III Periodic Review of Centers (Academic Policy 100.o)
    

Senate Recommendation

 

Broadcast Media Center

 

 

A. Written Report Summary:

1.       Purpose:  To coordinate The University of Montana’s efforts in the production and broadcast of radio and television programming through the operation of KUFM/Montana Public Radio and KUFM-TV/MontanaPBS.  In addition to this Public Service role, the Center supports the academic programs of The University through video and audio production and maintenance of facilities for R-TV Department instruction.

2.       Objectives:  The mission of Montana Public Radio is to provide a distinctive, enriching program service that informs, educates and entertains listeners of all ages.  The mission is guided by a respect for cultural, social, political and ethnic diversity of our audience.
The mission of KUFM-TV is to provide exceptional programming and services, which educate, entertain and enrich all Montana, respecting their diverse needs and values.  KUFM-TV will also strive to meet the mission of its licensee, The University of Montana, which serves as a center for learning and public service.

3.       Activities: MTPR is known for its strength in local programming, including seven hours a week of children’s programming, and award-winning news staff and several weekly hours of music programming.  MTPR frequently broadcasts lectures from The University of Montana academic program.     KUFM-TV / Montana PBS is seen in more than 55communities statewide.  The service has distinguished itself in local programming, including historical documentaries, election coverage, Montana history for young viewers, and the award-winning Backroads of Montana series.
   With digital production and editing capability in both audio and video, the BMC produces high-quality production elements for University academic, public service, and administrative units as well as state and federal agencies. The elements are used for marketing, academic and instructional support, commemoration and celebration, or public service and information.    Maintain technical equipment and instructional space for R-TV.      The BMC provides technical and operations support for the University’s METNET interactive video conferencing facility in GBB 104.

4.       Other organizations involved:  KUSM-TV at Montana State University

5.       Reporting line: The Director of the BMC reports to the President’s Office through the Executive Vice President

6.       Relationships to academic units: The BMC has significant involvement with the School of Journalism’s Radio-Television Department. The BMC facility is used as the laboratory for R-TV students.  The BMC engineering staff provides all the maintenance and repair of student equipment.  Montana PBS broadcasts productions by R-TV students.
The BMC has contractual or organizational involvement with a broad cross-section of the University, from Collegiate Athletics to the Mansfield Center. 
Relationships to the institutional mission: The BMC bridges the areas of public service and instruction.  Montana Public Radio and Montana PBS are distinguished sources of cultural outreach for the University, presenting unique and valuable programming that explores history, science and the arts.  Off-campus involvement includes projects with the Montana Arts Council, the National Park Service and the Montana Historical Society.

7.       Similar programs: There are no similar programs in Montana that encompass all the elements of the BMC.  The digital production facilities share characteristics with the Media Arts Program and the Information Technology Center at UM.  Other public broadcasting or telecommunications programs include KUSM-TV at MSU-KUFM-TV’s partner in Montana PBS, the Burns Telecommunications Center at MSU and Yellowstone Public Radio at MSU-Billings

8.       Budget:
a.  1. Current faculty and percentage of time:   There are no faculty specifically associated with BMC. Three staff members hold adjunct faculty appointments with R-TV
         Current staff: Six full-time staff, five .5 staff members and more than 20 part-time producers.
     2. Need and cost for new faculty (next five years): none
     3. Need for other personnel:  

Public Affairs Producer, Television

$42,000

Engineering / Technical Specialist

$50,000

Electronic Equipment Technician

$35,000

Network / Web Administrator

$55,000

Administrative Associate

$28,000

                                                           
b. Use and anticipated needs (next five years) of University Resources:  
        1. Library:
        2. Technology/equipment: Telecommunication and computing needs mirror the needs of the University as a whole.  Yearly funding need is approximately $15,000.   Equipment needs are driven by advancements in broadcast electronic and digital production technology.  Optimal replacement / upgrade schedules would cost approximately $100,000 per year.
        3. Facility and space:  Space for personnel is the most critical need for the Broadcast Media Center.  The current facility was designed before the advent of KUFM-TV.  An additional 10,000 square feet would begin to address these problems.  The anticipated cost is $1.5 million.   
      
c. Source of Funding (Provide figures for the last fiscal year):     

Memberships Radio & TV

$573,567

36%

State Funds

$548,528

34%

Federal Grants

$211,686

13%

Underwriting

$156,423

10%

Production Contracts

$68,416

4%

Other* Grants

$44,000

3%

STIP Earnings

$7,223

.4%

Total

$1,609,843

 

    Anticipated source of funding for the next five years: No significant change is expected.

 

B. Review and Approval Process
 
2.  The Faculty Senate through its Chair, ECOS, and Committees as appropriate shall recommend continuance or discontinuance by vote.

Review in terms of Scope as stated in academic policy 100.0
To provide instruction, scholarship, or service to the University, state or world by:  (1) focusing attention on an area of strength and/or addressing a critical issue, or (2) facilitating collaborative, multi-disciplinary endeavors to combine resources from several programs or institutions to address issues of common interest.

                       

Review in terms of the University’s mission.

§          Comments:

The Broadcast Media Center provides invaluable community outreach through Montana Public Radio and MontanaPBS, as well as practical application and realized opportunities for Radio/TV students.  The Broadcast Media Center continues to receive awards and recognition for their programming and production work.  The BMC is requesting additional space of 10,000 square feet for meeting, office and reception areas.

§          Does ECOS/Faculty Senate consider this center controversial? 

No

§          Is the relationship with academic units beneficial?

Yes, The Broadcast Media Center provides a valuable, unique experience to students, the State of Montana and the region, giving Radio/TV students the opportunity to receive experiences in the telecommunications industry.

§          Is the program revenue neutral or does it consume more resources than it generates? If so, is the use of University resources justified? 

State funds comprise 34% of overall budget with grants, contracts and memberships supplying the remainder from a 1.6 Million dollar budget.  University resources are justified and well spent towards this center.

§          Is the entity making progress toward objectives?

Yes. 

Recommendation:    Continue