ANNUAL REPORT Fiscal Year 2016 OCTOBER 1, 2015 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 BOARDBOARDBOARD & & COUNCIL COUNCIL & COUNCIL

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ChairmanChairmanChairman of of the of the Board Board the Board ViceVice Vice Chair Chair Chair of of the the of Board Board the Board SusanIdaSusan Ohmer,Reynolds Ohmer, Ph.D. Watson Ph.D. RobertRodney Rodney G. F. Douglass F. GaneyGaney, , Ph.D. Ph.D. James James Susan Hillman Ohmer, Hillman Ph.D.

PresidentPresidentPresident & &General & General General Manager Manager Manager Treasurer GregGregGreg Giczi Giczi Giczi Treasurer Budget, Treasurer Finance, Audit Chairperson William Thomas Thomas J. E.Schmuhl, E. SlagerSlager Jr.

SecretarySecretarySecretary CariCari Shein Shein

DirectorsDirectorsDirectors DavidDavidDavid L. Bankoff, L. L. Bankoff, Bankoﬀ , MD MD MD PatOluwaferanmiRyan Moody Matthys Okanlami , MD MS HayleyThomasThomas G. Boling G. G. Coley, Coley, Ph.D. Ph. D. OluwaferanmiStephen Christine J. PerlewitzM. Okanlami, Maziar MD ThomasMarvinMarvin G. Curtis Coley, CurJs Ph.D Steven Roger Brian McMahonJ. Perlewitz Rader Katy Demarais Maritza Robles MarvinKaty CurtisDemarais RogerMary Rader Louise Miller Robert G. Douglass William J. Schmuhl , Jr. KatyRobert Demarais G. Douglass JillPat Sigsbee Moody Rebecca Espinoza-‐Kubacki Jill Sigsbee RebeccaIrene E.Espinoza-Kubacki Eskridge ThomasKevin Morrison E. Slager William A. Gitlin Joyce F. SJfel Rebecca Espinoza-Kubacki Steven J. Perlewitz MaryMary Horan Horan James James M. Summers M. Summers William A. Gitlin Maritza Robles KatherineKatherine Humphreys Humphreys KimberleyMichael Bow Wargo Sundy Tracy D. Graham Jill Sigsbee PaulChrisJne Jordan M. Maziar MichaelIda Reynolds Wargo Watson ChristineAlbertBrian L. M.Gutierrez McMahon Maziar PatrickPatrick Joyce F.Welch Stifel Welch BrianJamesMary McMahon Hillman Louise Miller James M. Summers MaryMaryPat Louise Horan Moody Miller Michael Wargo Katherine Humphreys Patrick Welch

CharterCharterCharter Directors Directors Directors HonoraryHonorary Honorary Life Life Life Director Director Director ArthurArthurMr. J. Decio Arthur J. Decio J. Decio CarmiCarmi Carmi Murphy Murphy Murphy JerryJerryMr. Hammes Hammes Jerry Hammes Ernestine M. Raclin ErnestineMrs. ErnesJne M. Raclin M. Raclin Jane Warner* JaneMrs. Warner* Jane Warner* Dar Wiekamp* DarMr. Wiekamp* Dar Wiekamp*

*Deceased Charter Director *Deceased *Deceased Charter Director Charter Director

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Thanks to all the stakeholders of Michiana Public Broadcasting Corporation — the operator of WNIT, PBS Michiana — board members, donors, volunteers, staff members and viewers all create this special synergy which creates the energy and impact of public television. While our programming is viewed by (literally) thousands each day, we want to whittle down that impact to one viewer. You. We want to make a difference is your life.

People watch our programs for many different reasons. But, at the core, gaining new knowledge seems to be a common theme. While I would classify some of our programming as pure entertainment, such as the British comedies we broadcast on Saturday nights, you can learn something from just about every other program we carry.

One of the most significant moments I experienced as manager was conversing with an elderly woman who asked me to visit her as she was writing her will. This lady had never been a donor. She expressed to me that while being bedridden, she discovered public television and became an avid viewer. Her intent was to keep learning something new every day until the day she passes.

