Friday, February 27, 2009

It's Good for Business... Yours and Ours

Not wanting to sound overly "sales-y" or blow smoke in anyone's face, I tend to choose my words carefully, even if my job at the station is promotion.

Honesty is a far better way to build a good relationship. Sure, a misleading or exaggerated statement can make a big splash. But if it's later found to be false, the hollowness left behind is far more damaging than saying nothing at all.

There's no doubt this is a tough economic period for everyone. In significant ways, non-profits are pinched even more; we rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep going. When those supporters are preoccupied with stretching their resources to make ends meet, thoughts of being generous - no matter how well-intentioned - fade off their radar.

That brings me to the 2009 Spring Auction.

The auction is another story. Businesses who donate goods or services get back at least as much - sometimes far more - in publicity and public relations value than they give.

It's bartering, really. There's no actual money that changes hands. We call it a donation, but it's not a donation in the traditional sense, where one party gives something to another without getting anything in return. Our donor-businesses get plenty in return - not the least of which is being associated in public with the quality and trust of the PBS brand.

Trading goods and services for air time on Rhode Island PBS allows even the smallest business with no advertising budget to get in front of consumers, and stand elbow to elbow with larger companies (maybe even competitors).

"HEY, YOU GUYS!"

Here's the latest promo for our new RI PBS Kids Club.

Question: How long does something have to exist before it is no longer called "new"?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Diners and Lighthouses - What Could Be More "New England"?



What could be more symbolic of New England than diners and lighthouses?

Rhode Island PBS indulges in a Night of Nostalgia on Wednesday, March 4, with two local programs that feature these New England icons. Beginning at 7 PM, New England Portrait: The History of New England Diners spotlights five traditional eateries in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. The program will be followed by Rhode Island's Historic Lighthouses at 7:30 PM.

Richard Gutman, director and curator of the Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Museum, provides extensive and fascinating historical context on New England diners, while owners and patrons of area establishments add local color and humor. Richard Gutman will also be interviewed in the Rhode Island PBS studios during breaks in the program.

The diners profiled in the show include Hope Diner in Bristol, RI; Champ’s Diner in Woonsocket, RI; Bishop’s Diner in Newport, RI; Shawmut Diner in New Bedford, MA; and Miss Worcester in Worcester, MA. And what would a story about local diners be without a visit to Haven Brothers in Providence?

The program also includes an original theme song, “Let’s Go Down to the Diner,” composed for the show by Jon Marable.

Following the feast of local diners, the Emmy®-nominated Rhode Island's Historic Lighthouses provides a comprehensive look at the 200-plus-year history, decline and rebirth of the beacons that grace Rhode Island's 400 miles of shoreline. Emmy®-award winning Director of Photography Jim Karpeichik will be in the Rhode Island PBS studio to present his beautifully filmed documentary.

Rhode Island's Historic Lighthouses covers all 30 of Rhode Island's lighthouses, and includes stories of tragedies and heroism, buildings lost and restoration projects. Jim Karpeichik spent more than two years filming lighthouses in all seasons. Producer Heather Moreau researched maritime history and interviewed key people, including some who grew up in lighthouses, nationally recognized historians, and those who today are leading the way in restoration.

The Rhode Island PBS Night of Nostalgia is part of the viewer-supported public television station's March fund raising drive. The specials will air on digital 36.1; Cox, Verizon, and FullChannel cable 8; DirecTV 36; and Dish 7776; Massachusetts cable subscribers should check local cable listings for channel number.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Free Family Fun Night at the Children's Museum


Join us for a great "after hours" party at the Providence Children's Museum to celebrate the launch of our RI PBS Kids Club, on Friday night, February 20 from 5 - 8 PM. Free admission with a meet and greet with ARTHUR (who's looking for a new friend, details here). We'll have stickers and other goodies to give away:

Our RI PBS Kids Club sponsor, CollegeBoundfund, will be there with goodies and info. CVS "All Kids Can" is sponsoring Arthur's visit. We'll also have a display from the Audubon Society and Tunes the Turtle (sponsored by Coast 93.3 Kidz N Family Club).

Plus Tatutina will be there, and we'll have Bananagrams tournaments in the Story Room. Of course, the Museum exhibits will be open, so there's plenty to do after visiting with us!

RI PBS Kids Club Meet & Greet with Arthur will be on the second floor, in the room near the giant chair lady. Bring your camera!

And give Arthur a special wink and a nod; your humble author will be the one behind the huge glasses. :)