Now follow WSRE News at WSRE.org

Now follow WSRE News at WSRE.org. This blog is on hiatus.

Explore Career of Nashville Songwriter Karen Staley on the next Conversations

WSRE’s “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” features Nashville songwriter Karen Staley this Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Staley accounts her music career and provides real life insight into the Nashville music scene. The program also showcases her singing talent and sense of humor. With guitar in hand, she plays some of her hit songs and tells the stories behind the music.

Shortly after college, Staley found herself in the music city singing backup and playing guitar for artists like Reba McEntire and Faith Hill. Although a solid singer, she found her true calling in songwriting and has since written songs for some of the biggest names in country music.

“Conversations with Jeff Weeks” airs as part of WSRE’s new all-local evening programming block, Explore More Thursdays. The new Thursday night lineup airs 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and also features new series “In Your Own Backyard” hosted by Sherri Hemminghaus Weeks, locally produced documentaries and performing arts programs.

In addition to “Conversations with Jeff Weeks,” this week’s local Thursday night lineup includes a look into the Forts of Mobile Bay on “In Your Own Backyard” at 7 p.m., “Pensacola Veterans Memorial Park” and “Gulf Coast War Memories” documentaries beginning at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and “StudioAmped” at 9 p.m. with music by Gwen McCrae and The Blue Daze.

For more information, visit www.wsre.org/ExploreMore online.

 

WSRE to Air Documentary Chronicling 100 Years of Naval Aviation

Marking the centennial of naval aviation, WSRE will broadcast the new two-part documentary Angle of Attack beginning November 1. Angle of Attack chronicles the 100-year history of U.S. naval aviation — from wobbly gliders and the first shipboard landing in 1911 to modern supersonic jets and unmanned aerial vehicles. Part 1 airs on Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m. The program’s conclusion will air Tuesday, November 8 at 7 p.m.

Angle of Attack encompasses a century of technological, strategic and social advancements in naval aviation, from the first wobbly gliders to modern supersonic jets, to racial integration and the introduction of women in combat. To tell this story, the film deftly interweaves archival footage, interviews with historical and military experts, contemporary footage of cutting-edge aircraft and insights from today’s “Top Gun” fighter pilots. In addition, Angle of Attack also pays tribute to naval aviation’s visionaries, pioneers and risk-taking aviators, past and present.

Angle of Attack begins and ends with the next generation of pilots working to hone their skills, in all kinds of weather, day and night, to land a jet safely on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. This death-defying feat, first achieved in 1911 by Eugene Ely, cleared the path for the development of a powerful new tool for ensuring both the safety and security of the nation and peacekeeping.   

Despite being viewed by some over the years as impractical, extravagant or obsolete, naval aviation has struggled to remain relevant in the face of competing technologies — the nuclear bomb and automation — and even budget pressures. In the face of these threats, naval aviation changed the face of America’s wars — from its heyday in the Pacific Theater during World War II, and later, Korea and Vietnam, to its rediscovered utility for reconnaissance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Angle of Attack then follows the progress of naval aviation, from the age of nuclear terror to the asymmetrical warfare, including the long, difficult ground wars still taking place in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Interviewees include: Vice Admiral Jerry Miller, USN (Ret); Admiral James L. Holloway III, USN (Ret); Vice Admiral Allen Myers; Captain Anthony Barnes USN (Ret); Capt. Mark Brooks; veteran military analyst and co-author John Gresham and naval and aviation expert Norman Polmar.

As “Presenting Sponsor” of Centennial of Naval Aviation Foundation events, Boeing has underwritten the two-hour public television documentary presented by American Public Television and produced by The Documentary Group.

The program’s timely broadcast coincides with Veterans Day and naval aviation’s centennial celebration, which culminates locally with the season-closing Homecoming Air Show of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. 

For more information, visit WSRE’s program schedule at www.wsre.org.

 

PBS Arts Fall Festival Kicks Off Tonight on WSRE

Guthrie Theater’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” leads nine-part series that includes Pearl Jam, Bill T. Jones and six more dance, music and opera performances.

