CASBAA 2009: the CASBAA Convention 2009, the annual industry meeting organized by the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) in Hong Kong from November 3-6 2009, drew more than 700 delegates, speakers, sponsors and media from around the world.(marketing & events)(Conference news) - Television Asia

According to CASBAA, the multichannel TV industry is more competitive than ever, with a major focus on growing business while navigating the new world of online media and digital content.

The mantra that pay-TV is largely recession-proof has been put to the test this year, said Jack Wakshlag, chief research officer of Turner Broadcasting in the US.

'Cable networks are experiencing less negative impact than print and the traditional broadcast networks despite the current challenging environment. People are buying bigger TVs and High Definition (HD) only increases the audience's interest in TV.'

Mark Patterson, CEO, Asia Pacific of GroupM said, 'TV is making a comeback. One third of respondents to a recent survey said they were staying in more and a quarter were watching more TV... Our belief is that Asians still have a significant love affair with TV.'

A key to sustaining growth will be the ability of the pay-TV business to take advantage of the deployment of new digital distribution platforms. According to Todd Miller, EVR Networks, Asia Pacific of Sony Pictures Television, 'Our core business isn't changing in the foreseeable future and we have mobile extension, catch-up TV, online communities and tightening windows. All these go back to support our core business.'

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The three days of conference sessions, roundtables, networking breakfasts, lunches and cocktail parties reinforced the fact that the Indian market continues to be a tremendous growth story with an ever increasing channel choice and 105 million-strong subscriber base.

And yet, by many measures the India market has yet to deliver on its full promise.

Subhash Chandra, chairman of Zee Entertainment Enterprises said broadcasters continue to contend with the problem of under-declaration and ever higher programming costs. Nevertheless Chandra said he expected a critical consolidation of the six DTH operators in India, which could transform the industry into profitability.

A debate on video services in China also attracted attention. According to David Rubio, COO of Cisco China, there are 300 million plus Internet users and more than 70 percent are online video consumers, the majority of whom are not fully satisfied with the online video experience. Rubio said China represented a 'huge opportunity' for the right delivery systems.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Anita Huang, VP of Community & Marketing of Tudou said the online video market, which for the time being, at least, is less regulated than traditional broadcast TV, offered the best opportunity for legitimate content deals. A major roadblock, she admitted, was piracy.

Huang added that although Tudou has undertaken antipiracy initiatives, it is up to the content owners to be more proactive in terms of protecting their content online. 'Work with us,' she said, insisting that Tudou is open to revenue sharing deals on legitimate content.

Sports TV was also a hot topic covering the thorny issue of escalating sports rights for channels, platforms and consumers.

'Sports fans demand the best available content and that is what we deliver. We also favour the market and we are in favour of laissez faire on rights,' said Russell Wolff, EVP & MD of ESPN International.

'While there is some competition for sports rights in China the reality is that only CCTV can afford the huge fees for major events such as the World Cup soccer and the Olympics,' said Ma Guoli, CEO & MD of Infront Sports & Media.

During a special address, Makato Harada, DirectorGeneral, International Planning and Broadcasting Department of NHK said their network is aggressively moving into the digital age and will complete its digital transition by July 2011.

'NHK now has 100 percent of production in HD and we are working on generating super HD. We don't know if the effort of digitalization and HD will lead directly to an increase in revenue. But if we do not make the effort to expand with new services, we could lose our leadership position, especially with younger viewers,' added Harada.

Also addressing digital issues, Bernhard Glock, President of the World Federation of Advertisers, called for a concerted effort on the part of advertisers and agencies to evolve the development of advertising for the digital space.

Glock claimed that the basic principles behind effective advertising--solid consumer insight, and engaging content had not changed. The '30second spot' will continue to be an important part of every advertiser's messaging. However, he added that 'the way people experience it will be different'.

Wrapping up the Convention was the CASBAA Bollywood Charity Ball in support of Variety the Children's Charity and sponsored by Turner. During the evening, approximately US$45,000 was raised for The Dream School Foundation to help children in India.

Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation to Launch Mobile Initiative - Wireless News

Wireless News
12-01-2010
Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation to Launch Mobile Initiative
Type: News

Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation has created a mobile application weaving community and entertainment together.

