Many people are wondering if the new commercial television station in Aspen will interfere with GrassRoots TV. Our answer is "No". GrassRoots is community television. Our content is created by the community, for the community. We are not influenced by advertisers or private investors.
The GrassRoots staff is here to help you create the television programs you want the community to see. The staff does not create any of the programming ourselves. Nor do we decide content of the programs.
This is how you help GrassRoots thrive. You use us. Think GrassRoots TV when you have an event you want to preserve and share through video. Think GrassRoots TV when you have a forum you want more people to see. Think GrassRoots TV when you have an idea or point of view you want to spread. We'll help enable
you to see your vision on television. The community is in control here, so let's make some television!
To create use GrassRoots Community Television in your life, call us: 970-925-8000 - or - email us info@grassrootstv.org. GrassRoots TV is a 501-c3 non-profit.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
How Things Have Changed and Stayed the Same
GrassRoots has been covering local elections for 40 years. This year we looked for insights into how we, as a community, have addressed the pertantent issues over the years, and how some of the grand themes of local politics are a constant in our valley. On Tuesday night GrassRoots will provide you with the earliest possible local election results on the crawl, while presenting some truly fascinating conversations from our community archives throughout the night.
Aspen Times reporter Mick Ireland passionately discusses the future need for affordible housing with Kenny Moore in 1982. Everyone's favorite curmudegeon Wink Jaffee wrangles with Pitkin County Commissioner Bob Braudis about freedom and governing in 1986. The same year, outgoing Sheriff Dick Kienast spars with Wink on the drug war and his, at the time, radical philosophy of law enforcement.
County Commissioner candidate Bob Child (voice and mannerisms eerily like present candidate Steve Child) discusses environmental policy, airport expansion and a variety of still hot topics with opponent (now Basalt Town Councilman) Herschal Ross and former Aspen Mayor Eve Homeyer in 1992.
And then late night, something that hasn't aired since it's original live broadcast in 2001... the experimental, wild and wierd KSPN Retro Dance Party in the GrassRoots studio. How many Steve Skinners can you count?
Tune in. You might find GrassRoots election night programming to be the most interesting, intellegent and relevant, and irreverant, on television.
Aspen Times reporter Mick Ireland passionately discusses the future need for affordible housing with Kenny Moore in 1982. Everyone's favorite curmudegeon Wink Jaffee wrangles with Pitkin County Commissioner Bob Braudis about freedom and governing in 1986. The same year, outgoing Sheriff Dick Kienast spars with Wink on the drug war and his, at the time, radical philosophy of law enforcement.
County Commissioner candidate Bob Child (voice and mannerisms eerily like present candidate Steve Child) discusses environmental policy, airport expansion and a variety of still hot topics with opponent (now Basalt Town Councilman) Herschal Ross and former Aspen Mayor Eve Homeyer in 1992.
And then late night, something that hasn't aired since it's original live broadcast in 2001... the experimental, wild and wierd KSPN Retro Dance Party in the GrassRoots studio. How many Steve Skinners can you count?
Tune in. You might find GrassRoots election night programming to be the most interesting, intellegent and relevant, and irreverant, on television.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Vision For A True Community
We hadn't heard from Grass-Roots Network founder John Smith in a long, long time. Last month he sent a note wondering how it was going, after hearing from an old friend that GrassRoots TV was still an invaluable community asset. GrassRoots is still here, 40 years after John and a handful of hippies plugged a camera into the cable system, because we still channel their original vision. John wrote in 1975:
"Communication binds people together. When a relationship works it is because communication works. In the same way, good communication makes a community work. In fact, the words communication and community have the same root: communis, in common. A town is not a true community unless its residents are continually discovering and discussing their common concerns and developing common goals.
"Communication binds people together. When a relationship works it is because communication works. In the same way, good communication makes a community work. In fact, the words communication and community have the same root: communis, in common. A town is not a true community unless its residents are continually discovering and discussing their common concerns and developing common goals.
"In a personal relationship, face-to-face communication is most effective. But when we need to address a larger audience about an issue that concerns the entire community, face-to-face communication isn’t enough. We need Mass Communication: newspapers, radio, television...
"Unfortunately, television has been expensive, complicated and exclusive, with a relatively small group of professionals speaking to the rest of us. Network television, for example, shows us sports, drama, comedy, news, but it almost never shows us ourselves. Because it is national, and therefore general, it can entertain us, inform us, and sell to us, but it cannot respond to us. Thus we cannot respond to it in any real way. In short, because we cannot participate in network television, it offers little opportunity for making connections between people-particularly within our own community.
"But there is another kind of television. It is inexpensive, flexible, inclusive and responsive. It creates a link between the individual and the community. It is of, by and for the people of the community. It is called community television.
"Since 1971, Aspen has had community television, Grass-Roots Network. Grass-Roots offers everyone in the community not only a forum but also the opportunity to learn to create his or her own programs. No view is excluded. No issue is avoided. No experiment is condemned.
"Literally hundreds of people have participated in this endeavor. All of the programming on Grass-Roots has been created by local residents who are mastering a new technology and a new art form. They are developing their own creative skills, discovering the rewards of participating with others in community television and finding a new and effective way to speak directly to their fellow residents."
John has been working his little farm outside Eugene, Oregon ever since moving on from Aspen in 1978. "I don't do media anymore, I do life," John said in an Aspen Time article a few years back. He seems quite fascinated, however, that 40 years later, his crazy experiment in communis is still connecting us to one another, still building true community.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Off Season's New Shows
The fall shoulder season is upon us. At GrassRoots TV that doesn't necessarily mean we are just re-airing some of the summers best programs. We still have a collection of great new productions from around the RFV.
