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Media

Don Checots

2003-07-01 13:54:00

:  I recently read an article about public broadcasting's conversion to digital technology. Has this already happened? What will it mean to the average American?   

   Question:  I recently read an article about public broadcasting's conversion to digital technology. Has this already happened? What will it mean to the average American?    Answer:  We've been hearing for years that "the future is digital."  It's a phrase that means different things to different individuals and industries.  For commercial and non-commercial television stations, it means that the Federal Communications Commission  (FCC), the governmental body that regulates all over the air broadcasting, is mandating that we change the way we broadcast.  The current analog method of delivering a television signal will gradually change to digital delivery over the next ten years.  The deadline for public television stations, like Wichita's KPTS, to begin broadcasting a digital signal is May 2003.   Trying to describe the impact that digital television will have on the average television viewer is similar to trying to explain the impact that the Internet would have on society ten years ago.  Imagine your current analog television signal as a six-inch pipe.  This pipe is only large enough to carry a video and audio signal to your set.  Now imagine the pipe that carries the digital signal - it's several times larger and so it carries several times the information.  A television station with digital capabilities can divide its signal into subchannels and broadcast more than one program at a time.  This means that children's programming could be offered at the same time as legislative and local affairs, or foreign language programming.  A digital television program can also offer additional information about the topic being presented.  For example, a cooking program might have a menu bar similar to a webpage.  During the program, you could take a wireless mouse, click on the menu bar and print out a copy of the recipe featured in the show.  A sportscast would let you click on icons that would give statistics on the team and players.   In essence, digital suddenly makes more information about the program that you're watching available at your fingertips.     Digital broadcasting isn't only about more information for the viewer.  It also means a drastically improved viewing experience.  Digital television pictures are sharper and have much more definition and the sound is richer and more natural to the ear.  This type of broadcast is called High Definition Television or HDTV.  You may have noticed the "HDTV" logo on at the beginning of some of your favorite programs.  This means that for those individuals who live in markets where stations have already made the conversion to digital and who have digital reception equipment, they can already experience the amazing opportunities that this new technology can offer.  Stations in larger markets across the country have already begun broadcasting in digital and you can look for stations in the Wichita market to begin the transition within the next 24 months.   The first question most people have when they learn about digital is, "Will I need to get a new set?"  The answer is no.  First, stations will be required to broadcast both digital and analog signals for a period of up to six years to give consumers time to make the switch.  But even after analog signals are no longer being broadcast, viewers will be able to by less expensive conversion boxes that attach to their current analog sets to decode the digital broadcast.  While the picture quality with a conversion box isn't the same as with a digital television set, it does offer a much better quality picture than you currently receive!             If you would like to learn more about public televisions transition to digital broadcast, you can visit the FAQ section at http://www.kpts.org/.  You can also see a live demonstration at the KPTS studios. Simply call and schedule a tour at 316.838.3090.

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Media

Don Checots

2003-05-01 14:10:00

:  Why do you interrupt my favorite programs for pledge?