When you watch a WNIT program such as Nature or Frontline, or even a historical drama such as Downton Abbey, don’t you come away with the feeling of learning something new? Audience research services tell us that WNIT has about 200,000 unique viewers per week. I get overwhelmed thinking that what we do as Michiana Public Broadcasting Corporation touches each one of those viewers every week. Imagine 200,000 people learning something new! That is the power of what we do, every day.

Thank you for being a part of WNIT in both large and small ways. Whatever your relationship with WNIT, you have a role in the lifelong opportunities we provide from the youngest children to the oldest adults. While the audience we serve is huge and hard to imagine, it comes down to each person who learns something new while watching WNIT – PBS Michiana.

Television broadcasting is at the cusp of great changes, both technologically, politically, and socially.

On the technological front, digital broadcasting, which is now about 20 years old, is preparing an upgrade. The goal will be to make broadcast more like a robust version of the internet with capability for UHD (Ultra High Definition) and additional sub-channels.

The political decision to allocate another portion of the broadcast spectrum to the wireless industry will create great changes. Some television stations may relinquish their channel. All stations will be subject to the “re-packing” process to condense remaining television stations into a smaller portion of spectrum bandwidth. The process began in 2015 and will continue into 2017.

And, socially, we are seeing dramatic changes on how people view “television.” Gone are the days when you had to watch a program on a specific day and time on the family room TV. Now, you have choices to watch programs when you choose on a device of your choice – everything from a smart phone, to a tablet, or even that family room TV.

WNIT is faced with adapting to all these changes and it is stretching our resources.

Overall, our fiscal year 2015 was a year of great success by all measures except financial. While we made major strides improving our financial performance over FY 2014, we didn’t quite close the gap to achieve an operational profit. (please update)

My thanks go out to my colleagues at WNIT for all their creativity and hard work. We have an ambitious schedule of weekly local programs, plus a number of specials scattered throughout the year. We work hard to gain new donors and devote a great deal of effort to taking care of our existing ones. Behind the scenes, programs are scheduled, equipment repaired, and checks sent to our vendors. It takes many skills to allow WNIT to run smoothly.

Michiana Public Broadcasting Corporation is guided by a great Board of Directors. We are fortunate to have this wise and committed group volunteering their time because they believe in the power of public television. Chairman of the Board, Susan Ohmer, Ph. D., receives my personal thanks.

On behalf of all us at Michiana Public Broadcasting Corporation, we sincerely thank all who support us in so many ways — program underwriters, members, major donors, foundations, sponsors, and state / federal government funders. But, it still comes down to “Viewers like You,” who watch WNIT and learn something new each time.

With appreciation,

Greg Giczi President & General Manager Mission Statement WNIT is a trusted, community owned, public media source that is dedicated to inspire, inform, educate, entertain and unify the communiJes we serve. WNIT is Michiana’s PBS StaTon

Serving 22 counJes in northern Indiana and southwest lower Michigan

WNIT is Michiana’s Largest Classroom

PBS aims at making a powerful diﬀerence in the lives of America’s children through high-‐quality, educaJonal content that addresses essenJal skills needed for child development.

PBS NaGonally ● PBS Kids is the #1 educaJon media brand for children ● PBS is the #1 source of media content for pre-‐school teachers ● Kids who watched “Super Why!” scored 46% higher on standardized tests than those who didn’t ● Kids who played the “Martha Speaks” app for two weeks had a 31% gain in vocabulary tested

WNIT Locally ● WNIT supplies acJvity books and other educaJon materials to the St. Joseph County Public Library system’s “Reading Corners.” ● WNIT works with the Ready to Grow: Early Childhood Alliance and the Early Childhood CoaliJon providing educaJonal resources to children of all ages in learning centers throughout Michiana. ● The WNIT Kids Club and its 200+ members and parents keep learning and fun alive all year long with local events, birthday celebraJons and more! ● WNIT staﬀ members abended the Elkhart County “Success by 6” Early Childhood Summit in Goshen to learn the latest in early childhood development training and share PBS Learning with those in abendance. We later broadcast one-‐minute ParenJng Tips that were taped at the Summit. WNIT is a Leader in Arts and Cultural Programming

Downton Abbey Experience Michiana

Arts and culture create a vibrant, ﬂourishing community. PBS regularly brings its viewers such programs as Downton Abbey, American Masters, PBS Fall Arts FesJval, Great Performances and countless others that feed our souls and revitalize our spirits.

