OPB's Oregon Experience Profiles William Steel, the "Father of Crater Lake"

Last modified on February 13, 2007 12:08 PM

William Gladstone Steel was one of Oregon's most active mountaineers and advocates for national parks and forest conservation in the Pacific Northwest. He is best known as the father of Crater Lake National Park and the founder of the Mazamas, the West Coast's oldest continual mountaineering club. The next episode of Oregon Experience examines the life of this complex and sometimes controversial man. Tune in to the stations of Oregon Public Broadcasting on Monday, February 19 at 9pm.

He was born in 1854 in Ohio, where his parents ran an underground railroad stop. They eventually moved to Kansas and then to Portland. It was in Kansas that Steel claims to have first read about Crater Lake in a newspaper used to wrap his lunch. He vowed then to see it, and 15 years later finally did.

So awestruck by what he saw, he made it his life's mission to preserve the lake as a national park. He was dedicated, passionate and annoying. After 17 years of hard work, Steel's efforts paid off. On May 22, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the bill making Crater Lake a national park. But once the park was established, Steel felt it had to be developed in order for people to enjoy it. He pushed for better roads, secured financing for a grand lodge and even wanted to build a bridge to Wizard Island in Crater Lake.

Despite his ideas for development, he was also a dedicated conservationist. Steel was one of the original founders of the Mazamas. In 1894 an advertisement was placed in local papers inviting interested, serious mountaineers to join the charter climb. More than 300 people encamped on the flanks of Mt. Hood on July 18. By 8am the next day, the first climbing party reached the summit, followed by the rest of the 193 men and women who were able to summit that day.

William Gladstone Steel was complex and controversial and an important force for preserving the Cascade Range as we know it today.

About Oregon Experience
Oregon Experience is an exciting new history series on OPB TV that brings to life fascinating stories that help us understand who we are and that reinforce our shared identity as Oregonians. The series, co-produced by the Oregon Historical Society and Oregon Public Broadcasting, takes advantage of the extensive film, video and stills from the archives of OHS and OPB, and draws upon the expertise of OHS researchers and historians. Each half-hour show features captivating characters -- both familiar and forgotten -- who have played key roles in building our state into the unique place we call home.

Funding for Oregon Experience is provided in part by Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, Robert C. and Nani S. Warren Foundation and Oregon Cultural Trust.

OPB's "Meth: The Oregon Front" Honored at NETA 2007

Last modified on February 1, 2007 09:24 AM

The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) honored 23 public television licensees with awards last Friday in Norfolk, VA. Oregon Public Broadcasting's Meth: The Oregon Front was named the best outreach campaign based on a national project. The judges praised its well-constructed organization, its clear, forceful presentation, and its creative innovation, calling it a model for other stations to emulate. The program was developed as a local follow-up to FRONTLINE: The Meth Epidemic which was produced in partnership with OPB, The Oregonian and FRONTLINE.

PBS president Paula Kerger emceed the ceremony. Vermont Public Television's president and NETA board chair John King presented trophies to 38 projects in the areas of program production, promotion, outreach and instructional media.

The NETA Awards are annual recognition of member-produced excellence in public broadcasting, a tradition established 40 years ago by the pioneering Southern Educational Communications Association.

NETA is a professional association founded in 1997 to serve public television licensees and affiliated educational organizations. The organization has members in 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. NETA is headquartered in Columbia, SC.

See www.netaonline.org/ for additional information on NETA.

OPB Program Updates Progress on Oregon's Meth Problems

Last modified on January 17, 2007 10:11 AM

A year ago, Frontline: The Meth Epidemic, produced in partnership by OPB, Frontline and The Oregonian, explored the growing methamphetamine epidemic in Oregon and across the nation. This award-winning documentary and the OPB panel discussion that followed it, Meth: The Oregon Front, sprung from a series by The Oregonian's Steve Suo.

A lot has changed in the last year. Suo has continued to break stories on the changing international meth trade. New laws approved by Congress and the Oregon Legislature have had substantial impacts on the purity and price of meth on the street. But the drug remains readily available and devastating to those who become addicted to it.

On Tuesday, January 23 at 9pm OPB will rebroadcast Frontline: The Meth Epidemic. Immediately following at 10pm, OPB will update its local exploration of what methamphetamine has done to Oregon in Meth: The Oregon Front 2007. Three of the experts featured in the original Frontline program will update their unique perspectives on meth.

