your pbs station trusted valued essential · 2015-05-21 · from the tampa bay businesses for...

2014 Annual ReportOctober 1, 2013- September 30, 2014

Your PBS Station TrustedValuedEssential

Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc.WEDU is West Central Florida’s primary PBS station and public media company reaching 16 counties with programs that broaden hori-zons, transport and transform and open gate-ways to new ideas and new worlds. Financially supported by the community, the organization offers a wealth of award-winning inspiration-al, educational and enlightening content over a variety of multi-media platforms including: television programming, wedu.org and vari-ous social media platforms, monthly member magazine Premiere, educational outreach ac-tivities and a myriad of special events. WEDU’s

focus on the local community has resulted in the station being regarded as a beacon of trust for men, women and children of every walk of life no matter their age, ethnicity or socio-economic status. WEDU is a treasured community resource; a window to the world for the homebound and a vital educational source for the youngest members of society. WEDU prides itself on its position in the Tampa Bay community as a leader, partner, informed citizen and a member of PBS, the most trusted institution in America*.

*(Source: ORC International DualFrame CARAVAN, January 2015).

WEDU CommUnity ADvisory BoArD

*Director Emeritus †Past Chairman

WEDU BoArD oF DirECtorsBronson Thayer, Chair

Cathy Unruh, Vice Chair

Booker Rice, Jr., Treasurer

Don DeFosset, Secretary

Susan Howarth,President and CEO

Barry Alpert †Maruchi AzorinMonroe Berkman †Jerry BilikAlan C. BomsteinAndy BraggSuzanne Oaks BrownsteinSusan Buck Robert CalafellDennis Caltagirone*Christopher ChapmanRobert A. Darr* †Jim DavisFred Dobbins* †Richard Dobkin

Hilliard Eure* †John FranzoneNellye Friedman* †Marilyn HarwellCamille Hernandez Dr. Eileen HoldenAnita HolecNancy Hale HoytBrian KeenanPhil LeighGene MarshallSheila M. McDevittRudolph Michaud, CLU* †Ronald W. PierceJohn F. Rañon, AIA* †

Elizabeth Sembler †Heidi ShimbergGeoffrey SimonVirginia Sink*Jeff SparlingStephanie StanfieldLaura StarkeyWilliam E. StarkeyWilliam H. Stover* †A. Bronson Thayer †William P. Wallace, CPCU* †David WeinsteinPaul Whiting

Broadcasting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, WORLD Channel is home to unexpected stories from award-winning filmmakers and public media’s best news and current affairs programs. Exclusive WORLD Channel programs can be watched online at worldchannel.org.

WEDU’s Spanish language service, V-me, meets the growing need for quality edu-cational television in Tampa Bay’s Spanish speaking community.

Watch your favorite WEDU programs any-time on WEDU+. In addition to encore pre-sentations, WEDU+ is your source for more quality public television programs. View the schedule on wedu.org and email program requests to [email protected].

From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The Florida Channel broadcasts news and current affairs programs from Tallahassee.

WEDU PBS has been Tampa Bay’s primary public TV station since 1958. Our commitment to quality educational programming since our first broadcast remains unmatched.

WEDU EXECUtivE stAFFSusan Howarth ([email protected])President and Chief Executive Officer

Debra Friedberg ([email protected]) Chief Financial Officer

Leah Brainard ([email protected])Vice President of Administration/Human Resources

Jack Conely ([email protected])Vice President of Content (On-air Programming; WEDU productions and services)

Nancy Curry ([email protected])Vice President of Major and Planned Gifts (Planned Giving, Institutional Giving, Development Department)

Allison Alvarez Hedrick ([email protected])Vice President of Communications (Public Relations; Interactive Media; Special Events; Brand Management; WEDU Speakers Bureau) Larry Jopek ([email protected])Vice President of Marketing and Community Partnerships (Print Advertising; On-Air Underwriting; Corporate Sponsorships)

Claire O’Connor-Solomon ([email protected]) Senior Vice President of Development (Pledge Drives; Donor Services; Matching Gifts Program)

Frank Wolynski ([email protected])Vice President of Broadcasting (Engineering; Technical Services)

Andy BraggChair (Pinellas)

Jeff GriggsVice Chair (Polk)

Hillsborough:Richard FlemingsHoward F. Harris, Jr.Said Iravani, Ph.D.Karen MertesJoanne MilaniBill PerezBill ScheuerleAileen Rodriguez

Manatee: Linda Jones, Ed.D.

Pasco: Monica Carper

Pinellas: Duncan Campbell Mary Dawn Pyle

Polk: Jeff Griggs Malcolm Warren

Sarasota: Susan Borozan Roberta Hamilton Christine Meeker Lange Lynn Robbins

2 Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc. l FY2014 Annual Report

Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc. l FY2014 Annual Report 3

Susan HowarthWEDU Presidentand Chief Executive Officer

A. Bronson Thayer, above, is greeted by Peg + Cat at the PBS Annual Meeting in San Francisco. The meeting was held in May 2014 and offered staff, board members and supporters a sneak peek at upcoming programs and projects.

A Letter from the WEDU PBS President & CEO

Dear Friends of WEDU,

For more than 57 years, WEDU PBS has broadcast the highest quality

programs. This past year has been no exception.

WEDU’s on-air programming continues to be the foundation in providing

mission driven content. Programs like Nature, NOVA, Sesame Street,

Peg + Cat, Great Performances, PBS NEWSHOUR and Masterpiece have brought the best in

science, education, music, dance, drama, and public affairs to the 5 million people WEDU serves in

West Central Florida.

We have also produced local programs including Florida This Week, Suncoast Business Forum, Up

Close with Cathy Unruh, and WEDU Arts Plus. You have tuned-in to these local programs and turned

to WEDU as a resource because you’re passionate about your community.

WEDU also offered even more ways to connect with us by bringing these programs to life in the

community through outreach events and online services. This past year, even more of our region’s

teachers explored Florida PBS Learning Media, an online resource now with over 100,000 PBS

educational videos, games, and lesson plans for use in the classroom at no charge to educators. We

continued our community outreach with a third season of Community Cinema, hosted political

debates with our local candidates, raised awareness about Florida’s Kids and Alcohol, and commem-

orated the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer with

a voter registration drive.

