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LOUISIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING 2018 LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) has been Louisiana’s public television state network with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport. LPB also owns 50% of WLAE-TV, a hyper-local (and former PDP) public television station in New Orleans. In addition to our award- winning documentaries about the history, culture, music, and people of Louisiana, timely news and public affairs programming, LPB is also dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math and science skills through our many educational outreach activities, teacher workshops, summer camps and fun station and community program related events.

Victoria on Masterpiece tea and screening EdCamp nLA Throughout 2018, Louisiana I am proud to say that Louisiana Public munity College. EdCamp nLA is in Public Broadcasting informed, edu- Broadcasting (LPB) continues to develop step with the most forward-thinking cated, and entertained the people of and expand partnerships with elementary national trends when it comes to Louisiana. and high schools, universities, individuals peer-to-peer education and profes- On January 7, LPB hosted a and businesses that work to promote the best sional development for teachers. Victorian Tea to preview the Season in educational programming and quality Over 70 Pre-K – 3rd grade teachers 2 premiere of Victoria on Mas- participated to explore the latest terpiece. Guests enjoyed pastries entertainment for both children and adults. trends in education. and English tea and learned about I believe Louisiana Public Broadcasting Also in January, LPB was pre- upcoming programs and activities. provides the best platform for quality arts, sented a check for $43,000 from On January 14, the East Baton news, drama, culture and learning op- Quota International of Baton Rouge Rouge Parish Library and LPB to support educational programs and hosted a free screening and panel portunities for Louisiana citizens. In addi- outreach. This generous gift was discussion for I Am Not Your Ne- tion to traditional media formats, LPB has made possible thanks to proceeds gro, a documentary film based on expanded utilization of social media and from Quota Club’s Eyes on the Ties James Baldwin’s unfinished manu- internet capabilities to expand its outreach. event at which attendees could bid script Remember This House. I consider LPB one of the greatest natural on celebrity-autographed items in- LPB in partnership with PBS, resources Louisiana has to offer. cluding ties, trips, and memorabilia. LACUE Region 7, Edcamp, and Kathy Kliebert On February 1, in a history- Educator Alexander Consulting, Chair making first and in partnership hosted EdCamp nLA 2018 on Louisiana Educational Television Authority with LPB, Southern University and January 27 at Bossier Parish Com- Board Grambling State University hosted a live remote town hall discussion between the two historically black universities in Louisiana for Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges & Universities. Approxi- mately 250 guests including students, faculty, alumni, and community members attended. Topics during the town hall discussion included the past, present, and future of Historically Black Quota Club of Baton Rouge presents a check to LPB CEO Beth Courtney Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and important contributions they’ve made to local communities in Louisi- ana. Dr. Robyn Merrick, Vice Presi- dent for External Affairs, Southern University System and Jovan Hackley, Interim Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Marketing at Grambling State University moderated the discussion with student leaders from both schools. Participants included: Senator Re- gina Barrow, Senate Finance Commit- tee, Louisiana Senate; Dr. Ray Belton, President, Southern University; Dr. Jo- Lorraine Hansberry seph Rallo, Louisiana Commissioner documentary screening of Higher Education; Mr. Rick Gallot, President, Grambling State University; Dr. Robbie Morganfield, Dept. Chair, Mass Communication and Professor, Grambling State University; and Ms. Stacey Holman, Tell Them We Are Rising film producer and an HBCU alum (Dillard University). On February 12, nearly 100 children, parents, and grandparents enjoyed a sneak peek at the new PBS Kids animated series Pinkalicious & Peterrific at LPB’s studios. LPB was one of four stations na- tionwide awarded the opportunity to present a film screening and community engagement initiative about the life Feeling Heart and panel discussion unteers, guests, member challenge do- and work of late playwright Lorraine that followed. The audience was wel- nors, and businesses supported LPB’s Hansberry. On February 26, over 200 comed by Baton Rouge Community pledge drive. guests attended the film screening of College Chancellor Littleton-Steib and In March, LPB produced a docu- the American Masters documentary LPB CEO Beth Courtney. The post- mentary, A Louisiana French Renais- Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/ screening panel was moderated by sance, in celebration of CODOFIL’s Gerri Hobdy, Director of Community (Council for the Development of Relations in the Office of Institutional French in Louisiana) 50th anniver- Advancement. Panelists were Greg sary. This program premiered as part Williams, Jr. Artistic Director of New of LPB’s French night on Thursday, Venture Theatre and BRCC Faculty: March 15. The night highlighted Bea Gyimah, Assistant Professor, Eng- LPB productions, over the past 40 lish and Dr. Tony Medlin, Assistant years, which have helped CODIFIL to Professor, Theatre. Prior to the screen- advance and grow Louisiana’s franco- ing, an acting workshop was held phone communities through education, featuring readings by BRCC theater French immersion and other com- students, led by Greg Williams, Jr. and munity and language skill-building Tell Them We Are Rising professional actor Roger Ferrier. The programs. The documentary was also screening and discussion readings were from A Raisin in the included as part of the Louisiana’s Old Sun and Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park State Capitol program La Fête Loui- (2010), a continuation of Hansberry’s siane on Sunday, November 4, 2018. play and 2012 Tony Award recipient La Fête Louisiane is an educational for Best Play. After the screening, event designed to celebrate French attendees also had the opportunity to diversity in our state, as a tribute to the share their personal stories about the 50th year of CODOFIL and their efforts women who inspired them most, as to support French language and culture, part of the #InspirationalWomanPBS and to mark the 300th anniversary of the initiative. founding of the City of New Orleans. Throughout March, over 100 vol- Also in March, LPB conducted two 2018 LPB LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT | 2 America in an era of industrial agri- 2018 Louisiana Young Heroes culture, as seen through the mind’s eye of writer, farmer, and activist Wendell Berry. On April 28, LPB hosted a Little Women on Masterpiece screening at The Oaks of Louisiana in Shreveport. Guests were treated to tea and ginger cookies (Louisa May Alcott’s favorite!). The event was made possible by The Willis-Knighton Health System, a long-time supporter of LPB and Masterpiece. On May 3, over 400 guests attended the 28th Annual Louisiana Legends Awards Gala at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol and presented by Friends of LPB. The 2018 honorees were D-D Breaux, LSU Gymnastics Coach and 2014 & 2017 National Coach of the Family Creative Learning Workshops by Governor John Bel Edwards. The Year, Thomas Chance, Technology for 5-8 year olds and their families group was honored at a banquet later Entrepreneur, James Elrod, CEO of at Shiloh Baptist Church, as part of that night at the Renaissance Ho- Willis-Knighton Health System, Ted LPB’s participation in the City of tel where they watched their video Jones, former Chief Lobbyist for the Baton Rouge’s Cradle-to-K Early profiles for the first time on the big State of Louisiana and Sybil Morial, Learning initiative. The purpose of screen. The awards ceremony was also Advocate, Author and Community the workshops is to introduce children livestreamed on lpb.org. The video Leader. To honor the Legends, Gov- to early science and literacy skills us- remains archived at lpb.org/heroes. A ernor John Bel Edwards proclaimed ing the Ready to Learn digital media program featuring the Young Heroes May 3 as Louisiana Legends Day in content that includes videos, games, bios and highlights from the day was the State of Louisiana. Begun in 1990, the PBS KIDS: Play & Learn Science broadcast statewide. the Louisiana Legends Awards Gala app, and hands-on activities. Programs On April 18 at the Robert D. Sid- is a fundraising and public awareness such as The Ruff Ruffman Show, man Theater at Cité des Arts in La- project that helps fund the many fine The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot fayette, Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented instructional, educational and cultural About That!, Ready Jet Go!, and by ITVS, Independent Lens and LPB programs that LPB provides through- Odd Squad are incorporated into the presented a screening of, Look & See: out the year. workshops. Wendell Berry’s Kentucky. The film In May, LPB offered two STEM LPB and the Rotary Club of Baton is a cinematic portrait of the changing workshops at Shiloh Baptist Church Rouge honored eight new recipients landscapes and shifting values of rural for 5-10 year olds as part of Baton of the 2018 Louisiana Young Heroes Awards in ceremonies at Louisiana’s Old Governor’s Mansion and the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge on April 16. The 23rd annual Louisi- ana Young Heroes Awards, honored students in grades 7-12 who have overcome obstacles in their lives, done well academically despite those obstacles, and served their communities, schools, and/or charitable ventures. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor- President Sharon Weston Broome proclaimed April 16 “Louisiana Young Heroes Day.” The honorees and their families traveled to Tiger Stadium at LSU where they toured and met LSU Head Football Coach Ed Org- eron. During lunch at the Old Gover- nor’s Mansion, the students received Certificates of Recognition drafted 2018 Louisiana Legends 2018 LPB LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT | 3 Rouge Mayor-President Sharon On June 20, LPB & the Louisiana Weston Broome’s Cradle to K Fam- Film Society hosted a free screen- ily Engagement Nights initiative. ing of Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Thanks to PBS KIDS and The Ruff at Cinemark Perkins Rowe in Baton Ruffman Show, the children learned Rouge. about engineering structures and using From June 1 – July 31, in anticipa- force and motion to test tall towers and tion of The Great American Read, chairs made out of newspapers that LPB developed a “Shelfie” contest they could actually sit and stand on. and asked our social media follow- They learned how different textures ers to go to their local libraries and can affect the way objects move on take of photo with any of the 100 ramps and how different materials can “America’s Best Loved Books.” They Transcribe to Digitize Challenge be wearable science. Ruff taught them were asked to share their “Shelfies” on some very important core science Instagram, tag @lpb_org and hashtag ideas such as matter, force, motion, #GreatReadPBS. On August 3, LPB and speed by using video, hands-on drew five “Shelfies” at random and experiences and technology to practice each contestant won an LPB mug, an what they learned. LPB t-shirt, and an LPB booklight. On June 5, LPB and ITVS hosted a On July 10, LPB hosted a FIX special live chat and online screening IT+Transcript-a-Thon. Approximately of Served Like a Girl, with filmmaker 20 volunteers helped fix transcripts of Lysa Heslov and film protagonists LPB’s longest running series Loui- MA1 Hope Garcia and MSgt Denyse siana: The State We’re In episodes them available to the public for free. Gordon. Online attendees had the from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Curious George visited Louisiana opportunity ask questions about the These shows included a variety of seg- in July! On July 27, Curious George experiences of these veterans and Ms. ments on: Louisiana’s colorful politi- was the host of the LPB Kids Club Ice Veteran America competitors who cal history, including former Gover- Cream Social. LPB Kids Club mem- returned to civilian life after serving nors Edwin Edwards and Dave Treen; bers took photos with George, heard tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. interviews with former LSU band a story about him, and then watched In June, the LPB studios were the director Castro Carazo and former the mischievous monkey on the big setting for LPB’s annual summer LSU basketball coach Dale Brown; screen. On July 28, George had a camps. Literacy & Technology Camps coverage of news stories of the day, wonderful time meeting and taking took place the first two weeks for 4 including the Livingston Train Derail- pictures with all of his fans at Summer and 5-year-olds. The next two weeks ment and the 1983 Special Olympics Fun Kids Day at the Houma-Terre- were focused on Science, Technol- in Baton Rouge; and even an alligator bonne Civic Center in Houma. ogy, Engineering, and Math (STEM) hunt. LPB is participating in the Amer- On August 14, Baton Rouge Com- Camps for 5 and 6-year-olds. ican Archive of Public Broadcasting’s munity College hosted the taping of Also in June, the New Orleans Transcribe to Digitize Challenge. The LPB’s Louisiana Public Square: Jazz Museum hosted Celebrating the goal is to fix 100 computer-generated The Power of Reading. This episode Jazz Photography of Herman Leonard transcripts from historic LPB program- explored the importance of life-long where LPB’s documentary, Frame Af- ming by the end of 2019. If achieved, learning through the lens of The ter Frame: The Images of Herman LPB will be able to digitize 100 ad- Great American Read. Participants Leonard was shown. ditional vintage programs and make included: BRCC, Community Coffee, the Louisiana Forestry Association, LSU Press, Authors Round the South, Cavalier House Books, Conundrum, Walls of Books, Tubby & Coo’s Mid- City Book Shop, Blue Cypress Books, and Garden District Book Shop. On August 19, LPB and Country Roads Magazine celebrated The Art of Food with 100 guests at Ann Connelly Fine Art. The Art of Food is an exten- sion of LPB’s weekly Art Rocks! series. The scrumptious menu by Chef Michael Gulotta of MoPho and May- pop in New Orleans, was inspired by the artwork of Billy Solitario, Demond LPB’s Literacy & Technology Summer Camps Matsuo, and Mia Kaplan. Throughout August, over 100 2018 LPB LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT | 4 volunteers, guests, member challenge Read started with 100 books at the Chitimacha Powwow at The Pavilion donors, and businesses supported start of the summer and the top selec- at Cypress Bayou Casino in Charen- LPB’s pledge drive. tion - To Kill a Mockingbird - was ton on October 20. That was preceded LPB had extra reason