WQED Holiday Programming Announced

WQED OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Holiday listings for WQED-TV, Classical WQED-FM 89.3 & SHOP WQED


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 November 19, 2012

CONTACT:
 George Hazimanolis
 412-622-1366
 ghazimanolis@wqed.org

WQED OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PITTSBURGH—This December, WQED will celebrate the holiday season by offering an abundance of programs for viewers of WQED-TV, listeners of Classical WQED-FM 89.3 and resources on WQED Interactive at wqed.org.

These will include traditional and first time programs that will allow people of all ages to enjoy the holidays. From the premiere of PBS’s brand new children’s Christmas program, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas! to traditional favorites like Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas and Arthur’s Perfect Christmas, children will find something to keep them interested. Of course, we won’t just be airing children’s programs this holiday season; there is plenty for the more seasoned viewers as well. For the mature audience, we have Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone which explores the wonders of nature blanketed in a winter snowfall. An annual tradition returns with Rick Sebak’s Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh. Classical WQED-FM 89.3 also has an exciting lineup for sharing the holidays with family and friends.

A complete rundown of WQED’S holiday offerings is attached.

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqed.org/fm; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

UPS Foundation Awards WQED School Supplies Grant

WQED PITTSBURGH RECEIVES $5,000 GRANT FROM THE UPS FOUNDATION FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE TO BENEFIT AT-RISK CHILDREN IN SIX COUNTIES


Donate school supplies December 6 - 9, 2011 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. and meet characters from the Super Why! Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 30, 2011



CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghazimanolis@wqed.org

Maria Pisano
412-622-1459
mpisano@wqed.org

WQED PITTSBURGH RECEIVES $5,000 GRANT FROM THE UPS FOUNDATION

FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE TO BENEFIT

AT-RISK CHILDREN IN SIX COUNTIES

Donate school supplies December 6 – 9, 2011 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. and meet characters from the Super Why! Series at:

WQED Pittsburgh
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213


PITTSBURGH--WQED Pittsburgh will be collecting school supplies for at-risk children at its Oakland headquarters.

With a $5,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, WQED is collecting school supplies to be distributed to 5,200 at-risk students in a six county region in support of The Education Partnership’s Holiday Campaign. Individuals wishing to donate school supplies may bring them to the parking lot at WQED’s 4802 Fifth Avenue location December 6 – 9 daily from 2:30-4:30 p.m. WQED is matching the donations with curriculum for all 14 schools involved. Kids will also have the opportunity to meet their favorite characters from Super Why! during collection hours.

“The UPS Foundation is committed to funding impactful programs that make a meaningful difference in our communities – so we are proud to support WQED’s efforts to collect school supplies and donate high-quality curriculum for our area’s at-risk children,” said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation.

The supplies that are needed include: markers, pens, erasers, binders, glue, notebooks, paper (construction, copy and filler) and backpacks. For a complete list visit: http://wqed.org/education/holidaydrive2011.php. Cash donations or items not on the list can not be accepted by WQED.

In addition to the school supplies collected from the community WQED will also distribute high-quality PBS educational materials to the students, teachers and school libraries receiving these materials. These materials include a 16 week curriculum on phonics from The Electric Company, a workforce and career education video set called Teens OnQ, literacy tracking games for parents and librarians, Dr. Seuss and Curious George books, and lots of science curriculum from Sid the Science Kid, Wild Kratts, SciGirls, Design Squad and Dinosaur Train. WQED is donating 1700 pounds of educational curriculum to area students and challenging the Pittsburgh community to match that amount.

“Nothing is more important to our kids than a great education. WQED provides free access to education for everyone. Partnering with key organizations such as The Education Partnership to reach even more students, especially those in public schools, is an exciting way to extend our iQ: smartmedia initiative. With support from The UPS Foundation, WQED can deeply support the young people in our region who are most at-risk for not learning to read, failing to engage in science or math, and dropping out of school,” said Jennifer Stancil, Executive Director of Educational Partnerships at WQED.

“The Education Partnership does not receive government funding and relies on the generosity of foundations, corporations, and organizations like WQED and their members. Together, we can provide critically needed school and classroom supplies to local students, setting them up for educational success,” says Katherine Harrell, Director of Communications and Programming for The Education Partnership about the innovative new relationship with WQED.

More information about the partnership, the holiday drive, and the supplies can be found at: http://wqed.org/education/holidaydrive2011.php.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, GA, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach,The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, economic & global literacy, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability.

In 2010, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $44.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as the school supplies collection by WQED Pittsburgh and provide support for building stronger communities.