Joining OPB's Colin Fogarty for the discussion are: The Oregonian's Steve Suo who will discuss how new laws are hampering meth cartels in Mexico, but may allow Chinese gangs to fill the gap; Rob Bovett of the Oregon Narcotics Enforcement Association will describe how Oregon has seen the steepest decline in meth lab seizures, due in part to the strictest controls on the meth precursor, pseudoephedrine; and Rita Sullivan, therapist and administrator at OnTrack in Medford, will speak about how that progress hasn't ended the epidemic.

More information about the meth problem in Oregon including resources, links to articles, video streaming of Meth: The Oregon Front 2007 and a special radio feature by Colin Fogarty on Oregon Considered Tuesday, January 23 at 4:30pm will be available online at opb.org/meth/ after the programs air.

Oregon Public Broadcasting Announces Debut of the Oregon Channel Providing Coverage of the Legislative Session

Last modified on January 3, 2007 01:32 PM

Now that the elections are over, here's your chance to see your elected officials at work. Gavel-to-gavel television coverage of the Oregon Legislature is set to hit the airwaves on January 8. A pilot project conducted by Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Oregon Legislature and Southern Oregon Public Television will test the concept of a 24/7 "Oregon Channel" to broaden public access to state government and public affairs events.

Additional programming will come from the Oregon University System and the Oregon Public Affairs Network as well as OPB's own productions.

"It is important that OPB, the most-trusted media resource in the state, step forward with this service that gives citizens more insight into the issues impacting us all," said Steve Bass, president and CEO of OPB. "This new channel is a perfect example of OPB striving to fulfill our mission of giving voice to the community and connecting all Oregonians. "

"For the first time ever, Oregonians will have a television channel dedicated solely to covering the legislature and state government. This new Oregon Channel will be a good resource for Oregonians to learn more about their government," said Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem/Gervais/Woodburn).

"The Oregon Channel is one of the only practical means for many Oregonians to actually see what goes on in Salem," said Karen Minnis (R-Wood Village). "The channel is the next step in Oregon's history of open government and it will make us more accessible to those we serve."

The Oregon Channel pilot will launch on January 8, 2007, the Opening Day of the next legislative session. The channel will include unedited coverage of legislative floor sessions, committee hearings, Capitol news conferences, and other state government and public affairs events. The pilot project will conclude at the end of the legislative session, at which point the channel will be evaluated to determine the feasibility of establishing a permanent Oregon Channel statewide. Similar channels have been successfully launched in other states and the partners are eager to test the concept in Oregon.

The Oregon Channel will be broadcast on digital television channels available in most of the state's largest cities served by OPB and SOPTV. Since digital television technology is still in transition, access to the channel during the pilot period will be limited primarily to digital cable subscribers and households equipped with a digital television tuner. Information about how and where to tune in is available on OPB's Oregon Channel Web page or www.oregonchannel.org where visitors can access streaming video feeds of the channel, a program schedule and an online survey that will be used to help evaluate the pilot project.

The pilot project will cost approximately $150,000, and will be funded by the Legislative Administration office. All of the project partners are contributing equipment and staff time for the project.

OPB Co-Production Honored for Journalistic Excellence in Covering Drug and Alcohol Problems

Last modified on November 29, 2006 10:17 AM

FRONTLINE: The Meth Epidemic, a co-production of Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), The Oregonian and WGBH (Boston), has just received the prestigious Nancy Dickerson Whitehead Award, honoring journalists who have "demonstrated the highest standards of reporting on drug issues." The award was presented to producer Carl Byker at a ceremony in New York City earlier this month.

The hour-long documentary, inspired by a series of articles by award-winning Oregonian reporter Steve Suo, examined the meth crisis in and beyond Oregon. OPB expanded upon this work with a series of programs on OPB TV, OPB Radio and the Internet tracking the impact of meth on individuals, families and communities, and what is being done to combat the problem.

The Nancy Dickerson Whitehead Award was the first in the nation to recognize excellence in reporting on drug and alcohol problems.

