Category Archives: media release

Stotesbery added Latino Public Broadcasting board

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KLRU’s Bill Stotesbery named to national Latino Public Broadcasting board

Austin, TX — KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, announces that CEO and General Manager Bill Stotesbery has been elected to the Latino Public Broadcasting Board of Directors. In his announcement, letter Edward James Olmos, President of the LPB Board, wrote that Stotesbery’s “leadership and expertise will greatly contribute in helping our organization grow.”

Under Stotesbery’s leadership, KLRU has worked on several projects with focusing on the Latino community, most recently the addition of VMe, an all-Spanish language public television service, on KLRU’s digital cable channel 18.4.

“I am pleased to be included in this vital public broadcasting organization ,” said Stotesbery. “The LPB is very active in ensuring the diversity of PBS offerings and making sure Latino filmmakers have their stories heard.”

“As Latinos become this nation’s largest minority group, we face an exciting time ahead of us as we help bring diverse talent and content to public broadcasting,” Olmos said. “The programs we support bring new audiences to public television and have a recognizable impact on a broad range of viewers; present a diverse subjects and viewpoints from a variety of Latino producers across the country; and both complement and challenge existing public television offerings.”
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KLRU Endowment Receives Gift From Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin

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KLRU Endowment Receives Gift From Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin Recognizing Longtime Supporters Sandy and Dudley Youman

Gift In Honor of Station’s 50th Anniversary

Austin, TX — KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, announces that Luci Baines Johnson and Ian Turpin have created the Sandy and Dudley Youman Fund within the KLRU Endowment honoring two of the station’s key supporters and the station’s 50th anniversary.

“PBS’s success depends on having best friends, and KLRU, Ian, and I have all survived and thrived because of the selfless service and extraordinary talent of our unsung heroes Sandy and Dudley Youman,” Johnson said. “Their tireless commitment of time, talent and treasure has been a blessing beyond measure to PBS and to us and we know the greatest way to thank them is to give back to the cause they love.”

“Sandy and Dudley certainly have a place at center stage in the history of KLRU, and I’m very happy that this gift recognizes that and helps us continue the station’s great work into the next 50 years,” said KLRU CEO Bill Stotesbery.

The Sandy and Dudley Youman Fund, part of the KLRU Endowment, will be used to help support KLRU programming and events. The KLRU Endowment was established in 1991 to provide a permanent fund that furthers KLRU’s vision to make Central Texas the most vibrant, informed, and engaged community in the country through the creative use of educational and inspirational content.

Sandy Youman retired from KLRU in 2005 after a career at the station spanning two decades. While at KLRU, Youman was instrumental in building membership, increasing major donors and in creating the Producers Circle. Sandy and Dudley, a physician, have continued to support KLRU and other non-profit organizations in Austin through their boundless volunteer activities.

“As I told Luci,” Sandy Youman said, “This is a real ‘grace-gift,’ defined as thoroughly unexpected, unnecessary at a level of such magnitude, but certainly really appreciated! I am humbled and thrilled that through this fund we can continue to play a part in making a difference for KLRU; not only inspiring the next generation of Youmans, but for the KLRU families throughout Austin, Central Texas and beyond.”

About KLRU
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, presents quality multimedia content that engages people in the thoughtful exchange of ideas, the expression of the arts, and enjoyable lifelong learning opportunities, resulting in a more vibrant community and a higher quality of life. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest-running live music television show Austin City Limits, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including Overheard with Evan Smith and documentaries like Citizen Architect and Last Best Hope. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

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KLRU brings students and developers together to create new educational games

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National contest challenges students and professionals

Austin, TX — KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, is one of 12 stations nationwide chosen to participate in the National STEM Video Game Challenge grant. KLRU will bring local middle school and high school students together with game developer mentors and education experts to create new games to compete in this national contest.

Inspired by the Educate to Innovate Campaign, President Obama’s initiative to promote a renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge is a multi-year competition whose goal is to motivate interest in STEM learning among America’s youth by tapping into students’ natural passion for playing and making video games.

In early 2012, KLRU will bring mentors from Austin’s vibrant gaming community together with youth from one area middle school and one high school. The teams of students will work to create games to be entered into the national contest. KLRU will also document the creative process on the station’s blog. Game developers who would like to participate in the mentoring project should contact KLRU at 471-4811.

The National STEM Video Game Challenge has four categories — Middle School, High School, Collegiate, Educators — and is open to any U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident  To participate in the challenge as an individual or a non-KLRU team, please see the rules and guidelines for each level on the competition’s website at stemchallenge.org. Deadline to enter is March 12.

About KLRU:
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, presents quality multimedia content that engages people in the thoughtful exchange of ideas, the expression of the arts, and enjoyable lifelong learning opportunities, resulting in a more vibrant community and a higher quality of life. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest-running live music television show AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including OVERHEAD WITH EVAN SMITH and documentaries like CITIZEN ARCHITECT and LAST BEST HOPE. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

KLRU programming helps families plan for economic hardship

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November 10, 2011 — This month’s Literacy Night/Meals for Minds at Pickle Elementary on Tuesday, November 15th, will focus on the KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, program Sesame Street’s Food for Thought. The project will help approximately 400 families in the Austin area.