All of these services and content are made possible by

your donations - the single largest source of funding

for public broadcasting.

WEDU is a rare and marvelous idea - the kind of

television that can change lives. We are honored that

you put your trust in WEDU - a truly extraordinary

place, that can take you anyplace.

Thank you for your generous support.


FROM TOP: WEDU President & CEO Susan Howarth welcomes guests to the WEDU Arts Plus Season 3 launch event. Dancers from the Sarasota Ballet perform for the audience during the launch event. WEDU Arts Plus producers Kristine Kelly and Farah Britto meet with artists and organizations during a pitch session.

(Major funding for WEDU Arts Plus is provided through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Support is also provided by the S.L. Gimbel Foundation.)

WEDU Arts Plus ExpandedWEDU kicked off the third season of WEDU Arts Plus with a launch party where WEDU also announced that through a $1,000,000 gift from a lov-er of the arts, the program would be expanding. This year, WEDU Arts Plus included even more segments featur-ing local artists and organizations. The WEDU Arts Plus website was also introduced during the event.

Guests in attendance were treated to a sneak peek at the upcoming season. Local artists and arts and culture organizations had a chance to meet

in person with the program’s produc-ers during a pitch session and got to explore the expanded WEDU Arts Plus website.

The generous donor hoped the gift would serve as an inspiration to others who value our region’s arts and culture and the role WEDU plays in sharing those stories.

WEDU’s goal is to match the $1,000,000 gift with an additional million in support of arts and cultural programming on WEDU PBS.

WEDU Honored with Arts Impact AwardOn October 24, 2013, WEDU PBS was honored with an Arts Impact Award from the Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture and the Arts.

The ceremony, in its 19th year, cele-brates Tampa Bay businesses and organizations that serve as strong and effective advocates for the arts.

The award was presented to WEDU for raising awareness of some of the most impactful arts and culture venues, events, and performances from Tampa Bay and around the country through a variety of platforms - on-air, online, and in the community.

ABOVE: WEDU President & CEO accepts the Arts Impact Award during the ceremony held at the Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg.


Each year, WEDU PBS produces a collection of local programs that include Florida This Week, Suncoast Business Forum, Up Close with Cathy Unruh, WEDU Arts Plus and Florida’s Kids and Alcohol Town Hall. WEDU’s local programs, documentaries and town halls con-tinued to engage viewers and receive accolades from The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Suncoast Chapter and the Griot Drum Awards.

A WEDU Arts Plus episode featured the Emmy® winning segment Project: Shattered Silence, a theatre production by Ruth Eckerd Hall. Project: Shattered Silence featured the real-life experiences of young people in our community, told in their own voices. WEDU premiered the full documentary on January 30, 2014. The program continues to collect awards at film festivals across the country.

WEDU was also honored October 12, 2013 by The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists during the Griot Drum Awards. Baby Artist: The Gale Fulton Ross Story, an episode of Diamonds Along the Highway, accepted the award for “Best Documentary”. The annual ceremony recognizes print, broadcast, and online media profession-als for quality coverage of people of color in the Tampa Bay area.

In March 2014, WEDU hosted the third and final joint appearance by the three leading candidates for the U.S. Congressional District 13 race before the special election. The candidates participated in a 30-minute special Florida This Week with Rob Lorei. This was the last opportunity for viewers in the district to see the candidates interact on the big issues.

WEDU commemorated Earth Day with the premiere of another original documentary, Historic Green Village: Generating the Future, Treasuring the Past. The 30-minute documentary explored how Historic Green Village on Anna Maria Island has become a showcase for sustainable living, electrical generation and water conservation by recycling and renovating historic buildings in the area.

WEDU’s Florida’s Kids and Alcohol Town Hall Meeting renewed a committment to continue the conversation about underage drinking and drug use. Moderator Laura McElroy led a panel of adults and teens to discuss strategies to keep teens safe.

For a complete list of WEDU’s Emmy nominated programs and to watch WEDU PBS programs, visit wedu.org/videos.

WEDU PBS Local Productions

FROM TOP: Area students participating in Project Shat-tered Silence pose for a group photo. Diamonds Along the Highway features painter Gail Fulton Ross. Candidates for the Florida This Week Congressional Debate. The His-toric Green Village adds another recycled building. Laura McElroy hosts the annual WEDU Florida’s Kids and Alcohol Town Hall Meeting.


WEDU leveraged PBS national programs encouraging viewers to explore new ideas and broaden personal horizons with content that showcased education, arts, culture, science, nature, news and public affairs locally and around the world.

The arts took center stage in October with the return of the PBS Arts Fall Festival. Through performance and remembrance, a stellar roster of alumni shared their stories of what Great Performances and pub-lic television have meant to them. The festival also included Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun and San Francisco Opera’s performance of Moby Dick.

Topics viewers wanted to know more about were featured as Frontline uncovered the hidden story of the NFL and brain injuries while Ameri-ca’s trusted, independent news source and analysis expanded to Satur-day and Sunday with PBS Newshour Weekend.

John F. Kennedy’s legacy came to life during American Experience’s two-part special, JFK, in November 2013. This new portrait offered a fresh assessment of the man, his accomplishments and his unfulfilled promise.

Wednesday nights on WEDU in April 2014 launched “Think Wednesday” in primetime presenting the best nature, science and technology pro-gramming including NOVA and Nature. Viewers also visited the home of Stephen Hawking, gaining unique access to his home and public life. Hawking was an intimate story told in his own words.

Award winning storyteller Ken Burns featured a tiny school in Vermont, the Greenwood School, where students are encouraged to memorize President Lincoln’s most powerful message. The Address unlocked the history, context and importance of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Ken Burns also brought to life the story of the Roosevelts. The seven-part documentary, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, told the stories of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of one of the most prominent and influential families in American politics. The 14-hour series marked the first time their individual stories had been woven into a single narrative.