WNIT Public Television produces 6 programs with a local feel on regular basis, including Dinner & A Book, Economic Outlook and Experience Michiana! WNIT Local Documentaries

Our Town Series: • Goshen (2010) • Warsaw – Winona Lake (2011) • Mishawaka (2012) • Elkhart (2013) • Dowagiac (2014) • South Bend (2015) • North Webster (2015) • Niles (2016) • Plymouth (2016)

Legends of Michiana Series: ● Kurt Simon: A Life of Service (2012) ● ErnesGne Raclin: Leading the Way (2013) • Art Decio: A Wonderful Life (2015) • CongregaGon of Holy Cross (2015) • Dane Miller: Brilliant Mind, Humble Man, Friend (2016) • Merlin Hanson: Still Just a Toolmaker (2016) WNIT Local ProducGons

WNIT remains dedicated to inspire, educate, entertain, and unify the communiJes we serve. Our vision is to foster enlightenment in our community anyJme, every Jme and everywhere!

Economic Outlook discusses economic growth, the For over 20 years, PoliJcally Speaking has been impact of educaJon on economic development, connecJng viewers to the local, state and federal key industry sectors, the impact of trade on legislators they elected. PoliJcally Speaking provides employment, and a host of related issues. northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan viewers a chance to dial or click in and chat with their elected oﬃcials one on one.

Experience Michiana features all things EducaJonCounts_Michiana explores learning across Michiana, including arts, performers, musicians, our region, and will look at innovaJve instrucJonal cooking, civic engagements and business leaders and developmental techniques in the 21st Century. as co-‐hosts Rick Hummer and Kelly Morgan interview newsmakers from around the region.

Outdoor Elements takes you through some of the From the bookshelf to the kitchen, host Gail most beauJful and interesJng parks and natural MarJn and guest hosts discuss an eclecJc spaces across our region. collecJon of literature while whipping up the right recipes to go along with a great read. FY 2016 WNIT Local ProducGons

The Raising of America This ground-‐breaking series launched in January interweaves the latest discoveries from neuroscience with the stories of families and communiJes struggling to provide the nurturing environments all babies and young children need to thrive.

EducaGonCounts_Michiana EducaJonCounts_Michiana was launched in November as a weekly primeJme series and internet-‐based resource. It highlights posiJve examples of learning across formal and informal spaces in our region , and explores and discusses issues facing the educaJon and industry sectors in Indiana and Michigan.

WNIT 2016 Documentaries

Our Town: Niles In June, WNIT’s producJon team, with the help of volunteer videographers, shine a light on everything from historical sites to tradiJonal high school hang-‐outs, churches, the downtown, the restaurants, great tradiJons and new technology moving in a series of stories that showcase why South Bend is so special. Our Town: Harbor Country In August, WNIT presented Our Town: Harbor Country. Located just north of the Indiana state line in southwestern Michigan, Harbor Country is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a fun-‐ ﬁlled week for the whole family.

As the Waters Flow In September, As the Waters Flow premiered as a one-‐hour documentary that explored the rivers, lakes and streams that make up the Tippecanoe Watershed and examined how this crucial area impacts our region as well as the people who live in it.

Dane Miller: Brilliant Mind, Humble ! Man, Friend In September, WNIT presented Legends of Michiana: Dane Miller, an inside look into the life of the Biomet co-‐founder who impacted not only the lives of the orthopedic and medical community, but everyone who came in contact with him.

