during The State of Things, People's Pharmacy, etc? It would be nice to know the kind of interest - at least as expressed by phone callers - that these shows generate.

Fund raising....

Fund raising

Wouldn't be nice if WUNC would level with listeners and tell us all precisely when their fall fund drive begins and over what dates it will take place? This is a public radio station, not a grocery store.

"CIA Leak Investigation and The New York Times"

"CIA Leak Investigation and The New York Times"

For those with an interest in the media, this discussion on the Diane Rehm Show today, as carried by WUNC, is an especially good discussion within a highly knowledgeable group.

"N.C. Christian Group Protests 'New Age' Classes"

"N.C. Christian Group Protests 'New Age' Classes"

This is a story carried on NPR's All Things Considered today from WUNC. It would be nice for WUNC to keep us listener posted more regularly on which stories from the station are picked up by NPR and any other national services.

Thistle and Shamrock

Thistle and Shamrock

I love this show, but it is now broadcast at a time when it is inconvenient for me to listen. The show's website does not appear to offer any archived programs, but there is another alternative, even without leaving "North Carolina public radio". The link above takes you to an NPR page with all the other broadcast times for this program in North Carolina and links to each of the stations. Some, if not all of them, stream their programs so this gives you an excellent opportunity to listen to the show during several other time slots.

People's Pharmacy

People's Pharmacy

This is the page to which WUNC's website links for more information about the People's Pharmacy.

It sure would be helpful to know more about the show, how it is financed and whether it is broadcast by any station other than WUNC?

"Source book on Public Service Broadcasting published by UNESCO"

"Source book on Public Service Broadcasting published by UNESCO"

"Radio station makes it through first day in new city"

"Radio station makes it through first day in new city"

The Durham News

The Durham News

This is the local supplement for the News Observer in Durham. A Durham News columnist will be on the State of Things today, according to the WUNC State of Things e-mail.

Here is another of the participants.

"Virtual tour of WUNC's new ATHD studios by Keith Weston"

"Virtual tour of WUNC's new ATHD studios by Keith Weston"

That's American Tobacco Historic District, Durham.

Back Porch Music

Back Porch Music

"I hope you'll have time today (Thurs) to catch WUNC's The State of
Things. During the show (12N and 9 p.m.) host Frank Stasio speaks with
Holly Lowman of Sugar Hill Records and Shannon Ravenel of Algonquin
Books of Chapel Hill about their joint project, "The Best of the South"
which features a short story anthology and a companion CD of songs from
such luminaries as Dolly Parton and Tim O'Brien. We'll also hear an
excerpt from a story by Lee Smith and a track from the CD. If you miss
the show, it will archived by tomorrow at:
http://www.ibiblio.org/wunc_archives/sot/
More info: http://www.wunc.org/tsot/
While SOT moves to Durham, Back Porch Music will continue production at
our Chapel Hill studios and can be heard every Friday, Saturday and
Sunday night starting at 8 p.m.
-Keith Weston, BPM Host"

American Tobacco Historic District

American Tobacco Historic District

From the Herald-Sun:

"Stay tuned: WUNC Public Radio will air its first show Monday in its new production studio space at the American Tobacco Historic District.
The show, 'The State of Things,' airs at noon on 91.5 FM with host Melinda Penkava talking about, well, Durham. The hour-long show will take on the history and current events in the Bull City. WUNC takes up about 8,400 square feet at American Tobacco that includes two studios and control rooms.
Back in February when WUNC said it was coming to the historic tobacco complex, the station said some 20 folks would work out of the office and use it to broadcast 'The State of Things,' 'The People's Pharmacy' with Joe and Terry Graedon and possibly 'All Things Considered.' "

The State of Things daily listings

The State of Things daily listings

You can now sign up to receive what WUNC claims will be "daily listings of upcoming State of Things topics". Good move!

"At long last, getting to talk the talk his way"

"At long last, getting to talk the talk his way"

For those interested in following Bob EDWARDS, formerly of NPR.

"Changed by Katrina"

"Changed by Katrina"

Duke is including links to WUNC news on its "Duke in the News" page. One hopes that WUNC is promoting this sort of thing in other places.

"McConville/Bucky on WUNC"

"McConville/Bucky on WUNC"

Emily HANFORD

Emily HANFORD

Whatever the "Editorial Board" is (unexplained on the linked site), WUNC's Emily HANFORD seems to be a part of it.

"PBS boss aims to ride out political storm"

"PBS boss aims to ride out political storm"

"The Downside of 'Citizen Journalism'"

"The Downside of 'Citizen Journalism'"

And interesting NPR anecdote about the limits of what is often called "citizen journalism".

OrangePolitics.org

OrangePolitics.org

It's good to see others speaking about WUNC, too. If anyone reading this would like to contribute more than an occasional comment, please let me know at tmaguire@newspaper.com

"National Program Hosted by Dick Gordon & Produced by WUNC"

"National Program Hosted by Dick Gordon & Produced by WUNC"

WUNC lists several projects here.

"How do we get out of Iraq?"

"How do we get out of Iraq?"

Last year, WUNC rejected at least one on-air acknowledgement of a financial supporter on the grounds that the words violated the prohibition, according to the station, against any acknowledgement which expresses "the views of any person with respect to any matter of public importance of (sic) interest" (see the linked page)

Now comes the on-air acknowledgement of a group - the Orange Democratic Party - that has organized a program on the topic of "How do we get out of Iraq?". My own feeling is that this is a good thing for WUNC to be airing, but how in the world can one possibly classify these words as anything other than the "views of any person with respect to any matter of public importance or interest"? WUNC's explanation of how it came to this conclusion would, at least, be fascinating to read.

"Where does North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC get its operating funds?"

"Where does North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC get its operating funds?"

One would sure think that there would be a link TO this page from the business sponsors page, and perhaps others?

Iraq War Public Forum

Iraq War Public Forum

This, at least this morning, was one of WUNC sponsors receiving an on-air acknowledgement. There is no information, or a link, on the WUNC website.

The title of the program is:

"How Do We Get Out of Iraq?
“Stay the Course” vs. “Out Now”
A Public Forum"

and it is present by the Orange County Democratic Party.

"Veteran Journalist Michael Getler Appointed First PBS Ombudsman"

"Veteran Journalist Michael Getler Appointed First PBS Ombudsman"

"North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC goes on-demand"

"North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC goes on-demand"

The more I think about this, the crazier it seems.

Some limited number of WUNC listeners are into podcasting. For them, this is a great thing and I think it is good of the station to offer the service. If it gets more people listening to public radio, that's a plus....for sure.

That said, why is it that the station does not offer a simple e-mail on a daily basis that provides links to the podcasted programs? There are many, many more WUNC listerners with computers and busy schedules who miss some of what WUNC orginates, such as The State of Things. It would seem a no-brainer to offer the e-mail service in ADDITION to the podcasting.

What is the counter argument?

"The host of WBUR's 'On Point' isn't afraid to cut off his guests, or to jump into a new career"

"The host of WBUR's 'On Point' isn't afraid to cut off his guests, or to jump into a new career"

How 'National' Is NPR?

How 'National' Is NPR?

Podcasts

Podcasts

I suppose some things never get "seen" on radio. The web forces people like WUNC to show if they really know the English language or not. Take a good look at this and try to remember in which grade you were supposed to learn the difference between "its" and "it's":

"Now North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC presents it's two new podcasts:"

The Decemberists

The Decemberists

This is the group whose song ends this piece from NPR today.

A Taste of Northern Hospitality for Katrina Evacuees

A Taste of Northern Hospitality for Katrina Evacuees

Is this the same Jerry QUINN? The story linked above was on Day to Day today.

"CPB Taps Two GOP Conservatives for Top Posts"

"CPB Taps Two GOP Conservatives for Top Posts"

The Washington Post's report of CPB leadership changes.

"Nominee to Lead Public Broadcasting Promises to Pursue Balance"

"Nominee to Lead Public Broadcasting Promises to Pursue Balance"

As Test Scores Jump, Raleigh Credits Integration by Income

As Test Scores Jump, Raleigh Credits Integration by Income

Have we heard this reported on WUNC - NC Public Radio? If so, where is the link? If not, why not?

