2011 Community Ascertainment Focuses

                          On Opinions From Elected Officials
The 2011 Community Ascertainment, sponsored by the Greater Wilmington Radio Association (GWRA), was held from 9 a.m. to noon on February 23 at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana in Newark, Delaware. This was the third such Ascertainment sponsored by GWRA since 2004; the previous ones were held in September 2006 and October 2008.
 
While the first two focused mainly on non-profits, this was the first specifically aimed at legislators and other elected officials.
 
(Related to this, GWRA conducted an online survey of Delaware non-profits, the results of which will be released in a separate report.)

 

The purpose of the event was to provide broadcasters an opportunity to ascertain from civic leaders important information that would assist them in developing programming and other initiatives that respond to community needs.

 

This valuable input will become the basis for public affairs programming and public service announcements, special news coverage, editorials or other content, and for station-sponsored community events.

Rep. Michael A. Barbieri (D-18), above, talks about how radio could benefit his constituents by broadcasting information to help them access certain government services.

 

Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden (D-2), below, describes how her 18 years on Wilmington City Council helped prepare her for her first term in the Delaware House of Representatives.  She would like broadcasters to air quarterly panel discussions about current political issues, and wishes the media would do more to publicize actions taken at civic association meetings.

New Castle County Executive Paul G. Clark, left, and Chief of Staff Dennis B. Phifer, Esq., answer questions from representatives of the Greater Wilmington Radio Association.

 

The invitation list was comprised of 59 representatives from state and local government. Eight individuals accepted GWRA′s invitation; 19 declined due to previous commitments or without reason; and the remainder did not respond. In the end, six individuals – including the New Castle County Executive and the Delaware Insurance Commissioner – participated. (Two previously scheduled speakers cancelled the day of the event due to circumstances beyond their control.)

 

Each spoke informally, or from prepared notes, for approximately 10 to 15 minutes; then took questions from the representatives of the radio stations in attendance.  (A list of radio representatives participating in the Ascertainment may be found at the bottom of this Web page.)
Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart, above, explains the functions of her department and how radio can help promote its services.

Joseph Fulgham, communications officer for the Delaware House Republican Caucus, above, talks about the services his office can provide to broadcasters.

 

Rep. John A. Kowalko Jr. (D-25), left, feels that the media are the most important tool to promote his constituents' agenda.
Representing local radio at the Ascertainment were Bob Bloom, General Manager, 103.7 WXCY-FM; Pete Booker, President & CEO, Delmarva Broadcasting Co.**; Chris Carl, Director of News & Programming, 1150 WDEL-AM; Amy Cherry, News Reporter/Anchor, 1150 WDEL-AM; Phil Feliceangeli, News Director, Clear Channel Radio - Delaware*, Dave Mackenzie, Chief Engineer, 91.3 WVUD-FM (University of Delaware); Darryl D. McEwen, Executive Director, Greater Wilmington Radio Association; Cynthia Morgan, Senior Vice President, Delmarva Broadcasting Co.**; Regina “Gina” Poletti, Public Affairs Director, 1150 WDEL-AM/93.7 WSTW-FM; Jill Quale, Morning Show CoHost/News Director, 99.5 WJBR-FM; Mike Reath, General Manager, 1150 WDEL-AM/93.7 WSTW-FM; Dan Sultzbach, General Sales Manager, 99.5 WJBR-FM; and Mike Yeager, Program Director, 93.7 WSTW-FM.

 

*94.7 WDSD-FM, 1450 WILM-AM, 1290 WWTX-AM, 92.9 WRDX-FM and 1410 WDOV-AM

**1150 WDEL-AM, 93.7 WSTW-FM, 103.7 WXCY-FM and Graffiti Radio