Some highlights so far this fall:
The fall means it's voting season. This year the Pitkin County Republicans have been busy, you can watch any of their programs here: http://grtv.me/V6owwQ
Justice Snow's is doing a new performance series called "The Salon", this first installment includes local stars such as Jan Garret, JD Martin, and Kim Nuzzo. Watch it here: http://grtv.me/QzcPxl
Earlier this month the Roaring Fork Conservancy had a great presentation at the Hotel Colorado. If you couldn't make the lecture, you can watch it here: http://grtv.me/S858yG
"The Biochemistry of Hormones, Mood and Emotion: Finding Balance as We Age". This is a very popular lecture, if you missed the event you can watch it here: http://grtv.me/OtVDee
AHS Football, they are having a solid start to their season. You can watch the action you might have missed right here: http://grtv.me/S6qvCz
The above are the highlights from September. If you are interested in our other programming, check out our full schedule at: www.GrassRootsTV.org/schedule.aspx.
The AMS Students say it best, "Thanks For Watching!"
Some highlights so far this fall:
Healthy Mountain Communities did a series titled, "The State of the Valley Symposium". If you missed the live event, don't worry our cameras captured the whole thing. You can watch what you missed here: http://grtv.me/VVcHsR
The fall means it's voting season. This year the Pitkin County Republicans have been busy, you can watch any of their programs here: http://grtv.me/V6owwQ
Justice Snow's is doing a new performance series called "The Salon", this first installment includes local stars such as Jan Garret, JD Martin, and Kim Nuzzo. Watch it here: http://grtv.me/QzcPxl
Earlier this month the Roaring Fork Conservancy had a great presentation at the Hotel Colorado. If you couldn't make the lecture, you can watch it here: http://grtv.me/S858yG
"The Biochemistry of Hormones, Mood and Emotion: Finding Balance as We Age". This is a very popular lecture, if you missed the event you can watch it here: http://grtv.me/OtVDee
AHS Football, they are having a solid start to their season. You can watch the action you might have missed right here: http://grtv.me/S6qvCz
The above are the highlights from September. If you are interested in our other programming, check out our full schedule at: www.GrassRootsTV.org/schedule.aspx.
The AMS Students say it best, "Thanks For Watching!"
Friday, September 7, 2012
Good Luck Brad!
As you may or may not know, our longtime employee Brad Manosevitz is leaving GrassRoots Television. With a decade of service under his belt at GrassRoots, he is taking some time off from Aspen to travel. Brad has intentions of returning to Aspen in the spring, so it's just a temporary good bye from the Valley.
Brad has made quite an impact on GrassRoots. In 2005 he started CGTV Channel 11, he continued to manage the station for 6 years. Dealing with government programming is not always the most exciting job, but he worked hard and created the best government channel around.
He is also our resident AV fix it guy. If any of our equipment broken, Brad would be the guy to trouble shoot and repair it, or find the right resource to get it fixed and back working. I'll tell you right now, television equipment and technology breaks down relatively often. We'll really notice his empty chair soon.
Brad is also our field production manager. He is the guy who hires our contract shooters, organizes and packs the equipment, and makes sure everything runs smoothly. Brad has been our field guy since 2007. He has stepped up our quality level in the field department tremendously.
Brad also wears the hat as our resident musician and MC. For 10 years GrassRoots TV has had the privilege of having great talent at arms length. He would be the first to jump up to a mic in any crowd and chat away about the wonders of GrassRoots TV. Or be a quick volunteer to add a guitar and vocals to any event or production we needed. We will surely miss those skills.
He is also an Aikido Master, so we all felt safe when he was around. Look out bears... if you decide to attack, you might end up with a round house kick to the face. Gone are the days when we can just rely upon Brad to protect us, we might have to start actually locking our doors.
Brad, if you're reading this. We will all miss you and your many talents. Thank you for being an integral part of our staff for the last 10 years. Cheers to you and your new adventure!
Brad has made quite an impact on GrassRoots. In 2005 he started CGTV Channel 11, he continued to manage the station for 6 years. Dealing with government programming is not always the most exciting job, but he worked hard and created the best government channel around.
He is also our resident AV fix it guy. If any of our equipment broken, Brad would be the guy to trouble shoot and repair it, or find the right resource to get it fixed and back working. I'll tell you right now, television equipment and technology breaks down relatively often. We'll really notice his empty chair soon.
Brad is also our field production manager. He is the guy who hires our contract shooters, organizes and packs the equipment, and makes sure everything runs smoothly. Brad has been our field guy since 2007. He has stepped up our quality level in the field department tremendously.
Brad also wears the hat as our resident musician and MC. For 10 years GrassRoots TV has had the privilege of having great talent at arms length. He would be the first to jump up to a mic in any crowd and chat away about the wonders of GrassRoots TV. Or be a quick volunteer to add a guitar and vocals to any event or production we needed. We will surely miss those skills.
He is also an Aikido Master, so we all felt safe when he was around. Look out bears... if you decide to attack, you might end up with a round house kick to the face. Gone are the days when we can just rely upon Brad to protect us, we might have to start actually locking our doors.
Brad, if you're reading this. We will all miss you and your many talents. Thank you for being an integral part of our staff for the last 10 years. Cheers to you and your new adventure!
Friday, August 24, 2012
High School Sports
Yep, it's that time of year again. The time of year when the kids go back to the classroom and get back to learning. This also brings the fun of high school athletics. The lights, the fans, and the chilly fall air collectively bring excitement to these sporting events.
Here at GrassRoots TV we LOVE high school sports. We enjoy being at the games shooting the action, and then rebroadcasting each game to allow you to catch some action you might have missed, or wanted to see a second time. All of this wouldn't happen without "you" the viewer and supporter. GrassRoots TV only covers games and events that have sponsors to help cover the cost of filming. So, if you like high school sports, show your support by sponsoring a game; that allows us to film and air these big games.
In order to make these games even more exciting, we rely on our wonderful game announcers. Have you ever wanted to give John Maddens job a try? Luckily you don't have to travel far. We're actually looking for a AHS football announcer for the season, so please give Ashley Allison a call at 970-925-8000 if you're interested in giving it a try.
Our wonderful Ashley is also the sponsor seeker, so if you are willing to step up and be a sponsor, give her a call or email her: ashley@grassrootstv.org. Bonus! Sponsors get an incredible amount of exposure to the local fans and community. Give her a ring to hear what it's all about.