 

Top: Miami City Ballet. Credit: © Kyle Froman Photography Bottom: Steve Martin. Credit: Sandy O

Pensacola, Fla. — Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic nautical romp “H.M.S. Pinafore,” a production of Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater and Twin Cities Public Television (tpt), opens the nine-part PBS Arts Fall Festival tonight Friday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. on WSRE. “Pinafore” kicks off an exciting line-up of performances that will be broadcast every Friday at 8 p.m. on WSRE into mid-December, including the broadcast debut of Cameron Crowe’s documentary music film “Pearl Jam Twenty,” dance performance films from Bill T. Jones, Miami City Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, rock and Americana music programs from Cleveland and North Carolina, and a major new opera from LA Opera.

 

“From the Blue Ridge to San Francisco and from the Great Lakes to Miami, every community across this country possesses its own mosaic of artistic expression, and only PBS stations bring the rich diversity of these stories to the national stage,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO. “PBS invites everyone — regardless of geographic or economic situation — to take a front-row seat and enjoy a backstage pass to the world of music, theater, dance, art and cultural history.”

 

“With these arts presentations, our local viewers can sit back, relax and enjoy performances by renowned artists in first-rate presentations — no high prices, crowds or parking hassles,” adds WSRE General Manager Sandy Cesaretti Ray.

 

The broadcast programs, which originate from cities around the country, will be introduced by well-known hosts connected to the regions and themes of the programs.

The PBS Arts Fall Festival broadcast schedule on WSRE is listed below.

Oct. 14, 8 p.m. –       PBS Arts from Minnesota: THE GUTHRIE THEATER PRESENTS H.M.S. PINAFORE

Oct. 21, 8 p.m. –       PBS Arts from Seattle: AMERICAN MASTERS “Pearl Jam Twenty”

Oct. 28, 8 p.m. –       PBS Arts from Miami: GREAT PERFORMANCES “Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine and Tharp”

Nov. 4, 8 p.m. –        PBS Arts from the Blue Ridge Mountains: GIVE ME THE BANJO

Nov. 11, 8 p.m. –     PBS Arts from Chicago: AMERICAN MASTERS “Bill T. Jones: A Good Man”

Nov. 18, 8 p.m. –     PBS Arts from Cleveland: WOMEN WHO ROCK

Nov. 25, 8 p.m. –     PBS Arts from Los Angeles: GREAT PERFORMANCES “Il Postino From LA Opera” with Plácido Domingo

Dec. 2, 8 p.m. –        PBS Arts from New York: GREAT PERFORMANCES “Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park”

Dec. 16, 8 p.m. –      PBS Arts from San Francisco: GREAT PERFORMANCES “The Little Mermaid From San Francisco Ballet”

Conversations with Jeff Weeks Features MSNBC “Morning Joe” Co-Hosts Joe and Mika

WSRE's "Conversations with Jeff Weeks" features MSNBC's Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski this Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

The "Morning Joe" co-hosts share stories about their television partnership and political personalities with whom they interact, and they offer their takes on the current political climate. Brzezinski also discusses her new book," Knowing Your Value," and Scarborough's role in her salary negotiations with MSNBC.

"Conversations with Jeff Weeks" airs as part of WSRE's new all-local evening programming block, Explore More Thursdays. The new Thursday night lineup airs 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and also features new series "In Your Own Backyard" hosted by Sherri Hemminghaus Weeks, locally produced documentaries and performing arts programs.

In addition to "Conversations with Jeff Weeks," this week's lineup includes a visit to the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida on "In Your Own Backyard" at 7 p.m., "Pause Life, Play Music: A Symphony Season" a documentary which follows the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m., and StudioAmped at 9 p.m. with country roadhouse rockabilly band, The Modern Eldorados.

For more information, visit www.wsre.org/ExploreMore online.

 

WSRE Grows Hope Against Hunger

Sunday, October 9 at 7 p.m., WSRE presents “Growing Hope Against Hunger,” a program by Sesame Workshop featuring Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley and the Sesame Street Muppets. This one-hour special raises awareness of the widespread issue of hunger in the United States. It provides simple, empowering strategies to families who aren’t sure where their next meal will come from — and to others who want to help.

Locally, WSRE is providing shopping lists, family tip sheets, strategies to help stretch a dollar and available resources for families with children who struggle with hunger — all available for download from its website at http://www.wsre.org/growing-hope.asp.