WEDU PBS National Programs

FROM TOP: The Roosevelts: An Intimate History profiled one of the most influential families in politics. The San Francisco Op-era performs Moby Dick. Stephen Hawking opens up his home during “Think Wednesday.” American Experience shares a deep-er story of JFK. Students at the Greenwood School prepare to recite in Ken Burns’ The Address.


In January, WEDU PBS kicked off season 4 of Downton Abbey. The sea-on premiere found the aristocrats coping with last season’s shocking finale. Change was in the air as three generations of the Crawley family had conflicting interests in the estate.

WEDU marked the return of the international hit with a series of pre-views and themed events.

Events kicked of at the historic Polk Theatre in Lakeland with a preview screening event. More than 1,000 guests filled the theatre. Along with the advance screening of the season premiere, guests were able to pose in front of Highclere Castle, known to fans as “Downton Abbey”.

WEDU rang in the new year at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center with a Downton Abbey inspired New Year’s Eve celebration. Reveler’s enjoyed lush themed decor and foods throughout the evening. The event also included an advance screening of the premiere for more than 600 guests. Following the premiere, guests danced to live music from Late Night Brass, sampled period sweets and candies, and counted down to midnight under a balloon drop.

WEDU also hosted Downton Abbey inspired tea time at two Barnes and Noble locations in Tampa and Sarasota. During the events, guests were served tea, scones, and cookies while answering Downton Abbey trivia questions and chatting about their favorite characters and storylines. Each Barnes and Nobles location had a variety of Downton Abbey books, calendars, and other themes merchandise. A portion of sales during the event days was donated to WEDU from Barnes & Noble.

The celebrations concluded with an exquisite themed dinner at Cafe L’Europe in Sarasota. The five course wine paired meal accented with period decor transported guests to the dining room of the grand house. The evening also included a cocktail hour with themed drinks, white glove service, and a live opera performance and bagpiper during dinner. Every detail was researched and authentically executed.

To watch more WEDU PBS dramatic series and programs, visit wedu.org/videos.

WEDU PBS Downton Abbey

FROM TOP: The cast of Downton Abbey, Season 4. The Polk Theatre in Lakeland was full with devoted Downton Abbey fans eagerly waiting for the premiere to begin. At the stroke of mid-night, guests dressed in their period attire celebrated at the themed New Year’s Eve event. Cafe L’Europe transformed their dining room with period decor. Guests at Barnes and Noble en-joyed tea and scones in front of the iconic castle.


WEDU continued an unwavering commitment to provide quality educational programming for our youngest citizens and prepare children for school.

WEDU had another successful year in children’s program-ming and is serving more and more children in West Cen-tral Florida with the most rigorously researched education-al content available. Each week, WEDU provided more than 76.5 hours of educational programs that inspired children to explore the world around them.

WEDU offered families content not only on-air, but also online, on mobile devices and on the ground to help kids build critical skills. WEDU is increasingly serving West Central Florida children wherever they live, learn, and play through educational and engaging PBS content.

In October 2013, Peg + Cat joined the WEDU line up. The new animated preschool series followed the adorable, spir-ited Peg and her sidekick, Cat, at they embark on adven-tures and learn foundational math concepts and skills.

Children participating in the United Way Suncoast’s Read-ing Pals program celebrated the 100th Day of School in February 2014 at the Nick Capitano Boys & Girls Club in Tampa. The event, coordinated by WEDU and the Unit-ed Way Suncoast, was supported by resources from the new hit series Peg + Cat. As a part of the event, students

visited a variety of learning stations featuring math and reading activities with a 100th day of school theme.

WEDU provided free special character appearancesthroughout the year. Each month, children were able to learn and interact with their favorite PBS Kids’ character at the Glazer Children’s Museum. The Cat in the Hat, Clif-ford, Sid the Science Kid, and others made appearances.

WEDU helped celebrate Sarasota County Public Schools “Embracing Dr. Seuss’ Differences Day” as part of Read Across America, an annual celebration of the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The all-day event was created in partnership with the Sarasota nonprofit Embracing Our Differences. More than 120 volunteers, including WEDU staff, read books aloud to elementary school classrooms throughout the county to help promote the importance and fun of reading.

In April 2014, more than 3,200 children and families attended the 5th Annual Storybook Forest event at Crews Lake Wilder-ness Park in Spring Hill. The free literacy event, hosted by the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, and sponsored by WEDU, included exhibits and activities focused on storybook themes.

BELOW: Sid the Science Kid visits attendees at a teacher workshop.

WEDU PBS Educational Programming & Services


“WEDU and Glazer Children’s Museum to Offer Training”

“PBS Kids Kicks Off Explore the Outdoors”

“WEDU PBS Awarded Grant in Support of Educator Workshops”

“GiveWell Foundation Recognizes WEDU’s Educa-tional Services”

“Bay Area Teachers Using Free Public Media Resources”

For additional headlines, complete stories, event photos, and more, visit wedu.org.

2013-14Headlines

As a part of Great American Teach-In Week, WEDU provided approximately 100 students and staff at Mount Pleas-ant Standard-Based Middle School in Tampa with educational activities and a screening of the documentary “The March,” celebrating the 50th anniver-sary of the “The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.”

Students also enjoyed hearing about the first-hand experiences of Dr. John Hartman, who attended the historic event in 1963. WEDU staff also partic-ipated in the Great American Teach-In by making presentations at various school locations around Tampa Bay.

“American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen” day was held in September 2014 and is a national public media initative that leverages the power of public television to help communities across America address the high school dropout crisis. The live seven-hour broadcast and outreach event was the centerpiece of this national effort.

National journalists such as Wes Moore,

Susie Gharib, and Rebecca Jarvis anchored the broadcast which also in-cluded WEDU’s “Stories of Champions” segments recognizing the work of three local individuals who are making an impact in addressing the dropout crisis in Tampa Bay.

WEDU also offered online resources by providing the PBS Kids, PBS Parents and Florida PBS LearningMedia web-sites with more than 100,000 resources for parents, caregivers and teachers to help children build critical skills. The sites offer cross-platform games, and thousands of PBS videos available for free.

