Dan Schiedel, general manager of Rogers State University Public Television, will discuss the growth of the university’s public television station, the future of public television and the impending death of analog television as we know it.
The station, based on RSU’s Claremore campus, reaches about 1.2 million people within a 75-mile radius of the campus and is proud to be Oklahoma’s only full-powered television station operated on a public university. RSU Public TV broadcasts on UHF Channel 35, Tulsa and Claremore cable channel 19, DISH TV channel 35 and satellite systems across northeastern Oklahoma.
Schiedel, who joined RSU Public TV in 2006, recently completed the station’s second membership drive which raised more than $30,000. He is in the process of collaborating with others on special outreach projects including those which focus on women and family issues. Since joining the station, he has Increase in RSU Public Television content production and viewer ship by more than 25 percent
“The station, which is celebrating 20 years of service to northeastern Oklahoma, is always looking for ways to better serve the community,” Schiedel said.
He will also discuss new programming that the station is working on including documentaries, “how to” shows, and Hillcat athletic games.
Recently, RSU replaced the station’s inner transmission lines at its main transmitter, which now makes the station’s analog service fully functional. This means a stronger signal for more viewers. Last month, the station aired the premiere of its first (HD) production, “The Coleman Theatre Beautiful.”
The station is also in the process of switching to HD, as mandated by lang=”EN”>Federal Communications Commission and Schiedel will talk about how the transition to HD impacts viewers, media outlets and other communicators.
Prior to joining RSU Public Television Schiedel served as the general manager of Wyoming Public Television (WPTV) and president of the WPTV Foundation. He has more than 17 years experience with public television stations in Wyoming, Missouri and South Dakota.
Schiedel earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in mass communications, both from the University of South Dakota. He has taught media operations and telecommunications management courses at Drury College in Springfield, Mo., and the University of South Dakota.
Schiedel will speak as part of the Tulsa Press Club’s Page One luncheon series. The cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. Page One luncheons are by reservation only and the public is invited.
Lunch service begins at 11:15 and Schiedel will speak at noon. A short question-and-answer session will follow. The Tulsa Press Club is located in the lobby of the Atlas Life Building at 415 S. Boston Ave. For reservations, call the Tulsa Press Club at 583-7737.