 

“Growing Hope Against Hunger” speaks to both children and adults with a story that celebrates the importance of community as everyone works to help one another — including Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams Paisley and their Sesame Street friends, Rosita, Grover and Bert. Our Sesame friends are collecting foods at a food drive and a community garden and meet Lily, a new character whose family has an ongoing struggle with hunger. Together, Lily’s family finds strength in helping others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Through animations and songs, the Sesame characters understand what Lily is going through and how their simple actions, such as planting a seed, can make a world of difference. Finally, documentary stories present children’s perspectives on food insecurity and illuminate the impact hunger has on families.

 

No matter what the viewers’ experiences with food are, the special reassures children that they are not alone: There are people who care and can help. Emphasizing the importance of togetherness, the special motivates all children to help others, whether through friendship or by giving through family activities. Adults, by hearing children’s voices and stories, will find age-appropriate ways to talk to children about sensitive issues related to food. The special also aims to reduce stigma related to food insecurity, empowering adults to serve as resources to others and build hope in their communities.

 

The Need

The struggle with hunger exists close to home, affecting our neighbors, friends, and families. The USDA estimates that 17 million American children — nearly 1 in 4 — are food insecure, meaning that they have limited or uncertain access to affordable and nutritious food. Of these children, more than half (9.6 million) are under the age of six.

Despite these overwhelming statistics, hunger is still an invisible crisis in the United States. The need for resources to educate and mobilize those at risk is substantial and growing. With a deeper understanding of this issue, families and communities can work together to help their loved ones create a positive and healthy future.

WSRE “Explores More” Locally on Thursdays

WSRE introduces its new local-only evening programming block, "Explore More Thursdays," starting Oct. 6. The new Thursday night lineup will air every week from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with "In Your Own Backyard" hosted by Sherri Hemminghaus-Weeks, "Conversations with Jeff Weeks," and locally produced documentary and performing arts programs.

This week, WSRE launches "In Your Own Backyard," a new show about unique points of interest along the Gulf Coast. The inaugural episode visits Gulf Breeze resident Gordon Sprague's eclectic one-man museum of "man-tiques" — classic cars, vintage tractors and toys for all ages. Sprague is a retired financial services expert who amassed a collection worth millions for his 6,000-square-foot personal museum. Future episodes include: The Forts of Mobile Bay, The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida and The Arcadia Mill.

At 7:30 p.m., "Conversations with Jeff Weeks" welcomes Dr. Sunil Gupta, respected retina surgeon and founder of Retina Specialty Institute. Upon returning from the Clinton Global Initiative Conference, Gupta discusses how he and his colleagues are working to put post-9/11 veterans to work in the medical field. The televised conversation also covers advances in medical science and the overall state of the U.S. healthcare system.

Shot in high-definition, "Lighthouses of the Gulf Coast: Sand Island to St. Marks" airs at 8 p.m. This WSRE-produced documentary tells the stories of lighthouses symbolizing the region's seafaring heritage. The film covers the endangered Sand Island and Middle Bay lighthouses of Mobile Bay, the Pensacola Lighthouse, St. George Island's light station, the lighthouses of Cape San Blas and Crooked River, and St. Marks Lighthouse on Apalachee Bay — the oldest lighthouse still operating on the Gulf Coast.

This first "Explore More Thursdays" lineup concludes with "StudioAmped: Songwriters Special 2011" recorded live on Friday, Sept. 30 as part of the annual Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival. Performing their hit songs are award-winning singers and songwriters Rick and Janis Carnes, and Alex Call, co-writer of the famous 1980s tune "867-5309/Jenny" recorded by Tommy Tutone.

" 'Explore More Thursdays' offers our viewers an evening each week to learn more about their community through local discoveries, conversations, documentaries and performances," said Sandy Cesaretti Ray, WSRE general manager.

For more information, visit www.wsre.org/exploremore online.