"This is a huge honor for this documentary to be acknowledged with such a prestigious award by people who know the human cost of meth addiction," said Steve Bass, president and CEO of Oregon Public Broadcasting. "We're pleased that through this type of reporting we have been able to play a part in bringing awareness to the severity of the problem and helping affect changes in laws that make it harder for meth dealers to obtain this drug. And we began a dialogue in our community that continues today to assist those in trouble because of this terrible drug."

FRONTLINE: The Meth Epidemic will be rebroadcast on OPB TV on January 30 at 9pm.

About the Nancy Dickerson Whitehead Award
During her long and distinguished career as a broadcast journalist, Nancy Dickerson Whitehead reported on many critical social concerns, including the nation's problems with drug and alcohol abuse. Her thoughtful analysis increased public understanding of these complex issues and reflected her own deep commitment to finding more effective answers. As a member of the Board of Directors of Drug Strategies, a nonprofit research institute in Washington, D.C., she worked to develop programs and policies to reduce substance abuse.

These awards honor Nancy Dickerson Whitehead's efforts to improve media coverage of drug issues. The awards are given annually to two journalists, one from print media and one from broadcast (radio or television), who have demonstrated the highest standards of reporting on drug issues.

Oregon Experience Premieres October 23 at 9pm

Last modified on October 24, 2006 04:33 PM

Oregon Experience is an exciting new history series on OPB TV that brings to life fascinating stories that help us understand who we are and that reinforce our shared identity as Oregonians. The series, co-produced by the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) and Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), takes advantage of the extensive film, video and stills from the archives of OHS and OPB, and draws upon the expertise of OHS researchers and historians. Beginning this month, each half-hour show features captivating characters -- both familiar and forgotten -- who have played key roles in building our state into the unique place we call home.

Premiering Monday, October 23 at 9pm is the story of Abigail Scott Duniway, a plain-talking farmer's wife who was largely responsible for Oregon women having the right to vote since 1912 -- eight years before a constitutional amendment gave suffrage to women throughout the country. On October 30 at 9pm, "Reub Long's Oregon Desert" visits the dry, desolate Fort Rock Valley where for more than a century, settlers have tried -- and most have failed -- to earn a living. But they left behind some fascinating history and wonderful stories. Bill Bowerman, legendary University of Oregon track coach and Nike co-founder, Sam Hill who dared to dream a highway through the Columbia Gorge and others will be featured in upcoming episodes.

Abigail Scott Duniway
She was born in 1834 in Illinois and traveled West across the plains in a covered wagon settling in Lafayette. Abigail married a rancher and soon found herself cooking, sewing and laundering for her family and the hired hands as well. Through a series of accidents and bad luck, her husband lost the farm and was unable to work -- so Abigail became the family breadwinner. They moved to Portland in 1871 and Abigail embraced the fight for women's rights -- even inviting suffragist Susan B. Anthony to visit Oregon. Together they toured the Northwest organizing support for voting rights.

An avid writer, she confronted the injustice and inequality of women in her 20 novels and hundreds of stories, essays and poems, delivered countless public lectures, and founded one of the regions most influential newspapers, The New Northwest, to keep important issues in the public eye.

Oregon Experience unveils the forgotten life of Abigail Scott Duniway with excerpts from her diary and colorful quotes from her lectures. She actively campaigned for national suffrage and equal rights for all women until her death in 1915.

The program will be rebroadcast on Friday, October 27 at 10:30pm and Sunday, October 29 at 1:30pm.

Funding for Oregon Experience is provided in part by Ann & Bill Swindells Charitable Trust, Oregon Cultural Trust and James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation.

OPB's High-Definition TV Crosses the Cascades

Last modified on October 9, 2006 12:50 PM

Digital Television Upgrade Promises New Public Service for Oregon

Oregon Public Broadcasting began transmitting high-definition television programs to viewers in Central Oregon this week with the completion of the installation of a new digital antenna for KOAB-DT/channel 11 in Bend. The new antenna atop Awbrey Butte brings digital television to a rapidly growing Oregon community and completes the upgrade of OPB's five digital transmitters. But the signal offers much more than just a better picture for Central Oregon residents.

OPB's new digital capability also holds the promise of a sophisticated emergency communications network that could serve even the most remote corners of the state.