Here is what comes up in a search of the WUNC news archive:

"Hurricane Katrina Wedding
Air Date: 9/19/2005
A couple from New Orleans now living at the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Victims Center in Wake County will get married tomorrow. The couple had planned a secret trip to the justice of the peace – but folks at the shelter wouldn’t let the milestone pass quietly. Leoneda Inge reports.
Listen Here
9th Grade Academies
Air Date: 8/22/2005
School starts this week in most districts across the state. In Wake County some schools are experimenting with something called 9th Grade Academies. They are part of an effort to keep kids from dropping out by making the transition between 8th and 9th grades easier. Jessica Jones reports from Cary High School.
Listen Here
Summer School
Air Date: 7/15/2005
Summer school is in full swing for students across the state. In Wake County alone, there are almost 700 students in class this summer. Some are there to take extra courses and get ahead in High School. But as Jessica Jones reports from Raleigh, others are there because they failed at least one of their courses during the school year.
Listen Here
Wake County School Growth
Air Date: 3/24/2005
With almost 110,000 students, Wake County’s School District is the second largest in the state – and it’s only getting bigger. WUNC’s Jessica Jones reports on the difficult time school officials have had predicting growth and planning for expansion.
Listen Here
High School in Jail
Air Date: 3/1/2005
More than 20 thousand students in North Carolina dropped out of school last year. That’s according to State Educators who are encouraging schools to work harder to keep students in the classroom. But once teenagers are outside a traditional high school setting getting a diploma can be very difficult. That’s especially true for teenagers who are in jail or prison. That’s in part why Wake County officials founded John Baker High School. It’s a charter school that operates inside the Wake County Jail. WUNC’s Jessica Jones reports.
Listen Here
Stranded at School
Air Date: 1/20/2005
2,800 Wake County students are back home this evening (1/20/05) after yesterday’s snow stranded them overnight at area schools. WUNC’s Laura Leslie spent this morning at Leesville Road Middle School in Raleigh.
Listen Here
Light Snow Snarls Raleigh
Air Date: 1/20/2005
A couple inches of snow paralyzed the City of Raleigh on Wednesday (1/19/05). Traffic was so bad that public school students at more than 50 Wake County Schools couldn’t get home. The schools suspended bus service at about 11 last night – and the students who were left behind – had to spend the night in classrooms. City officials say it’s unclear exactly why so little snow caused so many problems. WUNC’s Morning Edition anchor Eric Hodge spoke with Mayor Charles Meeker on Thursday morning. Meeker says Wednesday was a very frustrating day for drivers – and for the police and road crews who were trying to help people get home.
Listen Here"

"NPR Heats Up"

"NPR Heats Up"

New hires at NPR....

"Guide to North Carolina Public Radio"

"Guide to North Carolina Public Radio"

I was in a doctor's office this week and found a copy of a 2001 issue of Our State magazine. In it was a two page map of North Carolina showing all the public radio stations, including WUNC.

Alas, the map does not see to be retrievable online. Why wouldn't WUNC want to recreate it and put it on the WUNC site? We would all be well-served by knowing the public radio stations all over NC.

"Tomlinson Defends Pursuing PBS 'Balance'"

"Tomlinson Defends Pursuing PBS 'Balance'"

Groups Want 'Transparency' at CPB

Groups Want 'Transparency' at CPB

"Audio Interview: Maria Thomas, VP & GM, NPR Online & Mobile"

"Audio Interview: Maria Thomas, VP & GM, NPR Online & Mobile"

An interview with the woman in charge of most electronic services at NPR.

Weekly e-mail

Weekly e-mail

I was just reflecting on how many of the local news reports from WUNC, and The State of Things programs, I miss in the course of a week.

Generally, there seem to be up to about 5 local stories every week, and the normal 5 State of Things programs.

Why wouldn't WUNC want to offer a weekly e-mail that does nothing more than to provide the summaries of all of those that are now placed on the website with links to each story? It would reinforce the value of what WUNC produces every week, and it would allow those of us who miss some of those broadcasts to review what we missed and select any that we want to hear after the e-mail arrives.

"Eco-friendly radio station started in Wales"

"Eco-friendly radio station started in Wales"

A good way for WUNC to reduce operating costs? And be friendlier to the environment?

An 'Inadequate Response' to Disaster?

An 'Inadequate Response' to Disaster?

A good discussion of an important issue in the course of post-Katrina coverage.

New data a radio listening....

New data on radio listening....

In addition to the linked story, it would sure be interesting to see WUNC discuss its assumptions, at least, about the numbers of demographics of its listeners. I would like to know more about the people who listen, or at least best guesses about who and how many there are.

"the state of things" host substitute

"the state of things" host substitute

Some listeners might be interested to know why the normal hosts of "the state of things" do not seem to be there this week. Connie WALKER has been the last two days; here is some background on her.

More local radio

More local radio

Chapel Hill seems to be homebase this week for at least two national radio shows - this one and "Wait, Wait".

'Higher Ground,' a Show for Hurricane Relief

'Higher Ground,' a Show for Hurricane Relief

If you missed any or all of the 5 hour show, you can listen to all of it here, and use your computer at the same time to make a contribution to Katrina victims.

Melinda's Blog

Melinda's Blog

It looks like it has entered a dormant period.

"Down and dirty with NPR"

"Down and dirty with NPR"

A story from the Chapel Hill News about the taping of "Wait, Wait....Don't Tell Me!" at Memorial Hall. One might expect to find this linked from the WUNC home page, but no sign of it.

"NPR newsman to show lighter side in return to UNC"

"NPR newsman to show lighter side in return to UNC"

The Diane Rehm Show

The Diane Rehm Show

It would be nice for WUNC to point out that at least some programming, as in the case of The Diana Rehm Show, that has been pre-empted by coverage of the ROBERTS hearings, is available on the station's website. The first hour of today's prgram, for example, dealt with the upsurge in violence in Iraq.

The BBC program is available as well, or at least much of it, and I assume the NPR programming is on the NPR site as well.

UNC-TV on Hurricane Ophelia

UNC-TV on Hurricane Ophelia

Informing listeners and others

Informing listeners and others

WUNC just announced that it would break away from the live ROBERTS hearings and go to All Things Considered. The on-air announcement said that we can listen from the WUNC website if we want to stay with the hearings. That's a reasonable thing to be doing, but it is not at all well communicated on the home page of the station. It's a great opportunity to alert listeners and others to this decision by e-mail.

ROBERTS hearings and Ophelia

ROBERTS hearings and Ophelia

WUNC certainly seemed to be exercising good judgment on broadcasting the entire ROBERTS hearing today, including the insertion of The State of Things with a program devoted to Opheia. WUNC has also added a number of Ophelia-related links on the home page for the station, and these could be emphasized on air when WUNC makes its periodic identifications.

(Is WUNC required by the FCC to mention all of its regional affiliates each time along with the "tag line" about WUNC being "North Carolina Public Radio" each time? When it means interrupting the hearing, cannot the identification announcement be more limited?)

"NCCU radio veteran gets national award"

"NCCU radio veteran gets national award"

B.H. HUDSON receives natoinal award.

It would be nice for WUNC to recognize this!

"Music helps station, Katrina musicians"

"Music helps station, Katrina musicians"

WNCU is to hold an on-air fundraiser for displaced New Orleans musicians 24 September.

And WUNC?

"Back Porch Music Saturday will be pre-empted this weekend to bring you a special Hurricane Katrina Relief Benefit concert"

"Back Porch Music Saturday will be pre-empted this weekend to bring you a special Hurricane Katrina Relief Benefit concert"

This came to me by e-mail. Why it does not appear on the WUNC website is one of those WUNC mysteries.

"NPR presents Higher Ground, a LIVE four-hour benefit concert for hurricane relief on Saturday, Sept. 17th starting at 8 p.m. Led by New Orleans native Wynton Marsalis , artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, the concert will be a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The guest list includes Terence Blanchard, Ken Burns, Cyrus Chestnut, Peter Cincotti, Elvis Costello (pictured), Robert De Niro, Bill Cosby, Paquito D'Rivera, Jon Hendricks, Nora Jones, Diana Krall, Abbey Lincoln(pictured), Bette Midler, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Paul Simon, Meryl Streep, James Taylor, McCoy Tyner, Cassandra Wilson, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more.


More details at: http://wunc.org/special/katrina.html
and
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4837922"

Back Porch Music Newsletter

Back Porch Music Newsletter

I receive a couple of newsletters most weeks from WUNC's Back Porch Music people. Why is this not on the WUNC website?

Higher Ground Hurricane Benefit Concert Sept. 17

Higher Ground Hurricane Benefit Concert Sept. 17

WUNC should be noting this on its home page, at least.

Senate Begins Hearings on Roberts

Senate Begins Hearings on Roberts

WUNC has apparently decided to broadcast the ROBERTS hearings. One would think that WUNC might have sent out an e-mail to everyone on their newsletter list telling us about those plans. Apparently, no one at WUNC either had that idea or prevailed if they did.