Now get ready to cheer your favorite Roaring Fork Valley team on!
Here at GrassRoots TV we LOVE high school sports. We enjoy being at the games shooting the action, and then rebroadcasting each game to allow you to catch some action you might have missed, or wanted to see a second time. All of this wouldn't happen without "you" the viewer and supporter. GrassRoots TV only covers games and events that have sponsors to help cover the cost of filming. So, if you like high school sports, show your support by sponsoring a game; that allows us to film and air these big games.
In order to make these games even more exciting, we rely on our wonderful game announcers. Have you ever wanted to give John Maddens job a try? Luckily you don't have to travel far. We're actually looking for a AHS football announcer for the season, so please give Ashley Allison a call at 970-925-8000 if you're interested in giving it a try.
Our wonderful Ashley is also the sponsor seeker, so if you are willing to step up and be a sponsor, give her a call or email her: ashley@grassrootstv.org. Bonus! Sponsors get an incredible amount of exposure to the local fans and community. Give her a ring to hear what it's all about.
Now get ready to cheer your favorite Roaring Fork Valley team on!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Pro Challenge
So there is a HUGE bike race in Aspen Wednesday and Thursday this week. If you're interested in some quick information on the bike race we've got two great programs to provide you with what you need to know about the USA Pro Challenge.
City Matters: 'Pro Challenge Aspen Stage' with Nancy Lesley and Justin Todd *ON DEMAND*:
And
The Local's Show - 'Get Set for the USA Pro Challenge!' with Nancy Lesley and Barb Frank:
If that doesn't give you the answers to your questions check out this website Aspen has:
That should do it, now go out and cheer your favorite racer on!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Beer Here!
Last Friday was Mountain Fair in Carbondale. GrassRoots TV partnered with the Sopris Sun to serve delicious libations to the thirsty people of Mountain Fair. The tips generated from our service were donated towards both community media non-profits. All of the volunteers dressed up and made the beer shift so much fun; we even had a little dance we did. If you made it out to the beer garden on Friday, thanks for your contribution to community media.
I have to say that CCAH (Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities), the producers of Mountain Fair, nailed it by creating this revenue generator for local non-profits. They could have easily said, "to heck with training all these different non-profit volunteers, we'll just hire people." Instead all the money generated from tips went to great homes.
The money GrassRoots TV raised working for tips will be invested into our 3rd Street Center office space. GrassRoots is very close to opening our office door in that building. It should happen sometime this month. What that means is we're slowly creeping toward opening our studio doors. First, the office doors, then the studio doors. Once the studio doors are open we will be willing and able to produce Carbondale community programs.
If you missed us at the beer booth and are interested in helping GrassRoots TV open our C'dale office, you can call us to contribute: 970-925-8000.
I have to say that CCAH (Carbondale Council for Arts and Humanities), the producers of Mountain Fair, nailed it by creating this revenue generator for local non-profits. They could have easily said, "to heck with training all these different non-profit volunteers, we'll just hire people." Instead all the money generated from tips went to great homes.
The money GrassRoots TV raised working for tips will be invested into our 3rd Street Center office space. GrassRoots is very close to opening our office door in that building. It should happen sometime this month. What that means is we're slowly creeping toward opening our studio doors. First, the office doors, then the studio doors. Once the studio doors are open we will be willing and able to produce Carbondale community programs.
If you missed us at the beer booth and are interested in helping GrassRoots TV open our C'dale office, you can call us to contribute: 970-925-8000.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Government at Work
GrassRoots Television is contracted to film and air local government meetings. The three governments that are involved include: City of Aspen, Pitkin County, and Town of Snowmass Village. These government meetings are aired on GrassRoots TVs partner station, CGTV (Community Government Television) on Comcast Cable channel 11.
CGTV has been on Comcast Cable channel 11 since 2005. Previous to 2005 the government meetings would air on GrassRoots TV channel 12. The meetings were taking up too much air time on GrassRoots and the decision was made to spin off the government meetings onto their own channel. CGTV was born. CGTV is strictly government/community related programming. Despite what you might think, the channel is more than meetings. Each government creates programs about topics and events that are happening around the community. These shows air in between the weekly meetings.
These informative programs are useful for everyone in the Roaring Fork Valley. Currently there is a lot of programming about wildfires, wildfire prevention, and wildfire mitigation. Pikin County has a plethora of great programs, including shows about the Airport Master Plan, a weekly road construction report, the Crystal River, and a program about the Pitkin County Sheriffs Dept. City of Aspen has programs on Aspen City Parks and Open Space, fraud prevention, and sexual violence prevention. Town of Snowmass Village has a program about the new businesses around Snowmass.
If you are flipping through the channels, be sure to stop at CGTV Channel 11 and watch what we are all about. You might learn something about your local community. Of course we will be airing almost all public meetings if you couldn't make it to the meeting, watch it on CGTV.
CGTV has been on Comcast Cable channel 11 since 2005. Previous to 2005 the government meetings would air on GrassRoots TV channel 12. The meetings were taking up too much air time on GrassRoots and the decision was made to spin off the government meetings onto their own channel. CGTV was born. CGTV is strictly government/community related programming. Despite what you might think, the channel is more than meetings. Each government creates programs about topics and events that are happening around the community. These shows air in between the weekly meetings.
These informative programs are useful for everyone in the Roaring Fork Valley. Currently there is a lot of programming about wildfires, wildfire prevention, and wildfire mitigation. Pikin County has a plethora of great programs, including shows about the Airport Master Plan, a weekly road construction report, the Crystal River, and a program about the Pitkin County Sheriffs Dept. City of Aspen has programs on Aspen City Parks and Open Space, fraud prevention, and sexual violence prevention. Town of Snowmass Village has a program about the new businesses around Snowmass.
If you are flipping through the channels, be sure to stop at CGTV Channel 11 and watch what we are all about. You might learn something about your local community. Of course we will be airing almost all public meetings if you couldn't make it to the meeting, watch it on CGTV.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Roll Cameras
The summer solstice was on Thursday, that is the official first day of summer! But at GrassRoots TV, we jumped the gun and started cranking our summer season on Sunday with the "Aspen Writers Foundation: Summer Words Festival". Our production equipment won't cool down until late August.