Merlin Hanson: SGll Just a Toolmaker In September, WNIT presented Legends of Michiana: Merlin Hanson, a chronicle into the life, accomplishments and the posiJve impact Merlin Hanson has made on our local community. WNIT Provides ProacGve Community Engagement Following a shooJng at a community college in Oregon in the summer of 2015, PoliJcally Speaking welcomed panelists from law enforcement and acJvism to open its 18th season with a look at policies and controversies WNIT uses students, surrounding gun access in the U.S." volunteers and interns from Ivy Tech, Notre Dame, Bethel College, IU-‐ Each June WNIT hosts over South Bend and other 300 kids and their families Michiana educaJonal at the annual “WNIT Kids insJtuJons teaching them Club Day in the Park” for a real-‐life broadcast skills. day of games, food, fun and acJviJes!

In the past year, WNIT has provided use of its “Community Room” to over 2,000 individuals for various seminars, luncheons, previews and events. WNIT Prides Itself on Civic Engagement

ConnecJng Michiana’s ciJzens to their government is a primary mission of WNIT. From the local level to the federal, WNIT has provided a forum where elected oﬃcials can go beyond sound bites in discussing policy and ciJzens can express their concerns directly to their representaJves.

WNIT, in conjuncJon with Comcast Cable, St. Joseph County and the ciJes of South Bend and Mishawaka launched Michiana Access Television . In this venture, WNIT provides the faciliJes and personnel needed for private individuals to broadcast, at no charge, through St. Joseph County.

WNIT also uses this channel to broadcast council meeJngs and other events for South Bend, Mishawaka and St. Joseph County. PBS -‐ #1 in Public Trust

2015 ORC InternaGonal Survey Conﬁrms PBS and Member StaGons Are America’s Most Trusted InsGtuGon th for 12 ConsecuGve Year For the twelnh consecuJve year, a Roper Public Aﬀairs and Media poll shows Americans consider PBS the naJon’s most trusted insJtuJon among naJonally known organizaJons.

Among their ﬁndings: ● PBS remains #1 in public trust among all naJonal insJtuJons.

● Americans believe PBS provides an excellent use of tax dollars, second only to naJonal defense. ● Americans stated that they are more saJsﬁed with programs on PBS than programming on cable or commercial broadcast channels. ● PBS remains the network with the most trusted news and public aﬀairs programming. ● The majority of Americans believe PBS receives “too lible” federal funding.

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FY2016

Special Events State & Other Promotion Broadcasting Other Administrative Community OPERATG OPERATING REEUE EXPENSES Programming ederal & Outreach

Development

Federal $ 815,580 Broadcasting $ 1,069,981 State 435,443 Programming & Outreach 761,227 Community 1,888,897 Promotion 179,983 Other 452,860 Development 937,817 Total Operating Revenue $ 3,592,780 Administrative 749,892 Special Events & Other 0 Total Operating Expenses $ 3,698,900

Non-Operating Revenue (Expense) $ 83,885 Depreciation & Amortization $ 695,151 Change in Net Assets $ (717,386)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 2016 2015 Current Assets $ 1,022,696 925,680 Fixed Assets 6,824,600 7,479,766 Other Non-Current Assets 9,427,414 9,488,146 Total Assets $ 17,274,710 17,893,592 Current Liabilities $ 1,008,675 731,740 Deferred Revenue 97,767 215,830 Non-Current Liabilities 13,715,101 13,775,469 Net Assets 2,453,167 3,170,553 Total Liabilities & Net Assets $ 17,274,710 17,893,592