There are days when the management of WUNC simply needs to "get out more" and realize that listeners and contributors have lots of things competing for their time and attention. Unless WUNC makes an extra effort good decisions, such as broadcasting these hearings, simply go unnoticed and maybe even missed.

My assumption is that the hearings will be archived here for those who wish to listen to all or some of them at another time.

WCOM Yard Sale

WCOM Yard Sale

I received this e-mail today:

"Hello WCOM listeners, volunteers, supporters:

Our yard sale is set to roll next Saturday, September 17 and we hope you can help us by donating items for sale. We also need some hardy volunteers to help us Friday night, the 16th, and Saturday all day. If you have a few hours to spare on either day, please write stationmanager@communityradio.coop and let us know when you are available. (You can also just come by the station and pitch in Friday eve and Saturday- we can't have too much help!)

In this era of unprecedented media consolidation and the disappearance of local-origin radio, your community radio station is more important than ever- please join us in this totally home-grown endeavor.

Here are the details- see you this weekend. Please forward this to your neighbors, and as always, stay tuned to 103.5 FM!
___________________________________________
WCOM Radio Benefit Yard Sale
Saturday, Sept. 17, ALL DAY!!!
This is your chance to clean out your attic and help WCOM at the same time, at the biggest yard sale this town has ever seen! Bring your saleable donations to the station on Friday evening, September 16, between 5-9 PM or Saturday until 3 PM. Please price your items to sell (masking tape and a sharpie work well). We'll start selling at 8 AM Sat and keep selling until it's all gone!
All proceeds go to your community radio station. Receipts will be available for tax purposes.
WCOM operates under a license held by the Public Gallery of Carrboro, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
_____________________________________________
WCOM 103.5 FM / www.communityradio.coop / 929-9601/ news@communityradio.coop
201 N.Greensboro StCarrboro, North Carolina 27510United States"

Shelter from the Storm

Shelter from the Storm

This from UNC-TV. And what role for WUNC?

UNC-TV is altering its broadcast schedule tonight to air SHELTER FROM THE STORM from 8 to 9 PM. This one-hour prime-time special benefitting those impacted by Hurricane Katrina will be simulcast across many commercial and cable TV networks, PBS member stations, and many radio stations. Phone lines accepting donations to this effort opened at 7 AM this morning and will remain open all day and throughout prime time. The commercial networks will be soliciting donations throughout the day's programming. All contributions collected from the morning, prime-time, and late-night fund-raising efforts will go to either the American Red Cross or The Salvation Army, depending on the donor’s preference.

Musical performers scheduled to appear on SHELTER FROM THE STORM: A CONCERT FOR THE GULF COAST include Sheryl Crow, Dixie Chicks, Alicia Keys, Randy Newman, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart, and Neil Young. Celebrity participants include Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Ellen DeGeneres, Jack Nicholson, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, and Sela Ward

Roberts Confirmation Hearing to be Webcast

Roberts Confirmation Hearing to be Webcast

In case WUNC does not broadcast the hearings directly......

North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC goes on-demand

North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC goes on-demand

Another of WUNC's famous undated press releases. I assume that this one is 2005, but one never knows.

Hurricane Katrina Telethon

Hurricane Katrina Telethon

And WUNC, will it participate?

North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC hires Babin as Marketplace reporter

North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC hires Babin as Marketplace reporter

This undated press release appears to be recent, but hard to tell. You would think it would include a link to Marketplace. This post does here. Marketplace does not appear to have issued its own press release -- or here. There is still no mention of a Southeast bureau here.

Back Porch Music Concert featuring Mike Cross

Back Porch Music Concert featuring Mike Cross

"Join North Carolina Public Radio WUNC for a celebration of Back Porch Music at a concert featuring Mike Cross on Friday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the American Tobacco Historic District's Bay 7. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling WUNC at 800-962-9862. Seating is limited, so call today. Hope to see you there!"

Two more useful links - Mike CROSS.

Business sponsors

Business sponsors

One might think that WUNC would keep this page up to date - allowing a listener to learn more about a sponsor mentioned on the air. There was just an announcement of a service to find and rate doctors. What is the URL for the site?

NPR : Katrina

NPR : Katrina

The link on the WUNC home page does not work. It goes to local news instead of NPR. This is the link to the NPR page where Katrina coverage is collected.

BUSH address and Democratic response

BUSH address and Democratic response

This was not broadcast on WUNC this morning. Another of those judgments. Bad, once again, in the case of WUNC. Where is the Democratic response?

Katrina overview from UNC-TV

Katrina overview from UNC-TV

This arrived in my mailbox today from UNC-TV. I do not recall seeing anything similar from WUNC.

---

Like all of you, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the horrible impact of Hurricane Katrina. As we develop UNC-TV’s response to these tragic events, I wanted to make you aware of some of the resources we already have available to assist you in the days ahead. From talking with your kids and grandkids about the tragedy, to finding out how you can help, to monitoring the latest developments and learning more about hurricanes and disaster relief in general, check out the following links:
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of this disaster by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org or clicking the American Red Cross image above.PBS Parents offers positive ways to talk and listen to your children about tough topics: http://www.pbs.org/parents/The Newshour provides ongoing coverage of the fallout from Hurricane Katrina, as well as contact information for the various disaster relief organizations: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/weather/july-dec05/katrina/For educators, NOVA ScienceNOW offers information to help students understand the causes of hurricanes and the challenges of protecting cities like New Orleans; the site includes classroom discussion ideas and streaming online video: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/viewing/3204_02_nsn.htmlPBS KIDS and PBS KIDS GO! continue to provide a safe haven for children, both online and on-air, with programs for children of the highest quality that stimulate their curiosity, encourage interaction and foster their imagination, as well as our own UNC-TV KIDS website.UNC-TV will also be offering special programming and additional information concerning related resources in the weeks ahead. Keep watching UNC-TV for more information. With all best wishes, especially to those of you with loved ones along the Gulf Coast,

James A. McGurk, Promotions ManagerMember Supported UNC-TV

Thank you for providing us with your e-mail. If you would like to unsubscribe from getting the electonic communication you have just received, please click here and remove the checkmark in the appropriate box under Subscription Management.

Fund drive judgment

Fund drive judgment

We all get to make decisions. WUNC decided to keep asking for money for the station at a time when listeners are focused on a hugely greater need at this moment, aiding the victims of hurricane Katrina. Yes, WUNC needs money, but this week is not the time to ask for it.

WUNC management should have left the fund-raising campaign on the website and ceased on-air requests for money for the station.

If management had been creative, it could have formulated various ways to turn WUNC into a force for addressing the post-Katrina crisis. Instead, the station never mentioned Katrina as a reason to contribute and no special programming plans to deal with the emergency.

A matter of judgment, and in my opinion, poor judgment.

Katrina

Katrina

WUNC has added links to humanitarian organizaitons and news from NPR and Marketplace. It would be nice to emphasize all of this on the air. I have heard only one mention of the organization list.

Local News

Local News

I just listened to something on the local news segment of All Things Considered. What I would like to be able to do is to go to the website and listen to what I just heard to see if I heard it correctly. I cannot.

Why does WUNC not make the local news available - latest version - at all times on its website?

Local WUNC news from August

Local WUNC news from August

Wouldn't it be nice if WUNC offered to send this list, with the links, every month to those who signed up to get it. What a great way a) to read a kind of audio magazine of local news and features, and b) to keep up to date on ways in which some of the dollars contributed to WUNC are being used.

Fund raiser

Fund raiser

The on-air announcement a moment ago said that 100,000 dollars, more or less, has been raised in the current fund-raising campaign. One would think this would appear on the WUNC website, along with some comparison of previous year's efforts, how much more WUNC needs to raise this year, etc.

CBS blog will keep eye on its coverage

CBS blog will keep eye on its coverage

Some say - and I am one of them - that there is no country too small or too poor to have a free press.

I wonder how this applies to blogs related to various media entities. There is value in using the technology to permit comments on virtually all media activities......from just outside.

Storm Surge

Storm Surge

This is the sort of content, drawn from reliable sources - in this case, the National Hurricane Center - that WUNC could make available on its website in connection with major news subjects.

The Joy of Teaching: A Practical Guide for New College Instructors

The Joy of Teaching: A Practical Guide for New College Instructors

This is a link to the book written by Peter FILENE, a UNC history professor interviewed on The State of Things on Friday. It was a fascinating interview, and you can listen to it here.

Frequently enough?

Frequently enough?

Does anyone else get a little tired of hearing "North Carolina public radio, WUNC"? Early this morning I bet I hear it a half dozen times within 10 minutes. Is anyone at the station paying attention to this?