 

CANCELLED: StudioAmped Concert Features Celtic Band Ceol Leinn in Free Concert at WSRE

The “StudioAmped” concert set to take place Saturday, October 1 at 7 p.m. featuring Celtic performance band “Ceol Leinn” has been cancelled due to a health issue. The concert will be rescheduled at a future date to be determined. Concertgoers can check the StudioAmped website, www.wsre.org/StudioAmped, for updates.

Artist Nina Fritz On the Next Conversations with Jeff Weeks Sept. 29

Thursday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. on WSRE, "Conversations with Jeff Weeks" gets to know the artist behind the canvas, Nina Fritz. Find out she started her art career and what she does to keep her skills sharp and the creativity flowing. Get a behind the scenes look at how she captures the essence of her subjects and ultimately brings them to life on canvas. Learn about personal stories of an artist who discovered her real passion in life and translated her love of art into a flourishing career.

Ms. Fritz began her art training while living in Japan. She expanded her knowledge of technique and painting rudiments at the University of Minnesota at Duluth, then at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As she and her career military husband traveled around the world, she sought out and studied with the best art teachers in each location. She owns two galleries on the Florida Gulf Coast; one in the community of Seaside, the other on Pensacola Beach. Each weekend, Nina demonstrates her talents in both galleries by painting portrait impressions "a la prime" (from life). Fritz is also much in demand as a workshop teacher, expanding from the Southeast United States to Venice.

"Conversations with Jeff Weeks" is a half-hour, weekly series that is "personality-driven," featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. The program airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. with a repeat on Sundays at 10 a.m. on WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast.

StudioAmped Concert With Ceol Leinn Rescheduled

The StudioAmped Concert featuring Celtic Band Ceol Leinn at WSRE will be rescheduled for a later date.

StudioAmped Concert Features Celtic Band Ceol Leinn in Free Concert at WSRE

Saturday, October 1 at 7 p.m., a special edition of WSRE’s local music television program, “StudioAmped,” welcomes Celtic performance band “Ceol Leinn.” The public is invited to attend the free television taping of the concert at the Jean and Paul Amos Performance Studio at Pensacola State College. Doors open at 6 p.m. and show starts promptly at 7 p.m.

 

“Ceol Leinn,” translated from Gaelic means “music with us.” The band, made up of six eclectic musicians, plays both traditional and what some would call "world music” reflecting the history that is so much a part of the collective Scottish, Irish and Celtic ancestry. The roots of Bluegrass and American Gospel are also explored along with the music coming from the joys, conflicts, and trials of the Scottish Highlanders and their Irish cousins. The band hails from Hickory, North Carolina and includes Chip Mayes, Sarah Hinnant, Laurie Fisher, Mike Harrington, Jeff Haas and Mindy Armstrong.

 

The program will air at a yet to be determined date on WSRE as part of the StudioAmped Concert Series.

 

 

WSRE’s 23rd Annual Wine & Food Classic Welcomes PBS Celebrity Chef

The 23rd Annual WSRE Wine & Food Classic takes place on Pensacola Beach October 21 and 23. The culinary extravaganza begins with the Grand Tasting at the Holiday Inn Resort from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, featuring PBS Celebrity Chef John Besh. A limited-seating Auction and Signature Dinner will be held at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. The popular Wine & Food Grand Tasting traditionally attracts the Pensacola Bay Area's most celebrated chefs and restaurants, and nationally acclaimed wineries. This year, WSRE is also welcoming New Orleans Chef John Besh to kickoff the weekend-long event.

 

Besh's restaurant August offers contemporary French cuisine. His PBS television show, "John Besh's New Orleans" is based on recipes from his cookbook, "My New Orleans: 200 of My Favorite Recipes and Stories from My Hometown." The show airs on WSRE Saturdays at 11 a.m.

 

At the Grand Tasting, Besh will present a cooking demonstration and sign copies of his book. Local chefs also to be featured are Dan Dunn, H2O Grill; Nick Farkas, 600 South; Gregg McCarthy, The Grand Marlin; Jerry Mistretta, Jerry's Cajun Café; and David Penniman, Classic City Catering. Those attending Friday's event will sample award-winning wines and culinary offerings, bid on silent auction items and enjoy the music of saxophonist Jim Andrews.

