Eight News - Eight, Arizona PBS

	Eight News EIGHT'S BE MORE AWARDS™ 2010 WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT LUNCHEON EIGHT, ARIZONA PBS — Arizona nonprofits honored at third annual event — Phoenix, Ariz. – May 20, 2010 — Winners of Eight's third annual Be More Awards™ were announced today at the Eight, Arizona PBS studios in downtown Phoenix, according to Eight's General Manager Kelly McCullough. Nearly 200 guests attended the event honoring the outstanding achievements of Arizona's nonprofit organizations. "Each and every year it is incredibly inspiring to see such a show of dedication and enthusiasm," said McCullough. "We are proud to recognize Arizona's great community service organizations that continue to improve the lives of their fellow Arizonans." Award categories ranged from outstanding marketing initiatives, exceptional educational outreach, innovative organization endeavors, extraordinary fundraising and event efforts, and commitment to arts and cultural awareness. The event also included a Hall of Heroes, giving each of the award finalists an opportunity to showcase their organization. Exhibits included: Back to School Clothing Drive, Gabriel's Dream, Treasures 4 Teachers, Arizona Hemophilia Association, Goodwill of Central Arizona, Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk, Arizona Saves, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, ICAN, Arizona Community Action Association, Duet: Partners in Health & Aging, Girls Scouts-Arizona Cactus Pine Council Inc., Del E. Webb Center for Performing Arts, Rosie's House, Valley Youth Theatre, St. Mary's Food Bank, 100 Clubs of Arizona, Detour Company Theatre, and Fresh Start Community Service. Applications for the Be More Awards™ were evaluated by an independent panel of 15 impartial judges ranging from community volunteers to business leaders from throughout the Apache, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma area. The awards presented were: BE MORE...BRILLIANT Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Presented by The Phoenix Philanthropy Group Winner: Treasures 4 Teachers Treasures 4 Teachers was created to provide vital materials to educators and students through proactive, environmentally-friendly programs. Treasures 4 Teachers actively seeks out and collects unwanted, but reusable materials throughout the community. Turning the "disposable" into "purposeful," these "treasures" are put into the hands of educators and students across Arizona. In the past year, Treasures 4 Teachers provided more than 25,000 students with educational materials and diverted more than 200,000 cubic feet of material from Arizona landfills. Web site: http://www.treasures4teachers.org/ BE MORE...ENTERTAINING Outstanding Achievement in Special Events Presented by Greenberg Traurig Winner: Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk transforms the lives of at-risk youth by providing a foundation of mentoring and curriculum that helps them build positive, goal-oriented futures. With the worst high school dropout rate in the nation, the third worst teen pregnancy rate, and more than 7,000 Phoenix-area gang members, Arizona's future is in jeopardy. Organizations such as Greater Phoenix Youth at Risk help to improve all our futures by changing the life of a young person in need of direction. Web site: http://www.phoenixyouthatrisk.org/ BE MORE...KNOWLEDGEABLE Outstanding Achievement in Educational Outreach Presented by APS Winner: ICAN ICAN was founded in 1991 in response to the growing gang and juvenile delinquency issues occurring in the Chandler Redevelopment Area. Since that time, ICAN's programs have developed key social skills in youth, proven effective in preventing substance abuse, gang involvement, and violence. ICAN builds these critical social skills through out-of-school time programs, family and parenting programs, and community outreach and education. ICAN's programs are also provided entirely free of charge to participating youth and families. BE MORE...INFORMED Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Winner: Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus Pine Council Inc. The mission of Girl Scouts is to create girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouting provides girls troop, group, and individual experiences that develop self-worth, strong values, community responsibility and prepare them to be tomorrow's leaders. Web site: http://girlscoutsaz.org/ BE MORE...CREATIVE Outstanding Achievement in Arts & Culture Presented by Wells Fargo Winner: Rosie's House The mission of Rosie's House is to provide the underserved youth of Great Phoenix with the gift of music which enhances their daily life by offering direction, stability and tools for future success. Rosie's House provides a tuition-free music instruction program and free loaned instruments to youth ages 5-18 who primarily reside in south and central Phoenix. The goal of our program is to provide music education and its life-changing benefits to children who would otherwise not have the opportunity due to their economic situation and the limitations of their schools. Rosie's House works to break the cycle of poverty and develop the next generation of arts aware, creative and productive citizens. Rosie's House currently provides 317 music lessons a week – a total of 9,510 lessons a year. Web site: http://www.rosieshouse.org/ BE MORE...HUMBLE The People's Choice Award Winner: Treasures 4 Teachers Treasures 4 Teachers was created to provide vital materials to educators and students through proactive, environmentally-friendly programs. Treasures 4 Teachers actively seeks out and collects unwanted, but reusable materials throughout the community. Turning the "disposable" into "purposeful," these "treasures" are put into the hands of educators and students across Arizona. In the past year, Treasures 4 Teachers provided more than 25,000 students with educational materials and diverted more than 200,000 cubic feet of material from Arizona landfills. Web site: http://www.treasures4teachers.org/ BE MORE...ENCOURAGED The Judges' Choice Award Winner: Detour Company Theatre The Mission of Detour Company Theatre is to provide quality and authentic arts education and performance opportunities for adults with developmental and other challenges (including deafness, blindness, and autism) through the magic and the miracle of theatre. Detour provides people with special needs a unique, creative performance experience enabling personal growth while breaking down stereotypes related to disabilities within the community at large. Detour Company Theatre was founded in 