Category Archives: public affairs

In the Studio: Civic Summit What it Takes for Texas Families 12/6

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Civic Summit

KLRU and the Center for Public Policy Priorities present an evening focusing on families and the economy

DATE: Thursday, December 6th
TIMES: 6:30 pm doors; 7pm documentary screening; 7:30 pm townhall discussion/taping
LOCATION: KLRU’s Studio 6A (map)
RSVP: Event is free, but RSVP is required. RSVP now

First watch the documentary “Fighting Chance” and then participate in a community discussion about families and poverty to be broadcast on KLRU Decmeber 13 at 8:30 pm.

What does it take for a family to survive and thrive in Texas? “Fighting Chance” follows the lives of five families and shows the tough choices they must make — sacrifices that most Texans could not imagine. Their journeys are chronicled as they fight to meet their most basic needs. The realities of poverty are exposed and common assumptions are challenged as to what it takes to survive.

Immediately after the screening, community members and leaders join in conversation to discuss the challenges and barriers families in Texas face in order to get by. Hear how different cities address issues and provide solutions for their communities. Learn also about tools and resources available to help families get ahead.  Discussion guests include:

  • Walter Moreau, Executive Director, Foundation Communities
  • Frances Deviney, Ph.D. Senior Research Associate, Center for Public Policy Priorities
  • Moderated by Sherri Greenberg Director, Center for Politics and Governance at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin
  • Garnet Coleman, State Representative from Houston and Chairman of the County Affairs Committee

Civic Summit: What it Takes for Texas Families will be broadcast on KLRU and be available online at the Civic Summit website

LinkAsia added to KLRU Q lineup

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KLRU Q presents a unique half-hour program covering everything from official state news from Asia’s top networks to the trends and conversations rising through Asia’s social media on LinkAsia airing Mondays at 5:30 pm starting Nov. 5.

From Beijing to Tokyo, from Seoul to New Delhi and beyond, LinkAsia takes viewers into media about Asia — from Asia — offering unfiltered insights into one of the most diverse, fast-paced regions of the globe. ELinkAsia’s host, entrepreneur Yul Kwon, serves as your trusted guide to the vast world of Asian media — spanning culture, business, technology, politics, and more. With an award-winning staff of producers from around the world and a panel of experts giving perspective on how the news impacts the rest of the world, LinkAsia will quickly become your source for international news from the region.

The LinkAsia blog takes you even further into the headlines with n-depth analysis from expert contributors and LinkAsia producers, as well as transcripts from NHK Japan reports.

The addition of LinkAsia is part of KLRU’s continuing focus on providing quality public affairs programing to inspire understanding. KLRU Q will continue to add international news programming as news shows from other regions become available.

Community Cinema: As Goes Janesville

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The October 2012 Community Cinema film is As Goes Janesville with screenings and discussions in both Austin and Round Rock. All screenings will start at 7 pm, are free and open to the public.

As Goes Janesville by Brad Lichtenstein records two years in the lives of laid-off workers, business leaders, and elected officials trying to reinvent their lives and their Midwestern town amid the closure of their GM plant and America’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Screenings take place October 2 at Austin’s Windsor Park Branch Library (5833 Westminster Dr.) and October 25 at Round Rock Public Library (216 E. Main Street).

In The Studio: Civic Summit "Why Bother? Voices of a New Generation" 10/2

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Young Texans Gather to Explore Causes and Solutions for Low Civic Engagement
When: 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 2
Where: KLRU’s Studio 6A, 2504-B Whitis Ave. (map)
RSVP: Please RSVP to be part of the studio audience/discussion. RSVP now

The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life, KLRU and KUT News 90.5 are hosting an interactive dialogue among young Texans — those who are engaged and those who aren’t — about the causes of low civic participation in Central Texas and how to boost it. “Why Bother? Voices of a New Generation” will explore:

  • Why some young people are passionate community volunteers but disengaged voters,
  • Why others are opting out of a presidential election that offers radically different visions for the future of the country
  • What it will take to magnify the influence of the largest potential voting bloc in America in the political process.

