Public File
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2012 Local Content and Service to the Community Report Overview
The mission of KBYU Eleven is to enhance the lives of individuals, families and communities across Utah through media and related services that enlarge intellect, facilitate life-long learning, build character, provide wholesome recreation, strengthen families, and improve society. We seek to provide accurate information, meaningful perspectives and significant opportunities that inspire and enable our viewers to actively better their own lives and the lives of others, particularly in the areas of civic engagement, education, and health. During 2012 KBYU continued its commitment to three audiences underserved by other media–young children, families and seniors–with a mix of television programs, online content and community events.
During 2011 KBYU continued its commitment to three audiences underserved by other media–young children, families and seniors–with a mix of television programs, online content and community events. Highlights include:
Education
In addition to broadcasting over 53 hours of engaging educational programs for children and 9 hours of telecourses for college students each week, KBYU continued providing unique mentored learning opportunities for university students, as well as partnering with students and faculty to produce the original series ElevenNEWS and Beehive Stories. KBYU’s election coverage provided valuable academic and real-world experience for students from six Utah colleges and multiple high schools. Students participated in every phase of the project from video production and data analysis to candidate interviews and live reporting.
Civic Engagement
Working together under the banner of VoteUtah 2012, Utah public broadcasters joined forces to provide comprehensive coverage of statewide candidates and issues. The innovative project led by KBYU, KUED, and the Utah Education Network also included eight of the state’s public radio stations. By pooling resources and skills, the stations greatly increased public media’s service to Utah voters and students through in-depth coverage of the candidates and issues. For example, Utah’s public media stations provided the only televised debates between candidates for the office of Governor and U.S. Senator, as well as the only statewide election exit poll. Also in 2012, KBYU developed Community Connection, a series of five-minute programs that highlight events and services provided by non-profit and government agencies for children, families, and seniors. The programs are broadcast on KBYU Eleven and are published on YouTube and on DVD for the organizations to use in their public awareness campaigns.
Utah History
For a group of four Utah high school students learning how Utahns in the 1930s overcame ongoing drought, debilitating debt, and a struggling economy, these challenges sound uncomfortably familiar. Utah’s Perfect Storm: Drought, Debt, and the Great Depression, a 30-minute special targeted at junior and senior high school students and their families aired as a companion program to Ken Burns’s film, The Dust Bowl. The program and teacher’s guide are available online at no charge for use in schools.
Fighting Hunger in Utah
With our community partners, KBYU sponsored events and broadcasts addressing hunger in Utah. A two-day spring event, Grow a Row with Cosmo encouraged participation in community gardens and invited home gardeners to donate fresh produce to local food banks. In the fall, KBYU hosted Slam Dunk Hunger a kick-off event for a Utah County fall food drive. The evening of free family activities included complimentary tickets to BYU and UVU basketball games for those making food contributions. Live radio and television broadcasts highlighted local organizations that combat hunger and provide resources for those in need as well as encouraged viewers to support food drives throughout the state.