How news organizations practice convergence

How news organizations practice convergence

With what news organizations does WUNC have a partnership? I am not aware of any, other than with respect to contributions to pay for new facilities in Durham, the contribution that paid for the WUNC building in Chapel Hill. The kind of partnership that seems to be missing is one, used often by NPR, to draw on other news organizations to supplement what WUNC does on its own and with the programs that it transmits from NPR and other program sources. What about a relationship with the Chapel Hill News? Or the Independent? Or the Herald-Sun? Other radio stations? Television stations? Websites?

An Anchor by Evening, a Blogger Any Time

An Anchor by Evening, a Blogger Any Time

This is a NY Times story this morning about the blog started by Brian WILLIAMS at NBC. It talks about things related to the news and the NBC Nightly News. This will give you a feel for it.

Wouldn't it be nice to know more about how WUNC makes it decisions each day about what local news to cover and how it exercises any oversight, if it does, over what is fed to the station from NPR and other sources?

NPR journalist visits downtown to promote book

NPR journalist visits downtown to promote book

This is from the Herald-Sun. Nothing on the WUNC website. It is interesting and potentially troubling to read that only 125 "slightly graying" people showed up.

What is WUNC doing to attract young people to the station?

At the public broadcasting meeting in Chapel Hill, mentioned on the WUNC home page, a couple of weeks ago, the audience appeared to be "largely graying".

There is a link to SIMON's bio at the end of this story.

Live from Iraq

Live from Iraq

Here is the website for the group interviewed in a long story on On The Media this past weekend.

Status of fund drive?

Status of fund drive?

WUNC has announced, if I heard it correctly, that 1,000 people have contributed to the station during the summer fund drive. Wouldn't it be nice to know how much money has been raised so far?

UNC-TV Annual Report

UNC-TV Annual Report

This is a link to the 2004-2005 Annual Report from UNC-TV.

Where is the annual report, or any similar document from WUNC? It does not appear to be on this page.

Brazil: The Gentle Giant Awakes

Brazil: The Gentle Giant Awakes

This MAY be the program that WUNC intends to broadcast tomorrow evening at 6 PM. If you are interested and cannot listen tomorrow, you can click on the right of this page and listen at your convenience.

Redwoods Group

Redwoods Group

This appears to be the group that is supporting the "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" program in Chapel Hill, promoted on WUNC. (Requires free registration to access.) Quite bizarrely, when one goes to what appears to be the organization's website, there is a mandatory registration before one can learn ANYTHING about the company. Frankly, I'd like to know who and what this group is today, and exactly how much tthey are contributing to this event.

Clemency and Pardons

Clemency and Pardons

Will WUNC join in the N&O's lawsuit? Or explain why it cannot?

Why did the reporter - Rusty JACOBS - not ask the Governor's spokesperson why she believes it is the role of a jury to find a defendant innocent? In this country, we are all presumed innocent until proven guilty. Period. The Governor's spokesperson needs someone to ask her to explain that comment; it's highly offensive.

CBC Negotiations

CBC Negotiations - Home

Quite an extraordinary site detailing the CBC "side" of the labor negotiations which have knocked many programs off the air, including As It Happens, formerly broadcast evenings by WUNC.

Scott Simon Book Reading

Scott Simon Book Reading

If you scroll down the WUNC home page, you will find this item:

"NPR’s Scott Simon, host of Weekend Edition, will be reading from his new book, “Pretty Birds” at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, at the American Tobacco Historic District in downtown Durham. The reading will be held in Bay 7, next to the Lucky Strike water tower. The event is free and open to the public, and we hope to see you there!"

Is this to benefit Scott SIMON? WUNC? NPR? Who is paying for it? Who is selling the books? One would think WUNC would answer those questions without being asked, given how much on-air promotion they are giving this "event".

Paper Cuts

Paper Cuts

The story to go with today's The State of Things about newspaper competition in the Triangle.

In the Hospital, a Degrading Shift From Person to Patient

In the Hospital, a Degrading Shift From Person to Patient

This might be a good story for WUNC's health reporter to pursue, as UNC Hospitals play an important role in this New York Times story on hospital patient care.

Community advisory board

Community advisory board

All meetings of the "community advisory board" for the NC Center for Public Television (the Board of Trustees of the Center) are open to the public. I have never seen an announced open meeting of WUNC's "community advisory board", whose members are selected on the basis of the sole judgment of the general manager and a willingness to give money. The public television "advisory board" is obliged to be far more represenative of the community (the state) it serves, and does not appear to depend on the preferences of a single individual. Which model sounds more appropriate for a publicly-owned public radio station?

In defense of public TV

In defense of public TV

WUKY brings back 'Writer's Almanac'

WUKY brings back 'Writer's Almanac'

Here is the Herald-Leader story that led to the reversal by public radio station management in Lexington, KY.

Making way for real estate

Making way for real estate

This story was broadcast on Marketplace 9 Aug 2005, possibly on WUNC. In any case, it is odd that it is not made accessible - as a North Carolina story - on WUNC's "North Carolina Public Radio" website. The story comes from public radio station WMRA in Harrisonburg, VA. At least The New York Times is doing a good job of bringing the story to more people in North Carolina in the printed paper today and here on the NYT website.

Moldy Mansion and hydraulic fluid cleaning

Moldy Mansion and hydraulic fluid cleaning

Great story, plus this one today.......Surprised not to see the latter on the WUNC site.

Young Canadian Web surfers cut radio and TV use

Young Canadian Web surfers cut radio and TV use

One can imagine the same being true for WUNC listeners. What is WUNC's strategy to serve more of the internet-connected and radio-disconnected people?

The Diane Rehm Show : This Week

The Diane Rehm Show : This Week

The first hour of the Diane Rehm Show on Monday includes the wife of an Army sergeant from Fort Bragg.

Dick Gordon/Raise Your Glass

Dick Gordon/Raise Your Glass

Capitol Broadcasting gives WUNC-FM gift of space, presence in Durham

Capitol Broadcasting gives WUNC-FM gift of space, presence in Durham

This is a release from February 2005, but I am adding it here as it is nowhere to be found on the WUNC site.

Public Broadcasting Funding Debate

Public Broadcasting Funding Debate

Dis-Connection

Dis-Connection

Disconnected

Disconnected

The column that Dick GORDON wrote for the Boston Globe today.

WBUR to Cancel Connection (from the WBUR Newsroom)

WBUR to Cancel Connection (from the WBUR Newsroom)

This provides a little more background from last month.

Forces join for public TV

Forces join for public TV

CPB in NC

CPB in NC

Listener demand

Listener demand

I guess if you did not contact the station, you have to rely on others to have represented your interests. If WUNC broadcast a request on air for comments, I missed it.

Unidentified comments to WUNC....

Unidentified comments to WUNC....

WUNC adds 'Diane Rehm' to lineup

WUNC adds 'Diane Rehm' to lineup

North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC makes changes to on-air schedule

North Carolina Public Radio-WUNC makes changes to on-air schedule

This press release from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the licensee of WUNC, reports on upcoming program changes, including the arrival of the Diane Rehm Show to replace The Connection.
Link: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/aug05/wuncskedconnex.a05080205.htm

"Public Service Broadcasting: the BBC's performance measurement framework"

"Public Service Broadcasting: the BBC's performance measurement framework"

The Diane Rehm Show : Monday August 1, 2005

The Diane Rehm Show : Monday August 1, 2005

One of the optional programs WUNC may be onsidering to replace The Connection.

Now Playing on MP3: iSermons

Now Playing on MP3: iSermons

Any of these in North Carolina?

Teacher writes of 'Blessed Returns'

Teacher writes of 'Blessed Returns'

Nice companion for segment on The State of Things last week.

Darfur Violence Through the Eyes of Children

Darfur Violence Through the Eyes of Children

As usual, NPR does a superb job of providing more informaiton in connection with what it broadcasts. In this case, the amazing drawings of the children from Darfur described during the Morning Edition piece this morning.

Defend Public Broadcasting

Defend Public Broadcasting

Miss Lilly Keeps Them Talking in Paris

Miss Lilly Keeps Them Talking in Paris

Peace People

Peace People

For more information on the person interviewed on All Things Considered today. (She is not a direct relative.)

Chocolate & Zucchini

Chocolate & Zucchini

From Weekend Edition this morning.

Wait Wait ..... Don't Tell Me

Wait Wait ..... Don't Tell Me

WUNC hasw been announcing (on air) a Scott SIMON book-signing event in Durham later in August, but the WUNC wesbite does not seem to have gotten the word. Perhaps details on both Wait Wait....Don't Tell Me and SIMON will pop up on this page eventually.

This I Believe

This I Believe

This is where all of the "This I Believe" segments are collected on the NPR site.