Unlike the analog signal beamed to a standard television set, digital TV signals can transmit multiple streams of data and pictures simultaneously. While viewers with digital sets watch OPB's regular programming in downtown Bend, for example, crews battling a forest fire in the Cascades could receive real-time satellite imagery and data on the fire on the same broadcast signal.

"OPB's all-digital signal could be the backbone of a state-of-the-art emergency system," said OPB President Steve Bass. "We have the ability to provide police, firefighters and emergency relief crews with the information they need sent directly to cell phones, computers and specialized receivers in the field."

The technology - called "datacasting" - is already in use in some other cities and states. Bass is among those who tested the technology for emergency services last year while still at Nashville Public Television in Tennessee.

"We still have a ways to go here in Oregon," Bass added.

With completion of the installation of the digital antenna in Bend, all of OPB's primary stations now carry the digital signal to the most-populated parts of Oregon. However much of the state is served by smaller "translators" that broadcast in areas where mountains or coastlines block the larger transmitter's signals. These translators have yet to be converted to digital.

A federal government mandate requiring OPB and all other broadcasters nationwide to turn off the analog television system in February 2009 provides a dilemma: Either OPB's network of 41 translators must be converted to digital operation or they must be shut off. The mandate puts viewers in large parts of Oregon - east of the Cascades and along the coast, for example - at risk of losing their television service altogether.

"Those are precisely the parts of Oregon that stand to benefit the most from OPB's digital signal," said Oregon Senator Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose. "OPB alone has the ability to offer equal access to both urban and rural Oregon with high-quality arts and education programs and to serve emergency responders as well," she said.

Bass estimates the digital translator upgrade will cost $5.5 million. "It's a small price for an exponential increase in possible services all across the state," he said. "As the state's primary operation center for the Emergency Alert and Amber Alert systems, the digital conversion of OPB's translator network will provide unparalleled opportunities to enhance the safety of Oregon's citizens. Just the potential to develop a tsunami alert system on the Oregon coast makes the investment look worthwhile to property owners there," Bass said.

"Through OPB, people throughout the state have equal access to information and educational opportunities," said Oregon Representative Greg Smith, R-Heppner. "OPB now has the potential to make communities around Oregon safer and better prepared."

A State of Oregon appropriation in 2001 and contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations provided the $22 million required to meet the federal requirement to convert OPB's major transmitters. To date, no funding has been secured for the translator upgrades.

Over 1.5 million Oregonians tune in or log on to OPB's television, radio and Internet services every week. OPB has one of the highest per capita membership totals of public broadcasting stations nationwide. OPB already serves as the hub of operations for the state's Emergency Broadcast and Amber Alert system.

OPB Documentary Wins a CINE Golden Eagle Award

Last modified on July 12, 2006 09:53 AM

The Three Rabbis, a film produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting, has just been selected to receive a CINE Golden Eagle Award in the Documentary/People and Places category. The Golden Eagle is a national recognition of excellence in documentary and other informational film and video production. The project automatically becomes a nominee for the CINE Special Jury Award, which is presented to the best film in its category.

The Three Rabbis recounts the story of three devoted and passionate Portland Rabbis (Rabbi Geller, Rabbi Rose and Rabbi Stampfer) who played a pivotal role in the growth and emergence of Portland's Jewish community over the last 50 years. It premiered on OPB TV last October. Jessica Martin, writer and producer of The Three Rabbis, said, "It is a tremendous honor to have worked on this project and for it to be recognized by those in our industry with this prestigious award. It is also exciting that we'll be competing for the Special Jury Award with a number of notable films including Martin Scorsese's film No Direction Home: Bob Dylan.

George Page, Creator and Host of Nature, Succumbs to Cancer

Last modified on June 30, 2006 10:37 AM

George Page, whose rich voice and infectious enthusiasm for the natural world made him one of public television's most popular personalities as on-air host of the weekly series Nature, succumbed to cancer on June 28, in Equinunk, PA. He was 71.

Mr. Page's journalism and broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years, but he was best known as the creator and voice of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning wildlife and natural history series, produced for PBS by Thirteen/WNET New York. The series debuted in 1982 and will mark its 25th season on the air this coming fall.

Mr. Page introduced and narrated each episode of Nature, until an illness prompted his retirement from television in 1998. He then devoted his time to the completion of a book, "Inside the Animal Mind," which explored the latest research and findings about animal intelligence and self-awareness. The well-received book became the basis of a three-part miniseries of the same name, broadcast on Nature in January of 2000.