to celebrate picked by PBS viewers from all over with a special clip from LPB’s pro- at the Friends of LPB Annual Meet- the country – with more than 4 mil- gram, Native Waters: A Chitimacha ing. September 6 marked LPB’s 43rd lion votes cast through October. At Recollection. anniversary on the air. Outgoing and the event, we had food, games and Congratulations went to a new incoming board members were recog- prizes, plus attendees could vote for member of Friends of LPB Nicole nized and guests were treated to a fall the novel they thought would be se- Veillon of Ragley, LA who won a VIP preview of the great things in store on lected as America’s most loved book. experience at The Austin City Limits PBS and LPB. It was also an occasion One lucky person won a $100 gift Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to celebrate the 2018 Honorees of the card from Cavalier House Books in & Celebration in October, thanks to LPB President’s Awards: Chef John Denham Springs. Attendees were also Friends of LPB & Via Airlines. Folse, Dr. Robyn Merrick and the Un- encouraged to come dressed as their A hands-on STEM Academy Work- derwriter of the Year: The Louisiana favorite book character. shop was held at LPB on November Forestry Association. In October, LPB hosted two pre- 8, helping 38 teachers learn how to In September, LPB presented two view screenings of the PBS series transform their classrooms and schools preview screenings of the Season 4 Native America. The first screening for the 21st century. The Academy premiere of Poldark. The September took place in partnership with the helped expand their thinking to em- 20 screening in Shreveport took place Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana at the brace STEM beyond subject areas, and at the Tower at The Oaks Ballroom Tunica-Biloxi Cultural & Educational beyond classrooms walls. at The Oaks of Louisiana, and the Resources Center in Marksville on Oc- On November 10, LPB collaborated September 27 Poldark, Popcorn, & tober 17. Through a partnership with with the Louisiana Book Festival to Punch screening in Baton Rouge was the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, present The Great American Read at the LPB Studios, where guests took LPB presented a preview screening of Debate at the Louisiana State Capitol. photos with a life-size cut-out of Ross Native America during The 5th Annual The distinguished panel discussed the Poldark. The Friends of LPB Meet & Greet with Lucia Micarelli took place on September 23. Violinist Lucia Mi- carelli, whose PBS concert special aired on LPB graced the stage at Man- ship Theatre at Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge. After her incred- ible show, she greeted Friends of LPB members. LPB’s Great American Read Reveal Party took place on October 23 at the East Baton Rouge Main Library. As part of the national PBS initiative designed to get people excited about reading books, The Great American Tunica-Biloxi screening of Native America

2018 LPB LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT | 5 relevance of To Kill a Mockingbird, and professional learning opportunities monthly public affairs program. It chosen as the most loved American provided by PBS and member stations provides citizens a forum to voice novel as part of PBS’ The Great over the next two years. their opinions and concerns about American Read. On November 19, LPB treated issues affecting Louisiana to leading Thanks to The Great American families to two free preview screen- experts and key decision makers. The Read and First Books, LPB was ings of the new PBS KIDS series goal is to encourage civic engagement able to donate 250 books to Progress Let’s Go Luna. Everyone snacked and civil discourse – the foundation of Elementary School. EBRPSS Library on popcorn and juice and wore glow- a strong democracy. Subjects this year Services Department and Progress in-the-dark necklaces while watching included: An Eye on Admissions; Elementary celebrated The Great Luna and her friends. A special thanks Louisiana Veterans Back Home; Re- American Read Day on November 13 to our volunteers from RSVP who visiting Reform; Power of Reading; by having volunteers read to the kin- assisted in the event. Those attending Preventing Suicide; News About The dergarten, first grade and second grade brought new and gently-used shoes News; Balancing Eldercare; Mak- students. LPB’s Nancy Tooraen and for LPB’s Mister Rogers Shoe Drive ing Schools Safe; Drawing the Line: LETA Board member Tina Holland – Soles 4 Soles will now be able to Sexual Harassment in Louisiana and were among the volunteers. All of the distribute another 87 pairs of shoes to Early Education Matters. students received one of the donated those in need. All LPB Kids Club and Louisiana: The State Were In, books so they may continue reading at Junior Kids Club members who at- LPB’s weekly newsmagazine, hit a home. tended were entered into a drawing for milestone in September 2018 – its LPB was one of 14 PBS stations a PBS Playtime Pad, which was won 42nd year on the air! Veteran award- to receive a Ready-To-Learn Grant