WNIT received a clean, unmodified opinion on its Fiscal Year 2016 audit. To request a copy of the audited financial statements, please contact WNIT’s Administration at 574.675.9648 or email [email protected]. UNDERWRITERS $25,000 + Center for the Homeless Passaro, Kahne & Taylor Law Offices, PLLC DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Charles Hayes & Associates Patchwork Dance Company Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Chemical Bank PATH - A Positive Approach to Teen Health Foundation Cosimo & Susie’s A Bit of Italy Peacock & Company Saint Joseph Health System D & W, Inc. Penn High School Theatre Teachers Credit Union Debbie Werbrouck’s School of Dance PNC Bank The History Museum Direct Rug Imports Potawatomi Zoological Society YMCA of Michiana Early Childhood Development Center, Inc. Prevent Child Abuse of St. Joseph County Early Learning Center Pri Mar Petroleum, Inc. $15,000 - $24,999 Elkhart & St. Joe Counties Head Start Prime Table Restaurant 1st Source Bank Consortium Richard Beckermeyer, DDS, PC Community Foundation of Elkhart Civic Theatre River Bend Film Festival St. Joseph County Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra River Bend Hose Hanson Group Faegre-Baker & Daniels, LLP Riveridge Rehabilitation & Healthcare Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations / Fox 28 Center WFYI / IPBS Friends Early Learning Center Select Health Network Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Froehlich’s Inc. Sew Creative Threads The Arthur J. Decio Foundation Growing Kids Learning Center Snite Museum of Art $10,000-$14,999 Gurley Leep Automotive Family South Bend Civic Theatre 1st Source Foundation Harbor Home & Interiors South Bend Farmer’s Market Aladdin’s Eatery Hearth & Home Design Center, Inc. South Bend Human Rights Commission Career Academy South Bend Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame South Bend International Airport Chris & Carmi Murphy Homan Lumber Mart South Bend Museum of Art Fischoff National Chamber Music Howard Performing Arts Center - Andrews St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce Association University St. Joseph County Health Department Goodwill Industries Indiana Trust & Investment Company Starks Funeral Home K & M Machine Fabricating, Inc. IU Goshen Heart & Vascular Steven A. Goldberg, CPA Lake City Bank IUSB Ernestine Raclin School of the Arts Sweeney, Julian Trial Attorneys Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak Attorney’s at law Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Jordan Automotive Group The Center at Donaldson South Bend Cubs Judee’s The Dental Center Whirlpool Corporation Kozmo Events The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes Krasl Art Center The PC Doctor 1,000-$9,999 Lake Michigan College - The Mendel The Quilting Loft 32 Pearls Dentistry Center The Roberts Group Action Movers Lakeland HealthCare The Troyer Group AEP - Indiana Michigan Power Le Valley Chevrolet Buick Think TV Alick’s Home Medical Logan Community Resources, Inc. Tri-State Maintenance Amtrak Lubeznik Center for the Arts United Federal Credit Union Andra & Irwin Press Martin’s Super Markets United Way of Elkhart County Barak Group McDonald Physical Therapy & Sports United Way of Saint Joseph County Barb & John Phair Rehabilitation University of Notre Dame Barnes & Thornburg, LLP Michiana Antique Mall Vail Rubber Works, Inc. Berrien Woods Apartment Mishawaka Furniture Visit South Bend Mishawaka Bill & Jane Marohn Musical Arts Indiana Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts Brentwood at Elkhart Northern Box WAUS Radio Brentwood at Niles NSG - Pilkington WoodsToBe Trees Brian King, DDS Nyloncraft WSMK/WNIL Radio Brown Funeral Home Oaklawn Hospital ZimmerBiomet C. E. Lee Decorating Center Old Fort Building Supply Café Navarre Pain Management Group Campbell Ford Lincoln Papa John’s Pizza Center for Hospice Care DIRECTORS’ CIRCLE