Sesame Street’s Food for Thought, a bilingual, multimedia program, is designed to help families coping with uncertain or limited access to affordable and nutritious food. With a focus on families with children ages birth to 8, the project provides resources including recipes, menu guides, shopping lists and tips for families. Sesame Street’s Food for Thought also features one of the show’s newest characters that will help children learn about food issues.

“It’s an important sign of the times that Sesame Street has introduced a new Muppet, Lily, who lives with food uncertainty, and that the nationwide reaction to Lily has been so strong,” said Ben Kramer, KLRU’s Director of Educational Services. “We’re thankful to take part in this project, a remarkable collaboration of Austin organizations tackling hunger, nutrition, and education.”

November’s Literacy Night/Meals for Minds at Pickle Elementary takes place from 5-7:30 p.m. on November 15th and includes dinner for the invited families, teaching activities and food distribution. The event is part of a Target and Capital Area Food Bank grant called Meals for Minds, which brings food to feed elementary school students and their families most in need. With nearly 1 in 4 Texas children now living at risk of hunger the Capital Area Food Bank in partnership with Target, created this program to combat childhood hunger, and its impact on children’s education, while increasing parental involvement in their child’s education. Other sponsoring agencies include Austin ISD, City of Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department, Austin Public Library.

About KLRU:
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, presents quality multimedia content that engages people in the thoughtful exchange of ideas, the expression of the arts, and enjoyable lifelong learning opportunities, resulting in a more vibrant community and a higher quality of life. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest-running live music television show AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including OVERHEAD WITH EVAN SMITH and documentaries like CITIZEN ARCHITECT and LAST BEST HOPE. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

KLRU donates Library Corner to Sí Se Puede Learning Center

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PBS Kids Raising Readers Library Corner at Si Se Puede Learning Center

Sí Se Puede Learning Center, an organization dedicated to providing a nurturing environment in which young kids and their parents gain the knowledge and skills to succeed, is partnering with KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, to launch the center’s first PBS Kids Raising Readers Library Corner. Located in a corner of the on-site computer lab, the cozy library is stock full of engaging children’s reading and activity books, as well as computer games to foster literacy and learning.

All materials have been donated by KLRU-TV, whose dedication to fostering a love for reading among children comes to life in the materials it publishes and television shows it produces. Christina Collazo, Executive Director at Sí Se Puede, views this commitment as being closely aligned with her organization’s efforts to promote reading and English-language learning in school and at home. “Given that most of our young students don’t speak English at home, we have the opportunity to give children a head-start in the language before they enter kindergarten,” says Collazo. “A library with engaging books in both English and Spanish is a great way to get our kids excited about bilingual reading and learning.”

Benjamin Kramer, Director of Education for KLRU-TV, echoes Ms. Collazo’s enthusiasm. “When centers like Sí Se Puede and initiatives like the Library Corners come together, we create opportunities for young children to develop from their first days as bilingual speakers, readers, and writers, and as sophisticated readers and viewers of television and other media.” Kramer added, “Multilingual literacy and smart viewing practices are great attributes to have, but of course, they need to be nurtured. Here is a shining example of just that.”

Children and parents will be able to spend time together at the library during the center’s “Mommy and Me” time, as well as check out materials to take home. Reading while relaxing on the inviting cushions, surrounded by Dr. Seuss and The Hungry Caterpillar decor, will also serve as an incentive for students to record the number of minutes they spend reading at home. By incorporating the enjoyment of reading into every-day learning, Sí Se Puede hopes to engage young minds in discovering their potential, reaching their goals, and imagining future possibilities.

Benjamin Kramer Named Director of Education

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Former principal, teacher, and professor to direct station’s education initiatives

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, announces Ben Kramer has joined the station as the Director of Education. Kramer has 20 years as a professional educator, from early childhood to doctoral studies, with his most recent role as Principal for The University of Texas Elementary Charter School. In his position as KLRU’s Director of Education, Kramer will be responsible for providing vision and leadership for the PBS station’s community educational initiatives by engaging educators, parents and students in pre-K through 12 and higher education in a manner that builds skills and a commitment to learning.

“We’re excited for Ben to help us shape the future of KLRU’s educational services,” said Bill Stotesbery, KLRU CEO and General Manager. “During his career, Ben has shown that he strives to bring quality instruction and intellectually stimulating curriculum to all students, particularly those who depend upon resources outside of the home for their access, and recognizes the importance and power of using multimedia technologies for learning. This philosophy fits perfectly with KLRU’s mission to provide livelong learning opportunities to the Austin area.”
Kramer holds a Bachelors from Princeton University, a Masters from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. He has been principal or assistant principal at several schools including The University of Texas Elementary Charter School, Austin’s International High School, Mathews Elementary School and Hill Elementary School. He has also taught at Texas State University in the Masters program in education and community leadership.