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona. In spring of 2009, Detour presented its eighteenth musical, Beauty and the Beast. Web site: http://detourcompanytheatre.org For more information about the Be More Awards™ , visit www.azpbs.org/bemore. _________ HELPING ARIZONA FAMILIES WITH PARENTING SKILLS, SCHOOL READINESS, HEALTHY HABITS "QWEST SCHOOL SUCCESS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY BACKPACKS" DISTRIBUTED TO THOUSANDS EIGHT, ARIZONA PBS Phoenix event celebrates local school's success in moving from Under Performing to Performing Plus status — Phoenix, Ariz. — April 30, 2010 — Today, at the Friendly House Academia del Pueblo Elementary Charter School, more than 300 families received support and assistance with nutrition and exercise; smart and safe use of media; reading, math and science homework tips; and much more in "Qwest School Success for the Entire Family Backpacks." The Phoenix school celebrated the completion of AIMS testing and their new Performing Plus status, an increase of two levels in one year. PBS' Maya and Miguel characters were also on hand for class pictures with the students. "Our students look forward to the backpack event because of all the stimulating and fun educational materials they receive," said Luis Ibarra, President and CEO of Friendly House. "The Qwest Foundation has prioritized supporting educational programs that are aimed at keeping children excited about being in school, and Friendly House is proud of the partnership we have developed with Qwest over the years. Their funds helped purchase the property for our elementary school, which has obtained a Performance Plus status from the Arizona Department of Education, and for that we are greatly appreciative of our partnership." In April, backpacks were also made available to families in Benson, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Douglas, Mesa, Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Kingman, Tucson, Casa Grande, Safford, Sierra Vista, Tuba City, Cottonwood, Williams, Winslow, and Yuma – more than 2,000 in total. The program is part of Eight's Educational Outreach partnership with Qwest to distribute backpacks through the Arizona Department of Economic Security Regional Prevention Councils in cities across the state. The items in the backpacks will provide help to the youngest learners with kindergarten readiness, and for older siblings with reading, math and science homework tips. Good nutrition and exercise information, and advice on good television watching habits as well as safety online, are included for parents and caregivers. Sesame Street's Families Stand Together offers advice and tips on a variety of issues. Finally, the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Consortium and its members have provided information to help families deal with difficult issues together and get assistance when needed. Referral information with Web sites and phone numbers for immediate help is also included. "Eight Educational Outreach-ASSET was thrilled with the generosity and support of many community partners who came forward to donate items to the backpacks! Qwest provided the funding to get this project started and expand the distribution of PBS resources to families who need it most," said Eight's Associate General Manager-Education Kimberly Flack. "The local partners added extra value. This kind of outreach reminds us that even in times of economic difficulty, there is still opportunity to come together and provide resources for academic success." The backpacks include: A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa: Door hanger, pen, magnetic clip, whiteboard, and poster KIP-Kindergartener in Progress: Growth chart and luggage tags PBS KIDS Raising Readers: Learn to read games, The Electric Company activity book, SuperWHY! color book. Sesame Workshop Families Stand Together: Kits and DVD PBS' This Emotional Life bookmarks Mr. Rogers Neighborhood Caring Neighbor checklist Additionally, the following items have been donated from the Arizona community: Bookmarks, pencils, calendars, magnets, stickers, crayons, tip cards from the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Consortium, Arizona Literacy & Learning Center, Arizona Prevention Resource Center, Association for Supportive Child Care, Banner Health Cardon Children's Medical Center, City of Phoenix, Family Resource Center, First Things First Southeast Maricopa Regional Partnership Council, Lakeshore Learning, Leaps & Bounds, Pearson, Phoenix Zoo, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, Southwest Human Development, State Farm, and United States Census 2010. About the Qwest Foundation The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on pre-K through grade 12 education. About Eight's Educational Outreach Arizona Pre K-12 students benefit from outreach programs and educator professional development distributed statewide by Eight Educational Outreach-ASSET. For more information visit www.azpbs.org/asset. _________ EIGHT'S EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH-ASSET RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FROM THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING ASSET Promotes PBS Through Virtual Professional Learning Communities in Second Life www.azpbs.org/innovationaward Phoenix, Ariz., March 22, 2010 — Eight's Educational Outreach-ASSET received a My Source Education Innovation Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) this weekend in Washington, D.C. The My Source Education Innovation Awards recognize and showcase how public broadcasting stations use pioneering approaches and emerging digital technologies to serve the educational needs of their communities on-air, online and in the classroom. "Stations across the country are using technology in creative and innovative ways to deliver educational tools and resources that are making a real difference to teachers, parents and children," said Pat Harrison, president and CEO of CPB. "Public media is the definitive education partner for a new generation of learners and CPB congratulates Eight for its outstanding contribution to the community." Eight experimented with ways to bring virtual reality into professional development for K-12 teachers. Eight Educational Outreach-ASSET collaborates with the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) and Virtual Pioneers to provide virtual field trips, "realtime" workshops, and other online resources, dramatically expanding how Arizona's educators incorporate technology into the classroom. The award was presented to Eight's Associate General Manager – Education, Kim