Category Archives: public affairs

PBS Newshour selects UT students to cover inauguration

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Instead of merely watching the Inauguration on Jan. 21, two graduate students and a senior lecturer from the School of Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin will be running through Washington, D.C., covering the event for PBS NewsHour. The school is part of the College of Communication.

They will participate in a PBS NewsHour multimedia short course, which will take place Jan. 18-22 in Washington, D.C. The goals of the course are to give rising journalism stars an opportunity to be a part of history and collaborate with their peers from across the country, said PBS NewsHour Extra director Imani Cheers.

Second-year graduate students David Barer and Efren Salinas are among 14 student-reporters selected from a nationwide search. After being nominated by a professor, applicants were each asked to submit a cover letter, résumé, references, letter of recommendation, short biography, news clips and three story pitches.

“It was a great feeling to be selected for this short course,” Salinas said. “I’ve been working very hard since arriving at the School of Journalism, and I feel this is not only a validation of my hard work but an excellent opportunity.”

After visiting one of senior lecturer Kate Dawson’s classes in 2012, PBS’s Cheers invited Dawson to help lead the short course.

Instructors and student-reporters will arrive at the PBS NewsHour headquarters Jan. 18.

“It will be hectic,” Dawson said. “We’ll watch the show live on Friday, have a working dinner and then it’s a litany of 12- to 14-hour days.”

Barer will serve on a print team, writing stories about corporate donations and how the Obama administration plans to respond to environmental issues.

Salinas will serve on a film team led by Dawson. He will work on a video piece about the Hispanic vote, with a focus on the Dream Act and “Dreamers,” young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children.

To follow the multimedia short course blog, visit inaugblog.com. On Twitter, student-reporters will post under #newshouru and #inaugblog.

“Going through this boot camp will be tough but really rewarding,” Dawson said. “We’re working on some really innovative ways to tell stories, including some amazing shooting techniques. This will be like a mini multimedia course for students — a semester rolled into six days. We’ll just need some rest when it’s done!”

KLRU Viewer Council

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As 2013 begins we are renewing efforts for the KLRU Viewer Council, a way for us to get direct feedback from our community and help guide our programming decisions.

Viewer Council members will be periodically asked to answer short online surveys, to participate in individual interviews or participate in focus groups. Your participation is completely up to you – and you can opt out of the Viewer Council at any time. Another benefit to the program is you’ll receive a summary of responses from the survey and if possible, we’ll explain how KLRU will use the data.

As a reminder, we will never share your email or personal information with others. As with any research participation, your answers to these surveys will be completely confidential. We adhere to the highest standards of ethics in research.

The first survey of the year is focused on news and public affairs programming and, specifically, on how KLRU should respond to the tragic event in Newtown, CT.

To sign up for the Viewer Council, visit: http://www.klru.org/viewercouncil/
To take this month’s survey, go here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VCJanuarySurvey

Forum Explores Demographic Impact 12/10

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What: Forum Explores Effects of Changing Demographics on Civic Participation “Why Bother? Engaging Our Changing City”
When: 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10
Where: Austin Community College’s Eastview campus, Multipurpose Hall (Room
8500), 3401 Webberville Road.
RSVP: This event is free and open to the public. RSVP here

The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life at The University of Texas at Austin College of Communication, KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, and KUT 90.5 FM are hosting a community conversation to explore the effects of changing demographics on civic participation in Central Texas. “Why Bother? Engaging Our Changing City” is the second event in a yearlong news and public dialogue series organized by the hosts.

“As Austin grows and thrives, our city is becoming more diverse, but this diversity isn’t reflected among citizens who vote,” said Regina Lawrence, director of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life. “This forum will explore ways to get everyone engaged in our city’s future.”

KUT News Reporter Joy Diaz will host the event. Juan Castillo, senior reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, will share recent demographic trends in Austin from the 2010 census. Chantel Bottoms, senior research analyst at Community Action Network, will present voter turnout data for Travis County. Participants will then join small roundtable discussions to explore how to expand community engagement as the city continues to grow and change.

This community event is organized in partnership with Austin Community College’s Center for Public Policy and Political Studies.

Background: Sponsored by the Strauss Institute for Civic Life, KLRU and KUT 90.5 FM, the “Why Bother? Engaging Texans in Democracy Today” series aims to get people talking about why Texas has one of the lowest rates of civic participation in the country, and what can be done about it.

Future public dialogues next spring will address how citizens can make their voices heard in the Texas Legislature and how to involve Austin residents in city government
and planning. For more information about the series and the civic engagement crisis in Central Texas, visit whybothertexas.org.

About the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life
Created in 2000 to respond to growing political cynicism and disaffection in the United
States, the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life is named for Annette Greenfield
Strauss: former Dallas mayor, community leader and philanthropist. The Institute
envisions a democracy where all citizens are informed, vote and are actively involved in
improving their communities. Through nonpartisan research, education and outreach, the Institute seeks to understand and overcome obstacles to civic engagement. To learn more, visit us online at http://annettestrauss.org.

About The University of Texas at Austin College of Communication
One of the nation’s foremost institutions for the study of advertising and public relations, communication sciences and disorders, communication studies, journalism and radio-TV-film, The University of Texas at Austin College of Communication is preparing students to thrive in an era of media convergence. Serving more than 4,600 undergraduate and graduate students, the College is nationally recognized for its faculty members, research and student media. For more information about the College of Communication, visit http://communication.utexas.edu.

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