In addition to more than 11 hours of curriculum-based kid’s programming daily, including Vme’s Spanish-language children’s programing, KLRU’s current educational services include conducting workshops to help parents provide early learning skill development in their children, providing materials to teachers to help them gain additional knowledge for the classroom, and distributing books to families that could not otherwise afford them. KLRU participates in numerous national PBS initiatives that help strengthen the station’s educational role in the community and under Kramer’s leadership, the station will find additional ways to help build a stronger educational foundation for the future of Austin.

About KLRU:
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, presents quality multimedia content that engages people in the thoughtful exchange of ideas, the expression of the arts, and enjoyable lifelong learning opportunities, resulting in a more vibrant community and a higher quality of life. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest-running live music television show AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including OVERHEAD WITH EVAN SMITH and documentaries like CITIZEN ARCHITECT and LAST BEST HOPE. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org.

PBS LearningMedia and KLRU

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PBS LearningMedia AND KLRU LAUNCH NEW DIGITAL EDUCATION SERVICE WITH WORLD-CLASS CONTENT FROM PUBLIC MEDIA AND ITS PARTNERS

– Free Innovative Classroom-Ready Media Available to Every Teacher and Student Across Central Texas –

(Austin, TX), June 29, 2011 – To foster classroom innovation and engagement, PBS member station KLRU today launched  PBS LearningMedia (klru.pbslearningmedia.org), a free service for all teachers, students and families in Central Texas created in collaboration with PBS and WGBH, and their  producing partners WNET and KET. In addition to a rich public media library, PBS LearningMedia has content contributed from other publicly funded organizations, including the National Archives, the Library of Congress and NPR, as well as content funded by NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the US Department of Education, to deliver thousands of resources for use in the classroom and with home-schoolers.

“As America’s largest classroom, PBS and our local stations are helping to re-imagine classroom learning and is partnering with our producers and teachers to engage students to accelerate academic achievement,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO. “PBS LearningMedia is a key part of the solution to one of the nation’s biggest challenges – improving student progress to build our future workforce.” more →

KLRU Elects New Board of Trustees Officers and Members

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KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, has named new officers for its Board of Directors, along with 11 new Board members.

Austin Attorney Beryl P. Crowley has been elected KLRU Board Chair, replacing Trisa Thompson, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at Dell Inc. Ms. Thompson remains on the KLRU Board and assumes leadership of the station’s Board of Trustees Emeritus. Also elected were Vice Chair Catherine Robb, of counsel with Sedgewick LLP, Attorneys at Law, and Secretary Margie Kintz, community volunteer and formerly head of the Intel Foundation.

Eleven individuals were elected to the KLRU Board.

  • Oliver Bell , CEO of Oliver Bell, Inc. and Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice
  • Laura Beuerlein, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Heritage Title
  • Ken Cho, Co-founder and Chief Straetgy Officer, Spredfast
  • Susie Dudley, Amelia Bullock Realtors
  • Christine Mattsson, President, The Mattsson-McHale Foundation
  • Rodney Gibbs, Founder and CEO, Ricochet Labs
  • Tom Green, actor, investor, and philanthropist
  • Michael D. Marin, Partner, Boulette and Golder, L.L.P.
  • Bettye Nowlin, philanthropist and community volunteer
  • Hector de Jesus Ruiz, CEO of Bull Ventures LLC and former CEO of AMD
  • Bobbi Topfer, philanthropist and development professional

About KLRU:
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, reflects, celebrates and inspires Central Texas through creative excellence, community engagement and lifelong learning. In addition to providing locally produced and quality national television programming, KLRU is also a non-profit organization helping to build a stronger community through educational workshops, community engagement projects and public events. Known as the producing station of the longest-running live music television show AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, KLRU has also worked on several other national productions including the documentaries CITIZEN ARCHITECT and LAST BEST HOPE. Get more information about KLRU at klru.org

Spark: KLRU's Engaging Speaker Series

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Spark, KLRU’s Engaging Speaker Series, is back and has a new home at the downtown Moody Theater. Exploring some of the most relevant questions of our time, Spark @ The Moody takes a thoughtful look at health care, politics, education and more. With a focus on innovative thinkers from Austin and beyond the series is more than just a presentation of concepts — it’s a search for real solutions in our community. Each event includes a lively dialogue with experts followed by an opportunity for audience questions. Get your Spark series subscription today

Topics for the speaker series include:
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Arts in Context: The Light and The Land airs 7/28

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Committed to presenting the arts to Austin, KLRU continues to showcase its dedication to innovative artistry and creative communities with a new episode of Arts In Context featuring Marfa, Texas, called The Light and The Land.

This episode explores the remote Texas city of Marfa, which attracts visitors including, those interested in literary pursuits, fine arts and the metaphysical. Known for its mysterious lights, colorful characters, ranching roots and tourism, Marfa is fast becoming a thriving and eclectic creative community. Arts in Context looks at what made the Trans-Pecos town nestled near Big Bend National Park the destination it is today.

The show airs on Thursday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 31, at 4 p.m. on KLRU.