Visit americangraduate.org

Visit florida.pbslearningmedia.org

Visit pbskids.org

Visit pbs.org/parents

Visit studentreportinglabs.com

BELOW: Clifford helps celebrate during the 100th Day of School Reading Pals event. Local educator Kenny Irby and WEDU’s Kristine Kelly participate in American Graduate Day in New York.


“PBS is a leader inaddressing

important issues.”Source: ORC International’s DualFrame CARAVAN, January 2015

Throughout the year, WEDU provided a wide variety of outreach activities in West Central Florida, including children’s events with char-acter appearances and educational activities, community screenings with engaging discussion, town hall meetings that address community needs, candidate debates heading into local and national elections, and more.

WEDU brought PBS programming to life through community outreach events. This year, WEDU launched its third season of Community Cinema, a national civic engagement initiative featuring free monthly screenings of films from the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Indepen-dent Lens.

In May 2014, a new three-episode series, produced by best-selling author and U.S. army veteran Wes Moore, told the story of his search for answers to some of the most difficult questions facing veterans returning home from war.

WEDU presented a free advance community screening event at the Tampa Theatre. Following the screening, a panel discussion included special guest Wes Moore and local hero Taylor Urruela who was also featured in the series. The panel was hosted by Tampa Tribune military columnist Howard Altman. Earlier in the day, WEDU also joined Wes and Taylor at a local middle school to speak with students and answer their questions.

WEDU commemorated the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer with a community outreach event also held at the Tampa Theatre. The film, which was screened during the event, chronicled the 10 weeks during the summer of 1964 when more than 700 students and volunteers joined with organizers and local African Americans to create Freedom Schools and es-tablish a Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. In honor of the anniversa-ry, WEDU also hosted a voter registration fair. Guests were able to update information, register to vote, and schedule their own voter registration fair.

WEDU PBS Community Outreach

FROM TOP: Special guest Wes Moore joins in a panel dis-cussion about returning veterans’ needs upon returning home. Wes Moore and local veteran Taylor Urruela take questions from middle schoolers. Florida This Week host, Rob Lorei, moderates the panel discussion following a screening of Freedom Summer. A first time voter registers during WEDU’s voter registration drive.


ABOVE: Financial professionals earn continuing education credits during WEDU’s 9th Annual Estate Planning Seminar. Panel members take questions from attendees at the seminar. Screen shot of Next Avenue’s homepage.

WEDU continued to offer opportunities to enrich your life through educa-tional programs for every age.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, WEDU host-ed the 9th Annual Continuing Education Seminar for Attorneys, CPA’s, CFP’s and Trust Officers. The annual seminar helps financial professionals keep up to date on the latest changes in laws affecting tax and estate planning, along with fulfilling requirements for continuing education and professional ethics.

Next Avenue, offered locally by WEDU, is a website for the booming 50+ generation tailored to engage, inspire, and inform the more than 100 mil-lion people that are transitioning into what many see as a new life stage - a stage between young adulthood and “old old.”

Throughout the year, WEDU’s Speakers Bureau visited a variety of com-munity organizations and presented talks on a number of topics. WEDU’s Speakers Bureau presenters include WEDU Board Members, staff and volunteers.

For more information on WEDU’s Speakers Bureau or Studio Tours, visit wedu.org or email [email protected]

“First and foremost I would like to thank you for your excellent programming. I am a twenty-four year old history major attending a University in the Tampa area. I grew up watching the History and Discovery channels, much to my dismay these channels have lost most of their educational value in favor of “reality” based programming. Every time I watch a program (especially History Detectives) I come away having learned something I never knew before.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You have made a lifelong fan of me and I hope to pass along the value of PBS and NPR to my children someday. You will always have a financial donation from me, after I’m not a broke college student of course. Thank you again for all the important work you do!

- Peter K., WEDU Viewer

WEDU PBS Lifelong Learning


WEDU PBS Be More Awards

FROM TOP: WEDU President & CEO Susan Howarth prepares to announce the nonprofit of the year. The Junior League of Tampa capture the people’s vote and were honored with the People’s Choice Award. Howard Baskins from Big Cat Rescue accepts the award for best use of video. Wheels of Success was honored with the Judge’s Choice Award.

BELOW: Staff members from Feeding America Tampa Bay answered questions during the Hall of Heroes and later went on to win the WEDU Be More Unstoppable Nonprofit of the Year.

WEDU held the 9th Annual WEDU Be More Awards on Thursday, February 20th 2014 at A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa. The event, created by WEDU, recog-nized and applauded the outstanding and often unrecognized efforts of nonprofit organizations, and individuals that support them.

Continuing the tradition of honoring Tampa Bay area nonprofit organizations, the annual community event began at 11:00 a.m. with the Bank of Tampa Hall of Heroes followed by an inspiring luncheon and awards ceremony. The ceremony was host-ed by media partners Lissette Campos of ABC Action News and Jack Harris of 970 WFLA AM.

Over 540 guests attended the inspiring event that culminated with the announcement of the WEDU Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit of the Year Award. The winner, Feeding America Tampa Bay, was featured in a special episode of WEDU’s local program Up Close with Cathy Unruh on WEDU.

For more information on the WEDU Be More Awards, complete finalist and winners lists, application deadlines, and event

archives, visit wedu.org/bemore.

“An organization can’t help but feel better about itself when it is recognized by a group of peers as the non-profit of the year. Simi-larly, our esteem externally grew greatly when we were recognized. Funders, colleagues and other community members saw us as worthy of their time, interest and in many cases investment. The award creat-ed a new platform upon which we could stand to deliver our message about hunger in our community. We welcomed it, used it and saw great benefit from it.”

- Thomas Mantz, Executive Director Feeding America Tampa Bay2014 WEDU Be More Unstoppable Nonprofit of the Year


WEDU PBS receives support from community partners from throughout the 16 counties that WEDU serves. These partners provide funding support for on-air programming, outreach activities, and also provide volunteers to assist WEDU in delivering outreach services in our communities.