According to a release, Ubiquity's mobile initiative is entrenched with its own proprietary patent and patent pending technology named Weav. Weav mobile targets 13-29 year olds.
Weav mobile uses Ubiquity's Lifestyle Portal patent which was awarded to Ubiquity in September 2009. The patent aims to configure internet-based information tailored to individuals' lifestyles where relevant information is available through a single web-site that meets the specifics of each user's lifestyle. The Lifestyle Portal Patent is the backbone to social media, mobile media, and social networks alike

Ubiquity has partnered with Lightmaker Group, a provider of web and mobile development, to help in the development of Ubiquity's Weav mobile initiative.

Adrian Barrett CEO of Lightmaker said, 'Weav mobile is going to change the way people access and use social media.'

'Today, we communicate with our family and friends through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube,' CEO Chris Carmichael said. 'Tomorrow, you'll be able to take your friends with you wherever you want when you want, all on the go, with the mobile media device of your choice.'

Weav mobile allows users to access all of their social media outlets at the touch of a button on the iPad, iPhone, and soon to follow on the Droid Pad, Google Pad, Samsung Galaxy Pad, and the Toshiba Folio 100 Pad.

Ubiquity's Weav mobile pulls from the best content on the web and gives the end user customized media and information based on their preferences and profile, and allows them to Weav with family and friends with ease.

Ubiquity Board Member, Jeffrey Cole of USC's Annenberg School for the Digital Future said, 'Ubiquity has the power to change social media and digital technology forever. The key transformational change is empowerment, and Ubiquity has created the tools to empower the end user.

'Ubiquity's patents in social networking, ecommerce, compression, and navigation are central core areas in media, internet, and mobile use that are really going to define the next 20 to 30 years of digital use.'

Ubiquity Broadcasting Corporation also produces and distributes video coverage for the upcoming Sponsor Me series of Action Sports events.

Sponsor Me is an action-sports social media group and athlete management company.

Apple designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication devices, and portable digital music and video players.

Facebook is a social networking website.

Google maintains an index of Websites and other online content.

Toshiba is a provider of personal and professional computers, telecommunications and medical equipment, industrial machinery, consumer appliances, electronic components, and semiconductors.

Lightmaker Group specializes in website design, development and strategic services.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

Copyright 2010 Close-Up Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
n/a

More Than the Score; 'The Voice' of Cascade earns broadcasting honors - Telegraph - Herald (Dubuque)

'The Voice' of Cascade has branched out and made an impact in thestate of Iowa.

Jesse Gavin cut his teeth in broadcasting by announcing over thepublic address system for high school sporting events in his hometownand worked briefly for KDST-FM in Dyersville before heading off tocollege.

Earlier this spring, the Wartburg College junior won four awardsat the Iowa Broadcast News Association's Annual Spring Convention inIowa City.

Gavin serves as the Sports Director at Wartburg's student-runtelevision station. He won first place in the Sports Play-by-Playcategory for both the Student Market Radio and Television Markets;his retrospective marking the 150th episode of WTV's weekly sportsshow, SportsKnight, won first place in the In-Depth/Series category;and SportsKnight, which Gavin executive produces, won first place inthe Best Sportscast competition for the second straight year.

'It's pretty tremendous to be in the same room with so many of thegiants of Iowa broadcasting and to get to have my work recognized,'Gavin said. 'It was really a great experience to attend theconvention this year, and to hear so many congratulatory words frompeople that I have idolized since I decided that this is thedirection I want my life to go.'

Library hosting 'Tall Tales'

In anticipation of the Cabela's fishing tournament this weekend,the Carnegie-Stout Public Library will host a 'Tall Tale Telling'program at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Dubuquers Tom Tully, Bill Conzett and a handful of others willshare their fishing tales, then encourage audience participation. Thelibrary's adult services department came up with the program andpatterned it after Mike Fink, the rugged keelboater who worked on theMississippi River.

The program will be presented free of charge. For furtherinformation, call the library's information desk at 589-4225, option4.

Bellevue moves rodeo

The Bellevue, Iowa, rodeo will take place much earlier thissummer. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned eventwill take place June 9-11.