Featured panelists include: Jeanne Goka, principal of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders; Paulina Sosa, University of Texas student and ONE Campaign Austin leader; Ann Beeson, Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life; and other young leaders and community members.

This episode will be broadcast at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4, on KLRU  and KUT 90.5, and again on KLRU at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7. KUT News is producing a series of reports on the crisis of civic engagement, which will air leading up to and following the Oct. 2 forum. Listen to the stories at KUT.org

Sponsored by the Strauss Institute for Civic Life, KLRU and KUT, this event is part of “Why Bother? Engaging Texans in Democracy Today,” a news and public dialogue series intended to get people talking about why Texas has one of the lowest rates of civic engagement in the world, and what we can do about it.

Future public dialogues this fall and next spring will address the impact of changing demographics on civic participation in Central Texas, how to get your voice heard by the Texas Legislature and what it will take to get more citizens involved in Austin city government and planning. For more information about the series and the civic engagement crisis in Central Texas, visit whybothertexas.org.

Access News returns 9/23

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Access News returns for a second season on KLRU this month. Access News is a unique half-hour program hosted by Tamara Suiter-Ocuto. Tamara interviews congressional leaders, Nobel Prize laureates, law enforcement officials, New York Times best selling authors, community activists, and more. Each episode is presented in American Sign Language, English, and captioned! The civic-learning featured segments, called “A More Perfect Union” are hosted by Professor Don Miller. Both Tamara and Don are Deaf. The program is designed for total access-ibility. The issues discussed are engaging, topical, relevant, and important for all viewers Deaf and hearing alike.

Access News airs Sundays at 1 pm on KLRU. Here’s what’s coming up:

9/23
Lloyd Doggett, Congressional Representative 25th District

9/30
Jim Harrington, Civil Rights Attorney

10/7
Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, Texas Secretary of State

10/14
Donna Howard, Texas State Representative

10/21
Art Acevedo, Austin Chief of Police

10/28
Sanford Levinson, Author and Professor of Law at UT

11/4
Andres Tijerina, Author, Activist, Professor of History at ACC

11/11
Benjamin Gregg, Author, Professor of Government at UT

11/18
Robert Jensen, Activist, Author, Professor of Journalism

Watch 2010 interview with the new Commissioner for Texas Education Agency

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This week brings a new school year for millions of Texas students, and a new commissioner for the Texas Education Agency.  This afternoon, Governor Rick Perry announced the appointment of Michael Williams to the TEA, effective September 1.  Williams served as Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights under President George W. Bush and later led the Texas Railroad Commission.  He has been involved in Republican politics in Texas for many years, serving as general counsel to the Republican Party of Texas and seeking Republican nominations for a U.S. Senate seat and a spot in the U.S. House.  During that time, he’s earned a reputation as a reliable conservative and a name to watch in many circles.

Watch Williams’ 2010 interview with Evan. They discuss Williams’ politics, his interest in Kay Bailey Hutchison’s U.S. Senate seat, healthcare reform, climate change, being both African American and a conservative Republican, and growing up in Midland with parents who taught school and coached high school football.

Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams from Texas Monthly Talks on Vimeo.

For more about Williams and his new role, you can read a press release from
the Governor’s office , an article from The Texas Tribune and an article from the Austin American-Statesman

In the Studio: Overheard tapes Gary Johnson 8/17

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Please join KLRU’s Overheard with Evan Smith for an interview with Governor Gary Johnson
DATE: August 17
TIME: noon (Doors open at 11:30 am)
LOCATION: KLRU’s Studio 6A (map).
RSVP: The event is free but an RSVP is required. RSVP now

Johnson is the Libertarian candidate for President, and he’ll be in Austin as part of his campaign. Johnson served as Governor of New Mexico from 1995-2003, running as a Republican after building one of the largest construction companies in the state. During two terms in office, he earned a reputation as a consistent fiscal conservative and a fan of the veto power. Johnson differs from many Republicans on issues including abortion, immigration, the war in Afghanistan and marijuana. He’s also known for being an avid outdoor adventurer who climbs mountains and participates in intense triathlons, mountain bike races and runs. Join us to learn more about his views and his campaign.