Don Checots Question:  Why do you interrupt my favorite programs for pledge? Answer:  The idea of asking viewers to support their favorite programs on PBS is not new.  This concept goes back to the late sixties, and for the most part, has remained much the same since then. It is called PLEDGE.     However, before going too far on the pledge concept, it is important to understand that viewers paying for programs on TV goes back to the very start of the television industry.     In the early days, companies commonly would sponsor entire programs with very visible recognition opportunities for the product.  For example, Texaco sponsored the Milton Berle Comedy Hour and the Texaco name was very prominent throughout the entire program.This in-direct appeal to viewers to use and be loyal to a particular brand has evolved dramatically in the last sixty-years.  Now, a thirty-minute commercial TV program may contain ten minutes or more of advertisements.  Again, an in-direct appeal to you, the viewer, to buy the product.     Public Television, on the other hand, uses a more direct approach: On-air pledge drives.  A few times, each year, we go on air and directly appeal to the viewers watching a particular program to help pay for it by becoming a member of the station.     While it may seem we are "always" interrupting a viewers favorite programming and asking for members, PBS' total number of minutes yearly in pledge drives is very small compared to commercials on commercial television.      So, when you watch PBS during a pledge drive, remember, we are raising dollars to pay for programming for you, the viewer - not to provide a return on investment to a shareholder that may not even live in our community.     Every PBS station is a locally owned and operated television station that belongs to the community it serves.  The dollars raised from pledge drives goes beyond support for programming, most PBS stations also use these dollars to help promote and support outreach projects and a Ready-to-Learn service.       An example of an outreach project would be the recent program by Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms, which dealt with end of life issues in America.   For example, our local public television station, KPTS, participated in a project that took the message of this program beyond the television screen, by creating resources and establishing connection opportunities for interested viewers.       The NOVA project Evolution also helped to precipitate conversation and learning with an outreach project that provided education to both teachers and students through a multi-faceted program which continues to have impact several months after its inception.      A local Ready-to-Learn (RTL) service includes workshop training for parents, teachers and child care providers to assist in using the program driven curriculum from many of the children's programs shown on PBS.  The RTL service allows television to be more than a passive medium for children, providing resources and activities that are both fun and educational.        Another RTL service is the First Book Project, which provides reading materials to families who might otherwise not be able to afford books.  Thereby, fostering early learning skills and reading habits.  Each month for a nine-month period a child receives his or her very own book, creating a personal reading library at home.   In addition to books, families receive activity sheets to extend learning at home and to build upon the success of intergenerational learning.      The capability of PBS to provide a programming, outreach and RTL service is contingent upon direct appeals to the viewing public during pledge drives.  As a locally owned and operated television station, viewers are entitled to understanding how their dollars are used to do good things in their region, because a PBS station depends entirely upon you, the viewer, for support. 

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Media

Don Checots

2002-06-01 14:59:00

Question:  What are the latest plans for Digital TV on KPTS?

Answer:  KPTS is eager to begin offering digital services to our viewing communities.  With a May 1, 2002 deadline for commercial broadcasters now behind us, public broadcasters will have until May first of next year to be compliant.  Currently, the target date to begin digital broadcasting for KPTS is the first quarter of 2003.  Equipment is being selected at this time and installation should begin early this fall.  The initial step for KPTS is to establish a digital broadcasting service, which will provide an identical program lineup as our analog service; however, persons with high definition capability will receive HDTV programming when available from PBS.  The next stages of this conversion occur in subsequent years as we purchase the necessary equipment to allow KPTS additional flexibility in programming, this will make both standard and high definition digital programs more readily available. KPTS remains committed to providing high definition programs to our viewers, as they become available.  KPTS is also committed to projects that involve datacasting to support our educational mission.  As a member of the Midwest Digital Development Partnership, KPTS will have the ability to provide datacasting to school networks as a supplement to teaching materials for educators in our viewing area.  This project is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2003.Question:  Will I need any new equipment to receive it?If you want to receive a digital television signal over the air with an antenna, you will need a different receiver than you are currently using.  The television currently in your home is an analog system and cannot make use of the information that is transmitted digitally.  If you are a cable subscriber, you may not need additional equipment depending on what your cable company elects to do when it carries the new digital channels.  Check with your cable company for specific information.Having said that, there are a couple of options for receiving DTV over the air.  First, you can purchase a new DTV receiver.  Do not be confused by a digital ready television monitor and a receiver.  Most DTV systems that have been sold to date are not receivers and cannot receive a digital television signal over the air.  Some can receive satellite digital signals.  Satellite, cable, and terrestrial (over the air) systems are different so you will want to be sure you are buying the system with capability that you want.  When considering the purchase of a high definition capable monitor, choose an appropriate receiver unit or plug in module.  Prices on these units vary widely based upon screen size, type of display, and features.  It can be said that prices have dropped considerably in recent months and will likely continue to do so.The second option is to purchase a separate converter unit that will receive the new DTV channel and convert it to analog so it can be displayed on your current analog television.  This will be the least expensive option but also the least flexible in terms of utilizing the many features of digital television.  The most obvious limitation is that high definition pictures cannot be displayed in high definition unless you have a monitor that can display the higher resolution digital images.  You will see a good picture, but it will not be in high definition.  The sound quality will not be as good nor will all the channels supported by digital technology be available to you without additional equipment.  As of 3/15/02 the price of a converter unit varies in price from $400 to $1,600.  The higher priced units generally include satellite high definition reception as well.The advancements in DTV technology and the options to support it are varied, so the best recommendation is to assess your television needs and educate yourself as a television consumer before you purchase equipment.  If any individuals, groups or organizations are interested in learning more about DTV, your local public television station will be happy to provide a demonstration and answer questions.