For the past 17 years, Bellevue brought the rodeo to town duringthe second week of August.

Iowa Games registration information available

Entry form booklets and online registration are now available forthe 19th annual Summer Iowa Games. Booklets can be obtained at DrugTown, Hy-Vee, U.S. Bank locations, Casey's, Subway stores, localparks and recreation departments, YMCA/YWCAs and online atwww.iowagames.org.

The Games, scheduled for mid-July, are expected to draw 18,000athletes in 50 sports. Dodgeball, a high school football 7-on-7passing tournament and a strongman contest have been added to the2005 list of sports. In many instances, team entry fees have beenreduced to make the Games more affordable.

E-mail More than the Score items to Jim Leitner atjleitner@wcinet.com.

Charles Sanford, 86, 'icon in Maine broadcasting' - Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME)

MELANIE CREAMER By MELANIE CREAMER Staff Writer
Portland Press Herald (Maine)
01-13-2011
Charles Sanford, 86, 'icon in Maine broadcasting'
Byline: MELANIE CREAMER By MELANIE CREAMER Staff Writer
Edition: FINAL
Section: Local & State
Type: News
Memo: feature obit

FALMOUTH --

Charles Sanford, the retired general manager and vice president of WGAN radio who was considered a pioneer of Maine broadcasting, died on Wednesday. He was 86.

Mr. Sanford began his broadcast career at WJOR in Bangor in 1947, then went on to become a disc jockey and announcer for WGUY radio.
In 1952, Mr. Sanford joined WGAN in Portland. In his early years, he was a morning show host. He worked his way up to news director and program director, then vice president and general manager of the station.

He retired from broadcasting in 1986 and was later inducted into the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

As general manager, he hired Kim Block, a longtime TV news anchor for Channel 13 in Portland, now WGME.

She remembered Mr. Sanford on Wednesday as a mentor and role model who set the standard for broadcasting excellence.

'We have lost another broadcast legend in Maine,' Block said. 'He gave me a shot at a young age and gave me a career that I really love. He was one of the most genuine, kind, gracious and supportive people I have ever worked for.'

Mr. Sanford also launched the career of Cary Pahigian, president and general manager of Portland Radio Group. He hired Pahigian in the early 1980s as program manager of WGAN.

He said Mr. Sanford was an 'icon in Maine broadcasting.'

'This is a huge loss,' Pahigian said Wednesday. 'His knowledge of Maine broadcasting was second to none. He had a great love for the state. He had a deep respect for the on-air broadcasting component. He was a throwback to serving the community, serving the public, serving the listener and working hand-in-hand with the media.'

Mr. Sanford grew up in Minnesota. He was an accomplished high school athlete but turned down a football scholarship to the University of Minnesota and enlisted in the Army Air Corps.

At the age of 19, he was a B-17 bomber pilot with the 100th Bomb Group, known by many as the Bloody 100th. 'Those were the good old blood-and-guts days, where they had no fighter planes guiding them and no oxygen masks,' said his daughter, Jo-Ellyn Harris of Weare, N.H. 'Not many men finished their tour alive flying out of that group.'

After he was discharged from the service, he moved to Machias to work at his brother's gas station.

He was married to June Sanford for 57 years. The couple raised two children.

Mr. Sanford was remembered by his daughter Wednesday as a supportive and loving father who was involved in the lives of his children. She said he was respectful and calm when making decisions.

'He loved watching my brother play sports and was always at his games,' Harris said. 'That carried over to his grandchildren. He would go to their soccer games and track meets right up until last year.'

Mr. Sanford had a passion for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and continued to play golf until last year.

One of his favorite places to go was Smith Pond Camp in Elliotsville Plantation, where he hunted and fished for 60 years.

In his later years, he pursued his passion for cooking and wrote and published 'Chuck's Camp Cookbook.'

Harris said her father often cooked at the camp and enjoyed creating new recipes. She said his happiest times in life were spent at the camp.

'He was happiest when he was hunting and fishing with his brother and friends,' his daughter said. 'He found peace there. My brother and I think that his love of nature is reflected in his personality, in the way he approached people and treated people. My father was one of a kind.'