Diamond Level ($10,000 +) Maggie and Steve Goldberg Ralph Komasinski and Katherine Humphreys Arthur J. Decio Michael and Karen Harmon Carol and Craig Kapson The Garcia Family Charitable Foundation James and Jill Hillman Dr. and Mrs. J. Michael Kelbel Craig D. Sullivan and Cynthia L. Harris Brian L. and Donna J. Hoover James and Christine Kelly Glenn and Patty Killoren Leonard Isban Gretchen and Dean Kimble James F. Shea Mike and Rebecca Kubacki Barbara and Donald T. Kindt Mrs. Jane Warner* James V. Leach Joseph and Nancy Jo Kuzmitz Don and Joan Lyons Brian and Ginger Lake Platinum Level ($5,000 +) Chris Maziar Betty Laramore Howard and Marie Goodhew Fund Rodney and Dr. Debra McClain Gunnel B. Lofgren of the Community Foundation of Susan Ohmer and Donald Crafton Jerry and Becky Lutkus St. Joseph County Steven and Pam Perlewitz Mr. and Mrs. Philip Lux Ed and Sue Hiler Barb and John Phair Ron and Dolores McDonald Chris and Carmi Murphy Donna and Mark Richter Laurence and Barbara McHugh Ernestine M. Raclin The Honorable and Mrs. James W. Rieckhoff Joann and Brian McMahon Welter Foundation Judith Robert and Thomas J. Kapacinskas Collin and Rose Meissner Steve and Connie Rufenbarger Tom and Shari Mellin Gold Level ($2,500 +) Dr. David and Mitzi Sabato Brad and Mickey Miller Anonymous (1) James F. and Sherry L. Smith Jeffrey Miller Billie and David Bankoff Tom and Joyce Sopko Robert and Jane Miller Barbara Dillon Perry Stow and Andrea Mather-Stow Pat and Carol Moody William and Leslie Gitlin Mike and Dena Wargo Kevin and Anita Morrison Anne Hillman Peggy Weed Mary Naquin James W. and Sally F. Hubbard Patrick Welch Phil and Mary Newbold, The Jordanich Family Fund of Michael and Julie Yates Beacon Health System the Community Foundation of Michael and Amy Phend St. Joseph County Bronze Level ($500 +) Dr. Rob and Lee Riley Sara and Abraham Marcus Anonymous (4) Maritza Robles Perry and Ida Reynolds Watson III Dottie and Tom Arnold Fred and Chris Rowe Pat and Sue Ruszkowski Dan and Laurie Balla Dr. William and Diane Sarnat Lorrie and Bill Schmuhl Bruce and Linda Bancroft Judy and Bob Schmuhl Cari and Barry Shein Stuart and Paula Barb Wylan Shultz Thomas F. and Anita J. Veldman Kathy Malone Beeler Joyce Simpson Ernest and Gerda Zeller Nancy Binder Tom and Maria Slager Jo Ann and Joe Blazek Sonja Smith Silver Level ($1,000 +) Liz and Tom Borger Carl Snyder and Rita Schobert Snyder Stephen and Nancy Ball (Pathfinders Brian and Jeannelle Brady Eve Sobol Advertising & Marketing Group, Inc.) George and Patricia Burgoyne Oliver C. Songlingco, M.D., P.C. James and June Blue Edward and Carla Chester Joyce and Richard Stifel Jack and Karen Cittadine Jodie Cocquyt Paul D. and Mary H. Tipps Barbara Clausen Thomas G. Coley, Ph. D. Barbara Warner Marianne Corr Rosemary and Fred Crowe Phid and Jeff Wells Tom Corson Ann and Fred Dean Dorothy and Dar* Wiekamp Promit and Monali Das Richard and Jean Dennen Joseph and Barbara Wind Katy and Tim Demarais Mary Pat and Robert Deputy John and Carolyn Wolf Robin and Lisa Douglass Greg and Mary Downes Nancy Wuthrich Fred and Mary Jane Ferlic George Efta and Carol Ann Mooney Nancy C. Yob Susan and David Findlay Thomas and Elizabeth Eisele Douglas and Janette Yoder Tom and Susan Fischbach Ken and Mary Eme Julia A. Zahler Roger and Joyce Foley Fund of Drs. Gail English and Nels Leininger *Deceased Charter Director the Community Foundation of Tony Fitts and Ramona Payne St. Joseph County George and Kathy Freese Stephen and Barbara Fredman Jody and Mike Freid Mrs. L. Craig Fulmer Steven and Susan Funk Rodney and Carol Ganey Nancy and Terry Gerber Van and Jean Gates Margie and Paul Goldwin Gates Fund of the Community Donald and Lynn Groenleer Foundation of St. Joseph County Janice and Larry Harding Dave and Ginny Gibson Charles S. Hayes Mary Beth and Greg Giczi Mary Suzanne Horan Mr. and Mrs. John Goebel, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Tom Hughes 300 West Jeﬀerson Blvd • South Bend, IN 46601 PO Box 7034 • South Bend, IN 46634-‐7034 574.675.9648 • fax 574.289.3441 wnit.org

WNIT is owned and operated by the Michiana Public Broadcas