 

Those attending Sunday's Wine & Food Auction & Signature Dinner, a more intimate affair, will watch as their gourmet meal is prepared by the following local chefs: Dan Dunn, H2O Grill; Irv Miller, Jackson's Steakhouse; Mark Murphy, McGuire's Irish Pub; Jim Shirley, The Fish House; and Gus Silivos, Nancy's Haute Affairs. In keeping with the theme, each culinary course will be paired with a fine wine. Auctioneers Collier and Cate Merrill will lead Sunday's live auction with a unique collection of culinary, destination, art and wine packages up for bid. Jazz artist Al Martin will provide musical entertainment, and special WSRE "mystery guests" are expected to make appearances.

 

Friday's Grand Tasting tickets are $60 per person. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass and wine and food samplings from all participating chefs and restaurants. Sunday's Auction & Signature Dinner tickets are $125 per person. Seating is limited for this event. The WSRE Wine & Food Classic has served as the public broadcasting station's premier annual fundraiser since 1988. Purchase tickets online at http://www.wsre.org/WineandFood or by calling (850) 484-1054 during normal business hours.

 

This year's honorary co-chairs are Teri Levin and Julian MacQueen with event co-chairs Michael Johnson and Bill Campion. Committee members include Jacquie and Carl Gray, Ashley and Max Gray, Ed and Trisha Morrison, Candy Carlisle, Bill Bush, JoAnn VanFleteren, Michele Gomez, Curtis Flower, Debbie Sapp, James Stegall, Sammie and Newman Rodgers, Bryan Earnhart, Chuck McCants, Rock and Sue Penfold, Hubie and Pat Williford. Major sponsors are Cox Communications, Gulf Power Co., Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front, Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach, Levin Rinke Resort Realty, Pensacola News Journal, Polanzo Bistro, Renfroe Spinal Center, Republic National Distributing Co., State Farm Insurance – Michael Johnson, Stephen T. Holman P.A. Attorney at Law, Thompson-Walden Insurance and WEAR TV3/WFGX.

 

Famed Trial Lawyer Fred Levin on the Next Conversations with Jeff Weeks Sept. 22

Thursday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. on WSRE, “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” welcomes famed trial lawyer Fred Levin. Levin’s distinguished legal career has made him one of the top trial lawyers in the nation. During his conversation with Jeff, Levin discusses his early days at the University of Florida Law School. After struggling to get an undergraduate degree many thought the idea of Levin getting a law degree was a long shot. Not only did he graduate, but the school now bears his name; The University of Florida Frederic G. Levin College of Law. Levin talks about his early cases and the one case that completely changed the direction of his legal career. He also discuss his involvement in getting a law changed in Florida that ultimately led to the state suing big tobacco companies and receiving a 13 billion dollar settlement. In a candid interview viewers will get to know Fred Levin the high powered attorney as well as Fred Levin the person.

“Conversations with Jeff Weeks” is a half-hour, weekly series that is “personality-driven,” featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. The program airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. with a repeat on Sundays at 10 a.m. on WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast.

 

Internationally Known Fine Artist Jeff Bass on Conversations with Jeff Weeks 9/8

Thursday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. on WSRE, “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” welcomes internationally known portrait artist Jeff Bass. Bass’ work graces some of the most famous venues in the world: The Smithsonian, The CIA, The National World War II Museum, The International Spy Museum and the National Naval Aviation Museum. Bass has meticulously put history on canvas; during the interview, Bass gives shares a thorough history lesson on some of his most famous paintings. Viewers will be amazed at the background preparation and detailed re-creation that goes into one of Bass’ paintings. After hearing the process in which he goes through to create his fine art, viewers will have an increased level of understanding and appreciation of what it takes to bring history to canvas.

 

Born in Mobile, Ala., Jeff Bass has been painting since age nine, and credits his mother, an artist herself, for starting him on his path as an artist. He went on to study the rudiments of traditional academic art, but pursued a career in broadcast journalism. After an accomplished career in television, he returned to his first love — painting. Today, Jeff Bass completes fine art portraits for private collections, colleges, boardrooms and museums. His work is not limited to portraiture — Bass has a passion for history and combines that discipline with painting to produce historical subject paintings for museums.