Flack, by Pat Harrison at the Council of Chief State School Officers/Public Media Executive Summit. "While schools, districts, or individual educators may not have all the resources necessary to implement a specific service," said Flack. "ASSET always has believed strongly in setting a high standard to provide innovative learning options for all educators, no matter if they are in a rural or urban setting. Our cutting edge professional development for educators helps to provide equal access to high quality learning." _______________________ EIGHT, ARIZONA PBS HONORED WITH TELLY AWARDS EIGHT/KAET-TV March 1, 2010 — Eight/KAET-TV was honored by the 31st Annual Telly Awards in three categories: Documentary, Cultural and News /News Feature. The winning Eight productions include: Arizona Stories #303 Silver Telly A chronicle of the history of the Grand Canyon state. Documentary category (John Booth, David Majure, Suzanne Guery, Melody Cavanary and Nancy Southgate). Our Home, Our Stories: Bronze Telly Short films by Dustinn Craig White Mountain Apache filmmaker Dustinn Craig explores themes of home and family in three short films. Cultural category (Dustinn Craig) HORIZON: Ken Burns Interview Bronze Telly Acknowledged as one of the greatest documentarians of all time, Ken Burns joins HORIZON host Ted Simons to talk about filmmaking and his most recent production, The National Parks. News /News Feature category (Ted Simons, Mike Sauceda) The Silver Telly Council, the judging and oversight body, is comprised of top industry professionals who are past winners of a Silver Telly, the highest honor. The Telly Awards receive more than 13,000 entries annually from the finest ad agencies, production companies, TV stations, cable companies, interactive agencies and corporations in the world. It is a significant achievement to be selected for recognition. _______________________ HISTORIC ASU-CITY OF PHOENIX PARTNERSHIP CHANGES MEDIA LANDSCAPE; EIGHT/KAET-TV MOVES TO PHOENIX — Television signal broadcasting from ASU's downtown campus — Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 4, 2010 — Another major step was taken in the historic partnership between ASU and the City of Phoenix with the arrival of Eight/KAET-TV. Eight relocated its television signal to the all-new digital media center at Fillmore and Central in downtown Phoenix, after nearly 50 years at the ASU Tempe campus. The final move last month was a culmination of more than two years of planning, fundraising, equipment acquisitions, installation and staff training. The station's signature public affairs programs HORIZON and HORIZONTE began broadcasting from the new location the first week of the new year. HORIZON's guests include retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor; Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard; U.S. Congressmen John Shadegg (R) and Harry Mitchell (D); and Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes, Inc. HORIZONTE features an interview with new Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos. HORIZON airs Monday-Friday at 7 p.m.; HORIZONTE airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. "Eight's beginnings were humble, to say the least. The first broadcast facility was a trailer on the Tempe campus at Arizona State University," said Kelly McCullough, Eight General Manager. "We are now stewards of a state-of-the-art facility thanks to the support of the City of Phoenix, ASU, and the many contributors to the Campaign for Arizona PBS." Eight's content reaches far beyond the television signal. The award-winning programs chronicle the state's history, culture, and landmarks, and offer special insight into the diverse communities. Eight's public affairs shows encourage civic engagement with discussion and commentary from Arizona's lawmakers and business leaders. And the Eight's educational outreach projects offer instruction to students and professional development to educators throughout the state. The companion Web sites for HORIZON (www.azpbs.org/horizon) and HORIZONTE (www.azpbs.org/horizonte) include video, podcasts, RSS feeds, transcripts and other resources. _________ EIGHT, ARIZONA PBS, HONORED WITH EMMY AWARDS FOR "ARIZONA STORIES" AND "ARIZONA MEMORIES FROM THE '70S" Eight/KAET-TV, a part of Arizona State University, received Emmys in two award categories for television excellence at the awards ceremony for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter held Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. Both categories were for television production. Arizona Stories, a chronicle of the history of the Grand Canyon state, was awarded the Emmy in the Historic/Cultural-Program Feature/Segment or Program/Special category (John Booth, David Majure, Suzanne Guery, Melody Cavanary and Nancy Southgate). Arizona Memories from the '70s, a nostalgic look back at the pivotal decade in Arizona, was honored with an Emmy in the Documentary - Historical category (John Booth, Suzanne Guery, Marissa DeMartini and Nancy Southgate). The Emmys were presented at the Chapter's Awards Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix. _______ EIGHT/KAET-TV LAUNCHES FACING THE MORTGAGE CRISIS AN EIGHT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVE CONNECTING PEOPLE IN NEED WITH TRUSTED INFORMATION AND FREE SERVICES THROUGH ON-AIR MESSAGES, WEB SITE AND SPECIAL JUNE 17 BROADCAST ― Mortgage counselors staff phone banks for June 17 broadcast ― The mortgage crisis has had a dramatic impact across the country, but it has been especially devastating to families, neighborhoods and communities in Arizona. According to Realtytrac.com, Arizona continues to post one of the highest foreclosure totals in the U.S. Even more troubling: A majority of those facing foreclosure are not seeking assistance when assistance is available to them. In response to the mounting crisis, Eight/KAET-TV is launching Facing the Mortgage Crisis, a community engagement initiative designed to connect area residents to trusted foreclosure prevention resources that can help. Building on its role as a public media organization, Eight has gathered expert input from a variety of community organizations and is working to connect those in need with those who can help. Assisting Eight with Facing the Mortgage Crisis are Acorn Housing, Arizona Department of Housing, Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, Chicanos por La Causa, Community Housing Resources of Arizona, Community Services of Arizona, Inc., Genesis Housing Services, Greater Phoenix Urban League, Greenpath Solutions, Housing Our Communities, Labor's Community Service