May 6, 2005

UCSD-TV's "White Mountain" Documentary Wins International Award

By Alison Gang

UCSD Television documentary "In the Shadow of White Mountain" was recognized with a "Certificate for Creative Excellence" by the International Film and Video Festival's 38th Annual Awards competition. Selected from over 1,300 entries from 30 countries, this third place award in the Sciences, Research, and Exploration category is the second for this documentary and its producer, UCSD-TV's Rich Wargo. In early 2005, the documentary was honored with a bronze Telly Award, an international competition honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions.

Nearly three years in the making, "In the Shadow of White Mountain" made its television debut in November 2004 on UCSD-TV, the broadcast television station based on the UC San Diego campus, and also aired nationally on University of California Television, the UC systemwide satellite channel. Funding for the program was made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation through its Divisions of Biological Infrastructure and Elementary, Secondary and Informal Science Education.

Featuring the distinctive voice of narrator Peter Coyote, "In the Shadow of White Mountain" tells the many stories of UC's White Mountain Research Station, a biological field station with both the highest research lab and the highest Internet node in North America. The diversity of research that takes place at WMRS is reflected in the hour-long documentary, which includes segments ranging from the extreme hibernation of White Mountain's squirrels to what the evolution of the Willow Beetle can tell us about climate change. More information on the program, including exclusive behind the scenes photos, producer's notes, and links to additional resources, can be found at www.ucsd.tv/whitemountain/.

UCSD-TV is a non-profit, non-commercial broadcast station licensed to the Regents of the University of California. Launched in 1993, UCSD-TV provides viewers with locally produced, regionally focused programs that enrich the public's awareness of new ideas, key issues and local events. UCSD-TV airs on Cox Cable Ch.66; North County Cox Cable Ch.69; Time Warner Cable Ch.18; or UHF (no cable) Ch. 35. Additional information can be found at www.ucsd.tv.

UCTV broadcasts the best in educational and enrichment programming from the campuses and national laboratories of the University of California. UCTV is available in over 15 million households nationwide and can be viewed via the following:
* Cable TV: Throughout California and the country (see www.uctv.tv/cable for details).
* Direct Broadcast Satellite: Nationwide 24 hours a day, Dish Network Channel 9412
*Internet: Worldwide via live webcast and extensive "video-on-demand" archive at www.uctv.tv

Media Contact: Alison Gang (858) 822-5060