Making a 13-Year Correction to an Obituary

Making a 13-Year Correction to an Obituary

From NPR http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4773994.....in story about this in the NYT:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/25/pageoneplus/corrections.html

An obituary on Jan. 6, 1993, about William G. McLoughlin, an emeritus professor of history and religion at Brown University, misstated the date and cause of his death. Professor McLoughlin died on Dec. 28, 1992, not on Jan. 4, 1993; the cause was colon cancer, not liver cancer. The article also misstated the location of his World War II military service. It was at Fort Sill, Okla., not in Europe. The Times learned of the errors through a recent e-mail message from a family member.

A Radio Program Turns to a Blog to Cull Ideas

A Radio Program Turns to a Blog to Cull Ideas

Las Vegas takes on the High Point Furniture Show

Las Vegas takes on the High Point Furniture Show

This is a good report by WUNC's Leoneda INGE. If WUNC were really committed to serving its market, however, this would not be the end of the report. For example, wouldn't it make basic sense to include just a link or two here - the Las Vegas show and the High Point show?

Carrboro radio station

Carrboro radio station

Replacement for The Connection

Replacement for The Connection

This is a note I just sent to Joan ROSE (the station manager) and George BOOSEY (the program manager) at WUNC:

"Dear Joan and George,

I read what you added to the WUNC Home Page about The Connection. That's fine as far as it goes.But I would think you would want to do three things more:1) Make an on-air announcement or two, if you have not, calling attention to the item on the Home Page.2) Use the e-mail newsletter list that you have to send out a message asking for comment and input. 3) Most important, provide the people whom you are reaching via the station, the web page and e-mail with links to the web pages of some of the programs you would consider airing in the morning and/or in the evening in the affected time slots. Most of us do not know what you think the choices are and so it is impossible to give useful feedback without knowing what you are considering. You mentioned the Diane Rehm Show which I know well because of living in DC for 30 years. Let people listen to that on the program's website http://www.wamu.org/programs/dr/. Give them other choices you are considering."

A missed 'Connection'

A missed 'Connection'

Forum to Discuss Public Broadcasting Scheduled in Chapel Hill

Forum to Discuss Public Broadcasting Scheduled in Chapel Hill

This appears to be the Pete McDOWELL mentioned in on the WUNC website, although he appears to spell his name differently - MacDOWELL.

This appears to be Florry GLASSER.

WBUR - Letter from General Manager

WBUR - Letter from General Manager

It would be nice ot see this kind of communication more reguarly from the people who make decisions at WUNC.

The Connection to go off air.....

The Connection to go off air.....

It is odd that nothing about this appears on the WUNC website.

"Taking the Oath on a Quran"

"Taking the Oath on a Quran"

A fascinating WUNC story, especially at a time when so much of the world is anxious to know who may have been responsible for the London bombings. Truth is especially important at this time, one could very well argue, especially with most Americans already jumping to the conclusion that the perpetrators must have been "Arabs", Muslims, or "similar" people. One might also argue that nothing reliable has yet been released to indicate anything that might tie these attacks to any specific groups. We remain a country that, at least until now, still claims to hold dearly to the importance of both truth and the presumption of innocence.

The State of Things after the London bombings....

The State of Things after the London bombings....

Don't expect to be able to listen, however, unless you did yesterday. Today, Friday, the last State of Things program available from the WUNC website was broadcast 5 July.

"Global Voices Online"

"Global Voices Online"

"Inside Out Documentaries : EuroPower"

"Inside Out Documentaries : EuroPower"

"The Armstrong Williams NewsHour"

"The Armstrong Williams NewsHour"

This Frank RICH is well worth reading by anyone following the Corporation for Public Broadcasting issues.

Sweet Unity Farms

Sweet Unity Farms

Here is the website for the coffee coop in Tanzania just profiled on All Things Considered and broadcast by WUNC.

The House of Representatives has voted to restore a portion of deep cuts proposed for public radio and television.

This "update" appears on the WUNC home page. It is one thing for WUNC to inform its listeners and others who come to the website about what is happening on an issue like this. But thanking WUNC supporters "who helped make this change" strikes me as confusing providing information with lobbying. The latter is not the role permitted for WUNC, like it or not.

"The House Votes to Restore Funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
(Updated June 24,2005)

The House of Representatives has voted to restore a portion of deep cuts proposed for public radio and television.

We want to thank all of North Carolina Public Radio � WUNC�s supporters who helped make this change. Members of Congress heard from thousands of listeners and viewers who wrote or called to express their support.

While this is encouraging news, the restoration of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting addresses only part of the overall funding for public radio and TV targeted for cuts in the fiscal year that begins in October. Programs that pay for capital improvements, and money that supports children's television production, are still targeted for elimination.

Listeners and viewers still need to be heard on whether they want these cuts to stand or see full funding for stations and national programs maintained.

The Senate subcommittee that considers appropriations for public broadcasting will be facing pressure to balance the funds available with program needs. That subcommittee, chaired by Arlen Specter (R-PA), is scheduled to meet July 12 to make funding recommendations. The full Senate Appropriations Committee is likely to act July 14. "

Patricia HARRISON named CPB President & CEO

Patricia HARRISON named CPB President & CEO

WUNC has posted the official CPB press release here.

You might like to read more perspective in The New York Times story about the appointment.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Corporation for Public Broadcasting

This program on The State of Things today looks like it has the potential to shed more light on what is happening in Washington, and in North Carolina, with respect to federal funds and federal control of public broadcasting. There has been a fair amount of coverage of this issue on WUNC and in its website. Does it seem like the right amount? Too much? Not enough?

More here from The New York Times today.

Good stuff here from NPR's ombudsman.

And this about one of the guests.....It says that David FOLKENFLIK worked most recently for the Herald Sun in Durham, although the wording is a little vague. In any case, a search of the Herald-Sun's archives turn up nothing with his name in it going back to 1998. Perhaps it is a function of the Herald-Sun's archives or maybe he worked there prior to 1998.

Joan Siefert ROSE keeps saying, as she did today, that WUNC receives no state funding. Ask her whether WUNC receives any free services from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (the State of North Carolina). The answer is yes, and the total is hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. It is at least disingenous, if not worse, to keep making this, at least, deceptive claim.

"Blind Chance: David Faucheux's Audio Web Log"

"Blind Chance: David Faucheux's Audio Web Log"

Wouldn't it be nice if WUNC were to bring some of this good work to our attention - the best audio blogs of likely interest to WUNC listeners, for example?

"CPB Chairman's Emails Cite White House Role"

"CPB Chairman's Emails Cite White House Role"

Southeast Marketplace Bureau

Southeast Marketplace Bureau

WUNC frequently mentions the bureau WUNC says it is setting up with Marketplace. An on air acknowledgement for Duffy GILLIGAN mentioned it today. So does this undated press release. The Marketplace site has a list of all its bureaus and there is no mention of WUNC or North Carolina here.

"Toyota of Durham and Raleigh North Carolina"

"Toyota of Durham and Raleigh North Carolina"

This is a WUNC supporter. For those who have seen the television ad for this dealership, one may still wonder what "all the right reasons" really are......

"This I Believe: Looking at Life from Both Sides, Now"

"This I Believe: Looking at Life from Both Sides, Now"

Certainly well into the extraordinary category, as broadcast by WUNC today. Imagine, tho, the opportunity for WUNC to use some of its resources to record today's thinking of North Carolinians, and maybe even dredge up some recordings from the past in the process.

Beer and crabs

Beer and crabs

WUNC is adding depth and breadth to summer passtimes including beer and crabs!

"Giving Tourists a Truer Look at Plantation Life"

"Giving Tourists a Truer Look at Plantation Life"

This is a really interesting NPR story, broadcast today. Wouldn't we like to know more about how North Carolina measures up under the same kind of analysis?

"Earth Fare - the Healthy Supermarket"

"Earth Fare - the Healthy Supermarket"

Some background on a new WUNC supporter which seems to have opened its doors. Please remember there are other options in Chapel Hill, including Weaver Street Market.

Car Talk

Car Talk

Why is the promo for Car Talk so much louder - during All Things Considered today - than the programming that precedes or follows?

Pop Ups

Pop Ups

Anyone offended by WUNC using a pop up window to hawk the need for contributions?

"Congressional Action on FY 2006 Funding for Public Broadcasting"

"Congressional Action on FY 2006 Funding for Public Broadcasting"

This is WUNC's take on what is happening in Congress on public broadcasting funding and speculation about what it might mean to WUNC.

Bob EDWARDS commenting on NPR

Bob EDWARDS commenting on NPR

This is a story from Alaska about an evening with EDWARDS and what he had to say about public radio.