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com

[Sidebar]

PASSAGES

Each day the newsroom selects one obituary and seeks to learn more about the life of a person who has lived and worked in Maine. We look for a person who has made a mark on the community or the person's family and friends in lasting ways.

Illustrations/Photos:
Caption: Family photo Charles Sanford 'was happiest when he was
hunting and fishing,' his daughter said.

Copyright 2009 Blethen Maine Newspapers

PUBLIC FORUM PUBLIC BROADCASTING CAN'T MATCH CABLE CORNUCOPIA - Daily News (Los Angeles, CA)

Susan Weiner's column headlined 'Cutting funds for publicbroadcasting shortsighted' (Daily News, Jan. 9) was a typical exampleof why liberals are losing the ideological fight in America. For,unlike most Americans, Weiner believes that our debt-riddengovernment needs to be supplying us with our culture - something thatis already abundantly available at a low price in the free market.

Weiner maintains that public broadcasting is fulfilling amandate that is not being fulfilled elsewhere, claiming that, 'Theadvent of cable channels and the promises of the networksnotwithstanding, so far only public broadcasting offers qualitydocumentaries, in-depth news coverage, and features on the sciencesand humanities.'

That simply isn't true. I know, because I happen to be ahistory and science documentary junkie. I also demand the best andmost extensive in-depth news coverage. And quite frankly, although Ido agree that there is some excellent programming on PBS, it's a dropin the bucket compared to what basic cable has to offer.

For example (I'm trying hard not to seem like an advertisementfor cable), the Arts and Entertainment network and the DiscoveryChannel are just gushing culture all over the place with programminglike 'Civil War Journal,' 'David L. Wolper Presents,' 'The 20thCentury,' 'Justice Files,' 'Investigative Reports,' 'AmericanJustice,' 'Best of Comic Relief,' 'Evening at the Improv,' 'Magic,''In the Wild,' 'Nature,' 'In the company of Whales,' 'PetConnection,' 'Animals,' 'Fangs,' 'Hunters,' 'Sanctuary,' 'Survival,''Himalayas,' 'America Coast to Coast,' 'Alaska Bound,' 'Challenge,''X-Planes,' 'Wings,' 'Wings of the Luftwaffe,' 'Wings of the RedStar,' 'Wings Over the Sea,' 'Firepower,' 'Armor,' 'Know Zone,' 'NextStep,' 'Beyond 2000,' 'Invention,' 'Shipwrecks,' 'Pirates,' 'AncientMysteries,' 'Biography,' 'Chefs,' 'Cuisine.'

And that is just a taste of the programming that are on two ofthe channels through the week on basic cable. Other channels such asthe Family Channel, Lifetime, USA, TBS and TNT also have equally goodprograms, and as far as in-depth news coverage, CNN isworld-renowned. And two channels, ESPN and Prime Ticket, arecompletely dedicated to sports, both national and internationalsports. Another channel, C-SPAN, is dedicated to governmentalaffairs such as congressional and Senate debates and committeehearings and the like, as well as round-table call-in discussionswith important personalities in the news.

As for Weiner's insistence that the benefits of publicbroadcasting justify the cost of $253 million, which comes to onlyabout $1 per person a year, all I have to say is that this is a veryarrogant attitude toward taxpayers' money. How many other uselessgovernment programs are there that only take $1 out of my pocket eachyear? I wonder if they add up to a thousand. But hey, what do Ineed with a mere $1,000 dollars anyway, right?

- Leonard C. Snebold

Simi ValleyHearing about vote fraud

The Jan. 4 Daily News article headlined '170,000 fraud incidentsoccurred in election, study says' is incorrect. It should have said'170,003.'

I have a very bad habit of listening to the conversations ofpeople near me when I am alone. One day, prior to the Novemberelections, while alone and bored in a restaurant, I overheard a manexplaining how he had voted four times by absentee ballots. He votedfor himself, his ailing mother-in-law, his daughter (who was away atschool) and his son (who, also, was not at home).

Shortly after that, I reregistered in front of my local market.I had to prove nothing. I could have been anyone from anywhere.