During his 26 years at Thirteen/WNET, Mr. Page also served as director of science and natural history programming, and was responsible for such notable series as Travels, The Brain (also a Peabody winner), The Mind, and Medicine at the Crossroads.

OPB Digital Television Comes to Bend Area

Last modified on July 21, 2006 09:07 AM

Installation of Oregon Public Broadcasting's new digital television antenna in Bend will take place in July. Work is scheduled for completion by the end of the month.

During the installation process, service to BendBroadband customers (in Bend, Redmond and Sisters) should not be affected. Crestview cable service, serving Prineville and Madras, may be affected; however La Pine will lose cable and off-air service for this period. Viewers with satellite service will not be affected. And viewers with antenna-only reception in Bend and the immediate area should continue to receive OPB TV via a lower power signal. Those with antenna-only reception in Prineville should be able to receive the OPB TV signal on channel 16. In addition, Sunriver will lose the Chambers Cable signal and the OPB TV off-air signal. Those served by BendBroadband should not lose service.

OPB Radio service will operate on lower power while the installers are working, but OPB Radio service should be relatively unaffected.

A temporary antenna has been providing limited DTV service to the Bend area since last summer. The new antenna installation was scheduled for completion last July but experienced delays due to manufacturing issues and subsequent shortages of materials being diverted to the areas damaged by hurricane Katrina and then winter weather conditions. OPB apologizes for any inconvenience and thanks viewers and listeners for their patience during this time.

An OPB Original Production, Who Will Govern Oregon?, Airs May 6 at 7pm on OPB TV

Last modified on April 21, 2006 03:29 PM

Oregon voters face an important decision this year: Who will govern the state next? Oregon Public Broadcasting presents intimate conversations with each of the six major candidates in the May 16 primary election for governor. Tune in to the stations of OPB TV on May 6 from 7 to 8pm (rebroadcast May 7 at 1pm) and learn more about the candidates' values and what makes them tick.

OPB's Christy George and Colin Fogarty pulled the candidates off the campaign trail for a quiet interlude to bring viewers a fresh glimpse of these men. The three Democrats: incumbent Governor Ted Kulongoski, former State Treasurer Jim Hill and Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson; and the three Republicans: State Senator Jason Atkinson, former Oregon Republican Party Chairman Kevin Mannix and former Portland Public School Board Chairman Ron Saxton, answer questions such as "When is it appropriate for a governor to defy a president?" And "What is the most surprising thing about you that most people don't know?"

Tune in to OPB Radio's Oregon Territory on Friday, May 5 from 4:30 to 5pm to hear the candidates answer additional questions.

And after the May 7 broadcast, viewers can log on to opb.org and hear each candidate's full answers to all the questions posed them.

MUSTARD PANCAKES, Produced in Association with OPB, Wins Spring 2006 Parents' Choice Gold Award

Last modified on March 27, 2006 08:52 AM

MUSTARD PANCAKES, the celebrated live-action, public television preschool series produced by Mustard Pancakes Productions Inc in association with Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), has won a Spring 2006 Parents' Choice Gold Award for Outstanding Television Programming for ages 3-6.

Established in 1978, Parents' Choice is the nation's oldest non-profit guide to quality children's media and toys. The Foundation's purpose is to search out and recommend products that help kids grow - imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally - and that are fun, safe and socially sound. Parents' Choice reviews books, toys, music, television, software, videogames, Web sites and magazines for children and families of all achievements and backgrounds.

Reviewing children's materials since 1978, the Parents' Choice Awards program honors the best material for children: books, toys, music and storytelling, magazines, software, videogames, television and Web sites. Parents' Choice Foundation's panels of educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents - and kids themselves - identify the very best products for children of different ages and backgrounds, and of varied skill and interest levels.

Said Joel Wertman, executive producer of MUSTARD PANCAKES, "As producers of the show and parents ourselves, we are extremely honored to receive the Gold Parents' Choice Award. We appreciate this significant recognition by the Parents' Choice Foundation, an organization we hold in high esteem. Since its establishment, Parents' Choice has been focused on its mandate to identify and promote excellence in children's entertainment. While developing MUSTARD PANCAKES, our objective was to create a series that embraces the whole child - a program that inspires children to discover the world around them and to learn the values that will help them become successful, creative and responsible adults."