"Sally Jessy Raphael"

"Sally Jessy Raphael"

Some may remember her on the radio. Some names like this don't fade away; they just move to the internet - from here in Nice where she lives part of the time and from other places in the U.S.

"Lobbyists' Role for Public TV Is Investigated"

"Lobbyists' Role for Public TV Is Investigated"

"PBS Updates Editorial Standards, Adds Ombudsman"

"PBS Updates Editorial Standards, Adds Ombudsman"

"BROWN leaves Marketplace"

"BROWN leaves Marketplace"

"Save NPR and PBS"

"Save NPR and PBS"

This is a page created by MoveOn.org dealing with the expected vote tomorrow of the full House Appropriations committee on public broadcasting funding.

"Special Programming Alert Now Available"

"Special Programming Alert Now Available"

WUNC sent out its "eUpdate" today to those who had signed up for the WUNC "email updates", or so it seems. Among other items in the e-mail message is the announcement that "Special Programming Alert Now Available". There was no explanation of what this will be - how frequent they will be, or what the messages will contain.

Medicaid story

Medicaid story

There is an excellent story on Medicaid (as it impacts NC) by Rose HOBAN but it does not appear in the normal date order on the WUNC news page. Here is a direct link.

"Melinda's Blog"

"Melinda's Blog"

It is too bad that WUNC does not offer this on a subcription basis. Perhaps others have the same problem of trying to remember to go look at web pages like this one. It would be so much easier to have it "delivered".

The Richard Brown Show" on WCOM, Carrboro

The Richard Brown Show" on WCOM, Carrboro

Are there other stations like WCOM in the WUNC listening area? Here is one of the places where you can find WCOM.

More NPR visitors to Chapel Hill

More NPR visitors to Chapel Hill

Another NPR personality appears headed to Chapel Hill. This time it is Scott SIMON. Will his visit (see the item with his picture on this page) be less secret than was Alex CHADWICK's?

Corporation for Public Broadcasting and WUNC

Corporation for Public Broadcasting and WUNC

WUNC has added some partial explanations of the situation in Washington related to the funding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and how this funding affects WUNC. For a somewhat clearer explanation of the former, click here. Additional information about NPR funding appear here. If anyone would like to know what the Station Resource Group is (mentioned in the WUNC posting) here it is.

"French Journalist Is Freed in Iraq"

"French Journalist Is Freed in Iraq"
For anyone listening to WUNC, news of the world is probably an important reason for doing so. It is tough to imagine a more important "good news" story of the challenges posed for doing that job of "bringing the world home to you", or whatever the new WUNC motto is, than this story from The New York Times reporting on the release of Florence AUBENAS and her Iraqi assistant in Baghdad. (On a personal note, I arrived in France this morning, was robbed at the Nice airport on arrival, and yet this news more than makes up for the robbery!)

"The Connection.org : Reynolds Price"

"The Connection.org : Reynolds Price"
The second hour here.

"The Connection.org : The View From The Other Side of the Tracks"

"The Connection.org : The View From The Other Side of the Tracks"
This is the page created by The Connection to go with its first hour broadcast from WUNC this morning.

US Census Bureau report on Hispanic population

US Census Bureau report on Hispanic population
There is an interesting short story about what the US Census Report today on Hispanic population trends means for Norwich, CT in the archives at norwich.com. Where is the WUNC version of this? One hopes that the WUNC news team is going to be looking very closely at this page in coming weeks.

The Connection from Chapel Hill

The Connection from Chapel Hill
Here is the WUNC explanation of the program to be broadcast live tomorrow morning. (Note that there is some garbled text, or so it seems, in the explanaiton of the first hour's guests.) Here is how Dick GORDON, the show's host, described the plans in his weekly e-mail newsletter earlier in the week: "Friday, June 10th Our good friends at WUNC in North Carolina have invited us down for a visit, and a chance to broadcast the program from their studios. I'll be traveling with Senior Producer Tara Murphy and Producer Jen Ehrlich. We'll also have a chance to meet some of our listeners while we're there and we are all looking forward to that."

Alex CHADWICK

Yesterday, Alex CHADWICK said he would not be anchoring Day to Day for a "few days" because he was going to visit WUNC. This must be a highly secret visit, except for listeners to Day to Day, as there is not a word about it on the Home Page of WUNC.

"Bush Aide Softened Greenhouse Gas Links to Global Warming"

"Bush Aide Softened Greenhouse Gas Links to Global Warming"
This article in today's New York Times is a first-class job not only because of the quality of the reporting, but because the rest of us are given a chance to see at least an example of the raw material from which the reporter worked. In an interview on Day to Day, broadcast by WUNC, the reporter - Andrew REVKIN - added some additional perspective on the story and noted that he had been denied by the White House a chance to interview the "editor".

"Rejected Radio Spot Raises Eyebrows"

"Rejected Radio Spot Raises Eyebrows"
The New York Times reports today on decisions taken by some public radio stations to reject "underwriting credits" requested by contributors to the stations. While WUNC is not mentioned, this brings back memories of a similar kind of decision made by WUNC last year. [In the interest of full disclosure, my wife is the CEO of Ipas, the organization whose message was rejected by WUNC last year.]

"NPR : Radio Turns to 'Jack' for Format Fix"

"NPR : Radio Turns to 'Jack' for Format Fix"
An All Things Considered story on one approach to radio format changes.

"Traditional Media Offer New Web Features to Reach a Wider Audience"

"Traditional Media Offer New Web Features to Reach a Wider Audience"
This is the transcript of a segment on the Newshour last night.

"Quest for Racial Harmony in Durham"

"Quest for Racial Harmony in Durham"
A WUNC story on the post-cross burning environment in Durham. Leoneda INGE is the reporter.

"In County Made Rich by Golf, Some Enclaves Are Left Behind"

"In County Made Rich by Golf, Some Enclaves Are Left Behind"
Another one of those stories telling part of North Carolina's story to people in other places. In this case, it is The New York Times.

"Wireless Internet: Intel Ranks the 100 Most Unwired U.S. Cities"

"Wireless Internet: Intel Ranks the 100 Most Unwired U.S. Cities"
The Triangle ranks, according to Intel, #8 in the country on this list of the most UNwired cities.

"Welcome to Daylight Magazine"

"Welcome to Daylight Magazine"
This is one of those NC-based "media" organizations that often gets overlooked. Here is how the Herald-Sun reported the organization's story yesterday.

"Alicia's Story"

"Alicia's Story"
Here is the link to Alicia PARLETTE's seven-part series being published in the San Francisco Chronicle. She read part of it today on Day to Day.

"Radio silence for NPR and Audible"

"Radio silence for NPR and Audible"
This story reports on changes in how NPR appears to be making its content available off the air.

"Oldies Are a Thing of Past at Top Station"

Lots of things are changing in the world of radio. Not even golden oldies in New York City are sacred anymore. Here is an AP story from the Herald-Sun reporting on a recent radical format change.

"Open Source"

"Open Source"
Another radio initiative worth a listen.....

"KYOU Radio - Open Source Radio"

"KYOU Radio - Open Source Radio"
Here is some pretty innovative radio.....

"Hackers hit Duke health system"

"Hackers hit Duke health system"
A Herald-Sun story to go with the item broadcast by WUNC this morning.

"Charlotte neighbors to sell homes as a package, demand high price"

Another AP story from the N&O as reported by WUNC today.

"N.C. officials say NBC show to be shot in Wilmington"

As reported on WUNC, here is the AP story from the News & Observer reporting on "Fathom", a new NBC television series to be filmed in Wilmington, featuring "new form of life lurking in the sea".

"Rush begins podcasts"

For those interested, Rush LIMBAUGH will "whisper" in your ear in more places. Here is how he plans to use podcasts.

"Qatar Opens Debate on Thorny Muslim, Arab Issues"

Here is the website for the Doha Debates mentioned in this story on Day to Day today.

"Infinity To Podcast 9 News Stations"

It would be interesting to know how many people in NC are today choosing to RECEIVE podcasts. Many stations and others could offer the service, but like the trees falling in the forest, someone has to be there to listen in order for it to make any sense.

"T-Rex Sex Discovery"

Here is The New York Times story on the same subject to augment this WUNC news report.

"Drop the 'perverts', Turner tells CNN"

Some WUNC listeners who also watch CNN may agree with Ted TURNER's comments, reported here in the UK.

"Papers Turn to Podcasting, the Newest of Media"

Any sign yet of newspapers in NC getting in to "podcasting". This story on WUNC today (All Things Considered) offers a good primer on what a number of newspapers elsewhere in the US are doing.

Cross burnings in Durham

It does not appear that The State of Things has yet done a program on the cross-burnings in Durham (where WUNC is about to open up a new studio). The Independent this week carries a thoughtful piece that is worth reading.

"Downtown Detroit on Endangered List"

Here is the National Trust for Historic Preservation page to go with this story, as broadcast today by WUNC (All Things Considered). Two members of the Board of Trustees of the Trust are from NC.

"Wachovia Completes Research"

Here is the link to Wachovia's research into "predecessor" companies that owned slaves, as reported today on WUNC.

The death penalty in NC

This looks like it will a good opportunity to learn more about where the possible moratorium on executions in NC stands in the state legislature.

"Culture and the Collision of Arts and Politics"

See earlier posting about Frank RICH coming to UNC next year. Here is an interview with him today on Fresh Air, carried by WUNC.

Bill to ban use of cell phones while driviing

WUNC reported that this bill has failed to make it out of committee in the House. Here is the Greensboro News and Record's story.

Interview with President Bill CLINTON on Friday

"Friday, Talk of the Nation hosts a conversation between callers and former President Bill Clinton at 2 p.m. ET. To join the discussion, send your e-mail to TOTN@npr.org "

" 'Rough South': Chronicles of L.A.'s Violent Past"

More about Karl FLEMING from Day to Day on NPR.

Baltimore Sun complains about broadcasters failing to give sources for news stories

No doubt this problem occurs in other markets.

"Use of Anonymous Sources Under Fire"

This is a good discussion of the anonymous sources issue, as carried as part of Morning Edition on NPR this morning.

PHIPPS

Neither the WUNC news report nor the News & Observer story from the AP (probably the source for both stories) mentions "why" the fine was cut in half. That's a good opportunity for WUNC to show that it can go beyond Associated Press wire copy in its reporting.

"NC Businesses fish for Government Contracts"

Here is the website for the conference mentioned in this story.

WUNC news page

There seems to be a technical problem with this page. This pops up each time: "[an error occurred while processing this directive] For more news audio and stories, visit the WUNC News Archive."

"Identifying Misinformation - US Department of State"

This site was mentioned in the BBC Newshour broadcast by WUNC today.

"Civil Rights Era Almost Split CBS News Operation"

This is an extremely interesting piece by Walter CRONKITE, broadcast yesterday by WUNC as part of All Things Conisdered from NPR. Listen to it alongside the previous interview with Karl FLEMING.

"Son of the Rough South"

One of the more interesting State of Things programs - an interview with Karl FLEMING. Here is his new book. If someone misses a piece like this when broadcast, and does not look in the archive on WUNC's site, there is not much chance to listen to the program - unless it is broadcast again. Given the amount of effort that goes into these programs, there ought to be some way to put them into greater circulation at least around the state, no?

Frank RICH at UNC

For those who read Frank RICH in The New York Times, this is good news that he will be speaking at UNC in the spring.

"There's a 'nuclear option' for PBS' woes as well"

The LA Times highly respected media writer, David SHAW, suggests a different way to deal with the threats facing PBS. In this piece, he suggests maybe it is time to do away with it.

"Slate's Well-Traveled: Texas BBQ? Not So Fast..."

There may very well be a NC response to this as well?

" 'La Kahena': The Sounds of Northern Africa"

This is one of those stories that only public radio is likely to bring us. It was carred today on WUNC as part of Day to Day. Here is more information about the album.

No local news worth archiving for four days?

If you click here you will see the WUNC news archive - those stories that you can listen to from your computer when you wish. One might ask if WUNC has produced no local news worth placing here for the last four days?

"The Provincials" on The State of Things

This program, aired yesterday, featured Eli EVANS, author of a 1973 book, The Provincials, republished by UNC Press.

"C.I.A. Expanding Terror Battle Under Guise of Charter Flights"

This story appears in The New York Times tomorrow with a Smithfield, NC dateline.

Readers asked for opinions for new design for Chapel Hill News

The Chapel Hill News is redesigning itself and has asked for feedback before making the changes. You can access the proposed changes here. One might think that WUNC could consider doing something similar when it considers future program or format changes at the station.

"Clear Channel in a Stealth Promotional Campaign"

Another story about the radio exploits of Clear Channel.

"Barbecue with a Critique on the Side"

More on the barbecue debate, on a more national basis, broadcast today by WUNC as part of NPR's Day to Day program.

"Age-Old Debate Over N.C. Barbecue Fires Up"

More coverage here of a local NC story, this time by the Associated Press. WUNC's coverage?

"Ombudsmen Rebuff Move by Public Broadcasting"

Ombuds"people" face challenges in defining who they are, especially as it relates to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other non-news producing entities. This is a story about the controversy in today's The New York Times.

The Connection - 10 June in Chapel Hill

The home page of the WUNC site says that The Connection will be broadcast live from the WUNC studios on 10 June. There is no additional information on what the content will be and/or whether suggestions are welcome.

"Documentary Showcase"

This is the Sunday programming slot at 6PM, for an hour or two, depending ont he program. When you click here, you will see the upcoming programs, some of which will pre-empt the Thistle and Shamrock.

"Readers' Corner"

There are some limited similarities between this blog and one of those launched by the News & Observer earlier in the month for Ted VADEN, the paper's public editor and former editor of the Chapel Hill News. A little competition between the two might make for good sport?

Donors Choose

This links to a page in the Donors Choose site reporting on year to date contributions and funding in North Carolina. Donors Choose is mentioned on-air on WUNC from time to time as part of the station's recognition of financial supporters.

"Nanotechnology/Christine Kane"

Here is the link to the website of the singer who was on The State of Things yesterday.

"Veteran news director accepts post at North Carolina Public Radio"

Another press release that could benefit greatly from adding a date. It appears to be some months old, but now appears quite prominently, as if it were new, on the WUNC home page.

"WUNC increasingly recognized for broadcasting excellence"

This appears to be a recent (but undated) addition to the WUNC website, listing the many awards won by the station from various professional entities. The very impressive, alas, lacks any links to permit an easy "listen" to what garnered the awards. Instead, what appears to be a press release forces visitors to do the research themselves to see if they can find the stories in the archives. Surely, if the press release was worth doing in the first place (and it is good let everyone know of these awards), it is worth a few extra minutes to include all the links (and to note the stories that are not available, if any, on line), no?

Attorneys general in 34 states (including North Carolina) and D.C. file brief in reporter privilege case

This is an important media case, now before the US Supreme Court. A separate report here lists North Carolina as one of the states whose Attorney General signed the brief. There is no mention of the brief yet on the NC AG's site.

"Ratios of Home Prices to Rental Prices in Selected Metro Areas"

The New York Times today ran a story about trends in home prices and rental prices. The chart in the paper did not include the Triangle. The Times' website, however, includes a slightly larger chart that does take in the Triange. Here it is.

"Robert Reich finds humor in political setbacks"

Robert REICH appears regularly on Marketplace on WUNC, and formerly appeared as a cabinet secretary. NPR reported on his new play today in this piece, and so did the Cape Cod Times here a week ago.

"News is a Conversation"

This is a new blog started by the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington this week. Five readers were asked to react to what they are finding in the newspaper on a daily basis. WUNC might want to think about doing something similar? The same newspaper has also launched another blog that takes readers into the newsroom twice a day to better understand decisions being made there. That's another lead that WUNC might want to consider following on a smaller scale.

Two remarkable "people" stories

Two of the stories on All Things Considered today tell amazing tales about two young Americans. Listen for yourself to one and the other. Is there an opportunity for WUNC to report North Carolina stories of this kind? Something in addition to what the station is already doing?

Freedom fries

A reference in a New Republic blog to a News & Observer story (cannot find it on the N&O website) reporting that Rep. Walter JONES now "regrets" having coined the "freedom fries" phrase since he now believes, as did the French, that the US went to war "with no justification".

"Gov. Easley's Wild Ride"

An interactive cartoon about Gov. Mike EASLEY's race car experiences, from the News and Observer in Raleigh.

Program schedule

Wouldn't it be nice if this were kept up to date or reflected in some way even temporary schedule changes? Last night, it sure seemed like the BBC was being broadcast between 10 and 11 instead of "As It Happens".

"Prayer vigils follow the cross burnings"

WUNC's latest story (on the website) relating to the cross-burnings in Durham. Here is the first one. Two related stories from Greensboro - Part 1 and Part 2

"The Writer's Almanac"

WETA-FM, one of the public radio stations in Washington, DC, broadcasts this additional Garrison KEILLOR program each morning. Since it does not appear to be broadcast by WUNC, you can nevertheless listen to it each day here.

International Press Institute adopts resolution on public broadcasting

The International Press Institute, headquartered in Vienna, Austria and meeting this year in Nairobi, Kenya, adopted a strong resolution regarding public broadcasting policy. While this was not directed solely at the United States, the text is worth reading in the midst of US discussions in various places on this subject.