Now we are going to have this marvelous motor/voterregistration, which invites more fraud in a system that is already afarce. We should have more stringent control over something soimportant as the concept of one vote per one United States citizen.

- Carole Breyde

North HollywoodFeds, cults and the NRA

Though I think much is commendable in John Cork's critique ofNat Hentoff's poor use of examples in his Jan. 9 anti-governmentalabuse editorial ('Ending a plague of official lawlessness'), I thinkCork errs in one respect, as regards the Branch Davidian fiasco. Hewrongly takes Hentoff to task for saying the FBI should haveconsulted with an expert on 'marginal religious movements' beforedeciding to storm the compound.

During the Waco standoff I was in a producer's office pitching astory about a cult deprogrammer who has spent virtually his entirelife on the front lines, snatching people from the fire of 'marginalreligious movements' like the Branch Davidians. At this time in thestandoff, my deprogrammer friend was desperately trying to persuadethe FBI to call off the dogs (i.e., hovering helicopters, blaringfloodlights, sounds of dying rabbits, etc.).

He offered his services as a former lieutenant in a BranchDavidian-type cult - he knew cult leaders, how they think, what makesthem tick. Though the FBI knew who he was, they just blew him off.

They had their 'experts.' The producer asked me if my friendhad any predictions about the outcome. I said: 'Yes. He predictsthat, if the FBI continues with its tactics, the group will becomemore insular, more paranoid, and eventually Koresh will gather hislieutenants and they will ensure that everyone goes out in a blaze ofglory.' A week later, that is exactly what transpired.

In '93 it was the Branch Davidians in Waco. In '94 it was the'The Order of the Solar Temple' in Switzerland. We are approachingthe year 2000 and millennial madness has set in. Small, paranoid,heavily armed, apocalyptic fringe groups now dot the Americanlandscape. More death and disaster are right around the corner. Ourlaw enforcement personnel (police, FBI, ATF, etc.) need to availthemselves of all available resources, not just the theoreticalacademicians, but also those who are on the front lines in this dark,perplexing domain within our culture.

- Bob Pierce

Van Nuys

John Cork's letter in the Jan. 11 Public Forum ('Hentoff ignoredrisk of serving search warrants') seems to be directed from anotherplanet.

Cork states that the National Rifle Association advocates'disrespect for law enforcement.' Nothing could be further from thetruth. He states that, 'The NRA is funded largely by gunmanufacturers.' The NRA is funded 95 percent by its membership,which represents millions of law-abiding citizens.

For Cork to even suggest a correlation between the NRA and theunbelievable, unconstitutional and illegal actions of the DrugEnforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco andFirearms, and much of law enforcement today is unconscionable atmost, ill-informed at least.

- William Marky

Reseda

John Cork's Jan. 11 letter failed to note an important point.The DEA agents had a legal search warrant, all right. But the reasonthey were searching the Malibu estate of the 'armed man' who wassubsequently shot and killed trying to defend his home againstunannounced, armed intruders was to find marijuana (which they didnot) and seize the estate under the Racketeer Influenced, CorruptOrganizations (RICO) law.

RICO, as applied during the Reagan and Bush administrations byoverzealous and corrupt law enforcement professionals, has resultedin more suffering and death than ever was caused by marijuana. Theimportant lesson here is that out-of-control 'get tough' politiciansand law enforcement types must be stopped from their insane,expensive, unconstitutional, and futile 'War on Drugs.'

- John D. Baltic

TopangaPut academics first

This is in response to the Jan. 6 Daily News editorial 'Failedby their schools.'

After teaching 34 years in public high schools, I am notsurprised that 85 percent of CSUN freshmen students take at least oneremedial course.

For example, on a daily basis, my attempt to offer qualityinstruction was sabotaged by excessive disruptions. Not only werestudents frequently excused from class for frills, but the amount ofbulletins, clerical work and discipline problems left very littletime for instruction.

No school reform can be effective without challenging thepriority given to competitive sports. While no one is permitted toinflate football scores even with the intention of maintaining highteam self-esteem, our schools issue inflated grades as well ascounterfeit diplomas to students who obviously do not read, write orcalculate anywhere near their grade level.