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 128 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and The WQED Education Department.

iQ: smartmedia is WQED’s six-year strategy for education, and it reflects WQED’s commitment to help children reach their potential. Around it revolve all of WQED's educational goals and objectives: to provide new tools and models, thought leadership, research, and training on the intersection of media and learning to prepare our children for a competitive world. WQED provides content in the areas of science and technology; literacy; global cultures and connections; expression; social and community responsibility; numeracy; and behavioral wellness. For more information about iQ: smartmedia, follow WQED’s Education Department online at wqed.org/edu or follow us on Facebook.com/wqed.edu and Twitter.com/wqed_edu.

WQED Holiday Season Programming Offers Treats for All

HOLIDAY SEASON PROGRAMMING FROM WQED OFFERS NEW AND TRADITIONAL CLASSICS



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 14, 2011

CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghazimanolis@wqed.org

Maria Pisano
412-622-1459
mpisano@wqed.org


HOLIDAY SEASON PROGRAMMING

FROM WQED OFFERS NEW AND TRADITIONAL CLASSICS


PITTSBURGH—Each year WQED-TV and Classical WQED-FM 89.3 offer viewers and listeners a cornucopia of programming on television and radio to celebrate the season. The 2011 schedule offers everything from the L.A. Holiday Celebration 2011 with more than 1,000 performers to a new offering from Lidia Bastianich (Lidia Celebrates America “Holiday Tables & Traditions”) that looks at four different cultures’ observance of several holidays. Whether you’ll be leaving cookies for Santa Claus, lighting the Menorah or preparing for the New Year WQED has something for you and your family this holiday as you gather together.

WQED-TV HOLIDAY FAMILY PROGRAMMING

• Pittsburgh Thanksgiving Homecoming

Thursday, November 24

“Special” 4802 at 7:30 p.m.

My Tale of Two Cities: A Comeback Story at 8 p.m.

After playing in more than 25 cities across North America, including on Capitol Hill, My Tale of Two Cities will make its broadcast premiere on WQED-TV Thanksgiving Day just in time for those coming home for the holidays!

Preceding the film, a special guest panel including the stars of the movie, former U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Paul O’Neill, Steelers’ legend Franco and his son businessman Dok Harris, and filmmaker Carl Kurlander will discuss the city’s remarkable resurgence since the filming. This special edition of WQED’s 4802 program that will air at 7:30 p.m. will be co-hosted by the president of The Pittsburgh Foundation, Grant Oliphant, and WQED’s Michael Bartley.


• Live From Lincoln Center “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker”

Sunday, December 18 at 3 p.m.

A glowing one-ton Christmas tree, mischievous mice and crystalline waltzing snowflakes. Join the New York City Ballet for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker LIVE from Lincoln Center.


• Lidia Celebrates America “Holiday Tables & Traditions” (Four-part series)

Tuesday, December 20 at 8 p.m.

Join Lidia Bastianich as she visits with everyone from actors Mo Rocca and Stanley Tucci to a Chinese American family named Fong-Torres to discover four different holiday tables including an Italian-American Christmas Eve, a four-generation Mexican-American family Christmas get-together, a Chinese-American New Year celebration and a Jewish-American Passover.

• Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Featuring David Archuleta and Michael York

Tuesday, December 20 at 9 p.m.; Sunday, December 25 at Noon and 5 p.m.

Along with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square and 107 dancers, Season Seven American Idol runner-up David Archuleta sings holiday favorites while Michael York reads the story of Christmas from the Book of Luke from Salt Lake City.

• Nature “Christmas in Yellowstone”

Wednesday, December 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 25 at 8 p.m.

From snowflake crystals, to elk and bison to Jackson Hole, join NATURE as they retrace the footsteps of the original men who first explored Yellowstone and see extraordinary scenes often missed in Hayden Valley for “a Christmas like no other.”

• Christmas at Belmont

Thursday, December 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 25 at 2 p.m.

This annual holiday season tradition features familiar carols, classical masterworks, world music and seasonal favorites from the 400 student voices and Belmont University School of Music faculty.

• The National Christmas Tree Lighting 2011

Thursday, December 22 at 9 p.m.

Joined by some of the biggest names in entertainment this program’s finale includes the lighting of the National Christmas Tree by President Barack Obama and his family.

• European Christmas Markets

Thursday, December 22 at 10:30 p.m.

Travel through Germany, France and Switzerland and visit cities and towns through the lively markets of Europe at Christmas time.

• L.A. Holiday Celebration 2011

Friday, December 23 at 9 p.m.

L.A. Holiday Celebration 2010 (50th Annual)

Sunday, December 25 at 4 p.m.

Attended annually by more than 7,000 people, this LIVE three-hour program features more than 1,000 performers and includes an array of ethnic and culturally diverse music and dance.

• Christmas at St. Olaf

Friday, December 23 at 10 p.m. and Sunday, December 25 at 1 p.m.

From St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, this is a celebration that features five of the college’s choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra with newly commissioned works from American composers Andre J. Thomas and David N. Childs.