WEDU PBS Community Partners

AEG Live Air Animal IncAllegany Franciscan Ministries, IncAmalie ArenaAmerican StageAmici’s Catered Cuisine Apisdorf Charitable FoundationArcadia Antiques AssociationAsolo Repertory TheaterAT&TBank of TampaBanyan TheaterBernard and Mary Ann Powell FoundationBig Cat Habitat SarasotaBok Tower GardensBrooksdale Senior Living/Freedom PlazaBurns White GalleriesCaledonian Club of SarasotaCatering by the FamilyChildren’s Board of Hillsborough County Circus SarasotaCommunity Foundation of Sarasota Community Foundation of Tampa Bay Crowley MuseumCustom MobilityDattoli Cancer CenterElysian FieldsEmpathFlorida BlueFlorida DCFFlorida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum

Florida Cancer SpecialistsFlorida Holocaust MuseumFlorida Office of Drug ControlThe Florida OrchestraFlorida Prepaid College PlanFlorida State Parks – Department of Environmental ProtectionFlorida Southern CollegeFlorida Studio TheatreFlorida WineriesFrontier Nursing UniversityGlazer Children’s MuseumGulf Coast Latin Chamber Commerce Happy Feet Plus HARTHarry & Jeannette Weinberg VillageHelios Education FoundationHenry B. Plant Museum H. Lee Moffitt Cancer CenterHistoric Spanish PointHistoric Green VillageJewish Federation of Sarasota-ManateeTampa TheatreThe John and Mable Ringling MuseumThe Junior League of TampaThe Lakeland CenterLa MusicaLake Wales Arts CouncilLargo Cultural CenterLEGOLANDThe Lions of Florida and The BahamasLive Free- Pinellas Coalition

Longboat Key Club & Resort The Mahaffey Theater Mama Razzi FotoMetropolitan Advertising Co.Mise en Place RestaurantMonroe County Tourism/Florida Keys Moon Under WaterMosaicMorean Arts CenterMuseum of Fine Arts St. PetersburgNew College of FloridaNew Tampa Pediatric DentalNielsenNonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa BayNorthern Trust Bank Opera TampaOperation PARThe Palladium at St. Petersburg CollegePanache Vue MagazineParent Guide MagazinePaycorPediatric Health Care AlliancePinch A Penny PoolsPublixPublix CharitiesRaymond James FinancialRetired Officers Corp. at Freedom PlazaRotary Club of Sarasota SunriseRuth Eckerd HallSAMHSA Saunders FoundationSenior Friendship Centers

St. Joseph’s Hospital St. Petersburg Area Chamber of CommerceSt. Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg College Village SquareSt. Petersburg Science FestivalSt. Petersburg OperaSarasota Architectural SalvageSarasota BalletSarasota Concert AssociationSarasota Film SocietySarasota MagazineSarasota OperaSenior Connection CenterSenior DirectoryShen YunSmoke Free FloridaStraz Center for the Performing ArtsSunshine City Antique & Collectibles ShowTampa Bay & CompanyTampa Bay OutfittersTampa General HospitalThe Tampa JayceesTampa TheaterTECOVan Wezel Performing Arts HallVerizonVisit St. Pete/ClearwaterVisit Sarasota CountyVisit Tampa BayWarren AverettVisit Florida23andMe.com

TOP (L-R): Warren Averett CPA’s proudly sponsored the 2014 WEDU Be More Awards and hosted a table during the annual event. Longtime community partner, Bank of Tampa, sponsored the Hall of Heroes during the WEDU Be More Awards. Paycor was a new sponsor to the WEDU Be More Awards this year.

For more information on how to become a community partner and support WEDU PBS, contact: Marketing and Community Partnerships at (813) 739-2900.


WEDU PBS StaffThe WEDU staff is always on the go in the com-munity and this year was no exception.

WEDU provided production support services for a number of local nonprofits, including the University of Tampa’s Sykes Hall of Fame Speaker Series. WEDU also provided a robust collection of teacher workshops, kids educa-tional events, community outreach screenings, professional development seminars, and many more community driven initiatives throughout West Central Florida.

CLOCKWISE from top: WEDU’s production truck was given a makeover to update the look reflective of WEDU’s branding. Gianni O’Connor, Billy Somerville, Kristine Kelly, Pam Webb, Larry Jopek, Jack Conely, and Heather Fullenkamp celebrate receiving a PBS Development Award. Bryan Miehe and Pam

WEDU PBS Staff AwardWEDU’s staff was honored with a PBS Award for Intergated Station Development. The award recognized a station in which multiple departments worked in tandem to ensure a fulfillment of mission and sustainability. WEDU was presented the award at the 2014 PBS Development Awards in Denver for the documentary project Too Close To Home.

WEDU continues to raise awareness about Human Trafficking using WEDU’s original documentary Too Close To Home as a catalyst for community conversation.

Webb oversee audio and video during WEDU’s Continuing Education Seminar. Catriona Comb, Jeanne Rainey, and Nancy Curry greet guests arriving for the WEDU Be More Awards. Gail Taylor makes a school presentation about Freedom Summer. Jim Ciotoli and Jerry Flanary inside WEDU’s production truck on a remote shoot. Videographer Danny Bruno captures the excitement of Comic Con for a WEDU Arts Pus segment.


WEDU PBS MembershipWEDU’s members make it possible to broadcast four channels across 16 counties. These member contributions, our largest source of income, ensure that the highest quality educational programming and online resources are available to our community. Without this vital support, WEDU PBS wouldn’t be able to produce weekly programs like WEDU ARTS PLUS or FLORIDA THIS WEEK, offer free film screenings and community forums, or give teachers classroom-ready resources

This year WEDU saw growth in the number of members that make their annual gift through a monthly contribution. These Sustaining Members continue to enjoy their membership benefits and the satisfaction of knowing they are providing vital support every month. Many members chose to become Sustainers because it’s easy. With automatic monthly donations starting at $5 and no renewal notices, the WEDU Sustainer program is the hassle-free way viewers are able to support WEDU.