Entering its second season, MUSTARD PANCAKES is a public television children's series for 3- to 6-year-olds, featuring the loveable and funny Courtney Campbell - a gifted storyteller, songwriter, guitarist and comedienne known to children for her musical performances and her family of fun-loving puppets. The live action series celebrates the joy of childhood through the power of music, storytelling and appealing characters, and invites viewers into a world where characters support each other's growth and work together to overcome the day-to-day challenges that all children face.

Executive producers of MUSTARD PANCAKES are Joel Wertman and Liza Perel. MUSTARD PANCAKES was created by Joel Wertman and Courtney Campbell with the creative involvement of a number of award-winning veteran public television puppeteers, writers, musical composers and consultants from perennial favorites such as "Caillou," "Dragon Tales," "Sagwa," "Sesame Street," "Seven Little Monsters," "Noddy" and "The Big Comfy Couch."

MUSTARD PANCAKES is produced by Mustard Pancakes Productions Inc. in association with Oregon Public Broadcasting and distributed by American Public Television (APT). The series made its television debut in July 2005.

Oregon Public Broadcasting Receives Two Telly Awards

Last modified on March 7, 2006 12:09 PM

Oregon Public Broadcasting has received the prestigious Silver Telly Award for its documentary The Three Rabbis and a Bronze Telly Award for The Oregon Story: Rethinking the Forests.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. Winners and finalists represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments in the world. With over a quarter-of-a-century history of recognizing creative excellence, the Telly Awards is a widely known and highly respected international competition.

The Three Rabbis, which recounts the story of three devoted and passionate Portland Rabbis who played a pivotal role in the growth and emergence of Portland's Jewish community over the last 50 years, aired on OPB TV last October. Jessica Martin, writer and producer of The Three Rabbis, said, "It is a tremendous honor to have worked on this project and for it to be recognized by those in our industry with one of the most sought-after awards."

Kate McMahon was associate producer on the project and Gloria Feves Hammer, a Portland educator and driving force behind the production, served as coordinating producer.

A prestigious judging panel of over 25 accomplished industry professionals, each a past Winner of a Silver Telly, the top honor, upholds the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. Judges evaluate entries to recognize distinction in creative work; entries do not compete against each other - rather, entries are judged against a high standard of merit. Less than 10 percent of entries are chosen as Winners of the highest honor, a Silver Telly.

The Oregon Story: Rethinking the Forests is part of The Oregon Story series that explores Oregon's ever-changing social, cultural and economic relationships with the land. The Oregon Story: Rethinking the Forests, which aired on OPB TV last November, ventured outside the usual arguments to find new voices with fresh perspectives on the present forest gridlock in Oregon and presented some different ways to view the problems. Eric Cain produced and directed the documentary.

History Detectives Calling for Story Ideas

Last modified on February 9, 2006 01:57 PM

The fourth season of the popular OPB-produced series History Detectives will begin in June and the detectives are looking for more mysteries to solve.

Combining the latest forensic technology with old-fashioned, pavement-pounding detective work, History Detectives lifts the lid on intriguing artifacts and objects, family legends and local folklore in cities and small towns across America.

Do you have a mystery that fits into the big events of America's history? All you need is an object and a good story around it! To submit your story, go to www.pbs.org/historydetectives, call 503-244-9900 ext. 2118 or write to History Detectives, c/o Oregon Public Broadcasting, 7140 SW Macadam Ave., Portland, OR 97219.

OPB Programs Focus on the Meth Epidemic

Last modified on February 1, 2006 01:54 PM

OPB, Frontline and The Oregonian Co-Production to Examine the Meth Epidemic in Oregon

Speed. Meth. Glass. On the street, methamphetamine has many names. What started as a fad among West Coast motorcycle gangs in the 1970s has spread across the United States. The drug is now more potent, and more destructive, than at any time in the past decade. To explore this issue that has had a devastating effect on many Oregonians' lives, Oregon Public Broadcasting and The Oregonian have teamed up to produce a documentary for the PBS Frontline series that examines the meth crisis in and beyond Oregon. OPB will expand upon this work with a series of programs on OPB TV, OPB Radio and OPB.org that track the impact of meth on individuals, families and communities, and what is being done to combat the problem.

