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KGOU Newsletter for December 2006

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A Lifetime of Service

With mixed feelings, we say farewell to a long-time member of the KGOU staff. After a 45-year career in broadcasting, with 24 years at KGOU, Chief Engineer David White is retiring at the end of the year.

David began work here July 1, 1983, six months after KGOU became a public radio station, and in fact, was actually acting manager for about nine months in 1987-88. He shepherded the station's growth all these years, including the construction of KROU in 1993, the transition to automation in 1997, the replacement of the KGOU transmitter in 2000, and the construction and move to new studios in 2006.

David White with OU President David Boren

General Manager Karen Holp has worked with him since 1988, and she says, "For me, David has been extraordinarily gracious and patient in translating 'engineering' to English, in making sure I understood the pros and cons of the equipment issues. On top of it all, he is just the nicest guy."

You know his voice from the station IDs just before the top of each hour, but this is what you should know about David: for the last 24 years, he has been on call 19 hours per day, EVERY day of the year, and has always approached that committment with the utmost in dedication and skill. Thank you, David.

A Gift That Keeps Giving

It's hard to believe that the end of 2006 is almost here! It has been a milestone year for KGOU, the year we took that leap of faith and moved the studios. We’ve asked a lot from our listeners, and you have responded with support for both the daily program operations, and for our capital campaign.
End of 2006 Tax Year

If you are thinking about making a year-end gift to KGOU this month – for operations or for the capital campaign – then we need to receive your donation by December 20. That will allow us to process your contribution in time for it to appear on your 2006 tax statement, which we will be sending out in February. You can mail us a check or use our online pledge form.

Thanks to everyone who has given KGOU a gift this year. Your support has made a significant difference in our ability to maintain the quality of KGOU’s service.

Breaking In New Studios

KGOU's News Department has been breaking in the new studios, inviting several notable newsmakers to our new place to record interviews.

Since the move last month, News Director Scott Gurian has interviewed Pulitzer Prize winning author Anthony Shadid and Canada's Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Wilson. And Morning Edition host Kurt Gwartney

Scott visits with Anthony Shadid
before the interview.

interviewed Oklahoma City pastor Robin Meyers in the new facility as well. You can hear these reports on our Oklahoma Voices archives. We're proud to be able to invite guests into our highly functional, not to mention attractive, new studios.

End of Semester = Change of Students

The end of the semester usually means saying goodbye to some of the students we've had under our wing for a time, and the end of the Fall 2006 semester means two of our part-time student staffers have moved on. Lauren Sanders hosted the local newscasts in All Things Considered since summer, and Adrienne Ponder was responsible for the calendar service, both on the Web and on the air. We wish the best to these two young women, and thank them for their time with us.

KGOU also had the pleasure of working with two students on Assignment: Radio – Jeremy Scott and Kristen Carey. You’ve heard their work, plus that of producer Brian Hardzinski, over the past semester. Brian will be with us for another semester, as will Lisa Harrison who works in the Development Department.

We enjoy having these students with us and while we find it quite satisfying watching them grow into young broadcasters, we hope the experience is useful to them in whatever they do.

Special Holiday Programming
The holiday season gives KGOU an opportunity to offer some special programs, beginning with the Winter Solstice and winding up New Year's Day. Here are a few you won't want to miss:

Paul Winter Solstice Concert
A Paul Winter Solstice Concert

A Paul Winter Solstice Concert
Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show
Jazz Piano Christmas
The Capitol Steps ~ New Year’s Edition
Toast of the Nation

Visit our Limited Run Programs page for a complete list of holiday programs.

This American Life Ready For Its Close-Up

Illustration by Jessica Abel

The innovative public radio program This American Life seems so wedded to the medium of radio that when the Showtime cable network first approached its producer and host, Ira Glass, about turning it into a TV show, he couldn't imagine it. But eventually, Glass agreed to try. Showtime plans to air its version of This American Life beginning in March.

Glass talked with NPR's Lynn Neary about the hurdles of finding the visuals to go along with the sound, in a report on All Things Considered December 5. Hear it on npr.org.

New on Weekend ATC: Science Out of the Box

John Nielsen

photo by
Steve Barrett

"Science Out of the Box" explores new breakthroughs or delves into some of the quirkier science questions every weekend on All Things Considered. This new series began November 4, with a variety of reporters from NPR's science desk contributing.

On December 9, NPR Environment Correspondent John Nielsen explored the mysteries of some species of ants that pile their dead relatives in carefully constructed "ant mausoleums". Some computer scientists and other researchers are studying these ants and their use of space, to see what they can tell us about improving everything from traffic jams to shopping habits. Hear the report.

KGOU airs the weekend edition of All Things Considered Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.

Highlights from the Networks:

Soldiers Say Army Punishes Mental Anguish

Army studies show that at least 20 percent of the soldiers who have served in Iraq display symptoms of serious mental-health problems, including depression, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Administration officials say there are extensive programs to heal soldiers both at home and in Iraq.

But an NPR investigation has found that even those who feel desperate can have trouble getting the help they need, and may even be punished for asking. Listen to Daniel Zwerdling's report that aired on All Things Considered December 4, and see exclusive Web-only content at npr.org.

KGOU produced an episode of Oklahoma Voices dealing with these same issues, and airing the same day. You can listen to it on our archive page.

Poverty Moves to the Suburbs

A move from the city to the suburbs used to signal prosperity. But last year, the number of poor suburbanites outnumbered poor people in cities by 1 million for the first time, according to a new report. Listen to the story that aired on All Things Considered December 8, or read the full report from the Brookings Institution.

Holiday Gift Picks for 2006

Looking for a last-minute gift (and who isn't) this holiday season? NPR has compiled a list of editors' picks of books, gadgets, DVDs and CDs, plus recipes and 'all things holiday' featured on NPR programs. Visit the Holidays 2006 page for some ideas for even the most difficult-to-please person on your list.

Researchers Debate Potential Path of Bird Flu

Many experts predicted the bird flu would spread to North America this year, but it has not yet entered the U.S. Now scientists say it's not likely to happen the way many expected – through wild migratory birds – but instead through the global trade in live poultry.

Hear the story as related on Day to Day December 5, and see a map depicting projected paths of the disease's spread.

Shawnee Restaurant Featured on The Splendid Table

We all know that Oklahoma is beef country, but now The Splendid Table has dubbed it "the most hamburger conscious state in the union". Listen to Jane and Michael Stern's feature on Hamburger King in Shawnee, which aired on KGOU December 6.

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