Agency, Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, Springboard, and Take Charge America. Facing the Mortgage Crisis launches June 17, 2009. Every day for the next several months, Eight will broadcast a series of short, informative on-air spots, directing homeowners to organizations throughout Arizona that offer assistance free of charge. On Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m., Eight's Ted Simons hosts an in-depth special, Ask a Mortgage Expert: Facing the Mortgage Crisis with guests Patricia Garcia Duarte, Chair of the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force & C.E.O. of Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix; Bob Zumoff, Senior Litigation Council for the Office of the Arizona Attorney General; and Reginald Givens, Neighborhood Stabilization Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Housing. The panel will explore the issues closest to homeowners who are threatened with foreclosure, including how to negotiate with the lender if you're in danger of missing payments, how to handle phone calls and notices from lenders, and most importantly, when to seek assistance. More than 20 mortgage counselors will also be on hand to take viewers' calls and guide them through the many aspects of these issues related to the mortgage crisis. Phone lines will be open Wednesday, June 17, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1-877-448-1211. In addition to the on-air components of the Facing the Mortgage Crisis initiative, residents can find resources on Eight's Facing the Mortgage Crisis Web site at www.azpbs.org/mortgagecrisis. The site contains all of the information presented on-air, as well as the Arizona Mortgage Foreclosure Workbook, Google® maps to HUD-approved housing counselors, scam prevention tips, home buyers' bill of rights, community resources and much more. The toll-free phone number 1-877-448-1211 connects callers directly to trained counselors who are on duty to provide assistance. "As a member of the Arizona community for nearly 50 years, Eight has a vested interest in the people we serve. Eight's television broadcast and multi-media reach and capabilities are uniquely suited to provide public education and facilitate civic engagement around the challenges of the mortgage crisis," says Kelly McCullough, Eight General Manager. _______ IRA H. HAYES MEMORIAL LIBRARY RECEIVES DONATION OF EDUCATIONAL MEDIA AND READING RESOURCES FROM EIGHT/KAET-TV, OPEN HOUSE SET FOR JUNE 15 ― Gila River children can interact with favorite PBS KIDs characters through online literacy games, books, DVDs ― Eight/KAET-TV, Arizona PBS, has been selected as one of 20 PBS stations to launch PBS KIDS Raising Readers Corners in local libraries across the country. The Raising Readers Corners are designed to give children, ages 2-8, an opportunity to build their literacy skills during the summer months. Eight is piloting the new project and partnering with the Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library to reach the children in Sacaton, Ariz. To kick-off the program, there will be an open house for the PBS KIDS Raising Readers Corner on Monday, June 15, 2009. The Super Why! character will be on hand with refreshments and prizes to win. "Eight's children's programming, broadcast 50 hours per week, is an incredibly valuable resource that teaches and reinforces literacy skills. The PBS KIDS Raising Readers Library Corner gives us an opportunity to extend learning opportunities for children with the characters they have grown to love and learn from on PBS," says Kelly McCullough, General Manager, Eight. The Ira H. Hayes Memorial Library will have a wide array of multimedia resources including 30 interactive reading activities designed to build skills. These activities are based on PBS KIDS Raising Readers programs Sesame Street, Word World, Super Why!, Between the Lions, Martha Speaks and The Electric Company. Kids and parents will be encouraged to visit PBS KIDS Island at readytolearnreading.org, a Web site with games designed to help kids master literacy skills at eight different levels. The Web site measures and tracks a child's progress and provides a report to the parent or caregiver. Additional resources include engaging media-rich activities. Some are parent or librarian-led activities and others are self-directed games and content for kids. All of these materials are created using a literacy framework based on National Reading Panel recommendations and encompass skills such as letter recognition, print awareness and vocabulary instruction. The libraries are equipped with flexible visual materials that feature friendly PBS characters that children love. They provide a small setting where children can play literacy games on a computer, read a book or watch an educational and interactive literacy skill-building DVD. Libraries also receive on-going implementation and technical assistance and support throughout the summer. The PBS KIDS Raising Readers Corners are the latest resource to be provided to communities through PBS KIDS Raising Readers. This is a multi-faceted initiative using the power of media to help improve the reading skills of young children, with an emphasis on children from low-income families. The effort is funded by a Ready To Learn grant from the U.S. Department of Education, part of a cooperative agreement with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), PBS and The Ready To Learn Partnership. _______ EIGHT'S BE MORE AWARDS™ WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT LUNCHEON EIGHT/KAET-TV ― Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft keynote speaker — Winners of Eight's annual Be More Awards™ were announced Thursday, May 7, 2009 at the Camelback Inn, according to Eight's General Manager Kelly McCullough. Nearly 300 guests attended the event honoring the outstanding achievements of Arizona's nonprofit organizations. Categories ranged from outstanding marketing initiatives, exceptional educational outreach, innovative organization endeavors, extraordinary fundraising and event efforts, and commitment to arts and cultural awareness. Dr. Robert F. Ashcraft, founding director of the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at Arizona State University, delivered the keynote address. "Eight's Be More Awards™ offer an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the inspiring contributions of Arizona's nonprofit organizations," said McCullough. "They are truly the unsung heroes of our community. Nonprofits provide assistance when it is needed most — from social services, health care and enhanced educational opportunities, to the performing and visual