"This is a problem that started here and has spread across the nation," said Steve Bass, president and CEO of OPB. "The bad news is that Oregon has been dealing with this epidemic for a long time. The good news is, that because of our experience, we have a lot of knowledge about the problem. Frontline provided us with the opportunity to produce an important program to share with our local audience and the entire nation. It takes stock of where we are in this crisis, what we've learned and how we're making headway," said Bass. "We'll also serve our local audience by using all our resources - television, radio and the Web - as a catalyst to find solutions to this serious problem."

The Frontline documentary was inspired by a series of articles by award-winning Oregonian reporter Steve Suo. Suo and a number of Oregonians contribute to the Frontline documentary, "The Meth Epidemic," airing Tuesday, February 14 at 9pm nationally on PBS stations. Immediately following at 10pm, OPB's Colin Fogarty will host Meth: The Oregon Front, a roundtable discussion about Oregon's meth crisis. (Frontline rebroadcasts on Thursday, February 16 at 3am and 9pm and Meth: The Oregon Front at 4am and 10pm.)

Frontline: The Meth Epidemic
Twenty years ago, methamphetamine abuse started in the Western United States, but began spreading rapidly into the Midwest. Now the drug has reached the East Coast. "Meth has made a steady march across the United States," said The Oregonian's Steve Suo. "Right now you have Mexican methamphetamine flooding in through Atlanta, and from there [it] fans out both south and north." The discovery of meth labs in states from Maine to Florida foreshadows a new crisis on the East Coast: "They can expect to see increased car theft, increased identity theft, ... domestic violence, child neglect, drug overdoses and just a lot of mayhem," said Suo. Indeed, statistics show that meth can trigger a surge in other crimes: In Oregon, a staggering 85 percent of property crime, as well as a majority of muggings, car thefts and identity thefts, have been linked to the drug.

The number of meth addicts is skyrocketing: With 1.5 million addicts in the U.S. alone and millions more around the world, the United Nations calls meth the most abused hard drug on earth. This program investigates America's addiction to meth and exposes the inherent conflict between the illegal drug trade and the legitimate three-billion-dollar cold remedy business.

Meth: The Oregon Front on OPB TV
Following Frontline at 10pm, OPB's Colin Fogarty will host Meth: The Oregon Front, a roundtable discussion about Oregon's meth crisis. Some of the Oregonians interviewed by Frontline, as well as other experts, will be in OPB's studio to explore why meth is such a problem in Oregon and learn what Oregon leaders are doing to find solutions. Participants in the discussion include Steve Suo from The Oregonian, Rob Bovett of the Oregon Narcotics Enforcement Association (Newport), Bret King of the Multnomah County Sheriff's office and Jay Wurscher, State Alcohol and Drug Services coordinator. Support for this broadcast comes from the Ford Family Foundation, the Northwest Health Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.

OPB Radio to Air Meth Series
Four radio commentaries from people in Oregon whose lives have been affected by meth in distinct ways will air February 6-9 on Morning Edition (3-9am) and Oregon Considered (4:30pm). In addition, OPB's Christy George will host a special Oregon Territory on February 10 at 4:30pm devoted entirely to Oregon's meth crisis.

OPB Web Site and Online Forum
Each panelist from Meth: The Oregon Front will present an essay on the OPB Web site introducing themselves and their perspective on meth as it relates to them both professionally and personally. Additionally, visitors to the OPB Web site (opb.org/meth/) can submit questions and comments that will be considered for discussion on Meth: The Oregon Front.

The Web site will also feature material from OPB Radio and TV programs and provide additional resources about meth.

"The Meth Epidemic" is a Frontline co-production with Oregon Public Broadcasting in association with The Oregonian. The producer, director and writer is Carl Byker, whose work includes The New Heroes and The Great War for PBS. The executive producer for OPB is David Davis. The executive in charge for OPB is Jack Galmiche. Frontline is produced by WGBH Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. The executive producer for Frontline is David Fanning.

