Summer 2015 - Sharing the Vision by WGBH Educational Foundation

FOR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF WGBH

SUMMER 2015

IN THIS ISSUE

Frontline’s My Brother’s Bomber

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Investing in Frontline

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An Eventful Season

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The Stories of Last Days in Vietnam Rick Burnes Welcomes New Trustees A Smart Way to Give

View from

the President

On the cover: Frontline’s My Brother’s Bomber premieres Tuesday, September 29, at 10pm on WGBH 2 and PBS stations nationwide

n the summer of 2011, as the Arab Spring revolution finally forced Moammar Qaddafi from power, Frontline’s Ken Dornstein slipped into Libya with a camera crew in search of the men who murdered his brother 25 years earlier in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The case has long been one of the biggest unresolved acts of international terror in history. But this Frontline special investigation—conducted over several years throughout the Middle East, Europe, and the United States—unearths significant new evidence that should settle any remaining doubts about who bombed the plane…and why. My Brother’s Bomber exemplifies the unique place of WGBH’s Frontline in today’s media landscape: it remains the only long-form investigative documentary series on television…and so much more (see sidebar, page 3). Frontline is pioneering the creation and delivery of powerful journalism across a range of platforms. And the awardwinning series remains in eminently good hands, as founder and longtime executive producer David Fanning passed the baton to Raney Aronson-Rath this past spring. So much of what WGBH is able to accomplish is derived from the generosity of visionary philanthropists. In this newsletter, you’ll meet Dr. Leonard Tow and his daughter Emily Tow Jackson (page 3), whose family foundation recently funded an innovative, three-year fellowship program between Frontline and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism to expand the series’ digital footprint. We’ll also introduce you to venture capitalist Mike Zak, who stepped up to provide generous, early support for American Experience’s ambitious yearlong theatrical release/community engagement campaign around Last Days in Vietnam by filmmaker Rory Kennedy, with impressive results. And you’ll meet longtime supporters Ann and Tom Schwarz, who are passionate about keeping WGBH strong in the years ahead through smart giving. All this, plus an update on our newest Trustees and a close-up look at third-generation WGBH supporter: RLS member and Overseer Alex Leventhal. We’re grateful to them, and to all of you for championing WGBH—for ensuring that we have critical private support to create and deliver in-depth, innovative content with maximum reach, in the public’s interest, every single day.

J O N AT H A N C . A B B O T T PRESIDENT AND CEO

Frontline’s Future

The Tow Foundation Supports “

Frontline Fellowship

here’s a difference between philanthropy and charity,” says d r . leo n a r d tow, an entrepreneur and telecommunications pioneer who, with his late wife Claire, founded The Tow Foundation in 1988. “Simply accepting what are old and obsolete approaches to how to solve a problem is not really on our agenda.” That approach is on full display in the Foundation’s recent grant in support of a groundbreaking Frontline and Columbia University School of Journalism Fellowship Program that has the potential to be a game-changer for WGBH’s award-winning investigative series and a new generation of Columbia-trained digital journalists. The Tow Foundation’s significant gift will support three consecutive annual Frontline fellowships for graduates who have worked closely with Columbia’s Tow Center for Digital Journalism, which is dedicated to exploring how technology is changing journalism, its practice and consumption. That mission aligns perfectly with Frontline’s own ambitions, says Raney Aronson-Rath, the series’ newly appointed executive producer (see sidebar). “The inaugural Frontline/Columbia University Journalism Fellows will work with our cross-platform Enterprise Journalism Group to report major trans-media projects combining text, video, photography, audio, and graphics across Frontline’s broadcast and digital platforms. This Fellowship program will accelerate our capacity to expand our digital presence and impact.” It’s a good fit for Columbia as well, says Steve Coll, dean of the Columbia School of Journalism. “The partnership with Frontline and The Tow Foundation will help the school continue its emphasis on digital innovation and will provide a platform for important work by our former students.” Making a difference...being a catalyst for change, is what The Tow Foundation is all about, says emily tow jackson , Executive Director and President. “My father achieved so much by taking risks and being adventurous and on the cutting edge,” says Tow Jackson. “He pursued fields ahead of others—and found success. We are committed to replicating this entrepreneurial style through our philanthropy and excited to support this innovative new Fellowship that brings together two of our nation’s top, independent journalistic enterprises.”

raney aronso n-rath is the new executive producer of WGBH’s Frontline, succeeding David Fanning, who founded and led the award-winning investigative series for three decades. Since joining Frontline in 2001, Aronson-Rath has expanded Frontline’s reporting capacity— developing journalism partnerships with some of the nation’s premier independent news outlets and reimagining the documentary form across multiple platforms. “David Fanning’s mentorship and partnership have been extraordinary,” says Aronson-Rath, who was named deputy executive producer in 2012. “I am inspired by his legacy, and honored to guide Frontline’s future. Today, we’re focused on engaging our audience wherever they are, and in the formats they most favor.” During the past year, Frontline broke new ground on many fronts: Expanding Partnerships Nearly 30 in-depth, cross-platform journalism partnerships with premier news organizations—ProPublica, The New York Times, American Public Media’s Marketplace, and Univision, among them. YouTube Channel Frontline’s short-form videos—tailor-made for a young, passionate, journalism-hungry audience—drew more than 2 million views in less than a year. Frontline + Facebook In support of its film Growing Up Trans, Frontline launched its first Facebook series of mini-documentaries, optimized for mobile. The June 2015 Facebook initiative has reached more than 5 million fans. Audio Stories and Podcasts Enhanced audio stories and podcasts are produced in conjunction with every Frontline film premiere. Visit pbs.org/frontline for more news!

