KPBS Would Be Nothing Without Its Volunteers

I organized a group of Newcomers to visit the studios of KPBS in San Diego.  Their beautiful, state of the art building is due in part to the generosity of the Jacobs Family, the Shileys and the Waltons, and small donors, just like us.They are located right next to the SDSU, which gives students studying communications an opportunity for much hands on experience.  After lunch at DZ Akins, which is just minutes away, we were ready for our tour.

We were met in the lobby by Don, one of hundreds of volunteers at the studio.  Without volunteers KPBS would not operate.  They are used for everything from leading tours, to manning phones during pledge drives, to reading books and news for the radio reading services program.  Don was so enthusiastic about KPBS, that we couldn't help but be excited too.

We saw all aspects of the radio and television operation, from the digital operations center, to programming room, to sound stages and recording rooms.  I found the main room on the third floor very interesting.  There were a few executive offices around the perimeter, then rows of desks and computers in the center of the room.  Mounted above, around the whole room, were monitors with news and programming from all stations being shown.  There was a white board with news items listed, and how many "Likes" they got on Facebook.  Social media is important, and influences what stories make the nightly news and what stories don't.  Most interesting for me  was how quiet the newsroom was.  I expected reporters to be talking on the phone, but it was very QUIET.  Programming is all pre recorded for the week in the form of a playlist, just like you use for music.

We saw an art show in production, saw Ken Kramer (About San Diego) at work, and  talked to one of the behind the scenes voices, who was at work, recording spots for TV.

Perhaps the most important program we learned about was the Radio Reading Services program.  This is an all volunteer program for sight impaired listeners, where volunteers read the newspaper, books and ads.  The listener gets a special radio box that allows him to listen to much of KPBS's programming.  I was impressed with the high level of professionalism, and the friendliness of staff and volunteers toward our group.  They were all so willing to talk, answer questions, and make us feel that this was "our " television station.  If you have an opportunity to tour the station, do so.  It will give you an appreciation for the hard work that goes into every program they put on the air.