Our cameras will roll through miles of tape, with complete weeks worth of work. We have three field production cameras. Each professional broadcast quality camera has a little personality of their own.
The oldest camera is Nemo. Nemo was once our workhorse, but now nearing retirement. It was recently repaired and got a clean bill of health. So, it might have to wait a few more years for its pension.
The middle camera is Flipper. Flipper is our workhorse. It is used for almost 80% of our field productions. It is not an HD camera or XD for that matter, but a great working SD. GrassRoots TV is currently broadcasting in SD. With some huge fundraising help, we'll eventually be broadcasting in HD. Once we do the big switch over to HD, both Flipper and Nemo will have to retire.
GrassRoots TV newest camera is Shamoo. I always want to call it Shampoo, but that wouldn't fit into our naming theme of aquatic wildlife. Shamoo is an XD camera, meaning that it has HD and SD filming capabilities. Shamoo would be our workhorse, if it recorded to DV cam tapes. It records to an HD disc that cannot be easily transferred in our studio to air on the station. Therefore, it gets used as often as it can when we have multi-camera field shoots. It's our little colt just about old enough to become our workhorse.
GrassRoots TV also has a couple of community cameras. The Larry Cam and the Hell Cam. Both cameras are available for the public to use. You can stop by and take it for a few days to use for your personal purposes. We just ask that you return it so other community members can take advantage of the camera too.
The Larry Cam is our easiest to operate community camera. Larry donated the money so we could purchase such a camera so the public could have a free camera to use. That is why the Larry Cam does not fit the naming theme of aquatic wildlife . This is an SD camera as well. If anyone is interested in donating some $$ to upgrade our community camera, just stop by or call us 970-925-8000. For an added bonus, we'll even name the camera after you.
The Hell Cam is our other community camera, it stays in the box most of the time. I'm not sure the exact name origin, but I assume it's because the Hell Cam is not easy to use. It is kind of a pain in the butt. So it deserves that name. The Hell Cam does have a very nice lens though.
That wraps up the background on our camera equipment. Yes, it is all great equipment and every day we say a little prayer that it will come back safely to our studio so it can be used again for the next shoot. Cheers to a summer with a lot of used tape stock!
Our cameras will roll through miles of tape, with complete weeks worth of work. We have three field production cameras. Each professional broadcast quality camera has a little personality of their own.
The oldest camera is Nemo. Nemo was once our workhorse, but now nearing retirement. It was recently repaired and got a clean bill of health. So, it might have to wait a few more years for its pension.
The middle camera is Flipper. Flipper is our workhorse. It is used for almost 80% of our field productions. It is not an HD camera or XD for that matter, but a great working SD. GrassRoots TV is currently broadcasting in SD. With some huge fundraising help, we'll eventually be broadcasting in HD. Once we do the big switch over to HD, both Flipper and Nemo will have to retire.
GrassRoots TV newest camera is Shamoo. I always want to call it Shampoo, but that wouldn't fit into our naming theme of aquatic wildlife. Shamoo is an XD camera, meaning that it has HD and SD filming capabilities. Shamoo would be our workhorse, if it recorded to DV cam tapes. It records to an HD disc that cannot be easily transferred in our studio to air on the station. Therefore, it gets used as often as it can when we have multi-camera field shoots. It's our little colt just about old enough to become our workhorse.
GrassRoots TV also has a couple of community cameras. The Larry Cam and the Hell Cam. Both cameras are available for the public to use. You can stop by and take it for a few days to use for your personal purposes. We just ask that you return it so other community members can take advantage of the camera too.
The Larry Cam is our easiest to operate community camera. Larry donated the money so we could purchase such a camera so the public could have a free camera to use. That is why the Larry Cam does not fit the naming theme of aquatic wildlife . This is an SD camera as well. If anyone is interested in donating some $$ to upgrade our community camera, just stop by or call us 970-925-8000. For an added bonus, we'll even name the camera after you.
The Hell Cam is our other community camera, it stays in the box most of the time. I'm not sure the exact name origin, but I assume it's because the Hell Cam is not easy to use. It is kind of a pain in the butt. So it deserves that name. The Hell Cam does have a very nice lens though.
That wraps up the background on our camera equipment. Yes, it is all great equipment and every day we say a little prayer that it will come back safely to our studio so it can be used again for the next shoot. Cheers to a summer with a lot of used tape stock!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Post Production
So close to finishing the short videos for the Wheeler Opera House's 7908 Song Writer Festival. Lauren Pierce from the Wheeler came over a couple of days ago for a sneak peek and was pleased - which pleases me! Rye Zupancis created a great looking lower 3rd graphic for titles yesterday and Ellen Winter helped solve more than one critical FCP mysteries that were hanging me up. It truly was a team effort and I so appreciate their help.
Got a call from the Rock and Roll Academy earlier this week - they are hiring us to shoot their spring concert at the Wheeler Opera House. STOKED! Looking forward to working that one!
And finally, from way out in left field comes a request from a community member that we write a letter on her behalf requesting access to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the Untied Nations in Washington, DC! So I faxed off a signed letter on GrassRoots TV letter head to the UN yesterday and she was granted access to the forum. THAT, my friends, is the POWER that your community access TV station wields - internationally recognized, revered by many, feared by some. Now in it's 40th year! Not sold in stores. Ask for it by name!
Got a call from the Rock and Roll Academy earlier this week - they are hiring us to shoot their spring concert at the Wheeler Opera House. STOKED! Looking forward to working that one!
And finally, from way out in left field comes a request from a community member that we write a letter on her behalf requesting access to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the Untied Nations in Washington, DC! So I faxed off a signed letter on GrassRoots TV letter head to the UN yesterday and she was granted access to the forum. THAT, my friends, is the POWER that your community access TV station wields - internationally recognized, revered by many, feared by some. Now in it's 40th year! Not sold in stores. Ask for it by name!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Searching... for ?
