IPTV's Communications Manager honored during the 2008 Brand Masters Seminar
in Palm Desert, CA
ARLINGTON, VA, May 22, 2008 - Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO, announced that Jennifer Konfrst, Communications Manager at IPTV in Johnston, IA, is the winner of the 2007 Communications Professional of the Year Award. The award was presented by Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Brand Management and Promotion, PBS KIDS Next Generation Media at the annual Brand Masters Seminar held at the J.W. Marriott in Palm Desert, CA. The day-long meeting is a professional development opportunity designed for station branding, communication and promotion professionals and directly follows PBS' annual public television meeting that focuses on programming and communications, PBS Showcase. The award recognizes an individual who has distinguished herself or himself in the field of communications and promotion and has demonstrated excellence in leadership in the public television community.
"Jennifer has worked tirelessly to ensure IPTV serves as a viable community resource and a positive presence in the lives of Iowans," said Ms. Kerger. "Her results-driven promotional campaigns, exceptional creativity and hands-on leadership make her a role model for all public television communications professionals."
"Every year since 1997, we've recognized an exceptional station professional with this award, and as this year's winner, Jennifer has exhibited spectacular leadership both at her station and within the public television system," said Ms. Rotenberg.
"Jennifer brings tireless enthusiasm and commitment to her work every day," said Dan Miller, Executive Director and General Manager of IPTV. "She is a tremendous advocate for Iowa Public Television, and as a result, IPTV is able to 'be more.'"
"A wonderful leader and a positive spirit, Jennifer has an ability to compromise and really make things happen. She is a huge asset to IPTV and to our Communications team," added Molly Phillips, IPTV Communications Director.
Ms. Konfrst leads all promotion for IPTV. Her portfolio of responsibilities includes promotion, events, helping with strategic planning for the statewide network, and IPTV's digital conversion campaign. Ms. Konfrst orchestrated "IPTV Day" at the Iowa State Fair, in celebration of the station's 35th anniversary. With seven different activities taking place across the fairgrounds, Ms. Konfrst and her team handed out thousands of water bottles and schedules of station events throughout the day, which ranged from wrestlers teaching kids their wrestling moves, a quilting demonstration and analysts from the program MARKET TO MARKET discussing the corn and bean market. In addition, she has also worked children's events, Presidential debates as well as Legislative and Congressional events.
Ms. Konfrst also leads IPTV's Digital Conversion Campaign. She designed the station's plan for the upcoming DTV transition deadline, created print and online materials, helped craft a 30-minute program and scheduled over 60 information sessions across Iowa. Ms. Konfrst is highly involved in IPTV's strategic planning and an active member of the PACE, the team responsible for determining which shows the station should produce.
Other responsibilities at IPTV include giving presentations at network-wide staff meetings, top management meetings and IPTV Board meetings. In addition, she played a pivotal role in the Web site redesign and continues to administer all postings of announcements, releases and blogs. She also continues to be a fundraising personality several times a year.
On a national level, Ms. Konfrst represents her station as a member of the Communications Advisory Committee as well as the Development Advisory Committee and played an active role in creating the WORDWORLD communications plan.
The 2008 PBS Showcase was held May 12-15 at the J.W. Marriott in Palm Desert, CA. The conference, with more than 700 participants, featured nationally recognized speakers, programming and promotion information, professional development opportunities on a wide range of subjects, and networking opportunities. Highlights from this year's Showcase included programming for Fall 2008, plus the latest techniques in promotion, education and interactive platforms.
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CONTACT:
Jennifer Daddura, 703-739-5223, jedaddura@pbs.org
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