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Media

Don Checots

2002-05-01 08:53:00

:  What is the difference between the Public Broadcasting Service and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting?

Don Checots Question:  What is the difference between the Public Broadcasting Service and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting?Answer:  Primarily, it's the difference between who is making and distributing what you watch on KPTS and who is paying for those programs and services.  The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is a program and information distribution service.  The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), in turn, helps stations and producers by giving them some of the funds needed to create their programs and services.  The CPB also provides direct financial support to stations through Community Service Grants.The ownership of PBS consists of the member stations in the network, while the CPB is a private corporation created and funded by an act of Congress.  Your local public television station creates some of its own programs, and may also pay producers and distributors directly for what you watch. Creating any TV program is an expensive process.  Even relatively simple shows such Kansas Week or On The Record, produced by your local PBS station KPTS, require dozens of hours of crew labor per week. Electricity for lights, cameras, studio air conditioning, videotape machines and our transmitter is another expense.  That's just for our local programming.  Now compare these to something like the recently broadcast Mark Twain by Ken Burns or the upcoming Frontier House that begins April 29th.  Major documentaries such as these or The American Experience begin with months of research and writing. This is followed by more months of filming and taping including recording narration's and music, finally hundreds of hours of material has to be distilled down to one or two hours of the program you see.  Although all of us in public television make sacrifices for "the love of our craft", the creators and crews have to eat, buy textbooks for their children and send their moms flowers, just like you and I.

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Media

Don Checots

2002-04-01 15:35:00

Question:  What are the commercial restrictions for advertising on public television?

Answer:  In the late 1960s, when public television (PTV) was commissioned, there was a need in the broadcast medium for programming that was educational in nature and commercial free. In other words, public television was established as the exception to the world of commercial broadcasting. As such, all PTV stations are regulated by a different set of "advertising" standards than other FCC licensed operations. We are all perhaps familiar with how commercial television does business. Local and national company's contract with commercial television stations to broadcast advertising announcements for their products or services. These "spots" run anywhere from ten seconds to full-blown program length infomercials. Television stations then charge this company for advertising time, just like a newspaper would charge for advertising space. The revenues from these ads help commercial television stations purchase and develop programming. The result of this is that anywhere from 16 to 22 minutes of each hour on commercial television is spent watching "advertising" (as reported from the 2001 TV Clutter Study released by the American Association of Advertising Agencies and The Association of National Advertisers, Inc.). However, PTV operates in a very different manner. The recognizable difference is that programs are not interrupted for commercial announcements. The "clutter time" on PTV stations is well below the commercial average (estimated to be less than four minutes between programs - whether the program is 30 minutes or two hours long). Instead of "advertising" during these program breaks, PTV stations promote upcoming programs and give recognition to program underwriters.Program underwriters are the individuals, companies or organizations that provide financial support to bring a specific type of programming to PTV viewers. However, unlike advertising, any recognition given to supporters should not be marketing driven. For example, guidelines prohibit qualitative (the best widgets ever made) or quantitative (more widgets than you'll find anywhere else) statements. Any emphasis on standard marketing components (product, price, place, promotion) are highly regulated. However, in fairness to the companies or corporations that support public television, some recognition is allowable. On PTV, underwriting credits appear before and after particular programs and are necessary for identifying the source of program funding. Currently, industry standards define an underwriting credit as being no longer than fifteen seconds in length.  Every program that is broadcast on PTV must disclose all sources of its funding.  It is because of this requirement that underwriters receive recognition.In doing so, an underwriter may make mention of one product line (i.e. Acme Widgets) and up to three extensions (the small, medium, large variety). However, even these mentions have regulations. A spokesperson cannot tell a viewer about the product and the product cannot be shown with someone using it (you can't know how great it is to own or use a widget). An underwriter's location may be mentioned, in text only, along with a telephone number or World Wide Web address. Additional graphics and video regulations exist especially when credit for funding of children's programming is announced. The best description of underwriting is it is used as an image or public relations medium; and, while it might impact the market share for a product or service, this is not the intended nature of these credits. In a nutshell, PTV "advertising" is limited to program underwriters (Company ABC) saying, "We support public television by helping to pay for this program, and we make widgets."