 

“Conversations with Jeff Weeks” is a half-hour, weekly series that is “personality-driven,” featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. The program airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday nights at 9 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast.

 

WSRE Installs New Foundation Officers and Directors

WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, announces new WSRE Foundation officer and board of director appointments; Susan O’Connor, chair; Sandy Sims, vice-chair; Andy Remke, finance chair; and Teri Levin, secretary. New directors include the following:

 

• Lisa McKenzie Dampier – A Pensacola business owner, Lisa Dampier is a car dealer in Milton and owns McKenzie Buick/GMC. 
• Shelia Norton Hale – Shelia is a lifetime Pensacolian now residing in Baldwin County with her husband Michael and three children. She volunteers many hours for Baldwin County schools.
• Stephen Holman – Stephen Holman has been an avid supporter of WSRE for the past several years through his sponsorship of Wine & Food Classic. Stephen is a family law attorney in Pensacola.
• Joe Lovoy – Joe is returning to serve another term and has been a board member since 2004. He has served as the chair of the nominating committee and a member of the Investment and Finance Committee. Joe is director of the Senior Men's Tennis Group and director of the Friends of Roger Scott. He and his wife Lynn have five grown children and reside in Pensacola.
• Pat Mills – Pat is a community leader, activist and philanthropist, and comes to WSRE’s foundation with vast experience in board leadership. Pat and her late husband, Gerald, were longtime business owners of Gulf Coast Paving & Construction.
• Andy Remke - As a past WSRE Foundation board chair, and most recently an investment committee member, Andy rejoins as the incoming finance committee chair. He brings over 25 years experience as CFO of large health care organizations and several years in public accounting. Andy currently serves as the corporate treasurer for Landrum Companies.
• Susanne Ward – Susanne and her husband moved from Nashville, Tenn. several years ago and established their home in the Destin area. She has built a successful real estate business with Prudential Coastal and is bringing her success and expertise to the Pensacola market.  Her husband is a cardiologist at Sacred Heart Hospital.

The WSRE Foundation, Inc. was established in 1991 as a direct support organization of Pensacola State College to support the activities and capital and operating needs of WSRE, the area’s local public broadcasting TV station.

 

About WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast

WSRE is a PBS member station that is locally owned and licensed to the Pensacola State College Board of Trustees operating as a service of Pensacola State College. The public broadcasting station has been serving the needs of the Gulf Coast community through programming, educational services and outreach since 1967. WSRE produces, acquires and distributes programs that address local interests and reflect the diverse cultural, political, geographic and demographic characteristics of its audience. The Educational Services unit for WSRE serves as the connection to teachers, parents, caregivers and children to extend the rich resources found in public television. For more information about WSRE, its services, programs or available resources, visit wsre.org.

 

Dr. Sunil Gupta Helps Vets Find Work on the Next Conversations with Jeff Weeks - on WSRE

Thursday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m. on WSRE, “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” welcomes Dr. Sunil Gupta, a nationally respected retina surgeon and the founder of Retina Specialty Institute. Upon returning from the Clinton Global Initiative Conference, he discusses how he and his colleagues are working to put post 9/11 veterans to work in the medical field. These young veterans experience higher than normal unemployment rates. Dr. Gupta hopes to help returning veterans find long and satisfying careers in the medical field. Dr. Gupta and Jeff also discuss advances in medical science and the overall state of the U.S. healthcare system.

 

“Conversations with Jeff Weeks” is a half-hour, weekly series that is “personality-driven,” featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. The program airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday nights at 9 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast.

New Partnership Saves SightLine Reading Service

SightLine, the daily reading service for the vision-impaired, has been operated by WSRE, Pensacola State College’s public television station, since 1992. The service was recently discontinued as a result of the elimination of state funding for public broadcasting.  What could have been the end of the story for this community service has instead opened the door for a new media partnership.

 

WUWF Public Media, the public radio station and public access channel licensed to the University of West Florida, approached WSRE with a suggestion – relocate the reading service and coordinating responsibilities to WUWF 88.1 FM but, continue to use WSRE’s SAP (Second Audio Program) channel — an audio channel for TV that broadcasts over the air and over cable TV — to deliver the service, just as it has for the last 19 years.