arts that enrich our lives." Applications for the Be More Awards™ were evaluated by an independent panel of 15 impartial judges ranging from community volunteers to business leaders from throughout the Apache, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma area. The awards presented were: BE MORE … Unstoppable The Non-Profit Organization of the Year Winner: Waste Not, Inc. Finalists: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Free Arts of Arizona, Highlands Center for Natural History, Rosie's House: A Musical Academy for Children BE MORE … BRILLIANT Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Presented by APS Winner: Waste Not, Inc. Finalists: Gabriel's Angels, Gabriel's Dream, Inc. BE MORE … Entertaining Outstanding Achievement in Special Events Winner: UMOM New Day Centers Finalists: Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation BE MORE … Knowledgeable Outstanding Achievement in Educational Outreach Presented by Intel Winner: Highlands Center for Natural History Finalists: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Arizona, Community Outreach & Advocacy for Refugees BE MORE … Informed Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Presented by SCF Arizona Winner: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center Finalists: Native Health (Native American Community Health Center), Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911) BE MORE … Creative Outstanding Achievement in Arts & Culture Presented by Wells Fargo Winner: Free Arts of Arizona Finalists: Del E. Webb Center for Performing Arts, Rosie's House: A Music Academy for Children BE MORE … Humble The People's Choice Award Presented by The UPS Store Winner: Girls Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, Inc. Finalists: 100 Club of Arizona, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center BE MORE … Encouraged The Judges' Choice Award Presented by The UPS Store Winner: Kitchen on the Street, Inc. Finalists: ICAN, St. Joseph the Worker Support for the Be More Awards™ was provided by The UPS Store, APS, Intel, SCF Arizona, and Wells Fargo. For more information about the Be More Awards™ , visit www.azpbs.org/bemore. _______ EIGHT, ARIZONA PBS, HONORED WITH EMMY AWARDS FOR "ARIZONA STORIES" AND "EIGHT'S MEDIA PLAYER" Eight/KAET-TV, a part of Arizona State University, received Emmys in four award categories for television excellence at the awards ceremony for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter held Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. The four categories ranged from program production to interactivity on the Web. Arizona Stories, a chronicle of the history of the Grand Canyon state, was awarded the Emmy in the Historic/Cultural-Program Feature/Segment or Program/Special category (Beth Vershure, John Booth, Suzanne Guery, Melody Cavanary, and David Majure). Arizona Stories was also honored with an Emmy in the Magazine Program – Feature/Segment category (David Majure) for "The Great Escape of '44," and in the Editor – Program (Non-News) category (Scot Olson) for "Arizona Highways Magazine." Eight's Media Player, a customized online delivery system for video content, won an Emmy in the New Media – Interactivity category (Adam Draper). The Emmys were presented at the Chapter's Awards Banquet on Saturday, Oct.4, 2008 at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa. _______ EIGHT/KAET-TV PROGRAMS HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS 2008 TELLY AWARDS Founded in 1978, the Telly is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV programs, video and film productions. Each year, the Telly Awards showcase the best work of the most respected production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments. Widely known and respected, the competition receives more than 14,000 entries from all 50 states and many foreign countries. The Silver Telly is the organization's highest honor, and this year Eight/KAET-TV received two of these prestigious awards. The first was for Under Arizona, an original production that combines high-definition photography and computer animation for a compelling discovery of the natural riches found only in the Grand Canyon state. A second Silver Telly Award was presented for Arizona Stories: World War II which chronicles the war experiences of Arizona soldiers and their families with first-hand accounts from the battlefield and life on the home front. The documentary was produced as a local adjunct to The War, A Ken Burns Film. _______ EIGHT, ARIZONA PBS, HONORED WITH EMMY AWARDS FOR "BUZZ" AND "VOTE 2006" Eight/KAET-TV, a part of Arizona State University, received Emmys in five award categories of television excellence at the 30th Annual Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards held on Saturday, October 6, 2007. The five categories ranged from program production to promotional campaigns to interactivity on the Web. Buzz, a profile of Arizona's vibrant and emerging arts scene, was awarded the Emmy in the Arts/Entertainment Program Special category (Beth Vershure, Suzanne Guery, Benjamin Pierce, Jen Burke). Under Arizona, the newest addition to Eight's acclaimed Arizona Collection anthology, received an award for editing under the category Editor-Program Not News (Ben Avechuco, Jim Jacoby). The program's sound design also received an Emmy in the category of Audio-Live or Post Production (Sam Esparza at Big U Music Sound Design). The promotional trailer for "Under Arizona," was given an Emmy in the Promotion Program Spot or Campaign category (Jen Burke, Jim Jacoby). A second Emmy was also awarded to Eight in that category for the "Viewers Like You" on-air campaign (Jen Burke, Jim Jacoby). In fulfilling the station's mission as a community resource and to encourage civic participation, Eight's Vote 2006 Web site (Susan Soto, Adam Draper) received an Emmy in the Advanced Media-Interactivity category. The Emmys were presented at the Chapter's Awards Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa. ______________ EIGHT/KAET-TV WINS PRESTIGIOUS CINE GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD FOR ARTS PROGRAM, BUZZ EIGHT/KAET-TV — Eight production showcased Phoenix arts scene — Eight/KAET-TV is pleased to announce that Buzz, the pilot for an innovative arts program, has won the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award. CINE is a national competition that celebrates excellence in film, video and media arts. The Golden Eagle awards are recognized internationally as symbols of the highest production standards in filmmaking and videography. Since its founding in 1957, CINE has been dedicated