Oregon Public Broadcasting Launches Its First Digital Multicast Channel

Last modified on January 31, 2006 09:31 AM

On January 9, 2006 Oregon Public Broadcasting will launch a new 24-hour channel that will feature OPB productions, national news and talk programs and some of public television's most popular lifestyle and how-to programs. OPB CREATE is OPB's first multicast channel and second channel on its digital transmitters and represents the next step into the digital future. OPB CREATE will also be distributed by Comcast on digital channel 210 available to Comcast digital cable television audiences from Eugene to Vancouver, and on Clear Creek Telephone and TeleVision in Oregon City on digital cable channel 162. This dynamic new service will provide viewers with more flexibility, more choices and greater convenience to watch their favorite public television programs and find new ones.

Weeknights from 6pm-12am OPB CREATE will air BBC World News, Oregon Art Beat, Smart Gardening, Oregon Field Guide, Charlie Rose, The NewsHour, Tavis Smiley and the Nightly Business Report. In addition each week OPB CREATE in partnership with American Public Television will feature 22 high-profile series and specials in its daytime, weekend and overnight schedule. The channel's do-it-yourself genres will include viewers' favorite public television series and specials on cooking, renovating, painting, crafts, travel, gardening and other interests. Current titles range from Rick Steves' Europe Classics to Caprial & John's Kitchen and America's Test Kitchen to P. Allen Smith's Garden Home and Scrapbook Memories. The full schedule for OPB CREATE is available on the OPB Web site.

"OPB CREATE recognizes a commitment to our supporters who contributed to our digital conversion, enabling us to provide added public broadcasting programs through our increased digital channel capacity," said Tom Doggett, OPB vice president of TV Programming. "It gives us an opportunity to serve new and wider audiences. We will also be able to offer our traditional OPB TV viewers more options to watch their favorite programs as well as other public broadcasting programs not available on our normal schedule such as Tavis Smiley, Jacques Pepin, For Your House and more," he said.

Support and funding for OPB CREATE is provided, in part, through contributions to the OPB Capital Campaign which is helping raise the millions of dollars necessary to convert to the mandated digital broadcast system by 2009, and by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) through its Digital Services Fund.

New TV Translator in North Coast of Oregon

Last modified on January 31, 2006 09:31 AM

On October 12, OPB turned on a new TV translator service on the North Coast area. The signal can be seen on Channel 23, and the translator itself is located just North of the Columbia river near Chinook, Washington.

The new signal will serve the Astoria/ Seaside/ Gearhart, etc., areas, as well as most of Long Beach Peninsula in Washington.

Antenna Installation to Affect Bend Service

Last modified on January 31, 2006 09:31 AM

UPDATE: September 23, 2005 The delivery of OPB's new digital antenna for the Bend area has been delayed, therefore we do not have a definite installation date at this time. We will post information as we learn more about the delivery date.

During the installation, a temporary antenna will provide limited service for the Bend area. If you are a cable viewer in Bend or Redmond, your service should not be affected. However, most other areas will experience impaired or no service. Radio service should be unaffected except for minor interruptions during construction.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Rest assured, we will get the work done and be back on the air at full strength as soon as possible. Please check back at opb.org or call Audience Services at 888-293-1982 for the latest construction updates.

Thank you for your patience and support.

New Children's Series Airs Weekdays on OPB TV

Last modified on January 31, 2006 09:31 AM

Preschoolers will be singing a new tune when MUSTARD PANCAKES enters OPB's weekday lineup beginning Monday, June 6 at 10:30am.

This new children's series for 3-6 year olds features singer/storyteller Courtney Campbell and her fun-loving and inquisitive brood of puppet friends Oogleberry Ink Dog, Tiny Tina Ten Toes, Mo and Mr. D.

In each program, the MUSTARD PANCAKES family invites its young audience into their home to learn from the experiences of the characters through the magic of storytelling and the joy of song. The issues that are raised in MUSTARD PANCAKES are gleaned from the same issues that kids are dealing with on a daily basis, ranging from the emotional, such as sharing and caring, to the practical, such as practicing and tenacity. By combining story, song and experience, MUSTARD PANCAKES actively and thoughtfully engages children in the process of learning.

MUSTARD PANCAKES airs weekdays at 10:30am and Saturdays at 7:30am on OPB.

We'd like to hear what you think of this new series! Please email your comments about MUSTARD PANCAKES to mustardpancakes@opb.org.