 

“This is a great opportunity for us to work with our public television colleagues in continuing an important community service,” said Pat Crawford, WUWF Executive Director. “Long-time listeners to SightLine will still be able to hear it on the WSRE SAP channel, but we are adding an additional digital radio broadcast channel (WUWF HD-3) dedicated to the reading service and will be streaming the service online at http://wuwf.org , where local SightLine segments featuring the reading of newspapers, periodicals, and books will continue to be available on demand. WUWF will also be adding some new programs. With WSRE’s proven delivery system and WUWF’s access to additional content, it’s a perfect match.”

 

One new program that will be added to the SightLine lineup is The Radio Reader with Dick Estell, a highly acclaimed daily half-hour public radio program, featuring the reading of newly published books.  On the air since 1962, regular listeners to WUWF 88.1FM may find themselves tuning in for each installment on the HD-3 channel.  Other public radio programs will be added to the SightLine schedule as well, providing a 24 hour/day service to vision-impaired. 

 

“We are grateful for this partnership with WUWF Public Media to continue and bring new life to the SightLine Reading Service,” stated Sandy Cesaretti Ray, WSRE General Manager. “We did not want to see the 19 year service end. This kind of collaboration is a win-win for all involved,” said Ray.

 

Plans are to launch the new SightLine service in early September. For more information about the SightLine Reading Service, contact either WUWF (850) 474-2787 or WSRE (850) 484-1200.

 

WSRE's SightLine Reading Service Ends

WSRE airs its last SightLine Reading Service broadcast July 31, 2011. Due to recent state budget cuts, the service is no longer being offered by the public broadcasting station. SightLine served the vision-impaired population of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Baldwin and Okaloosa counties and aired on WSRE’s Second Audio Program channel (SAP), in addition to being archived on the station’s website.

 

SightLine transmitted its first program on Oct. 25, 1992, as a joint effort of WSRE and the Northwest Florida Radio Reading Service, Inc., an organization founded by Mr. Ben Bazo. Volunteers have read local newspapers, magazines, short stories and interesting articles every day, 365 days a year. 

 

The state funds are no longer available to budget in the cost of SightLine’s broadcast production. Sandy Cesaretti Ray, general manager of WSRE, feels firsthand the effects of the state cuts. “I am acutely aware of the impact the state cuts have on our viewers,” states Ray.

 

“It is with deepest regret that I must discontinue valuable services to the community. However, it’s necessary to responsibly ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization and put WSRE on a realistic financial path for the future,” she added. WSRE recently enacted staff reductions as well as the removal of some programming from its TV lineup to cut costs. “SightLine’s value lies in the fact that its service provided a tremendous improvement in the quality of life for the vision-impaired. This is an incredible loss for our community,” Ray added.

FW: Phil Meeks, Senior VP of Cox Business, on Conversations with Jeff Weeks July 14

Thursday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. on WSRE, “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” welcomes Phil Meeks, senior vice president of Cox Business. Meeks manages the $1 billion division of Cox Communications that provides voice, data and video services to 260,000 businesses nationwide (the fastest growing portion of Cox). Phil and Jeff discuss the national view on small business and technology including the growing desire of small businesses to outsource IT services as data management becomes more critical and internal resources limited.

 

“Conversations with Jeff Weeks” is a half-hour, weekly series that is “personality-driven,” featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. The program airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday nights at 9 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast.

 

Authors and Food Aficionados on Conversations with Jeff Weeks July 7

Thursday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. on WSRE, “Conversations with Jeff Weeks” welcomes Brooke Parkhurst and James Briscione, authors of the May 2011 release Just Married & Cooking, an indispensable cookbook and entertaining guide (with a Southern accent) for the newly married and kitchen challenged. Parkhurst, a food writer and native of Pensacola, and Briscione, a New York City chef and Food Network champion on “Chopped” and “Chopped Champions”, share how they used their mutual love of cooking and all things Southern to successfully pursue their ambitions in New York City.

 

“Conversations with Jeff Weeks” is a half-hour, weekly series that is “personality-driven,” featuring in-depth discussions with unique individuals and leading newsmakers from all walks of life. The program airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday nights at 9 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. on WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast.