Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania, Inc.
2015/2016 Annual Report
WQLN Public Media
Our Mission
The mission of WQLN is to stimulate, enrich, educate, and entertain the public through
communications.
Our Vision
WQLN Public Media envisions a community engaged in meaningful dialogue that enriches
our understanding of the world around us. This dialogue will find its inspiration in content
gathered by WQLN and its community members and delivered through traditional and new
media platforms. While focusing on our home community, WQLN seeks to include anyone in a
respectful exchange of ideas.
WQLN will be recognized as a critical resource to our community, based on excellence in content
aggregation, loyalty to the community, and commitment to providing programs and services
that are educational, respectful, engaging, and inspiring.
Inside:
Overview......................2
Television.....................4
Radio............................6
Education....................8
In the Community......10
WQLN Public Media
WQLN Team.................11
Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania, Inc.
8425 Peach Street • Erie, PA 16509
Offices: 814-864-3001 • Toll Free: 800-727-8854 • Fax: 814-864-4077
www.wqln.org
Support Lists.............12
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
Financial Reports......16
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WQLN Public Media
From the Office of the President
Thank you for taking the time to read WQLN Public Media’s annual report. If you live in the Lake Erie
Region, I hope you feel the same pride I feel every day when I switch on WQLN Radio 91.3FM or WQLN
TV 54.1, 54.2, or 54.3.
The Erie Media market is one of the smallest television and radio markets in the country. Yet, in 20152016 your public television and radio station was able to achieve what communities twice our size
only dream about. We produced over 3,000 hours of original on-air content, we added new national
programs to our schedule, and we created community outreach that was both fun and educational.
WQLN TV featured many award winning programs last year like Last Days in Vietnam, 9 Months That
Made You, 10 that Changed America, and Secrets of the Vikings. These were “typical public television
programs” – in that each one was very untypical of television fare. Perhaps that is why they won so
many awards.
We introduced WQLN Passport last year as a membership benefit. WQLN Passport is a video
streaming service that allows WQLN members an opportunity to watch their favorite programs when
it’s most convenient for them. Imagine watching Sesame Street at 8:00 in the evening, or watching
PBS NewsHour when you only have a half hour to watch, or binge-watching all 10 episodes of Indian
Summers during a snow storm. You can do that with WQLN Passport, plus enjoy decades of WQLN
Original Productions.
On WQLN Radio we bid a fond adieu to Garrison Keillor and prepared to welcome Chris Thile as the
new host of America’s most popular radio program, A Prairie Home Companion. We added Ask Me
Another, NPR’s irreverent comedy quiz show, to our weekend schedule. This is a fairly new public
radio program hosted by Canadian comedian Ophira Eisenberg. Ask Me Another’s outrageous hour of
brainteasers, pub trivia, and comedy has turned Erie’s upper Peach Street traffic jams into a fun-filled
afternoon play-along with the car radio.
With the passing of Phil Fatica, WQLN lost a very good friend last year. Phil has been associated with
WQLN ever since 1991 when he hosted a public affairs television program called Focus. In the 25 years
since, Phil’s hosted many programs for WQLN, most notably our annual televised auctions. He was like
no one I’ve ever met. Phil was a force of energy who made you feel better about yourself every time
he was near.
The thing I’ve always enjoyed the most about public broadcasting is the opportunity it affords me to
meet the people who watch and listen. And because we do so much community outreach, it’s easy.
It’s hard to express how moved I was by the hundreds of kids at our JUMP! Back to School Expo, or by
the hundreds of people in London, Ontario, who turned out to preview Downton Abbey, or by Linda
Kobler’s students who performed on Brian Hannah’s Live from Studio Q series. So if you were to ask
me what I liked best about 2016, I would say it was the time we got to spend together - at our craft
show, one of our bike rides, or at our beer festival, getting together and talking about our favorite
programs.
Tom New
President & CEO
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Now here’s what YOU had to say . . .
Classics with Brian Hannah makes my work week! His excellent selections and great notes and
stories about classical composers and performers add a little magic to my otherwise mundane
day. – Andrew V.
After the stressful week I’ve had, [The Jazz Cruise with Kathy C.] has been the antidote I’ve been
searching for. [I] love “Luna over New York”, and the cover of the Burt Bacharach song playing right
now has been a double plus fun song. And the groovy tune hitting my biorhythms right now is
even BETTER! Keep up the positive vibes, Kathy – seriously, much appreciated! – anonymous
email
Through the summer, my son has friends over on Fridays and Saturdays. They are soon to be 7th
graders. They always crank the pop stations from the car radio. Well, I of course grew sick of the
droning on of the same basic themes of the bumping music. I switched it over to 91.3FM down
here in Conneaut Lake. At first there were jeers and hissing. But, after a few minutes they were
all dancing! – Dan H.
On Sunday, while driving, I started to listen to NEXT with Marcus Atkinson . . . . I stayed in the
parking lot at the mall to listen to the entire show. His interview was sensitive, empathetic,
truthful and so powerful. He and [his guest] Ms. Belen gave me much to consider. While Ms.
Belen’s words were strong, her tone was honest and impactful. – Ina F.
I just watched the January 23rd airing of the Lawrence Welk Show “Pleasant Dreams” from 1958,
which included a wonderful interview with Tiny Little. This show was a very emotional experience
for me, because it was from the Saturday night Welk shows that I remember watching with my
parents when I was 12 or 13 years old. I wish so much that I could share it with my 3 musical sons
and with some close friends. – Fred G.
We are first time members and look forward to being a part of WQLN for life. Public Radio and
Television is important and I wish more folks made the decision to show their support through
a monetary donation. I listen every day to WQLN and am happy to contribute my small part to
continuing such worthwhile programming. Thank you again. – Ginessa H.
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
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WQLN TV
WQLN TV 54 is the Erie region’s connection to PBS and much more! WQLN-TV 54.1 (PBS) features
safe educational children’s programming every day, and primetime programming that includes
PBS dramas, Great Performances, award-winning news, favorite British comedies, Do-It-Yourself
programs and more. WQLN-TV 54.2 (Create) showcases the best DIY programs that public
television has to offer. And WQLN-TV 54.3 (World) offers public television’s top documentary,
public affairs, science, and history programming. This year we were proud to bring you:
History
First Peoples traced Homo sapiens’ incredible arrival and survival in Asia, Australia, and Europe.
And Ken Burns’ monumental The Civil War documentary returned, remastered for its 25th
anniversary.
Drama
Indian Summers premiered on Masterpiece, taking viewers to a glamorous English social club,
with India on the cusp of the campaign for independence. Civil War era Alexandria, VA, came to
life on the new Masterpiece drama Mercy Street. And we bid farewell to two beloved series, with
the conclusions of Mr. Selfridge, the tale of the eccentric entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge,
and the final season of Downton Abbey – after six riveting seasons. Thanks to the hundreds of
you who helped us kick off the final season of “Downton” at our season preview screenings in
Cranberry, Erie, Meadville, and London, Ontario!
Performing Arts
The 5th annual PBS Arts Fall Festival premiered in October with Unity: The Latin Tribute
to Michael Jackson. And we watched as Eddie Murphy received the Mark Twain Prize for
American Humor.
Nature
Operation Wild followed veterinarians to some of the most remote places on earth as they saved
animals’ lives with groundbreaking operations. And August brought us Big Blue Live, the wildlife
event of the season. All across the USA, we were glued to our screens for three live nights as
conservationists, animal behaviorists, and amazing marine creatures convened on one of the
world’s biggest conservation success stories, Monterey Bay.
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Biography
Just days before the controversial release of Harper Lee’s novel Go Set a Watchman, American
Masters profiled the mysterious Pulitzer Prize winning author. American Masters biographies
this year also included the most famous coal miner’s daughter, Loretta Lynn, and icons of the
Counterculture movement Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. Walt Disney: American Experience
gave unprecedented access to the Disney archives, depicting Disney as a “hail fellow well met,” a
master of storytelling – and an artist beset by darkness.
New WQLN Kids Programs
Nature Cat premiered in November, encouraging WQLN kids to get outside and play! And Ready
Jet Go! gave kids a new way to explore astronomy, technology, and earth science.
Lifestyle
WQLN’s original production Life’s Next Chapter brought experts together to talk about making
the next years of your life the truly golden years. And Season 2 of The Great British Baking
Show challenged viewers to say “I could do that” (with fingers crossed behind their backs) as
contestants vied to be named the U.K.’s best amateur baker.
Big Ideas
TED Talks came to WQLN TV with an exploration of war, peace, and education. And Stephen
Hawking brought his genius to Genius with a close look at the big existential questions, Are we
alone? Why are we here? What are we?
Local Highlights
WQLN Original Production Erie Now looked at the changing landscape of entrepreneurship
in the Erie region and later brought Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper together with
U.S. Department of Justice Special Agent Andy Hromyak, and Melissa Lyon of the Erie County
Department of Health for a conversation about the violence besetting the communities of Erie.
WQLN TV & Radio original shorts Musical Minutes and Stories of Champions introduced
audiences to local professional musicians and innovative educators, respectively, in short bytes
on WQLN TV, WQLN Radio, and WQLN.org.
Our Town shared the stories of North East and Edinboro, PA, and Conneaut, OH, as told by
residents of these fine local communities. And our Route 6 History Tours program gave a
preview of Erie Yesterday’s historic walking tours in Albion, Waterford, Edinboro, and Corry, PA.
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WQLN Radio
Faced with an endless string of audio options, Americans stay tuned in to broadcast radio in
droves. But why? Edison Research tells us that, according to listeners, it’s to feel connected
to their community, because of a kinship with local personalities, and out of fear of missing
something important. Not only does AM/FM remain the dominant audio source, but even the
nearly 30 million people who purchase satellite radio spend nearly 40% of their audio time in
the car with AM/FM.
“In most cases people will tell you they’re listening to be connected,” Edison president Larry
Rosin told Inside Radio, “to learn about what’s going on around town and in the news. To know
that there’s someone there that will break in if something happens.”
Get Your Phil at Noon Summer Series
In one of our favorite three-way partnerships, Classics with Brian Hannah broadcast three
live noontime concerts from the Erie Art Museum patio, before audiences numbering in the
hundreds, featuring brass, woodwind, and string ensembles of the Erie Philharmonic. Always
free – and always fun! – consider joining us next year for one of these “Get Your Phil at Noon” free
concerts, part of the museum’s Mid-Day Art Break series. Can’t come to the live shows? You can
of course listen at 91.3FM!
Live from Studio Q
This special feature of Classics with Brian Hannah invites audiences to see professional musicians
from around the region and around the globe, as well as young, rising stars in the world of
classical music, in the intimate concert setting of the Learning Center on the WQLN campus.
This year, the Erie Playhouse, recognized as one of the top 10 community theaters in national
competition, previewed its 2015-2016 season. The series also featured:
Violinist Bella Hristova
Pianist Tanya Bannister
Cellist and Grammy Award nominee Zuill Bailey
Pianist Andrew von Oeyen
Vocalist Edward Pleasant
Celtic vocalist Cathie Ryan
Members of the Pittsburgh Opera Company
Broadway actor and vocalist Julian Decker
And piano students of Mercyhurst University’s Linda Kobler
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Local Highlights
WQLN Radio & TV original shorts Musical Minutes and Stories of Champions introduced
audiences to local professional musicians and innovative educators, respectively, in short bytes
on WQLN TV, WQLN Radio, and WQLN.org.
And WQLN Radio continued airing over 40 hours of original, locally produced programs each and
every week – more than any other radio station in the Erie market! Among these local offerings
are expertly curated jazz, folk, classical, blues, roots, and Americana music, as well as three
community affairs programs.
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WQLN Education
WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy™
WQLN Education is committed to improving the lives of children in our community by
intersecting media and learning, providing teachers and parents the tools to encourage learning
in the classroom and home, and strengthening community partnerships that foster early
childhood education. WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy™ combines PBS Kids programming,
quality books, and hands-on activities, giving parents the resources they need to increase their
child’s educational success with a Traditional Literacy series that covers the learning process
and foundational reading skills, vocabulary development and comprehension, reading/writing
connection, and developing fluency and high order thinking. PBS Kids programs included in the
curriculum are Between the Lions, Super Why, and Martha Speaks.
Since the inception of WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy™, WQLN Education has directly
impacted the lives of 3,046 individuals in over 17 school districts, and has also taken place in
childcare facilities and learning centers. This year the program served 4 local schools. While all
families benefit from our literacy programs, WQLN Education targets at-risk families, specifically
parents and their K-2 students from inner-city schools. To encourage participation, families who complete a four-week workshop series are rewarded
with great children’s books and a free one-year membership in the WQLN Kids Club along with
other exciting benefits.
WQLN Education credits the strong partnerships with our local businesses that share the same
passion and vision by supporting innovative programs like Families Turn on to Literacy™ through
the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Because of the generosity of
our EITC Partners, we are able to offer the Families program to local school districts as a benefit
at no cost, and our EITC Partners can receive up to a 90% tax credit.
Here’s what Families participants reported about WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy™:
WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy has encouraged the Augustine family’s 1st grader to read,
write and interact with others. The program also has helped her maintain her desire to learn.
The Stewart family reported that WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy has helped their
daughter gain confidence and be able to read in front of the class!
The Farnham family’s kindergartener began asking Mom to read more. Now WQLN Kids
programming is one of the family’s top picks for their kindergarten and preschool student.
The McNaughton family said that WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy has provided an
excellent activity for them to do together as a family. It has provided them with ideas and
opportunities for their child to expand on her learning.
And Erie Rise Academy Administrators said, “WQLN Families Turn on to Literacy is well
developed and presented. It provides endless opportunities for parents to become engaged
in their child’s learning. It is a pleasure that we were able to host the program again this year.
We would like to explore the opportunity for the WQLN teachers to make a presentation to
our teaching staff at a staff development session.”
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JUMP! Back to School Expo
WQLN Education’s second annual JUMP! Back to School Expo at Erie’s Bayfront Convention
Center, August 9, 2015, featured interactive exhibits to help children explore science, technology,
engineering & math, plus a health-focused obstacle course, auditions for kids to talk about their
favorite book on WQLN TV, and over 60 exhibitors offering the latest information and resources
to support kids’ learning in and out of the classroom, whether they were bound for kindergarten
or college!
Special guests at this year’s JUMP! included Clifford the Big Red Dog and many cute critters from
the Erie Zoo.
WQLN Kids Screening Events
We were excited to host a WQLN Kids holiday screening party featuring Wild Kratts Creature
Christmas, Peg + Cat + Holidays, and Arthur’s Perfect Christmas on Sunday, December 20, at Blasco
Library – another event that was free and open to all families.
Our Nature Cat Adventure event held at Blasco Library on January 9 was well very received,
with over 300 in attendance. Young attendees were excited to see Nature Cat on the big screen
and enjoyed all of the activities planned that day!
“Think & Wonder”, WQLN Education’s inaugural Dr. Seuss birthday event, on March 5, at Blasco
Library, invited children to taste green eggs & ham, celebrate National Read Across America Day
(March 2, which is also the Dr.’s official birthday), audition to appear on WQLN TV talking about
their favorite book, and more.
Q-Kids Readers
WQLN Education’s Q-Kids Readers program invited kids to join a free book club, compete in
the Summer Reading Race during July & August, and get their schools involved in the autumn
Elementary School Reading Competition. Congratulations to Robison Elementary School,
Jefferson Elementary School, and second-grader Morgan-Anne Duncan for taking top honors in
the competition!
PBS KIDS Writers Contest
WQLN Education congratulated second-grader Sammy Heim on winning top prize in the annual
contest for his original illustrated short story “If Only I Lived on Jupiter”. And not only that, but
Sammy’s story was selected as a finalist in the national contest!
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Community Events
Downton Abbey Preview Screenings
As we prepared to bid farewell to the beloved Masterpiece series Downton Abbey, we were
glad to be in the company of hundreds of fans who joined us for season preview screenings of
“Downton” in Cranberry, Erie, and Meadville, as well as London, Ontario, Canada.
Sounds Around Town
Over a thousand of you visited our lovely campus July 10-August 7, 2015, for our annual concert
series that this year featured Erie’s award winning show band The Groove, the region’s premier
variety band Tennessee Backporch, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Tri-C High School Rock Off winners
M4 (you may know them as First to Eleven), Rock Erie award winner Tyler Smilo, and no-frills
rockers Daybreak Radio in five free concerts, outdoors at our pondside pavilion, with broadcasts
of the concerts in the months that followed, on WQLN TV and Radio.
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
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Meet the Team
WQLN is a Who
All that WQLN does is made possible by WQLN members and WQLN Public Media’s accomplished and dedicated team of
employees. At its core, WQLN is not a “what,” but a “who” composed of driven, hard workers committed to ensuring that WQLN
remains both vibrant and relevant so that it may continue to enrich, educate, and entertain the Lake Erie region.
WQLN Board of Directors
Martin Haft, Chair
Rochelle Krowinski, Vice Chair
John F. Kearns, FCII, Secretary/Treasurer
Mark Amendola
Patricia Cavanaugh Lisa Chinsky
Jennifer Gornall C. Bruce Kern II
Marnie Mead
Barbara Pollock
Scott K. Wright
WQLN Community Advisory Board
Matt Lebowitz, Chair
Alyson Amendola
Dan Desrochers
Mike Smiley
June M. Smith
Halle Kostansek, Staff Liaison
WQLN Senior Leadership Team
Tom New, President/CEO
Cindy Spizarny, Vice President/General Manager
Thomas J. Pysz, Director of Corporate and Foundation Support
Lisa Counasse, Director of Development
Aaron Coseo, Director of Broadcast Operations
WQLN Staff
Administration
Tenae Gage
Sue DiPlacido
Development
Lisa Counasse, Director
Becky Anderson
Gwen Campbell
Shannon Ferrare
Patti Pella
Jocelyn Taylor
Corporate Support
Tom Pysz, Director
Kathleen Bowden
Jennifer Hoffman
Communications
Halle Kostansek
Maintenance
and Operations
Mike Carey
Education
Kathy Carducci, Manager
Bridget Allburn
Bonnie Goring
Mary Hammer
Ingrid Holmes
Marian Kohan
Anna Landers
Sandra Miller
Radio
Sue Allen, Manager
Brian Hannah
Dan Sullivan
Volunteer Hosts:
Marcus Atkinson
Phil Atteberry
Kathy Carducci
Aubrey Dillon
Gary Finney
Jason Gibbs
Chris Hilbert
Peter van den Honert
Rob Hoff
Al Lubiejewski
Tom Pysz
Ben Speggen
TV Programming
and Production
Aaron Coseo, Director
Curtis Empson
Natalia Garcia
William Moon
Paul Stone
Larry Wheaton
All names current as of June 30, 2016
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
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WQLN Donors and Sponsors Fiscal Year 2015-2016
WQLN Partner’s Circle
$2,500+
Thomas Hanes
Beth Baldwin
Mr. Thomas Young
Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Delaney
Mr. Tom Hagen
Mrs. Barbara Pollock
Highmark Health Director Charitable
Donation Program
Mr. Richard Merwin
Mr. Edward H. Lamb
Ms. Aundra Zack
Mrs. Marnie Kirkpatrick
$1,000-$2,499
Attorney James R. Walczak, Esq.
Barb Fynan
Britton Family Foundation
Cyrus and Susan Wellman
Douglas and Deborah Murphy
Dr. and Mrs. Chris Thomas
Jennifer and Thomas Person
Mary Kay Reber
Michael and Mary Ann Wolkomir
Mr. and Mrs. John Baldwin
Mr. and Mrs. Myron Jones
Mr. Patrick Sheridan
Ms. Karen Skarupski
Ms. Lawrie McCarthy
Ms. Mary C Imboden
Rob and Nancy Smith
Sheryl Rucker
Wesleyville American Legion Carl Neff Post 571
Dr. and Mrs. John Linden
Mrs. Daria McKay
Timothy and Mary Larson
Darby and Jay Scalise
George A Maines
Delores A Pasiecznik and Anthony L Saucedo
Matthew and Elizabeth Darling
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Chinsky
Mr. and Mrs. Tom New
Carla Wright Picardo and Scott Kelso Wright
Larry and Gloria New
Mr. and Mrs. Hillert Vitt
Mr. Raymond Morrison
Rev. John Bauer
Mrs. Christine Lang
Susan and Steven Kemenyffy
Mr. and Mrs. John Clifford
Mrs. Susanne L. Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lasher
Mrs. John Claridge
$500-$999
Al and Peggy Richardson
Attorney Ted Watts
Atty. and Mrs. Robert G. Dwyer
Barbara Chaffee
Donald and Rose Morphy
Dr. and Mrs. Leo Fitzgibbon
Dr. and Mrs. Josephy Nedresky
Dr. and Mrs. Karl Frankovitch
Dr. and Mrs. William Makarowski
Dr. Daniel Frankforter and Ms. Karen Keene
Jack and Melissa Jamison
James Bulman and Beth Watkins
Joe and Mary Hohman
John and Heidi Fette
Joseph and Joy Estock
Joseph and Mary Jane Smalley
Laura E. Rutland
Mark and Joyce Ravnikar Kulyk
Mark and Mary Lou Hukezalie
Mary Ann Lepo and Warren Malarney
Mr. and Mrs. James L Johnson, III
Mr. and Mrs. John Sperry
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Haft
Mr. David Kapsanis
Mr. Steve S. Cockram
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Kern II
Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Meinstereifel
Mr. and Mrs. James Baldauf
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Schell
Mr. Daniel J. Cash
Mr. John Houston
Mr. Robert F. Wooler
Mr. Thomas W. Kennedy Jr.