to discovering, rewarding, educating, and supporting established and emerging talent in film and video. Among great talents whose first major awards included the CINE Golden Eagle are Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard, and such great documentarians as Ken Burns, Charles Guggenheim, Stanley Nelson, Albert Maysles and Frederick Wiseman. Buzz, an Eight production, premiered November 9, 2006 and featured three local artists—fashion and costume designer Galina Mihaleva, who creates for dancers, models and nanotechnologists; violist Mark Dix, who brings chamber music to new audiences in downtown art galleries; and architect and urban designer Wellington Reiter, whose drawings envision a Sky Harbor where planes, condos and swimming pools might one day co-exist. "The half-hour program is a pilot for a series showcasing Arizona's arts scene," stated Beth Vershure Eight Station Manager and Executive Producer for Buzz. "Phoenix's vibrant and emerging arts community is the focus of this initiative comprising television, an interactive Web site and teacher materials that meet Arizona arts standards with uniquely Arizona content." Buzz is an Eight production made possible in part by MPAC, the Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture. In the Spring 2007 Competition, more than 300 judges viewed and evaluated hundreds of distinguished entries. Experienced professionals in the field of film and video production, as well as subject matter experts, serve in a volunteer capacity. They judge the entries using standards of overall excellence, evaluating such criteria as writing, sound, editing, creativity, visuals, insights, and the extend to which the film meets its stated goals and communicates with its intended audience. ______________ GARY McMAHAN NAMED ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT FOR EIGHT/KAET-TV Gary McMahan has been named Eight's new Associate Director of Development, according to General Manager Greg Giczi. McMahan will be responsible for securing philanthropic resources and support for the station, including major giving, planned giving, fund raising events, and grants. "As an organization that relies heavily on community support, we have been very fortunate," says Giczi. "Time and time again Arizonans let us know much they value Eight in their lives, whether it is a favorite TV show or an outreach program in their child's classroom or in their community. Gary McMahan's experience, and expertise, will help to ensure that much-needed support continues." McMahan most recently served as the Director of Development for Alzheimer's Association in El Paso, Texas. Previously, he was COO of Angel Flight America in Memphis and Executive Director of the National Foundation for Transplants (formerly Organ Transplant Fund) in Memphis, Tenn. McMahan is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has an MPA and a BA from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. _______ BENEFIT ROAST TO CELEBRATE MICHAEL GRANT'S 25 YEARS ON HORIZON APRIL 5 EIGHT/KAET-TV March 12, 2007 ? In January, Michael Grant signed off as host for HORIZON, Eight/KAET-TV's public affairs program. It was the end of a remarkable partnership with the public broadcasting station that began in 1981. Eight will celebrate his contribution to Arizona public television ? and to Arizona's political history — with a benefit roast at the Phoenix Convention Center on Thursday, Apr. 5, 2007. The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the dinner and program . Proceeds will help support Eight's quality local programming, including HORIZON. Individual tickets and sponsorship tables are available exclusively from Eight at www.azpbs.org/events or by calling 480.965.9614. "Grant's dedication to Eight and HORIZON has truly been legendary. During his 25-year tenure, the program has garnered more than 100 broadcasting and journalism awards and offered Arizonans a thoughtful, in-depth look at the issues that would shape their lives." said Don Keuth, Chairman, Eight Community Advisory Board. "Now it's our chance to celebrate his accomplishments and what's next for HORIZON." As host of HORIZON, Grant chronicled Arizona's political history for a quarter of a century reporting on six governors, an impeachment, twenty-five legislative sessions, a multitude of primary and general elections and more than 10,000 stories. The program has welcomed new leaders, covered tragedy and scandal, celebrated victories, illuminated public policy and asked the tough questions of Arizona 's leaders. At the beginning, there was some question as to whether Arizona could produce enough news to fill a nightly broadcast. But as Grant is fond of saying, " Arizona came through like a trooper." An Arizona State University College of Law alumnus, Grant's accomplishments reach far beyond the television studio. He received his undergraduate – summa cum laude – and law degrees from Arizona State University . He was an assistant Arizona attorney general for three years before going into private practice and is currently with Gallagher and Kennedy in Phoenix . Before HORIZON, Grant worked as an investigative reporter for a local radio station while attending law school. HORIZON is Eight 's award-winning public affairs program. Detailed program information, online video, RSS feeds and podcasts are available on the HORIZON Web site at http://www.azpbs.org/horizon _______ TAKE ONE STEP NEW COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVE ENCOURAGES WORKPLACE HEALTH FOR ASU EMPLOYEES EIGHT/KAET-TV — Kick-off scheduled for Monday, Feb. 12 at the Memorial Union — Eight/KAET-TV has joined with PBS and health organizations across the state for Take One Step , a new community-based health initiative to encourage workplace health. The free program includes a companion Web site – www.azpbs.org/takeonestep -- that allows users to track their progress online and a series of PBS specials focusing on the importance of maintaining a higher level of wellness. At the program's end, employees and managers will gather to measure outcomes, discuss the program, and celebrate success! Our community partners include: TruWest Credit Union, Active Living Network, American Heart Association of Arizona, Arizona Heart Institute, Area Agency on Aging, Region One, Arizona State University Employee Wellness Department, Arizona Department of Health Services: Division of Public Health Services: Physical Activity Program, National Weight Control Registry, National Institute of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – Obesity Education Initiative _______ CORKS & CANVAS 2006 Eight's second