by Emerson Chandler. winning reporter André Moreau is the in November to support science and In November and December, over Managing Editor and Anchor of the literacy learning for children, families 100 volunteers, guests, member chal- broadcast that continues to highlight and caregivers in low-income com- lenge donors, and businesses support- the people, places, and events that munities. This two-year grant is part of ed LPB’s pledge drive. make our state unique. It also provides the Ready To Learn Initiative, funded Airing each Friday night and Sat- in-depth coverage of the State Capitol by the U.S. Department of Education urday afternoon, LPB’s Art Rocks! during the State Legislative Session. to support early learning for under- series began its sixth season in 2018 Stories this year included: The served children. with all new episodes, each featuring a Fiscal Cliff, Steps to Avoid Another On November 15, LPB announced visual or performing artist, or arts and School Shooting, Reducing Recidi- cultural organization from around the vism, Louisiana & the Opioid Epi- state, as well as a Louisiana Treasures demic, Steel Tariffs in Louisiana, LSU segment each week of a historical Admission Standards, Flood Recovery, landmark. A number of the artist pro- Water Quality, Louisiana, Suicide files have been nationally syndicated Rates in Louisiana, and an exclusive via the MMG Arts Initiative. Leah one-on-one year in review interview Morace of Central Louisiana, gra- with Governor John Bel Edwards. ciously allowed LPB to use one of her LPB continues to collaborate with paintings, “Kaleidoscope Pelican,” for the LA State Archives to expand the LPB’s annual Christmas card. Morace LA Digital Media Archive (LDMA), was one of the artists featured in Art which now has over 5,500 videos Rocks! available for viewing online. LPB is a Louisiana Public Square is LPB’s participating station in the American

Louisiana Public Square audience particpants

PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion Robbie Rose Robbie Rose, Exceptional Student Ser- vices Instructional Support Specialist for East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, as a PBS KIDS Early Learning Cham- pion. This new awards program recog- nizes committed educators who work with young children, from infants to second-graders, and will offer a variety of community building, leadership

2018 LPB LOCAL CONTENT AND SERVICE REPORT | 6 Archive of Public Broadcasting. provided by PBS and LPB that can be LPB’s Educational Services Depart- used in the classroom. 2018 AWARDS ment sends a monthly e-newsletter LPB has plans for more engaging with helpful parenting tips, early productions and educational oppor- Telly Awards childhood learning help, along with tunities in 2019. We will continue Bronze Telly crafts, games, and printable activi- to support our local communities, The Vietnam War: Louisiana ties. This is in addition to the monthly provide entertaining events for all age Remembers newsletter that goes out to 46,000 groups, and offer great programming [Documentary—Single] educators in the state, alerting teachers each and every day of the year! to e-programs, resources, and services Suncoast Emmys Program Nominee A Louisiana French Renaissance LPB Awarded PBS Digital Programming [Documentary - Cultural] Funding Grant for NOURISH LPB’s Attatkapas: The Cajun Story received the Louisiana As- sociation of Broadcasters “Unique- ly Louisiana” Award. The program, based on the stage show by Zachary Richard, combined music and narrative to tell the story of the Acadians, following their expul- sion from Nova Scotia and even- tual migration to Louisiana.

LPB’s Louisiana Public Square episode Coastal Restoration: The Next Wave was named conserva- NOURISH, hosted by rocket siana Public Broadcasting teamed tion communicator of the year at the Annual Governor’s State scientist, Dr. Howard Conyers is up to create this new original 10 Conservation Achievement Recog- a show about food – what it says episode digital series. PBS Digi- nition Program conducted by the about who we are, where we’re tal Studios created the grant with Louisiana Wildlife Federation. The from and the ties that connect us. support from CPB in order to help program highlighted Louisiana’s It explores the people, culture and strengthen stations’ digital-first battle against devastating land loss science behind what we eat - from production capabilities and devel- and explored the state’s updated coast restoration Master Plan that farm to table. op capacity to create and distribute was presented to the Legislature. PBS Digital Studios and Loui- compelling digital content. LPB’s Nancy Tooraen was rec- ognized for improving classroom instruction through professional learning community, and was awarded the coveted DENny Award by the Discovery Educator Network (DEN). This is a global community of education profes- sionals supported by Discovery Education. The Discovery Educa- tor Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable network- ing, idea sharing, and inspiration.

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