At GrassRoots TV we have programs on all sorts of topics. It's amazing that you can search our site, (right here) and find results on most topics. It's like a google for the local community, where all the responses are videos. Since 2009, GrassRoots TV has been capable of putting our programs so viewers can watch them on demand. Do you see a show you want to watch on demand, but it's prior to 2009? Let us know and we can post the video.
Looking for a great book to read? Search 'AWF Reads,' The Aspen Writers Foundation produces a 'book club' type show that highlights some current great reads. Try it and see!
Are you interested in the Aspen Institute? We've got you covered. Search 'Aspen Institute,' to get a list of all the lectures/speakers/programs you've missed. There is a big collection, so you're sure to find a topic or speaker you'll enjoy.
Do you enjoy science? Search 'Aspen Physics,' or 'Aspen Science,' for results that will make even the brainiest science geek, "squeak" with excitement. This search will provide you with some great lectures and shows with some of the most prolific scientists in the world. Yes, Dr. Stephen W. Hawking is featured in a lecture. There is a huge quantity of quality programs here!
Is art something you enjoy? Search 'Art Matters,' this is the Aspen Art Museum's regular program. This program does a fantastic job of finding artists and topics you'll enjoy watching. What is your favorite artist on this list?
Are you a health nut? Search 'Medicine in the Mountains,' this is the program that AVH hosts. Ginny Dyche has been interviewing doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals for years. We have an archive of almost any health topic you can think of. Just search away for your answers to what ails you.
Interested in local life? Search 'Local's Show,' Erik Skarvan has had his finger on the pulse in this community for years. Erik loves having inspirational locals as his guests, getting the low down on what's happening in our valley. How many of his guests do you know?
Now it's your turn. Go ahead and search GrassRoots TV programs. You're sure to find something you like! Please comment and let us know what you've come up with that you enjoy.
Looking for a great book to read? Search 'AWF Reads,' The Aspen Writers Foundation produces a 'book club' type show that highlights some current great reads. Try it and see!
Are you interested in the Aspen Institute? We've got you covered. Search 'Aspen Institute,' to get a list of all the lectures/speakers/programs you've missed. There is a big collection, so you're sure to find a topic or speaker you'll enjoy.
Do you enjoy science? Search 'Aspen Physics,' or 'Aspen Science,' for results that will make even the brainiest science geek, "squeak" with excitement. This search will provide you with some great lectures and shows with some of the most prolific scientists in the world. Yes, Dr. Stephen W. Hawking is featured in a lecture. There is a huge quantity of quality programs here!
Is art something you enjoy? Search 'Art Matters,' this is the Aspen Art Museum's regular program. This program does a fantastic job of finding artists and topics you'll enjoy watching. What is your favorite artist on this list?
Are you a health nut? Search 'Medicine in the Mountains,' this is the program that AVH hosts. Ginny Dyche has been interviewing doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals for years. We have an archive of almost any health topic you can think of. Just search away for your answers to what ails you.
Interested in local life? Search 'Local's Show,' Erik Skarvan has had his finger on the pulse in this community for years. Erik loves having inspirational locals as his guests, getting the low down on what's happening in our valley. How many of his guests do you know?
Now it's your turn. Go ahead and search GrassRoots TV programs. You're sure to find something you like! Please comment and let us know what you've come up with that you enjoy.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
AMS kids rock out to the ukulele!
Last week the Aspen Middle School kids produced an interview and live performance by local middle schooler Damien Beecroft. Beecroft played an awesome cover of "Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Sarah Navias did an excellent job hosting the interview, and the kids easily directed and worked camera for this complicated show. After supervising five years of the AMS Media Literacy Class, I'd have to say this is up there with the best programs the kids have produced. Watch the program right now by clicking this link: http://grassrootstv.org/Show.aspx?ShowID=10795
Check out previous shows by searching "AMS Show" on GrassRootsTV.org :http://grassrootstv.org/search.aspx?term=ams%20show
Posted by: Rye Zupancis
Friday, April 20, 2012
Tight Knit Crew
As I near being employed for 5 years at GrassRoots TV, I think how lucky I am. Out of our small staff of 5, I am the newest employee. To me, that says quite a bit.
GrassRoots isn't the most sexy of non-profits, we don't attract a huge volume of big donors, we work hard for our keep. We have stayed in business, employing all 5 of us through some thin times. We have watched other non-profits go out of business, and wondered if we were next. We long for the days where we don't have to cling to fully depreciated equipment that should have been replaced by now. I'd like to say my crystal ball says "the worst is over"... but that crystal ball is fully depreciated and beyond repair.
To be the newest employee at 5 years, also says that all 5 of us get along. I've worked jobs where co-workers have driven me out. It's not healthy to dislike your co-workers. At GrassRoots I enjoy each day with my co-workers. Sure everyone has off days, but there isn't one person on staff I'd "swap-out". Yes, I'm guessing their reading this right now... it's true I do love each of you, thanks for being so wonderful to work with.
The last and very important piece to this puzzle is our fearless leader, El Jefe. El Jefe has a management style that allows each one of us to do what we enjoy. Sure we all have job duties that we don't especially love to do, but we all do them bc someone has to. All of us are so fortunate to work for someone who lets us be who we want to be professionally. He doesn't micro manage or come down on us to heavily when things go wrong. He nurtures our individual styles that creates a positive work environment. I would say that without him GrassRoots TV would have been a beggar on a street corner long ago.
In conclusion, I hope all of you out there reading this can find this kind of cohesiveness in your life. Whether it be in your work, family, team, friends, or other misc group, cohesion in a group can make a good group, great.
GrassRoots isn't the most sexy of non-profits, we don't attract a huge volume of big donors, we work hard for our keep. We have stayed in business, employing all 5 of us through some thin times. We have watched other non-profits go out of business, and wondered if we were next. We long for the days where we don't have to cling to fully depreciated equipment that should have been replaced by now. I'd like to say my crystal ball says "the worst is over"... but that crystal ball is fully depreciated and beyond repair.