WEDU PBS MemberCardWEDU offers members 2-for-1 dining and discounts from select retailers that value the importance of public broadcasting in West Central Florida! Every WEDU member who has contributed at or above the $100 level automatically receives a WEDU MemberCard in the mail.

TOP: The success of WEDU’s membership drives is made possi-ble thanks to the hard work of volunteers including Ad 2 Tampa Bay, David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and Ruth Eckerd Hall volunteers with Ryan Kelly.

WEDU PBS Member MagazinePremiere, WEDU’s member magazine, is distributed 11 times each year to more than 21,000subscribers. As one of the many benefits of membership to WEDU, Premiere magazine contin-ues to keep viewers connected with WEDU’s programming and outreach activities.

“Your Magazine is important to me. Why is this? WEDU is my number one TV channel. I always go first to see what is on at WEDU. Today I learned about WEDU+. Thanks to you, I can now see both the daytime and the evening schedules. I probably could have gone online to see these schedules but I very much prefer using your magazine. I read it from cover to cover. Not just once but often I browse through it again. It is so easy to grasp the diverse contents; thus it is easy to keep them in mind. The presentation is sparkling; the colours; the layout. WOW.”

- Paul T., WEDU Member

WEDU PBS Staff

Legacies, large and small, make a real difference to WEDU to help ensure that future generations can enjoy WEDU’s quality programs and services. We thank our Visionaries members for creating a legacy through their gifts in wills and planned gifts.

WEDU PBS Visionaries


Anonymous (19)Mr. Kenneth AbeleBarry and Judith AlpertMs. Marion AnthonyMs. Judith Ann Baker Monroe and Suzette BerkmanMr. and Mrs. Gilbert BosseJohn B. and Ann BoydLeah and Peter BrainardLinda BryantHenry and Margaret BucherJames and Susan BuckMs. Rita M. BuckleyRobert and Aida CalafellMr. Diego V. CamarilloMs. Guna CarrMs. Maria CelentanoMr. David B. ColesMr. Mark DaSylvaMr. Michael DeNunzioMs. Margaret Dickenson

Richard and Francine DobkinMr. William Draeger Jr.Ms. Rosalyn EstrinDr. Kent and Dr. Jane FanningJoel D. and Ellen FedderFred and Aleta FisherCharlie and Pat GrandmaisonMr. Sheldon GreenbergJeff and Linda GriggsMr. Raymond GuizzettiMrs. Ruth Gillette GuthMs. Jeanne HamillMs. Marilyn HarwellDr. Frederick and Marilyn HauserMr. Henry P. DavidDavid and Barbara HewittMr. John HoadleyDr. Sidney and Anita K. HolecMs. Susan HowarthMs. Nancy Hale HoytDr. J. Elizabeth Jeffress

Robert J. and Anna JeffriesMs. Marsha Ann JordanMs. Nancy KarnavisiusMr. Thomas J. LandersMr. Gary LawrenceWilliam and Nancy LeleszkiMs. Shirley LindeMs. Margaret MacklinMr. John W. Markham IIIMr. William M. McCutcheonSheila M. McDevitt, Esq.Ms. Elyse McGrenraMs. Diane McKendreeMrs. L.V. McNinchMs. Wilda Q. MeierMrs. Ida MeyerMs. Marion K. OgleMr. and Mrs. Jerry OsbornMr. Ruth Angela PattersonMr. Robert PerezDr. Mohan and Diana Rao

Mr. Gary RemmenMs. Yova RemsenMr. David RobinsonMs. Beverley RoccoMs. Cecelia SaundersDr. John F. SchatmeyerMs. Anne ScottMr. and Mrs. Marshall SlaughterMs. Gay StanislawskiBill and Barbara StarkeyMs. Susan L. StoboMs. Doris Garger TorrMrs. Catherine P. TringaliMr. Arthur VanderoffMr. Alexander VolkBill and Sally WallaceMs. Diane WardMr. John WasserMr. E. Russell WilliardMr. Robert WytasMr. and Mrs. Peter W. Zinober

Master teacher, tireless traveler and WEDU VisionaryFor 29 years Dan Levine, former businessman who fulfilled a longtime dream to become a teacher, opened the world of reading, poetry, and art to elementary grade students and taught at the community college and university level.

Part of Dan’s continuing legacy to his students, neighbors, and the commu-nity will be quality programs support-ed in perpetuity through a planned gift to WEDU. Dan, always a visionary in the classroom, became a WEDU Visionary as well by mentioning WEDU in his will.

He explained his reasons: “What’s important to me are Art, Music, and Travel, and PBS is the only place to

find [such programs]!”

Creativity was encouraged in Dan’s classes. His 4th- and 5th-graders con-structed a City of the World for Year 2028, learned chess, and came to grips with current affairs by writing poetry about important events. He learned too, from having “nothing by the kids” to “everything by the kids” displayed on walls.

Dan enjoyed learning about the world’s great art and architecture, local color and fine cuisine on WEDU as well as experiencing them first hand on trips to England, Italy, and throughout Europe. A map pinned to his kitchen wall was studded with pins marking places he had visited. Memo-

ries of trips are captured in extensive journals and reflected in unique col-lections, including Italian Commedia dell’arte figures. And now, thanks to Dan, many others will see the world too, through programs on WEDU.

WEDU is very grateful to Dan Levine and other Visionary donors who carry on their support for WEDU through gifts in their wills. Their gifts help ensure the programs you love remain available for all.

For information on how to include WEDU in your will and become a Visionary, contact Nancy

Curry at (813) 739-2959 or [email protected].

Gifts of all sizes are encouraged and valued.

ABOVE: Dan Levine shares stories from his travels and memories as a teacher. Dan passed away in November 2013.

Generous support from our members helps WEDU continue to provide quality on-air programming, educational outreach services and on-line resources to hundreds of thousands of people on a daily basis. Thank you!

WEDU PBS Broadcasters Circle

Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc. l FY2014 Annual Report 17(Every attempt was made to ensure that all names are correct at time of printing.)