Until performance in the academic classroom is rewarded on a parwith performance on the football field, taxpayers will continue topay more taxes for more remedial courses for academically deficientstudents.

- Gilbert A. Rubio

Fund established to commemorate late sportscaster ; The Frank Fixaris Memorial Endowment will help St. Joseph's students aspiring to work in broadcasting. - Portland Press Herald (Portland, ME)

TOM CHARD Staff Writer
Portland Press Herald (Maine)
07-19-2006
Fund established to commemorate late sportscaster ; The Frank Fixaris Memorial Endowment will help St. Joseph's students aspiring to work in broadcasting.
Byline: TOM CHARD Staff Writer
Edition: FINAL
Section: Sports

STANDISH --

The late Frank Fixaris encouraged many an aspiring broadcaster during his long career as southern Maine's top sports announcer. Known for gently offering advice or an encouraging word, Fixaris was admired for his talent and professionalism.

Now Fixaris's legacy will live on through the Frank Fixaris Memorial Endowment at St. Joseph's College.
St. Joseph's College officials revealed details of the endowment at a news conference on Tuesday.

Through a partnership with the Portland Sea Dogs, the Portland Pirates and other sports teams and organizations, the college has set an endowment goal of $1 million. St. Joseph's will start the endowment with two $5,000 scholarships this September for a deserving junior and senior studying journalism and broadcasting.

David House, president of St. Joseph's College, said those scholarships will grow to $10,000 each in a few years.

'Frank Fixaris's legacy will live on,' said House.

Fixaris worked for WGME for 30 years. He died in January in a fire at his home in Falmouth. At the time, Fixaris co-hosted the popular 'Morning Jab' sports talk show on WJAB radio.

Today from 8 to 10 a.m., WJAB will devote airtime to Fixaris through recollections of colleagues and information on the endowment.

Prior to his TV career, Fixaris worked in radio at local stations. Besides anchoring the 6 and 11 p.m., sports reports at Channel 13, Fixaris was known for years as a top-notch play-by-play announcer of high school basketball and football. He served as color commentator on radio for the Maine Mariners and later the Pirates, both of the American Hockey League.

Four events have been planned to raise money for the endowment. Both the Sea Dogs and Pirates will donate a portion of ticket sales from a game to the fund.

Gary Prolman, director of the Maine High School Hockey Invitational, said a tournament called the Fixpot, modeled after the collegiate Beanpot in Boston, will be held on Jan. 22 and 29, 2007, at the Cumberland County Civic Center. Cape Elizabeth, Cheverus, Falmouth and Scarborough will vie for the title with all proceeds going to the endowment.

A celebrity golf tournament will be held at Riverside Golf Course in August 2007 to raise funds.

It is hoped that in time, the endowment also will support internships for students in broadcast journalism, stipends for middle school and high school athletes to attend athletic camps at St. Joseph's, a lecture series featuring national sports figures, and enhancement of the college's radio station to better prepare students in broadcast journalism.

'Fix was one of the originals,' said Kim Block, WGME-TV news anchor and colleague of Fixaris. 'Frank was smooth and competent during the days of early technology. He never missed a beat. He loved broadcasting. I know he helped me tremendously when I was starting out.'

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Copyright 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

Founder Of Broadcasting School Vows To Reopen Farmington Branch: An abrupt closing. - Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT)

Byline: Rinker Buck

Mar. 6--The founder of a popular Farmington broadcasting school -- one that has placed its graduates at television and radio stations throughout the country -- vowed to reopen after the school was abruptly shut down by an affiliate of financial giant Credit Suisse.

The Connecticut School of Broadcasting, which was started in Hartford in 1964 by veteran radio announcer Dick Robinson, shuttered its two Connecticut campuses and 24 affiliate locations throughout the country Wednesday, giving faculty and students an hour's notice to vacate the premises.

In a terse press release on Thursday, the Connecticut School of Broadcasting said that its major lender, National City/PNC Bank, had seized its bank accounts, forcing it to shut down and file for bankruptcy. The shutdown prevented dozens of students from receiving their graduation certificates just five days before their course was scheduled to end.

'My children and I are just totally sick about this and we had no idea that the school was in such difficulty,' said Robinson, 70, who sold the school to Credit Suisse in 2006, and who now lives in Palm Beach, Fla. 'But we are making plans to resurrect at least the Farmington campus.'

On Thursday, as students stranded by the school's closing milled around the snowy campus on Birdseye Road in Farmington, state Commissioner of Higher Education Michael P. Meotti and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal initiated investigations into the CSB shutdown.

Meotti said that a state fund established to protect students of occupational schools that close will be applied to reimburse students for their tuition or provide 'teach-out' programs at other schools so that students can finish their degrees.

The Department of Higher Education urged broadcasting school students to call its toll-free line, 800-842-0229, or visit the agency's website, ctdhe.org, to register for tuition refunds or learn about options for completing their degrees.

During its 45-year history, the Connecticut School of Broadcasting has placed hundreds of graduates at entry-level editing and production jobs at radio and television stations, allowing them to work their way up the broadcasting ladder. Graduates also found jobs at media companies like cable sports giant ESPN in Bristol or all-news or all-talk radio stations.

'A lot of CSB graduates may have started at modest broadcasting jobs behind the scenes,' said Fox 61 sportscaster Bob Rumbold, a Windsor Locks native who graduated from the school in 1969. 'But the school is well-known and respected and there aren't many stations in New England without CSB alumni.'

When Robinson sold the school to Credit Suisse almost three years ago, the school had 13 locations throughout the country, most of them modeled on the hands-on approach he had supervised while he ran the schools, which stressed students' learning everything from on-air announcing to post-production editing. The school promised its graduates a 'lifetime guarantee' of support, under which they could use the school's facilities to polish their 'demo' reels as they sought better jobs.

Under Credit Suisse, the school rapidly expanded, doubling its size to 26 campuses. Most of the school's students and graduates interviewed in Farmington on Thursday said that they were especially attracted to the school because of the lifetime guarantee benefits. Students, many of whom worked part-time jobs while they completed their course work, said they were aggressively recruited by a school that offered generous 'scholarship' discounts and student loans against the basic $12,000 tuition.

David Banner, CSB's president, did not return calls from The Courant, and a Credit Suisse spokesman would say only that the bank was 'disappointed by the outcome' of closing the schools.

The end arrived so quickly Wednesday that many students barely had time to shut down their computers and editing equipment before they were forced to leave.

'We were told at 4 p.m. [on Wednesday] to vacate the campus by 5 p.m. that day,' said one top administrator of the school who declined to be quoted by name because he was instructed by the managers who shut down the campus not to comment publicly. 'We had no choice but to comply and tell the students to leave, even though it broke our hearts to betray these kids.'

The plight of student Chandler Hartford, 21, of Southington, seemed typical. Hartford enrolled in the school's course at Farmington in early January, attending day classes while holding down an afternoon and evening job as a waiter at an assisted-living facility. He had planned to begin a career as a voice-over announcer and was working on a demo tape and website when the school closed.

'I was really starting to crack down on my voice-overs and realized that this was something I could be great at,' Hartford said. 'But now all of my work can only be accessed on computers behind locked doors, and my voice-over coach was fired.'

Meotti said that Connecticut maintains a $3.5 million Student Protection Account -- raised by fees charged to occupational schools -- that will be used to either reimburse students for their tuition costs or pay comparable schools to help students complete their degree requirements. The higher education commission served the school with a subpoena on Thursday and today will search the school for student records, the first step toward allowing enrollees to obtain either tuition reimbursement or complete their courses.

Meanwhile, Robinson vowed to honor the school's commitments to students on the Farmington campus. Robinson said that his family still owns the school building in Farmington and that three of his children -- all of whom worked at some time for CSB -- will apply for a 'fast-track' license to reopen the school.

His family's regaining control of the school would involve some 'ironic justice,' Robinson said.

'After we founded CSB in 1964 there were many times that other broadcasting schools went under and we did all the teach-outs for the kids who were locked out,' Robinson said. 'We never charged a dime. All we care about now is the kids, and their broadcasting careers.'

To see more of The Hartford Courant, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.courant.com/.

Copyright (c) 2009, The Hartford Courant, Conn.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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