To be the newest employee at 5 years, also says that all 5 of us get along. I've worked jobs where co-workers have driven me out. It's not healthy to dislike your co-workers. At GrassRoots I enjoy each day with my co-workers. Sure everyone has off days, but there isn't one person on staff I'd "swap-out". Yes, I'm guessing their reading this right now... it's true I do love each of you, thanks for being so wonderful to work with.
The last and very important piece to this puzzle is our fearless leader, El Jefe. El Jefe has a management style that allows each one of us to do what we enjoy. Sure we all have job duties that we don't especially love to do, but we all do them bc someone has to. All of us are so fortunate to work for someone who lets us be who we want to be professionally. He doesn't micro manage or come down on us to heavily when things go wrong. He nurtures our individual styles that creates a positive work environment. I would say that without him GrassRoots TV would have been a beggar on a street corner long ago.
In conclusion, I hope all of you out there reading this can find this kind of cohesiveness in your life. Whether it be in your work, family, team, friends, or other misc group, cohesion in a group can make a good group, great.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
WeIrDeSt thing to happen at GrassRoots TV today....
What is it that makes our Valley and its people so special?
Is it the musicians, waiters, athletes, teachers, politicians, comedians, moms,
dads, real estate agents, non-profit workers, bar flies, gad flies or kids..? I
think that one could definitely be argued. All I know is that we see it all
because we are in fact a reflection of our community and most importantly all
the colorful characters that make up this crazy wonderful place we call home.
In turn after years of working at the one and only GrassRoots TV we have pretty
much seen and heard it all. So this portion of our Blog will be dedicated to
just that sharing with you our people: “The weirdest thing to happen at
GrassRoots TV today……”
Thursday, April 19th 11am:
Just received an email from one of our fabulous community
members and longtime supporters of GrassRoots TV informing me that and I quote:
“Been a member of the International Brotherhood of
Magicians for almost 20 years. Therefore I cannot make our meeting today because I will being doing a magic show.”
end quote.
Friday, April 20th 3:10PM
I would like to note that GRASSROOTS TV is no longer able to
receive cable just broadcast from our station only because we cannot afford to
upgrade our televisions.
Please do us a favor and if channel 12 is off the air please
call and donate to 925-8000.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Slammed in Off Season?
"Look at you bloggin". That's what my cyber-hip co-worker Ellen Winter says to me on her way out to afternoon pilates. It's Bradman, Director of the Field Production dept. here at GrassRoots TV. I've never blogged a bit in my life. And you won't find me in a one piece leotard, yoga mat in hand, trottin' over to the Rec Center. But given a choice between the two, I guess I'll try blogging. I am SLAMMED right now, though most of us are feeling the end of winter relief of off season! What, you ask, could possibly be keeping me busy at this otherwise peaceful, parking plentiful time of year in Aspen? Field production is slowing down for the off season so it's time to fix some broken stuff! As Director of the Field Production Dept. it's my responsibility (among other things) to see to it that the two tripods we have that are leaking fluid get repaired. The seals have gone on the tilt mechanisms on both of our field tripods (it happens) and need to be replaced. So I'll be sending those in, one at a time, for the $400 repair. Yep - this TV stuff is kinda 'spensive. Just got back a replacement BNC cable from Tecnec this morning FOR FREE! So even though this "TV stuff" is expensive, it is part of my job to make sure that the stuff we buy lasts. In the case of this bad cable, we bought one that has a life time guarantee so if it goes bad, we just send it back and get a free replacement. I LOVE those guys at Markertek! I wish all of our gear worked that way. hmmm- what else. Well, the JAS Band Battle is coming up in mid - May so I'll be putting together an estimate for that and starting the search for underwriters. Know anybody who wants to underwrite this production? Get in touch with me at bradman@grassrootstv.org if you do. I have some post production to do on the Chuchito Valdez show that we shot a couple of weeks ago waiting for me when I get around to it. That will be a lot of fun to work on. That is the short list of projects on my radar right now. But the thing taking up the most space on my desk right now is the post production on the 7908 festival that we shot back in March. I've got some vacation time coming up here in a couple of weeks and I really need to get this done before I take off. I am REALLY enjoying the time I get to spend on this project. It was such a cool event - I feel a HUGE responsibility to do the best possible job I can do. It has been on my mind for weeks - I am always thinking about how it will go together, how will I put it together, etc. It's for the folks at the Wheeler Opera House who, in my opinion, are total pros. So, yea, I am feeling the pressure to work extra hard to turn out an excellent product for those guys. It is work I really enjoy - one of the more fun things I get to do around here. OK - that was the last bite of my 520 Grill bison burger so it is time to end this for now. My first blog. Like it?
Friday, April 13, 2012
Aspen Women Get Baked
Forty years after after Aspen hosted a week long conference of radical women, a world renown artist wants to include their images and ideas in a new installation at the Aspen Art Museum. Simon Denny's work focuses on the deconstruction and reconstruction of post-modern cultural icons.... like GrassRoots TV!
Simon became enamored with GrassRoots' enormous community video archive, especially the rapidly deteriorating half-inch helical-scan reel-to-reel tapes from the 1970's. Most of these tapes have not been viewed in decades, and are in desperate need of restoration, archiving, cataloging... and re-airing and web posting. They are a remarkable time capsule of the Riot Years in Aspen and the dawn of community access television. Simon picked one tape, based on the label alone, to restore and include in his upcoming installation at the Aspen Art Museum.
The 1972 Women's Week in Aspen was full of radical feminism, and we have no idea what might be on this one hour tape. Could it be the infamous court-censored naked shaving video? We sent it to the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC), a really great community media center in San Francisco (think GrassRoots TV on organic steroids,) to be digitally transferred. Unfortunately, like many of the thousands of tapes in our archive, Women's Week in Aspen suffered from 'Sticky Shed Syndrome," which perhaps was one of the subjects discussed that week. Actually, water vapor can separate the magnetic recording material from the old school urethane backing, making the tape stick to itself or tape heads and pinch rollers.