Platinum $10,000+Anonymous (2)*Monroe and Suzette Berkman* Frank BrunckhorstThe Community Foundation of Sarasota County*The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay*Mrs. Arthur HarrisDr. J. Elizabeth JeffressMrs. Syliva LanskyMr. Leonard J. LapkaJames and Suzanne MacDougald*The Joy McCann FoundationMr. Dale MontgomerySonia Raymund*Mrs. Anne J. SherrA. Bronson and Stella Thayer*Liz and Greg Sembler

Gold $5,000 – $9,999Anonymous (3)Alan and Nancy Bomstein*Mr. and Mrs. Christopher BluntSusan and James BuckJerri C. de CordovaDon and Jan DeFossetRichard and Francine DobkinSusan and Pat HenryThe Huisking FoundationTom and Mary JamesMr. jim lamplCarol E. MartinMcNichols Company & Family*Gary A. RemmenMs. Ina SchnellThe Sidney and Beatrice Albert FoundtionThe Tracy FoundationMs. Naomi VoitBill Wagner*

Silver $2,500 – $4,999Anonymous (3)Mr. and Mrs. David BoldSusan and Norman D. BryantRobert and Aida CalafellJoel D. and Ellen F. FedderEileen FoxFrancis and Gertrude Levett FoundationRobert and Joan GeyerMs. Sharon A. HosseiniDiane and Peter JacobsonLinda T. JonesMs. Gertrude LevettThe Edward J. and Vivian E Lurie fund within the Community Foundation of Greater St. PetersburgMr. and Mrs. H. Michael McCoolSheila M. McDevitt, Esq.*Beth Ann SegalMr. Edward Singletary

Ms. Mary K. SmithMrs. Shirley Solomon*Bill and Barbara StarkeyRobert and Marie TateJ. Thomas and Lavinia Touchton*David and Jill WeinsteinBarbara L. Whitcraft and David C. Heinsler

Bronze $1,000 – $2,499Anonymous (23)*Mr. and Mrs. Paul AllenBarry and Judith Alpert*Rosemary Armstrong and Morris WeinbergMaruchi Azorin and Dr. Rafael Blanco*Mr. Harry BakkerGeorge and Debbie BaxterJohn Bean and Alexandra JupinMs. Sharon BeckettMr. and Mrs. Al A. BelsitoMrs. Harold BennerDr. and Mrs. Irving BennettMr. and Mrs. James H. BennettMs. Cathy BeveridgeMr. and Mrs. John C. BierleyJerry and Helga BilikAnne and Walter BladstromSusan BorozanMr. Anthony J. Borrell, Jr.Andrew A, BraggLeah and Peter Brainard*Suzanne and Evan Brownstein*Ms. Margaret H. BurchMr. and Mrs. John BurgessSherri and George T. BurkeBarry A. BustilloMs. Janice R. CampbellMs. Claudia CannonGuna CarrMr. and Mrs. William G. CarrThe Calvin W. Carter FamilyDr. and Mrs. Robert CassellSusan E. ChandlerChristopher and Sharon ChapmanMr. H. Lawrence ClarkMr. and Mrs. Anthony L. ConradMs. Jean ConroyGeorge and Lorraine CooperMr. and Mrs. Richard A. CorbettMs. Ellen Cotton and Ms. Kate TiedemannMr. Thomas Gary CreedMs. Carlotta A. CuetoMs. Margaret E. DavisJim and Peggy DavisMr. Eugene DenisMr. Chan DesaigouderDex ImagingMrs. Frances DiVellaStephen and Marsha DickeyMrs. Donald F. DunnMrs. Julie Fancelli

Dr. Kent and Dr. Jane FanningFerguson Foundation, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Fred E. Fisher through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Karl F. FlammerMr. and Mrs. William FordMrs. Wilma M. FosterMs. Donna J. FranzeseEunice Lee FullerMr. and Mrs. Henry FunkeMrs. Marian S. GayMr. and Mrs. Jerome GoldsteinJoel and Charlene GoodmanMs. Janis GoreMaxine M. GuthrieMs. Susan K. HabeckerMrs. Geertruida HallerMarilyn HarwellMrs. Stella HeringMrs. Gertrude E. Hight, M.D.Mr. and Mrs. Lewis H. Hill IIIHinks & Elaine Shimberg Charitable TrustEileen and Alan HoldenAnita and Sidney HolecHooper FoundationSusan Howarth*Nancy Hale Hoyt*Dr. and Mrs. Franz HummertMrs. David HymanDr. Allen and Dr. Mary JelksMs. Joanne T. JoyceMr. and Mrs. Al KaneSidney Katz, M.D.Mrs. Melissa Keaster and Mr. Rob StarkElaine KeatingMr. and Mrs. Jerrald L. KibbyMs. Penelope L. KingmanRita and Charles MurrayMr. and Mrs. Ernest R. KretzmerMrs. Janice I. KunkelThomas J. LandersThe Landings Eagle - Irwin Starr, PublisherMr. Robert S. LaSalaThe Victor Leavengood FamilyLynn S. LeesMrs. Anne LehtoMs. Penny LevinMr. Warren LorangerMalley’s ChocolatesThe Manny & Ruthy Cohen FoundationMs. Linda MarcelliMr. and Mrs. Robert D. MarkleyMs. Elizabeth MarshallJean MartinAlfred T. MayDr. Magda McKenneyNancy N. McLamoreMr. and Mrs. Patrick McMahonMrs. Patricia McShane