• Home and Hearth: The Crane Candlelight Concert 2009

Sunday, December 25 at 3 p.m.

This Christmas concert with The Crane Chorus and Crane Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rebecca Reames, Jeffrey Francom, Heather Eyerly, and Kenneth Andrews features more than 300 carolers and musicians performing traditional and seasonal hymns.

• Purdue Christmas Show

Sunday, December 25 at 6 p.m.

Now in its 77th year, the Purdue Christmas Show features members of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, Purduettes, Purdue Bells, University Choir, Heart & Soul, All Campus & Community Chorale and the PMO Kids Choir from Elliott Hall of Music.

• Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh

Sunday, December 25 at 7 p.m.

Perry Como once sang that, “there’s no place like home for the holidays.” Join beloved producer Rick Sebak as he takes you on a journey through western Pennsylvania holiday traditions past and present. It’s Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh.


WQED-TV HOLIDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

• Curious George Holiday Spectacular

Wednesday, November 23

Curious George The Movie at 8 a.m.

Curious George Follow That Monkey at 9:30 a.m.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas II at 11 a.m.

• Shalom Sesame – Chanukah: The Missing Menorah

Monday, December 19 at 11 a.m.

• America’s Children’s Holiday Parade

Tuesday, December 20 at 11 a.m. and Noon

• Shalom Sesame – Chanukah: The Missing Menorah

Wednesday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m.

• Prima Princessa Presents “Sleeping Beauty”

Thursday, December 22 at 11 a.m.

• Prima Princessa Presents “The Nutcracker”

Thursday, December 22 at Noon

• Christmas Day Programming

Sunday, December 25

Barney & Friends “Gift of the Dinos/A Visit From Santa” at 6 a.m.

Caillou “Caillou’s Christmas” at 6:30 a.m.

WordWorld “The Christmas Star/A Present for Dog” at 7 a.m.

Clifford’s Puppy Days “Heroes and Friends/The Cookie Crumbles” at 7:30 a.m.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas at 8 a.m.

Super Why! “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at 9 a.m.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That “Reindeer Games” at 9:30 a.m.

Dinosaur Train “Don’s Winter Wish/Festival of Lights” at 10 a.m.

Sid the Science Kid “Sid’s Holiday Adventure” at 10:30 a.m.

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas at 11 a.m.


CLASSICAL WQED-FM 89.3/WQEJ-FM 89.7 HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING

• Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 24

Giving Thanks at 6 p.m.

Today your family shares common blessings and a bountiful meal. John Birge brings to the table music, stories and thoughtful reflections on the meaning of Thanksgiving.


A Simple Thanksgiving at 8 p.m.

Quiet, uninterrupted music – the perfect accompaniment to relaxing after dinner.


The Thanksgiving Visitor at 11 p.m.

Truman Capote reads his classic aloud. (A WQED-FM 89.3 holiday tradition and favorite!)


• Thanksgiving With Cantus

Friday, November 25 at 6 p.m.

Join Cantus, one of America’s most accomplished vocal ensembles for a special Thanksgiving program.


• A Thanksgiving Celebration with Garrison Keillor

Saturday, November 27 at 8 p.m.

A broadcast of “Gratitude, Gravy and Garrison,” VocalEssence’s celebration of all things Thanksgiving. Keillor performs his signature monologue and contributes comic new lyrics to familiar songs and hymns.


• Heinz Chapel Choir Holiday Concert

Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.


• River City Brass Holiday Concert

Thursday, December 8 at 8 p.m.


• Carnegie Mellon Holiday Concert

Friday, December 9 at 8 p.m.


• Handel’s Messiah

Sunday, December 18 at 8 p.m.


• A Taste of Chanukah

Monday, December 19 at 9 p.m.


• A Great Miracle Happened There

Thursday, December 22 at 9 p.m.


• Welcome Christmas

Saturday, December 24 at 9 a.m.


• Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

LIVE from Kings College in Cambridge, England

Saturday, December 24 at 10 a.m.


• Polish Christmas Cheer

Saturday, December 24th at 10 p.m.


• Christmas Day

Sunday, December 25


A Spanish Renaissance Christmas at 11 a.m.

An Elizabethan Christmas at Noon

St. Olaf Christmas Festival at 1 p.m.

Heinz Chapel Choir & CMU Holiday Concerts at 3 p.m.

Pittsburgh Symphony Brass Holiday Show at 5 p.m.

Handel’s Messiah at 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m.

A Chanticleer Christmas at 10 p.m.

Echoes of Christmas at 11 p.m.


• Chanukah in Story and Song

Tuesday, December 27 at 9 p.m.


• Live from First Night

Saturday, December 31st at 8 p.m.


• New Year’s Day From Vienna

Sunday, January 1 at 11 a.m.


WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 128 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and The WQED Education Department.