"N.C. Officials Investigate Cross Burnings" in Durham

A news story that ought to lend itself to special WUNC coverage, maybe even a special edition of The State of Things? This "state of things" is not good.

"Nascar Goes From Pop-Tops to Popping Corks"

It's not possible without listening to WUNC to know if this is a story covered by the station. The story is a nice match for this one broadcast yesterday.

Rumsfeld laments global reach of war news

Secretary RUMSFELD spoke today about war coverage during a speech in Philadelphia. Here is the Department of Defense "news" story.

"Best beaches in U.S.? Expert ranks his 'Top 10'"

WUNC reported on the release of the list of the best beaches in the US. Here is the MSNBC story on the list. Ocracoke Island, NC is number 2 this year, up from number 6 three years ago.

Listening from Washington, DC

One of the nice things about the internet and WUNC is that you can listen to the station anywhere in the world (today, Washington, DC), or maybe almost anywhere, where you can connect to the internet at a sufficient speed. In order to do that, of course, you need only go to the station's home page and click on one of the optional programs you can use to make the connection. It would be nice to find something on the home page, each time you do this, that reflects the news or more of what is on the WUNC schedule for today, beyond a short line about The State Things subject "du jour".

Howard MORRIS of Andy Griffith Show dies

This is an AP story from the News & Observer in Raleigh about the death of Howard MORRIS who played Ernest BASS on the Andy Griffith Show. David BROWER, of WUNC, had a short item about this today on WUNC but there appears to be no way to link it if you missed it when it was broadcast earlier.

"Public Television Executive Argues Against Political Meddling"

This will take you to an NPR story broadcast by WUNC this afternoon reporting on a speech by the Public Broadcasting System president at the National Press Club. She is critical of initiatives undertaken by Corporation for Public Broadcasting chairman Kenneth TOMLINSON. On the linked page, you can click once again and listen to the entire speech.

"On N.C. Barbecue, East and West Don't Meet -- Except to Argue"

For those with an interest in knowing what people in Washington, DC are reading about life down here in North Carolina, here's a great snapshot. Maybe WUNC will do a followup?

"N.C. Law Allows Group to Sue over Alleged Dog Abuse"

This is a story by WUNC's Leoneda INGE, broadcast today as part of NPR's "Day to Day" show. The story does not appear in the WUNC news archive, so the only way to listen to this interesting piece is to go to the NPR site here.

"The Fight for NASCAR's Center"

WUNC appears to produce about one major news story per day. Today's contribution, by Dave DeWITT (not listed on the WUNC site as part of the WUNC news staff), deals with NASCAR and North Carolina, especially Charlotte. In order to check on these local news stories, click on "news archive" on the WUNC home page.

FAQs about WUNC's "financial picture"

WUNC has added some new content to its site, or so it appears (the addition is not dated). This new page presents links to WUNC's answers to these four questions/subjects:

"+Where does North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC get its operating funds?
+How does WUNC's fundraising compare to other public radio stations nationally?
+How does WUNC use the money we raise?
+North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC's relationships to other entities and management structure "

It is a good rough draft, but surely needs an editor, as well as someone to ask many of the questions for which the rather wordy text does not provide answers. For example, there appears to be a committee of people advising the station on fund-raising initiatives. Where is that list? The link to the part of UNC to which the station management "reports" contains no names, only an institution. There a dozen more like that.

Read this draft and send your comments to the station and/or post them here by clicking on "comments" on the next line.

The Connection.org : "Spreading Democracy American-Style"

For those who may not have done so, or as a reminder to those who have, The Connection comes with a page devoted to each show that is broadcast from 10 AM - Noon on WUNC. Here, for example, is the page for this morning's first hour. On this page, you will find a summary of the program subject, names of the guests, and if you are so inclined, you can e-mail the whole page to a friend/colleague. After the show has aired, you can go to this page and listen to it again, or listen for the first time if you missed it live.

UNC and autism research and treatment

Here is a story, broadcast today, by WUNC's Rose HOBAN who covers health for the station through a program funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

BBC off the WUNC "air" today

A strike at the BBC meant that there was no BBC news on WUNC this morning. Here is an account of the strike as reported for readers of the Manchester Evening News. (You would not know that the BBC was not being carried on WUNC if you were to look at the WUNC website which appears, at least on the home page, to be silent on the subject.)

"It's All Newsweek's Fault"

Frank RICH, the New York Times columnist, today links the White House response to the retracted Newsweek reporting on treatment of the Koran to the work of Ken TOMLINSON at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. He asserts that "(t)his steady drip of subterfuge and news manipulation increasingly tells a more compelling story than the old news that Newsweek so egregiously botched."

"Land Trust Day 2005"

"Land Trust Day" is 4 June and this is the site mentioned today on WUNC as part of the acknowledgment of the support of the Great Outdoor Provision Company.

On the Media

For those expecting to listen to all of "On the Media" on WUNC today, that proved not to be possible because there was, at first, a schedule change for the "Think Global" program not mentioned on the WUNC website followed by a lost connection with London. Some minutes later "On the Media" was, as they say, "joined in progress". If you want to listen to the whole show, click here. ("On the Media" is also participating this week in the Think Global project, but it does not appear that WUNC plans to broadcast the program at all.)

Think Global

Here is what the New York Times has to say today about the "Think Global" public radio series:
"This weekend, public radio wraps up "Think Global," (thinkglobal2005.org) an ambitious, weeklong examination of globalization that includes contributions from public radio stations and independent producers.
Regular programs, like "Talk of the Nation" on National Public Radio, were devoted to the topic, and several documentaries were also produced.
One of those was "Global 3.0," by American Public Media (the national public broadcaster that didn't receive $200 million from the estate of Joan B. Kroc, widow of the McDonald's founder).
The program starts from the should-be-obvious premise that globalization creates both winners and losers, and it's not always easy to tell which is which. Chris Farrell of "Sound Money" and Robert Krulwich, a correspondent for ABC News, the hosts, present deeply reported material with a breezy familiarity that never strays too far. The Web component is packed with useful links, as well as audio that can be downloaded and the program transcript."
This is the link to this item which appears in a longer "What's Online" column.

"Stations of the Cross"

For those interested in what's happening on other parts of the radio dial, this is an article from the current issue of the Columbia Journalism Review subtitled "How evangelical Christians are creating an alternative universe of faith-based news".

"A Different Reception For Public Broadcasting"

A Washington Post story about Kenneth TOMLINSON and his efforts to bring what he calls "balance" to public broadcasitng.

What programs on WUNC?

How do we know which of these "Think Global" programs are going to be carried this week on WUNC and when?

"Think Global: Public Radio Collaboration 2005"

You can listen to this program this Saturday, 21 May from 2 to 4. Here is the description from the site: "Hosted from London, Boston and Los Angeles, and reaching audiences on five continents, this special two-hour call-in program will explore the impact of globalization on your way of life, wherever you live. How does the global economy affect ordinary people? What are the cultural pluses and minuses? How can poor nations compete? Hosts Robin Lustig (BBC's Talking Point), Dick Gordon (WBUR's The Connection) and Larry Mantle (KPCC's AirTalk) guide a lively conversation between globalization experts Jeffrey Sachs (UN Millennium Project) and Edward Leamer (UCLA); BBC correspondents in Johannesburg, Beijing, Sao Paolo and Delhi; and listeners around the world."

"The Carrboro Poetry Festival"

A local event this week. See the mention of WUNC supporter Paul JONES and photo.

"Why Doesn't NPR Sound More Like the Rest of America?"

NPR's Ombudsman raises interesting questions about the way NPR "sounds". People in North Carolina have distinctive voices. Would NPR be better with a few more North Carolinian accents? And WUNC?

"The Future of Architecture"

Don't miss the photos on The Connection's website to go with this program broadcast on WUNC today.

Chapel Hill news opportunity for WUNC

This is a particularly good compilation of news - from a variety of sources - relating to Chapel Hill. You can subscribe by e-mail. WUNC does not yet appear to be one of the sources, but its Chapel Hill stories and State of Things programs should be included. It may simply be a case of of making that WUNC audio content more accessible to the software that does the aggregating.

Interview with Ken TOMLINSON of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Diane REHM today interviewed Ken TOMLINSON, the "controversial" chair of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting on her NPR show from Washington. You can listen to the show by clicking here

StoryCorps

NPR has covered the StoryCorps several times, most recently today. Their American tour is not scheduled yet to come to North Carolina. If you would like to urge them to come, you can send an e-mail here - feedback@storycorps.net