So BAVC placed the tape on the center rack at about 130 degrees for eight hours. This should bake the water out for a while (about a month) so that they can then transfer the video to a hard drive and DVD, using one of the few half-inch reel-to reel-tape decks operating in the world . Then the tape will, Zombie-like, return to its decomposed state. Let's hope it works because baking twice rarely does...
More on this collaborative art project between GrassRoots TV and the Aspen Art Museum later. If you know of someone interested in contributing to our effort to bake and restore other lost moments in Aspen history, they should contact John Masters at GrassRoots TV: masters@grassrootstv.org.
Simon became enamored with GrassRoots' enormous community video archive, especially the rapidly deteriorating half-inch helical-scan reel-to-reel tapes from the 1970's. Most of these tapes have not been viewed in decades, and are in desperate need of restoration, archiving, cataloging... and re-airing and web posting. They are a remarkable time capsule of the Riot Years in Aspen and the dawn of community access television. Simon picked one tape, based on the label alone, to restore and include in his upcoming installation at the Aspen Art Museum.
The 1972 Women's Week in Aspen was full of radical feminism, and we have no idea what might be on this one hour tape. Could it be the infamous court-censored naked shaving video? We sent it to the Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC), a really great community media center in San Francisco (think GrassRoots TV on organic steroids,) to be digitally transferred. Unfortunately, like many of the thousands of tapes in our archive, Women's Week in Aspen suffered from 'Sticky Shed Syndrome," which perhaps was one of the subjects discussed that week. Actually, water vapor can separate the magnetic recording material from the old school urethane backing, making the tape stick to itself or tape heads and pinch rollers.
So BAVC placed the tape on the center rack at about 130 degrees for eight hours. This should bake the water out for a while (about a month) so that they can then transfer the video to a hard drive and DVD, using one of the few half-inch reel-to reel-tape decks operating in the world . Then the tape will, Zombie-like, return to its decomposed state. Let's hope it works because baking twice rarely does...
More on this collaborative art project between GrassRoots TV and the Aspen Art Museum later. If you know of someone interested in contributing to our effort to bake and restore other lost moments in Aspen history, they should contact John Masters at GrassRoots TV: masters@grassrootstv.org.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Winter Is... Over.
Word is circulating town that SkiCo is closing the remaining mountains this weekend. Aspen Mtn. is closing on time. Highlands is not scheduled to close April 22nd. Since March was one of the driest on record, it doesn't look like the skiing will be anything more than poor to mediocre at best this weekend. I say it's a good call to close the mountains this weekend.
Since it's a "last call" for winter announcement. We'll complement the announcement with a tribute to winter with highlighting our GrassRoots TV staff produced "Ski Bum Theater".
Ski Bum Theater is one of the few shows that GrassRoots TV produces entirely on our own, with help from our underwriters 520 Grill and One Love Aspen. Sure we help others produce approximately 700 original programs each year, but we only create one series ourselves. The community produces the rest of what we air. Yes, we do operate the cameras, audio, add graphics, and music, but we don't create the content... or tell you how to create your content. That is the community's role.
Here it is, the last "Ski Bum Theater" highlight! In this show, world famous ski boot designer (and inventor of the original cork ski boot orthotic, the heated boot bag and now Zipfit boot liners) Sven Coomer discusses his participation in the first ever 1964 Innsbruck to Grenoble ski tour. Watch this classic mountain film with Sven's live narration while host Rollie Towover and the Ski Bum crew mess it up with their usual antics. Click it to watch it:
Ski Bum Theater - 'Hot Roots' with Sven Coomer and Rollie Towover
If you're thinkin' this is crap, I'm ready for summer, you should watch this video instead:
http://youtu.be/oHg5SJYRHA0
Copies of all GrassRoots Community TV programs are available to
purchase. Call us at 970-925-8000 to get a copy of this show or any
other.
Since it's a "last call" for winter announcement. We'll complement the announcement with a tribute to winter with highlighting our GrassRoots TV staff produced "Ski Bum Theater".
Ski Bum Theater is one of the few shows that GrassRoots TV produces entirely on our own, with help from our underwriters 520 Grill and One Love Aspen. Sure we help others produce approximately 700 original programs each year, but we only create one series ourselves. The community produces the rest of what we air. Yes, we do operate the cameras, audio, add graphics, and music, but we don't create the content... or tell you how to create your content. That is the community's role.
Here it is, the last "Ski Bum Theater" highlight! In this show, world famous ski boot designer (and inventor of the original cork ski boot orthotic, the heated boot bag and now Zipfit boot liners) Sven Coomer discusses his participation in the first ever 1964 Innsbruck to Grenoble ski tour. Watch this classic mountain film with Sven's live narration while host Rollie Towover and the Ski Bum crew mess it up with their usual antics. Click it to watch it:
Ski Bum Theater - 'Hot Roots' with Sven Coomer and Rollie Towover
If you're thinkin' this is crap, I'm ready for summer, you should watch this video instead:
http://youtu.be/oHg5SJYRHA0
Copies of all GrassRoots Community TV programs are available to
purchase. Call us at 970-925-8000 to get a copy of this show or any
other.
www.GrassRootsTV.org
Monday, April 9, 2012
Aspen Film - Shortsfest
Shortsfest starts tomorrow! Every year Aspen Film organizes a short-film festival. I love Shortsfest because you buy a ticket to not one but several movies. Each short is unique in its own way. Each one has been carefully chosen by the staff at Aspen Film, and they do an exceptional job.
This event takes place April 10 - 15, at different movie venues up and down the RFV. (If you haven't experienced the Crystal Theater in Carbondale, you need to!! And Shortsfest is a great excuse.)
For a full schedule visit Aspenfilm.org.
To see a show about what's happening at Shortsfest this year watch it here:
Copies of all GrassRoots Community TV programs are available to
purchase. Call us at 970-925-8000 to get a copy of this show or any
other.
This event takes place April 10 - 15, at different movie venues up and down the RFV. (If you haven't experienced the Crystal Theater in Carbondale, you need to!! And Shortsfest is a great excuse.)
For a full schedule visit Aspenfilm.org.