We hope you’ll be there as Overheard with Evan Smith launches our third season of great conversation with fascinating people, always on the news and always with a sense of humor. The show features in- depth interviews with a mix of guests from politics, the arts, literature, journalism, business, sports and more, and reaches PBS viewers from California to Florida. We’d love to see you in the studio for the taping, and for a chance to join the audience Q&A after the interview. Be sure to watch past episodes and audience Q&As online at klru.org/overheard

In the Studio: Civic Summit 4/12

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How can a community overcome damage from bigotry and hate?

On Thursday, April 12, at 7:30 pm, Civic Summit talks with community leaders and activists to show how Central Texans are working to create an atmosphere of respect through prevention, response and healing. Join us as part of the studio audience by RSVPing now

Moderator Tom Spencer, CEO of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, will host live television event. Panelists will include Art Acevedo, Chief of Police Austin Police Department; Muna Hussaini, Community Activist; and Karen Gross, Austin Community Director Anti-Defamation League. Civic Summit: Creating A Community of Respect is part of the citywide Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project.

Thursday, April 12th in KLRU’s Studio 6A (map)
6:30 pm Doors open
7:15 pm Everyone must be seated to get instructions about this live broadcast
7:30 pm Live broadcast begins airing on KLRU
8:30 pm event ends

Presented in partnership with

Sponsored by

 

In the Studio: Jill Abramson tapes Overheard 3/12

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Please join KLRU’s Overheard with Evan Smith for an interview with
Jill Abramson, executive editor of The New York Times
DATE: March 12
TIME: 1:30 p.m. (doors open at 1 p.m.)
LOCATION: KLRU’s Studio 6A (map).
RSVP: The event is free but an RSVP is required. RSVP now

Abramson became executive editor last fall, and has described her new job as like “ascending to Valhalla.” She’s a New York native who says the paper was like religion in her home growing up. She’s also the first woman to head the Times – an important milestone for a paper with a history of lawsuits and anecdotes alleging discrimination. Abramson worked as a deputy bureau chief and investigative reporter at The Wall Street Journal before joining the Times in 1997. She rose quickly, becoming Washington bureau chief in 2000 and managing editor in 2003. Abramson is the author of several books, including Strange Justice: The Selling of Clarence Thomas and The Puppy Diaries.

We hope you’ll be there as Overheard with Evan Smith continues a second season of great conversation with fascinating people, always on the news and always with a sense of humor. The show features in-depth interviews with a mix of guests from politics, the arts, literature, journalism, business, sports and more, and reaches PBS viewers from California to Florida. We’d love to see you in the studio for the interview, and for a chance to join the audience Q&A after the interview. Watch past Overheard interviews at klru.org/overheard

Moyers & Company for 1/20

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KLRU added Bill Moyers’ new show Moyers & Company to our Friday night public affairs lineup last week.  If you want to watch Moyers & Company online, you can go to billmoyers.com

On Friday, January 20th at 8 pm on Moyers & Company, the discussion continues about how money dominates politics.  For years, high-ranking administration officials have spun through the revolving door between the White House and American big business. But how have they influenced the regulation of industries from which they came — and American democracy as a result? This weekend, continuing our sharp multi-episode focus on the intersection of money and politics, Moyers & Company explores the tight connection between Wall Street and the White House with David Stockman, former budget director for President.

Currently a businessman who says he was “taken to the woodshed” for telling the truth about the administration’s tax policies, Stockman speaks candidly with Bill Moyers about how money dominates politics, distorting free markets and endangering democracy.  “As a result,” Stockman says, “we have neither capitalism nor democracy. We have crony capitalism.”

Stockman shares details on how the courtship of politics and high finance have turned our economy into a private club that rewards the super-rich and corporations, leaving average Americans wondering how it could happen and who’s really in charge.

“We now have an entitled class of Wall Street financiers and of corporate CEOs who believe the government is there to do… whatever it takes in order to keep the game going and their stock price moving upward,” Stockman tells Moyers.

Also on the show, Moyers talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter and columnist Gretchen Morgenson on how money and political clout enable industries to escape regulation and enrich executives at the top.  Morgenson warned of Wall Street’s culpability in the widening income gap back in 2007 on Bill Moyers Journal.