September 10, 2004

UCSD-TV And UCTV Programs Honored At 2004 Aurora Awards
Two Shows Receive Platinum "Best In Show" And Gold Award

By Juanita LaHaye

University of California, San Diego Television (UCSD-TV) and University of California Television (UCTV) have been awarded a Platinum “Best of Show” Aurora and a Gold Aurora Award respectively for outstanding achievement and broadcast/cable excellence. The programs receiving the honor are “The Soul of Saturday Night,” co-produced by John Menier, UCSD-TV producer, and John Malashock of Malshock Dance Company and the UCTV magazine program “State of Minds,” executive produced by Shannon Bradley and hosted by journalist and UC Berkeley Assistant Vice Chancellor George Strait.

“UCSD-TV, a local broadcast station, and UCTV, a nationwide network for the University of California system, provide a broad spectrum of thought-provoking programming with something for everyone,” said Lynn Burnstan, managing director of UCTV and UCSD-TV. “So we especially appreciate being recognized for what's important and what's of value to the community."

“The Soul of Saturday Night,” a witty and imaginative dance narrative, is set to the music of Tom Waits and was shot at various locations around San Diego. “The Soul of Saturday Night” is a co-production of UCSD-TV and Malashock Dance. Though UCSD-TV and director John Menier have taped several previous Malashock stage productions for television, “The Soul of Saturday Night” marked an evolution in the partnership of the two companies as their first ever dance-for-camera project.

“State of Minds” is a 30-minute magazine-style program that features segments from all of the UC campuses exploring the many exciting developments, personalities, and pursuits that make the UC one of the nation's finest research universities. UCTV’s award-winning “State of Minds” episode aired in January 2004 and featured stories about healthcare in animal shelters from UC Davis, testing soil for winemakers from UC Berkeley, creating video games from UC San Diego, and the new Mission Bay campus from UC San Francisco.

The Aurora Awards is an international competition with entries from across the US, and abroad. These awards are designed to recognize excellence in the film and video industries, specifically targeting programs focused on regional or special interest entertainment. Competitors come from private and corporate production groups, advertising agencies and television stations throughout the country.

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. For additional program information, call 858-534-3535 or visit www.ucsd.tv.

UCTV is available in over 14 million homes nationwide and can be viewed via the following:

• Cable TV: Community cable channels in California and across the country (see www.uctv.tv/cable for details).
• Direct Broadcast Satellite: nationwide, 24 hours a day on Dish Network, Channel 9412
• Internet: live webcast and subsequent "video-on-demand" streaming video at www.uctv.tv

Media Contact: Juanita LaHaye (858) 822-2026