To see a show about what's happening at Shortsfest this year watch it here:
All Access - 'Shortsfest 2012' with Laura Thielen and George Eldred
Copies of all GrassRoots Community TV programs are available to
purchase. Call us at 970-925-8000 to get a copy of this show or any
other.
www.GrassRootsTV.org
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Kathryn Stockett - Winter Words
Kathryn Stockett recently graced Aspen with her presence. She is the author that penned the wildly popular book, "The Help".
Kathryn's appearance was a part of the Aspen Writers' Foundation: Winter Words. She spoke to a large crowd at the Wheeler Opera House. Her words were inspirational to those interested in becoming authors, as well as her triumphant story on becoming an author.
Kathryn's was first rejected by 60 literary agents before finding Susan Ramar. Susan helped Kathryn publish her book "The Help", this book has sold over 5 million copies since it's release in 2009.
She also does a Q and A with the crowd, with thoughtful responses.
If you are at all interested in watching this wonderful program click the link below to see the interview in it's entirety.
Copies of all GrassRoots Community TV programs are available to purchase. Call us at 970-925-8000 to get a copy of this show or any other.
www.GrassRootsTV.org
Kathryn's appearance was a part of the Aspen Writers' Foundation: Winter Words. She spoke to a large crowd at the Wheeler Opera House. Her words were inspirational to those interested in becoming authors, as well as her triumphant story on becoming an author.
Kathryn's was first rejected by 60 literary agents before finding Susan Ramar. Susan helped Kathryn publish her book "The Help", this book has sold over 5 million copies since it's release in 2009.
She also does a Q and A with the crowd, with thoughtful responses.
If you are at all interested in watching this wonderful program click the link below to see the interview in it's entirety.
The Aspen Writers' Foundation presents: Winter Words 2012 with Kathryn Stockett
http://grtv.me/k_stockettCopies of all GrassRoots Community TV programs are available to purchase. Call us at 970-925-8000 to get a copy of this show or any other.
www.GrassRootsTV.org
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Celebrating AVSC 75th Anniversary
Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club (AVSC) just had their big 75th year celebration at Bumps restaurant at Buttermilk. The club started in the Winter of 1936, 10 years before Aspen Skiing Company was formed. They have been a progressive club from the start. Since the beginning they have produced 23 Olympians, 19 X-Games Athletes, 19 members of the Colorado Ski and
Snowboard Hall of Fame, and a large number of U.S. Ski Team
competitors and collegiate athletes.
Of course GrassRoots TV was there to capture this memorable soiree:
We'd like to thank Alpine Bank for making this filming possible!
Enjoy the show and keep up the good work AVSC!
Of course GrassRoots TV was there to capture this memorable soiree:
Alpine Bank presents: The AVSC 75th Anniversary Party at Bumps
http://grtv.me/75_avscWe'd like to thank Alpine Bank for making this filming possible!
Enjoy the show and keep up the good work AVSC!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Randy Udall
This morning on my way into work I tuned my radio into KDNK and listened to Randy Udall talk about important issues involving drilling in the Roaring Fork Valley. It is a topic that has many local citizens concerned, and for good reason.
My line of thought wandered to a recent lecture we filmed with Randy Udall as a speaker. Udall presented his latest research on natural gas development in Western Colorado and encouraged a community conversation. It was moderated by Cross Currents host Carolyne Heldman.
"CORE and ACES present: The Jessica Catto Leadership Dialogues - 'Natural Gas Development in Western Colorado: Past, Present and Future' with Randy Udall"
It can be viewed here: http://grtv.me/gas_past_present
Some background on Randy Udall, he is one of the nation's leading experts in promoting energy sustainability. His work with electric utilities and local governments has led to innovative collaborations in Colorado's energy market. Randy is also a co-founder of Association for the Study of Peak Oil - USA and a former director of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency.
My line of thought wandered to a recent lecture we filmed with Randy Udall as a speaker. Udall presented his latest research on natural gas development in Western Colorado and encouraged a community conversation. It was moderated by Cross Currents host Carolyne Heldman.
"CORE and ACES present: The Jessica Catto Leadership Dialogues - 'Natural Gas Development in Western Colorado: Past, Present and Future' with Randy Udall"
It can be viewed here: http://grtv.me/gas_past_present
Some background on Randy Udall, he is one of the nation's leading experts in promoting energy sustainability. His work with electric utilities and local governments has led to innovative collaborations in Colorado's energy market. Randy is also a co-founder of Association for the Study of Peak Oil - USA and a former director of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Quote of the day: "I can't force you to rap on the air."
The context of this line is a discussion our station manager, Ashley, had with a sports announcer.
We have a generous sponsor that has requested his spoken businesses underwriting message be presented in rap. Our sports announcer is an older man who seemed confused by this request to "rap" the underwriting message.
Ashley: We have a request from an underwriter that you rap his message.
Announcer: Umm, I'm confused.
Ashley: You know, rap, like "yo yo yo!"
Announcer: What do I have to wear for this?
Ashley: Nothing unusual, you're just announcing behind the camera.
Announcer: What no backwards hat?!
Ashley: Funny. This is just what's been requested. I can't force you to rap on the air. I'm just suggesting.
The context of this line is a discussion our station manager, Ashley, had with a sports announcer.
We have a generous sponsor that has requested his spoken businesses underwriting message be presented in rap. Our sports announcer is an older man who seemed confused by this request to "rap" the underwriting message.
Ashley: We have a request from an underwriter that you rap his message.
Announcer: Umm, I'm confused.
Ashley: You know, rap, like "yo yo yo!"
Announcer: What do I have to wear for this?
Ashley: Nothing unusual, you're just announcing behind the camera.
Announcer: What no backwards hat?!
Ashley: Funny. This is just what's been requested. I can't force you to rap on the air. I'm just suggesting.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
This is GrassRoots TVs first blog posting. My boss, John Masters, has asked me to start this dictation of what's happening at the station. GrassRoots has such an eclectic mix of users that it might create some interest in the Roaring Fork Valley community.
So cheers to the first posting! Welcome to the blog for GrassRoots TV.
So cheers to the first posting! Welcome to the blog for GrassRoots TV.
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