Mrs. Doris Foster
Mrs. Janice A Shaffer
Mrs. Ruth Bennett
Ms. Jean State
Ms. Kathleen M. Alessi
Raymond Weiser
Rev. and Mrs. J Howard Wright
Robert and Amy Felton
Robert and Maria Parisi
Scott Kern and Amy Cuzzola-Kern
Susan Middleton
Terry and Cheryl Moore
Timothy and Elizabeth McCormick
William and Rochelle Krowinski
Mary Anne Weiner
Marian C Wygant
Mr. David Strong
Mr. Richard Bannister
David and Nancy Eichelsdorfer
Judy and Mark Kubeja
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Gernovich
Terence O. Lillis
Jody Leech
Brian and Minnie Sprague
Daniel and Kathy Dahlkemper
Mr. John Mink
Mr. Doug Murphy
Robert and Marion Gallivan
Dr. and Mrs. Peter Scibetta
Ms. Linda Williams
Chris and Mary Fette
Dr. Howard and Mrs. Jane Levin
Dr. Michael Bucell and Dr. Cynthia
Legin-Bucell
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
Joseph and Emme Graczyk
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Pastore
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Benekos
Mr. Joseph Hilbert
Mrs. Jean Simmons
Ms. Frances Q Buseck
Ms. Linda Johnson
Polish National Alliance #2031
Eleanor McIntyre
Ms. Judy White
Elvera Payne
William and Kathleen Crawford
Mrs. Sue Allen
Atty. and Mrs. Emil Spadafore
Jim and Mari Mullen
Mrs. Janice Underhill
Mary Nelson
Greg and Gayle Morris
Mr. Edmund Abegg
Ms. Linda Y Gregg
Suzanne Richard
John and Debra Olesnanik
Mr. John Coleman
William Varey
Minda Rae Amiran
Ms. Mary Kay Reber
Dr. Kelly A Grant
Robert and Patricia Raydo
Ms. Jeanne Lewis
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Curtze
Julie and David Lewis
Gene Schlosser
Deb Bartle and Arthur D Martinucci, Esq.
Jerry and Carol Rose
Mr. Shane T Wohlrabe
Mr. Mike Vadzemnieks
Mr. Richard Bentley
Nancy Frambes and Ron Cole
Stephen and Lisa Thelin
William and Carol Schaal
Dr. and Mrs. David A Dulabon
Janice Giltinan
Ms. Elizabeth M. Miller
Mr. Michael Richardson
Judith Thomas
Mr. Thomas Pysz
Dr. Susan H Packard
Jason and Michelle Robertson
Linda and Scott Whalen
Deborah DiPlacido
Evan and Rebecca Adair
Mr. Tim W. Bethuy
Jack E Stephenson
Mrs. Jean Belle Mertens
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WQLN Auction and Special Events Donors ($350+)
$350-$999
La Grand Elite Limousine
River Expeditions
Clarion Lake Erie & Bel-Aire
Conference Center
Mirror Lake Inn & Spa Resort
Eden Resort & Suites
Fairmont Pittsburgh
Erie Philharmonic
The Inn at Starlight Lake
Gateway Lodge-Country Inn
& Restaurant
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel &
Conference Center
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
River Expeditions
The Inn at Glenora Wine
Cellars
Twilight Mississippi River
Cruise
Buhl Mansion Guest House
& Spa
Visit Pittsburgh CVB
Sea Watch Resort
Holiday Valley Resort
Breakiron Diamond Jewelers
Sky Sail Balloons
McKean Veterinary Hospital
Custom Kitchens
H & L Enterprises of WNY
K-Mart Discount Store
Rondel Village
Sprague Farm & Brewery
Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts
The Brewerie @ Union Station
Plymouth County Convention
& Visitors Bureau
Brad Lethaby
Real Audio
National Fuel
Fast Signs
Eriesistible Clowns
Arthur F. Schultz Co.
Vantage Healthcare Network
Walt Disney World
Emig’s Bicycle Shop
Sheds Direct
YMCA of Greater Erie
Mason Farms Country Market
Breakiron Diamond Jewelers
Tanglez Hair & Nail Studio
Conneaut Cellars
Lakeview Wine Cellars
Quincy Cellars
Sensory Winery
$1000-$1999
Traditions
Lake Country Bike
Lorei Portraits
Good Ideas, Inc
Reed Manufacturing Co
Waldameer Park & Water
World
Mercyhurst Institute for Arts
& Culture
Matta D
Ridg-U-Rak
Chautauqua Institution
Henry Fox Pest Control
Mud Puppies Self Service
Dog Wash
Denise & Peter Pekelnicky
Classy 100 FM
Smith’s Provision Company
JR’s Last Laugh Comedy Club
Fairview Evergreen Nursery
Johnston’s Evergreen Nursery
Woodloch Pines Resort
Lecom Medical Fitness &
Wellness Center
Plyler Overhead Door
Company
Wright Carpets