Ms. Sydney A. McShaneDr. Fred and Dr. Lynne MerriamElizabeth A. NaceNew York Yankees Tampa FoundationMr. and Mrs. Robert NiemillerFred and Gilda Nobel FoundationMr. John H. O’HearnMs. Candi PackettPAR, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Perez MarreroWilliam J. Perez and Maria M. Garcia-PomaresDr. Richard and Mary Perry*Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd PiccinMr. and Mrs. David PeirceMrs. Bernadine QuartettiMr. and Mrs. Douglas D. RoachLynn RobbinsDr. Jack F. RossMr. and Mrs. Samuel SamelsonBruce and Adajean SamsonMrs. Alma ScheuerMr. and Mrs. Eugene SchillerBetty SchoenbaumAnne and Alex ScottRobert and Nancy ShannonHinks and Elaine ShimbergMr. Geoffrey A. Simon and Ms. Andrea GrahamDon and Virginia SinkDavid and Carol SjolundJane T. SmileyWilliam and Sally SnyderJeffery and Mei-Mei SparlingJim and Teri StangerLaura L. StarkeyMs. Coleen M. StoryBill and Kathy StoverMr. and Mrs. Tim J. StricklandMr. Charles StrubMs. Susan TaylorThe Albert Goodstein Family FoundationThe David and Virginia Baldwin FoundationMs. Mary E. TurneyMichael and Karen Urette*Mr. Kenneth Van Alstyne, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Ray VarnellAlexander VolkMrs. Anne P. Von RosenstielHoenle Family FoundationBill and Sally WallaceEarl Waters and Ron SpivakPaul and Gail WhitingWilbert and Berendina WichersWilliam Stark Jones FoudationTom and Carol WilliamsMr. and Mrs. Alvin WolfeCynthia and Peter ZinoberMr. and Mrs. Hugo Zurita

*These Broadcasters Circle Members have made an additional generous donation to WEDU’s Art Alive Campaign in support of arts and cultural programming on WEDU PBS.

WEDU’s Board of Directors is comprised of outstanding community leaders from throughout WEDU’s 16 county viewing area who give generously of their time and talent.

Members help guide WEDU in achieving its mission by serving on a variety of Board committees including the Executive, Budget and FInance, Investment, Audit, and Community Partnership committees.

Board members also serve as ambassadors during WEDU’s community outreach events and often speak on behalf of WEDU’s mission and vision.

As board members, their duty is to work with other Directors and staff members in the important work of delivering education, culture and citizenship to the people of West Central Florida


INTERNSHIPS: WEDU continued to host a robust in-ternship program. Interns worked on a variety of projects throughout the year. These included working on WEDU’s local productions; taping on-air spots; assisting with ed-iting; working with WEDU’s Community Cinema or WEDU Be More Awards programs; assisting with a variety of outreach events raising awareness about human traffick-ing, kids and alcohol, and cancer; and working on graphic design and general public relations. WEDU attends local university internship and job fairs to recruit interns.

VOLUNTEERS: WEDU relied on volunteers to fill many needs at the organization. Volunteers helped accomplish daily clerical needs from filing to developing mailing lists and assisting events such as WEDU’s Be More Awards, Professional Estate Planning Seminar, Community Cinema screenings, and a multitude of other station needs.

Volunteers also answer phones during membership drives. These campaigns are crucial to WEDU’s financial stability and support our on-air programming, outreach activities, and other community services. Throughout the year, orga-nizations and individuals help out and often get a chance to meet special guests.

CLOCKWISE: WEDU’s Community Advisory (CAB) Board Chair Andy Bragg is joined by CAB members Bill Perez and Said Iravani helping to greet guests arriv-ing at the WEDU’s Berkman Family Broadcast Center prior to the start of an event.

For more information about intern and volunteer opportunities, contact:

Leah Brainard, Vice President of Administration and Human [email protected] l 813-739-2922 www.wedu.org/about/employment/

WEDU PBS Board of Directors

Be More, Be Involved.

“PBS is a trusted & safe place to watch television”

Source: ORC International’s DualFrame CARAVAN, January 2015

Top to Bottom: WEDU Board member Laura Starkey and Booker Rice, Jr. step into the PBS Nerd photo booth to share one of their favorite PBS quotes. Board member and host of Suncoast Business Forum, Geoff Simon and his wife Andrea Graham pose in front of a vintage car during WEDU’s New Year’s Eve party inspired by Downton Abbey, Season 4. Board member, Marilyn Harwell, stepped into WEDU’s social media photo booth during a Downton Abbey, Season 5 preview screening event at the Sarasota Opera House.

REVENUES Contributions and gifts $ 3,877,556

Governmental Grants 1,204,288

In-kind contributions 1,022,830

Program underwriting 979,204

Program production and other 2,195,349

TOTAL REVENUES 9,279,227

EXPENSES Program services

Programming and production 4,595,178

Broadcasting 2,581,663

7,176,841

Supporting services

Fundraising and membership 820,448

Management and general 622,568

TOTAL EXPENSES 8,619,857

Revenues in excess of expenses 659,370

Other changes in net assets 578,833

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 1,238,203NET ASSETS-BEGINNING OF FY2014 14,101,428NET ASSETS-END of FY2014 $ 15,339,631

“PBS provides excellent value for tax dollars.”Source: CARAVAN ORC International, January 2015

FY14 Revenue by Source

Total:$9.3M

Contributions$3.9M

ProgramProduction & Other

$2.2M

Government$1.2M

In-Kind$1.0M

ProgramUnderwriting

$1.0M


FY14 Expenses by Function

Programmingand production

$4.6MBroadcasting

$2.6M

Development$0.8M

Managementand General

$0.6M

Total:$8.6M

WEDU PBS Financial Statement of Activities

An electronic copy of full financial data isavailable online at www.wedu.org/about

An electronic copy of full financial data isavailable online at www.wedu.org/about

Photo credits:

Page 2 - FOR PROMOTIONAL USE ONLY; Grover and Cookie Monster: Sesame Street® and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop: © 2015 Sesame Workshop. Page 3 - Courtesy: MamaRazzi Foto. Courtesy: Bronson Thayer. Page 4- Courtesy MamaRazzi Foto. Page 6 - Credit: Courtesy of Getty Images. Page 7 - Credit: Courtesy of ©Nick Briggs/Carnival Films 2014 for MASTERPIECE. Page 8 - @ Peg + Cat: © 2015, Feline Features, LLC. Page 10 - Credit: Courtesy of George Ballis/Take Stock.

Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Berkman Family Broadcast Center1300 N Boulevard l Tampa, Florida 33607

813.254.9338 l 800.354.9338

WEDU Sarasota Offices1888 Brother Geenen Way l Sarasota, Florida 33607

941.363.9338

www.wedu.org

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