CSU Chico To Host Russian Broadcasters

The Office of International Programs at California State University, Chico will host a two-week training program in "TV Broadcast Management" for 12 Russian participants beginning Saturday, Sept. 15. The program is designed to strengthen the role of independent media in Russia by increasing the effectiveness of television station management. Television is the primary source of news in Russia, but the sustainability of independent TV stations remains tenuous due to political and economic pressures.

It is hoped that increasing the management skills of the participants will result in their decreased reliance on non-advertising sources and greater independence.

Participants will visit small and medium-size television stations in Chico, Sacramento, San Francisco and Redding for an intensive study of the responsibilities of TV station managers. Topics will include strategic planning, corporate accountability and control, management structure, human resource management, marketing and sales.

A variety of cultural activities designed to provide a window into American culture are also part of the program. Led by media consultant and former KHSL TV news director/manager Bruce Lang, the team of trainers includes CSU, Chico faculty members Dr. John Long, Dr. Peter Gross and Fred Thorne.

The program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and administered by the Academy for Educational Development (AED), is designed to foster permanent, on-going relationships among professionals from CSU, Chico, Russian media managers and their U.S. counterparts.

Upon completion of the program participants will have enhanced professional skills, direct experience in an established free press and free market setting and, perhaps, a deepened commitment to the values of democracy and free market economics. Participants are available for media interviews by appointment. For more information, please contact Diana Parks, program director, at 530-898-6049.