Culbertson Hills Golf Club
Gerlach’s Garden & Power
Equipment
Roseto-Suter Overhead Door
J.J. Wurst Landscape
Contractors
John V. Schultz Furniture
The Spencer Hotel
Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB
Frenchman’s Reef & Morning
Star Marriott Resort
Sand Castle on the Beach
Bay Gardens Resort
Arrowhead Wine Cellars
Glenora Wine Cellars
Courtyard Winery
Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing
Mazza Chautauqua Cellars
Mazza Vineyards
South Shore Wine Company
Heritage Wine Cellars
Johnson Estate Winery
Markko Vineyards
21 Brix Winery
Arundel Cellars
WQLN Education Financial Donors
PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Donors
Erie Insurance
MacDonald Illig Jones Britton
Waste Management
CA Curtze
Scott Enterprises
PNC Investments LLC
General Education Sponsorships
Sarris Candies
Erie Community Credit Union
AmeriHealth Caritas
The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School
Girl Scouts of Western PA
UPMC for Kids
Kindercare Learning Centers
Erie News Now
Country Fair
Widget FInancial
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
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WQLN Community Outreach Funding Partners
Corry Redevelopment Authority
Arlene H. Smith Charitable Foundation
Corry Community Foundation
Corry Lumber True Value
Rossbacher Insurance Service
GiGi’s Rt. 6 Diner
Library Bar & Grill
Cobblestone Inn & Suites
Crotty Chevrolet Buick
Corry Manor
Corry Memorial Hospital
Erie County Gaming Revenue
North East Community Foundation
Cunningham Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Edinboro University
Nick’s Place and Company
Edinboro Lake Watershed Association
Charlie’s Pub & Eatery
Fat Willie’s Wing House
Goodell Gardens & Homestead
Conneaut Dairy Queen
University Hospitals Conneaut
Medical Center
Villa at the Lake
White Turkey Drive-In
Bear Creek Farm B&B
Pizzi Café
Ashtabula County Medical Center
Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce
Conneaut Port Authority
Conneaut Savings Bank
North Coast Flight School
The Brewerie at Union Station
Rog’s Inc.
Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing
Quinn Law Firm
Freedom Investment
Management Group
Curtze Food Service
Erie Federal Credit Union
Logistics Plus
Northwest Savings Bank
Erie Beer
Erie Bank
Loesel Schaaf Insurance
Vantage Healthcare Network
Velocity Net
We’d also like to extend a special thank you to the many individuals who donated their car, truck, motorcycle, boat or other
vehicle as part of our Vehicle Donation Program during this fiscal year!
WQLN received donations this year to honor the memory of the following individuals:
John Bowen
Jenny Gerritsen Brown
Phil Fatica
Ralph Martin
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
Tom McLaren
14
WQLN Corporate Sponsors
A. Caplan Company
Allegheny College
American Association of University
Women
Anderson Coach and Travel
Andriaccio’s Restaurant
APSCUF
Aqualuxe Bath Showroom
Arlene H. Smith Charitable Foundation
Art In The Wilds
Ashtabula County Medical Center
Austin & Taylor Home Furnishings, Inc.
Bear Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast
Brazill’s on Main
Brevillier Village Housing and Healthcare
Burger King
Burton Funeral Homes and Crematory,
Inc.
Chautauqua County Visitor’s Bureau
Cleveland Museum of Art
Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce
Conneaut Dairy Queen
Conneaut Port Authority
Conneaut Savings Bank
Corry Community Foundation
Corry Lumber
Corry Manor Nursing Home, LICF, Inc.
Corry Memorial Hospital
Corry Redevelopment Authority
Crotty Chevrolet Buick
Cunningham Chrysler Dodge Jeep of
Edinboro
Cunningham’s of North East
Custom Audio
Dahlkemper Landscape Architects &
Contractors
Distributed Network Software, LLC
Dr. Eric Mizuba
E E Austin & Son, Inc.
Edinboro Lake Watershed Association
Edinboro University of PA
Ehrlich
Emil M Spadafore Jr Esq
Erie Arts & Culture
Erie Audiology, Inc.