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Media

Don Checots

2002-03-01 16:32:00

Question:  What is involved in getting a local program produced and aired on a weekly basis on KPTS?"

Answer:  As a community licensed public television station, you the viewer own KPTS.  Because of this unique partnership, KPTS Channel 8 is dedicated to being the leader in local television and places a priority on creating local programming that meets the needs of the community.However, local programming is also among the most expensive ventures for a public television station.  There always seem to be more great ideas for local shows than available money to put them on the air.Unlike the commercial broadcast stations, KPTS is motivated more by community service than by the potential for advertising dollars.  However, a PBS station must also be financially responsible to our members, who are the owners, and exercise prudence when deciding how we use our production resources.Any organization or individual can submit an idea for a local production, providing it meets a few criteria.  The most important aspect to be considered when submitting a local production concept is that the program idea addresses a need in the community.  Keeping in mind that the very mission of PBS is quality educational programming, which emphasizes the needs of the communities it serves.  As the local PBS station, KPTS receives many ideas for programming from our viewing public, and, obviously, we cannot begin to get all of them on the air. However, to help expedite the process, we have created a form that interested parties can fill out, describing their idea, potential funding sources, target audience and provide any other useful information about the production idea.  All necessary information and copies of this form are available by contacting the KPTS production department. To give you an idea of how the board of directors at KPTS have governed the station to address the communities needs, we invite you to watch the following programs.  Kansas Week, On The Record and Ask Your Legislator, are all part of our public affairs initiative.  Kansas Week and On the Record are produced year round by all the Kansas public television stations, as they address the statewide public affairs agenda. Ask Your Legislator is a call in show that airs only during the legislative session and offers viewers the opportunity to communicate directly with their elected representatives in Topeka.We produce zygo, a monthly cultural diversity program that was created three years ago to help unite the community through better understanding of its many cultural and ethnic groups. "Sunflower Gardener" completed its fifth season last year, and will be on hiatus this season.Local segments for the children's show Zoom are also produced by KPTS, and we often        create local companion   - or "outreach" - shows for national productions such as the Bill Moyers   series on death and dying, On Our Own Terms .  Special one-time programs such as "Ask A Lawyer" and informational specials for adult seniors are planned for the coming season.

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Media

Don Checots

2002-01-01 14:20:00

Question:  Why is it sometimes I read in an article somewhere that a particular program is going to air on PBS but it is not televised for weeks after?

Answer: Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question.  There can be many factors that can cause this to happen.  First, PBS differs from other networks in that each local station is autonomous and decides which programs to televise locally.  Practically speaking, however, most stations will follow the PBS national schedule fairly closely.  There are a number of reasons for this.  PBS and the local affiliates have agreed that each station will carry a certain number of programs at the time that PBS schedules it nationally.  This allows stations to take advantage of national promotion of the program by scheduling it at the same time as the other stations.  In addition, companies and foundations, which supply funds to produce the program, want to know when the program they funded will be televised.  However, there may be locally produced programs, or other local events that cause a station to delay the broadcast of a national PBS program.  For instance, a station may be offering live coverage of an important address by the Governor, causing the station to have to either pre-empt (not air at all) or reschedule a national program.  Meanwhile, the producer and PBS may independently have provided promotional information to various local and national publications about the program, not knowing the local station will be pre-empting.  As a result, erroneous information may get published.Finally, PBS may change its mind about when it is going to schedule a program, due to unforeseen events, and this update may not get to publications before the issue goes to press.    This may seem like a long answer to a fairly simple question, but the process of programming a public television station is subject to many outside forces.  However, the unique and high quality programs offered in the end product to the millions of viewers of public television are worth the challenge.

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Media

Don Checots

2001-12-01 14:55:00

Question: If all TV programming ultimately is broadcast in a high-definition format, will it not render traditional TV sets that are not high-definition useless?