annual Corks & Canvas event on Saturday, November 4th was a smashing success. Each of the participating galleries on Marshall Way in Old Town Scottsdale offered an assortment of culinary delights from select restaurants and caterers. Throughout the event, guests were entertained by a variety of musical artists as they visited the galleries, enjoying each exhibit as they sipped Gala Rouge and Little Black Dress wines. _______ EIGHT/KAET-TV JOINS WITH CARRIER FOR "OPERATION HEAT RESCUE" TO DONATE UNITS TO LOCAL PHOENIX CHARITY — More than 100 units contributed to elderly and families in need — August 18, 2006 – Eight/KAET-TV has joined in partnership with Carrier, the world leader in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration solutions, to provide cool relief to those in need. Eight and Carrier are donating more than 100 air conditioning units to the Area Agency on Aging, a network of organizations established under the 1971 Older Americans Act (OAA) to respond to the needs of older adults. This contribution will help ensure those in need stay cool throughout the remainder of summer and in the coming years. "We are pleased to join with Carrier and the Area Agency on Aging for this important outreach effort," said Greg Giczi, Eight general manager. "It's gratifying to have the opportunity to help improve the lives of those in our community – a community that has been so generous to our station over the years." Carrier is donating its FCB Series window air conditioners that offer convenient through-the-wall or window installation and provide reliable comfort for rooms that are 100-400 square feet in size. The units are valued at $125 each. "With the success of Operation Heat Rescue last year, we felt we should continue to support local communities with the resources we have to help keep them cool, comfortable and healthy as they ride out the oppressive heat waves this summer," said Johnny Johnson, Carrier Brand Manager. "Our company has a long tradition of giving back to the community, and it makes us feel good to know that we've been able to help senior citizens, people with disabilities and low-income families with this project." ________ KAET/CHANNEL 8 UNVEILS NEW STATION IDENTITY -- EIGHT -- Internationally recognized branding guru (and former station employee) offers expertise in redesign -- January 30, 2006 - KAET, Arizona's award-winning public television station, announces the launch of a new station identity today - Eight - providing a more flexible, all encompassing reference to the media outlet's content. "The new identity will allow us to better represent all the ways in which we serve the state: our television broadcasts, analog, digital and high-definition; the online components on azpbs.org; the KAET Magazine; and our education and community outreach initiatives," says General Manager Greg Giczi. "The timing was right, and we were fortunate to be able to utilize the talents of one of the best names in the media branding business, John Ridgway." The new logo is comprised of the word eight spelled out with the number 8 replacing the letter "g." The word channel is eliminated, with the call letters KAET taking a less significant role. Different design variations will accommodate specific content areas, such as kids or public affairs programming. Viewers will see the on-air changes beginning February 1, along with accompanying online and print materials. Historically, station call letters and channel numbers were used to direct audiences to a specific location on the TV dial. Both identifiers are becoming obsolete. Cable and satellite systems have made the references less of a recognizable factor. "Our audiences have many ways of accessing our content," said Giczi. "It is no longer limited to sitting in front of a TV screen." Podcasts, RSS feeds (updated content sent to your computer via the Internet), and video online offer access to station content on demand. The station's education outreach initiatives reach tens of thousands of Arizona students in the classroom - and assist thousands of teachers with professional development on line. After an initial meeting with Giczi, John Ridgway, former station employee, Arizona State University alumnus and now CEO of Via Worldwide, expressed an interest in helping with the rebranding. "Coming back to the station, offering my talents and insights for their new direction, I've come full circle. KAET gave me my first opportunity to work in television," said Ridgway. "From that job came a position at the Los Angeles PBS station and opportunities to work with Entertainment Tonight CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, Dateline, CNBC, ESPN, and networks in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa." It is exciting and gratifying to be part of the process of creating a new identity for KAET, he added. "As Eight continues to adapt to new technologies and delivery systems, our audiences can continue to look to us for quality content as they have for the past 45 years," said Giczi. ________ NANCY SOUTHGATE NAMED PROGRAM MANAGER KAET-TV/CHANNEL 8 January 23, 2006 - Nancy Southgate has joined KAET-TV/Channel 8 as program manager, according to Station Manager Beth Vershure. Southgate comes to the Phoenix public television station from WPBA in Atlanta, Georgia where she was vice president and station manager overseeing program scheduling, productions, promotion and traffic. "Our program manager plays a key role in realizing our mission of providing quality content that enriches the lives of all Arizonans. Nancy's top priority will be not only to acquire and develop content of value to our community, but also to maximize its consumption on TV, online, and in person," Vershure says. "I have no doubt that her experience and understanding of today's rapidly changing communications environment will contribute greatly to our efforts." "I look forward to joining the successful team at KAET," says Southgate. "The station's reputation in the PBS system and in Arizona is truly exceptional. I am excited to be part of its future." Southgate, a graduate of the University of Georgia, also worked for a national programming and management consulting firm and as manager of television services and operations manager. _______ KAET-TV/CHANNEL 8 WINS PBS AWARDS KAET was the recipient of several top awards at the PBS Development Conference held October 6-8, 2005 in San Diego, California. The successes, innovations and best practices of PBS member stations are recognized and celebrated at the annual meeting. Stations submit applications in early summer based on their activities during the previous