Erie Bank
Erie Business Law
Erie Cemetery Association
Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority
Erie Day School
Erie Federal Credit Union
Erie Homes for Children and Adults
Erie Insurance Group
Erie Philharmonic
Erie Reader
Erie Times News
Friends of the Erie County Library
Gerlachs Garden & Power Equipment
Center
Goodell Gardens
Great Lakes Construction
Hamot Health Foundation
Healthcare Ventures Alliance
Highmark Health Plan
Infinity Resources Inc
J.J. Wurst Landscaping and Garden
Center
James A. Harris Funeral Home
Jefferson Educational Society
Knox McLaughlin Gornall Sennett PC
Lake Shore Country Club
Larese Floral Design
LECOM
Library Bar & Grill
Lillis, McKibben, Bongiovanni, & Co
Loesel-Schaaf Insurance Agency
London Civic Centre Corporation
Lord Corporation
M J Surgala Trust/Mary Lincoln
MacDonald, Illig, Jones, & Britton
Marquette Savings Bank
Martin Farrell
Mazza Five & 20
McDowell Intermediate High School
Drama Club
Mercyhurst University
Mill Creek Coffee Company
NAC Entertainment
Nash Chiropractic Health Care
National Fuel Gas
North Shore Arts Alliance
Northwest Savings Bank - Corporate
PA Cyber Charter School
Penn State Erie - The Behrend College
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
Pennsylvania Human Relations
Commission
Perseus House
Plyler Overhead Door Company
PNC Bank
Presque Isle Printing Services, LLC
PSEA
Retirement Services of Erie LLC
Ronald McDonald House Charities of
Erie
Rossbacher Insurance Service
Saint Vincent Health System
Scott Enterprises
Sean Sullivan CPA
Springhill Senior Living Community
Steadman Law Office
Strategy Solutions Inc
Summer House Cafe
SUNY Fredonia School of Music
Ta Da Quilting Studio
The Achievement Center
The Catholic Foundation
The Grape Discovery Center
The John Henne and Sarah Henne Rees
Foundation Trust
The Milton Hershey School
The North East Community Foundation
The Parkview
The Regional Cancer Center
Town Ballroom
Traditions Unlimited
Transportation Equipment Supply Co
University Hospitals Conneaut/Geneva
UPMC Health Plan
Vantage Healthcare Network, Inc
Villa at the Lake
Waldameer Park & Water World
Welders Supply Company
Wesbury
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
White Turkey Inn
Whole Foods Cooperative
Widget Financial
William T Spaeder Company Inc.
Wingate by Wyndham Hotel
Zebro’s Harbor House
15
Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania, Inc.
Statements of Financial Position and Activities
Years Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015
Statement of Financial Position
June 30, 2016
June 30, 2015
Assets
Current Assets
$
362,231
$
418275
2,111,642
2,349,951
1,106,525
1,205,568
$ 3,580,398
$ 3,973794
$
$
Property and Equipment, net of depreciation
Long-Term Assets
Investments
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Current Liabilities
53,591
46,203
545,523
496,669
88,347
170,071
687,461
712,943
2,892,937
3,260,851
$ 3,580,398
$ 3,973,794
Revenue
$ 2,940,401
$ 2,902,119
Expense
3,007,611
2,918,306
Long-Term Liabilities
Net Assets
Statement of Activities
Operating Activities
Net Operating Income
$
(67,210)
$
(16,187)
$
4,500
$
2,300
Non-Operating Activities
Revenue
Expense
Change in Net Assets
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
305,204
339,776
(300,704)
(337,476)
$ (367,914)
$ (353,663)
16
WQLN Total Expenses
$6,000,000
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
$0
FY07
FY08
FY09
FY10
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY16
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY16
WQLN Revenue Sources
$2,000,000
$1,600,000
$1,200,000
$800,000
$400,000
$0
FY07
FY08
FY09
FY10
Federal Grants
State Grants
Local Fundraising
WQLN Operating Revenue vs. Operating Expense
$4,000,000
$3,500,000
$3,000,000
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
FY07
FY08
FY09
FY10
Operating Revenue
FY11
FY12
FY13
FY14
FY15
FY16
Operating Expense
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
17
Support Our Mission
How can you help?
Become a Member Today!
WQLN Public Media’s mission is supported in large part by individual donors—listeners and
viewers just like you!
To donate in support of your favorite programs, become a WQLN member by calling
(814) 866-5454 or toll free 1-888-541-9601, or visit www.WQLN.org/Support.
A donation of as little as $60 entitles members to receive our monthly program guide, Q’d In, and
access to the new streaming service WQLN Passport!
A great membership option for families with little ones is the WQLN Kids Club. Kids Club
members up to age 12 enjoy free admission to a variety of events, including our Kids Club
Nights with the Erie Otters hockey team, Erie SeaWolves baseball team, and Sunview Golf and
Kids Club Day at Waldameer Park. Kids Club members also receive the latest WQLN Kids Club
tee shirt, discounts to several family-friendly local destinations, and a special Happy Birthday
announcement on WQLN TV during the week of their birthday. To join the Kids Club, visit
www.WQLN.org/KidsClub or contact Shannon at (814) 217-6040.
Volunteer!
WQLN has a proud tradition of volunteerism. From answering phones during the hustle and
bustle of our two annual auctions to helping in the Holiday Craft Show kitchen to running
cameras for a television production, and much more, our crew of volunteers has many talents—
and they always welcome new recruits!
Interested in volunteering? Contact Shannon at (814) 217-6040 or [email protected].
WQLN Public Broadcasting of Northwest Pennsylvania 2015/2016 Annual Report
18