Answer:  The short answer is yes, and no. Whether the program is in high-definition or a lower resolution, called standard definition, it is all Digital Television (DTV). DTV is a different method of providing TV services to the public. As such, traditional TV sets can not receive this transmission without some type of conversion device, much like a set top box consumers have used to receive the many channels on a cable system. There are now DTV converter boxes available to receive the DTV signal and convert it for viewing on traditional TV sets. These will not allow the viewer to use all of the enhancements of DTV. The higher definition pictures cannot be displayed on traditional sets. Furthermore, the converter reduces the resolution being displayed, when converted from digital to analog. The reception of this type of transmission will work, on channel 4 for example, the same as your VCR. However, a converter box with a traditional set will produce a much clearer picture with a digital broadcast vs. and analog set. You will see a difference. Enhancements available through the use of a Digital TV that may not be supported by a traditional set include; 5.1 surround sound, additional data casting information in the form of second language, descriptive video services, electronic program guide information, data unrelated to the program subscription service, interactivity with internet sources or data broadcast as a part of the program.  For cable subscribers, the situation is somewhat different. The cable system supplies the necessary conversion box to connect their cable operating system to your TV so you can use their service. As such, they will supply the right system to allow your TV to function properly. The caveat here is that all services available to DTV over-the-air reception may not be supported.  Cable systems are likely to provide one program from a broadcaster even if the broadcaster is sending out more. Cable systems have been adding digital services themselves to increase their offerings but they use a different system than broadcasters. There is still much work being done in the cable industry regarding the accommodation of DTV broadcasters. How these cable units will interface to the various televisions and monitors' being used is still not standardized. The Federal Communications Commission has established a time line to accomplish the conversion to DTV for all commercial stations by May 1, 2002 and all non-commercial stations by May1, 2003. All stations must by simulcasting at least 50% of their programming by 2003, 75% by 2004 and 100% by 2005. At that time, nearly all citizens should have access to DTV and the analog stations are to be turned off by the end of 2006.

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Media

Don Checots

2001-10-01 17:43:00

Question:  I know that I don't see a lot of violence, sex and bad language on public television, but other than this what is the difference between PBS and commercial television?

Answer:  The most obvious difference is the fact that Public Television Service (PBS) programming is non-commercial in nature, which means the revenue stream for support is completely different. Cultivating support for this type of programming, in a world of rapidly expanding broadcast, cable & satellite, TV is the charge of the public television network.  To this day, PBS is available in 99% of all America's households free of charge.  To make this possible, public television relies on a combination of viewer, corporate and tax-based support, and not commercials, to make programming possible.  A commercial is defined as a qualitative and/or quantitative message that has the intent to create a sense of need or urgency and is designed to create a call to action for a product or service.  Public television was chartered to provide TV programming that is void of commercial influences and is educational in nature.The public television revenue stream is a complex system that has evolved over the past three decades.  Currently, over half the dollars raised by public television come directly from viewers or individual supporters, 20 percent results from corporate and foundation gifts and less than 20% is provided by federal and state governmental agencies. Built on a mission of public service, PBS also differs from commercial counterparts as a non profit entity.  Because of this mission, PBS strives to provide the highest quality and educational value for television programming.  Public opinion would suggest that PBS has evolved into the community steward of our national airwaves.  Today, the fastest growing segment of PBS is Outreach Services.  "Outreach" extends the message of the television program into the communities served in a variety of ways and through a variety of partnerships with both commercial and non-profit institutions.  The goal of Outreach is to help communities look at issues in new ways and, because of the interactive ability of Internet and other technology, hopefully change the community.PBS also takes the initiative to address what might be viewed as controversial or sensitive topics.  Public television does this not for the purpose of sensationalism, but instead to foster understanding of the world in which we live.  Taking the lead in presenting discussion about topics of community interest and promoting social capital sets PBS apart from its commercial counterparts.Through local programming initiatives, PBS dedicates broadcast time to local arts, humanities and public affairs issues that effect the masses and possibly lead to public change.  In its truest sense, while not perfect, PBS strives to promote the collective social consciousness as seen through the lens of the television camera. Perhaps Edward R. Murrow’s remark that "television is the worlds largest classroom" says it best, and PBS emphasizes this with their mission to educate and inform.