fiscal year and a committee of peers from around the country selects the winners in each of 13 categories. KAET received recognition in the following categories: Special Achievement Award - Online Fundraising PBS Development Award (500k+ household market size) - Major Giving PBS Development Award (500k+ household market size) - Underwriting PBS Development Award (500k+ household market size) - Overall Development "The awards are gratifying, especially at a national level," says Greg Giczi, KAET General Manager. "More important is what they represent locally -- a tremendous show of support from Arizonans. Our members value KAET as a crucial investment in the future, for their families and the state." "KAET is moving into an exciting future, a future that will be built on a solid foundation of community relationships," says Kelly McCullough, KAET Director of Marketing and Development. "And it is only with these relationships that the awards are possible." ______ NANCY DUDENHOEFER NAMED SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERS MANAGER Nancy Dudenhoefer has joined KAET-TV/Channel 8 as Small Business Partners Manager, according to KAET General Manager Greg Giczi. Dudenhoefer will manage the station's newest program targeted to serve the largest segment of the business community: small businesses. She comes to the Phoenix public television station from The Media Mix Advertising and Public Relations company where she was president. "Nancy's expertise makes her the right person to spearhead the station's new initiative," said Giczi. "We plan to offer Arizona's small business community a strong media partner." Dudenhoefer has been involved in the marketing and promotion of numerous non-profit organizations in the Valley, such as The Festival of Lights, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Junior Achievement and Homeward Bound. Her media experience includes community relations and sales development with bizAZ Magazine and Director of Marketing for ABC/Channel 15. Dudenhoefer also worked at ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates in Florida. _____ KAET IS NUMBER 1 KAET was the number one most-watched PBS station in the country for the entire day on May 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2005 according to TRAC Media Services for PBS metered markets. A trusted community resource, KAET enriches the lives of Arizonans through quality programs and educational services. Channel 8 began broadcasting from the campus of Arizona State University in 1961. KAET specializes in the education of children, unbiased news and public affairs, lifelong learning, and the celebration of arts and culture -- through the power of noncommercial television, the Internet, educational outreach services, and community-based initiatives. _____ NATIONAL PBS SERIES HISTORY DETECTIVES FILM STORY IN TOMBSTONE APRIL 23-26 -- Segment will air this summer on KAET-TV/Channel 8 -- Antiques Roadshow meets "CSI" in the PBS series, History Detectives. The program explores the true stories behind historic sites, artifacts and tall tales told in cities across the country, with the help of an inquisitive team of fact-finders with an uncanny talent for uncovering the truth: Wesley Cowan, independent appraiser and auctioneer; Gwendolyn Wright, professor of architecture, Columbia University; Elyse Luray, an independent appraiser and expert in art history; and Tukufu Zuberi, professor of sociology and the director of the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Each week, the detectives track down the best in the fields of forensics, historical research, architecture and archaeology, taking old-fashioned sleuthing to a whole new realm. In three modern-day conundrums per hour, viewers take a roller coaster ride through history as our investigators combine hard evidence and good ol' intuition in the search for the truth about the historical records of the homes, towns and personal possessions of everyday Americans. April 23 to 26, the History Detectives team traveled to Tombstone, Arizona to investigate the surprising facts behind the legendary gunfight at the OK Corral and the real relationship between Wyatt Earp and 'Doc' Holliday. Four years ago, a pawn store clerk in Tulsa, Oklahoma, met a customer, claiming to be a descendant of John Henry 'Doc' Holliday. The customer's pawned antique watch had an interesting inscription on the back. In the world of Western antiques, forgeries are certainly common. But, could this watch have been a gift from the fearless, frontier lawman Wyatt Earp to the dentist, gambler and gunman 'Doc' Holliday, perhaps in gratitude for his help fighting the Clancy gang at the OK Corral? The Tombstone segment is scheduled to air this summer on KAET-TV/Channel 8. ____ JOHN BOOTH NAMED SENIOR PRODUCER/PRODUCTION MANAGER -- Arizona native to direct ambitious production schedule -- March, 2005 - John Booth has joined KAET-TV/Channel 8 as Senior Producer/Production Manager, according to KAET General Manager Greg Giczi. Booth comes to the Phoenix public television station from Oregon Public Broadcasting where he was Senior Director of National Production responsible for production, program management and educational production departments. "Booth brings an exceptional body of work to KAET," said Giczi. "He has the proven skills and vision to expand our station's production of local programs, as well as programs with national significance. His initial directives include producing Arizona Collection specials, as well as developing Arizona Health and Arizona Education programs." Booth was involved in the development, management or production of many PBS series. His national credits include: History Detectives, The Meaning of Food, West Point, And Thou Shalt Honor, The Sixties, Kingdom of David, Great Lodges of the National Parks, Back to the Floor, along with regular segments on The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. He served as producer/director/writer on Sinking the Lusitania, The Great Lodges of the National Parks-Grand Lodges, Unseen Life on Earth, The Rockies by Rail, America's Scenic Rail Journeys, and Occupied Japan: An Experiment in Democracy. Booth was photographer/editor for Rain of Ruin: The Bombing of Nagasaki, Frontline: Secrets of a Bomb Factory, Nova: The Great Wildlife Heist, Trading Attitudes, Frontline: Monsters Among Us, All About You, and photographer for Triumph of the Nerds. An Arizona native, he is a graduate of the University of Arizona and Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe. Booth began his broadcasting career at KUAT-TV, the PBS station in Tucson, Arizona.