SHARING THE VISION NEWSLETTER • SUMMER 2015

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First Days Inspired by the poignant responses of Vietnamese American refugees and Vietnam veterans to American Experience’s Oscar-nominated documentary Last Days in Vietnam, WGBH joined forces with StoryCorps to create the First Days Story Project. More than 200 Vietnamese American refugees and Vietnam vets were invited to have 40-minute, uninterrupted conversations with a loved one or friend to document their experiences.

dinh thi nam and her daughter’s id photo for the malaysian refugee camp they were in after escaping vietnam in 1979

nghiem thuan and his family at their first home in fort smith, arkansas, 1975

“At American Experience, we believe that stories can inform, empower, and even heal,” says executive producer Mark Samels. “We also believe that history is personal and often profound.” You can listen to these firsthand accounts of the refugees’ “first days” in the United States and explore the photo gallery at pbs.org/firstdays. These oral histories also are archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to inspire future generations.

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wgbh philanthropist mike zak (second from left) with last days in vietnam filmmaker rory kennedy and american experience executive producer mark samels (right); shown with featured interviewees hugh doyle (chief engineer of the uss kirk) and miki nguyen (who fled saigon in april 1975)

“If You Don’t Shoot,

You Don’t Score” M

ike z a k is an engineer, former entrepreneur and company co-founder, and longtime Partner with Charles River Ventures, one of the nation’s oldest and most successful venture capital firms. And it is his venture capitalist appetite for early-stage investing, when the outcome is uncertain but the potential rewards are great, that also drives his philanthropy. “I like to work on subjects or production ideas that are very early and, in particular, have some likelihood of failing,” says Zak, who has an interest in the executive-producing side of documentary filmmaking. “A lot of people don’t want to invest unless they’re sure things. I don’t have that problem. If you don’t shoot, you don’t score.” Zak also is a former officer in the Marines who was commissioned one month after the fall of Saigon, an experience that spurred a lifelong interest in Southeast Asia. So when WGBH Vice President for Development Win Lenihan reached out to see if he and his wife Roxanne might be interested in supporting a new, ambitious yearlong theatrical release and community engagement initiative around American Experience’s Last Days in Vietnam in advance of the film’s April 2015 public television premiere, Zak was intrigued. He also was uncertain, wondering if the film and outreach effort would re-open wounds for the thousands of Vietnam veterans and Vietnamese Americans who lived through that dark period. “I called a close friend—a retired, one-star general in the Marines who had three combat tours in Vietnam,” Zak says. “In the venture capital business, we refer to this as ‘due diligence.’ He told me this was a story that people need to hear.” “Mike and Roxanne’s gift has had a huge impact,” says WGBH’s Mark Samels, executive producer for American Experience. “It enabled us to roll out the film in more than 130 theaters nationwide a full year before its PBS debut, and to reach out directly to Vietnam veterans and Vietnamese Americans and their families, spurring important conversations. More than 2,100 Vietnamese and veteran organizations were involved in the community outreach campaign. It also helped us generate buzz about the film, which earned an Oscar nomination, and our First Days Story Project [see sidebar]. This is a model we’ll look to duplicate.”

News from the Ralph Lowell Society RLS: Where Passion Meets Philanthropy

s I mark my first year as Chair of the Ralph Lowell Society, I am excited about what we’ve accomplished together, and looking forward to a brand-new season of memorable WGBH programs and RLS events. First, the numbers: WGBH successfully closed its fiscal year on June 30, with the RLS hitting new highs: $4,591,127 raised through the generous, significant annual support of 1,117 members. I am gratified by the passion we share for WGBH’s work and our commitment to keeping this public media treasure strong. Being part of WGBH’s single most generous membership group comes with benefits, including special events where we get to meet some of the extraordinary talent behind our favorite WGBH productions. This past year, we spent an evening with Downton Abbey’s Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith), learned about Nova’s Making Stuff from series host and Yahoo Tech founder David Pogue, enjoyed a preview screening and discussion with filmmaker Rory Kennedy (whose American Experience documentary Last Days in Vietnam earned an Oscar nomination), caught up with culinary star Lidia Bastianich for wine and conversation… and so much more. RLS members also enjoyed several advance screenings of top theatrical releases featuring actors we’ve come to know and love on Masterpiece, including Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) in The Imitation Game. Due to the popularity of these screenings, we’ve decided to launch a new benefit: the RLS Film Club. There’s a lot to look forward this fall (see page 6). As always, thank you for making WGBH a priority in your life!

simone stedry winston c hair, ralph lowell society

Celebrating Downton Abbey’s

Fifth Season in Style!

Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton welcomed RLS members and Masterpiece Trust supporters to a festive tea party in celebration of Downton Abbey’s ﬁfth season, with cast member Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith Crawley) and Downton Abbey historical advisor Alastair Bruce. Guests enjoyed a preview and discussion, afternoon tea, a photo booth, and shopping at the Masterpiece pop-up store!

masterpiece executive producer rebecca eaton, downton abbey historical advisor alastair bruce, downton abbey’s laura carmichael (lady edith crawley), and wgbh president jon abbott

downton abbey’s laura carmichael (lady edith crawley) with rls fellow lindsay coolidge and her daughter, caroline coolidge

rls fellow and chair simone stedry winston (overseer, center) with rls friend debra bulkeley and marisa bulkeley (left)

rls fellow pam remis (overseer) and husband rich remis with downton abbey’s laura carmichael (lady edith crawley)

from left: tony corey (overseer), downton abbey’s laura carmichael (lady edith crawley), rls sponsor christine dunn (overseers advisory board), and wgbh president jon abbott

from left: rls benefactors tania phillips and husband jeff dover (overseer) with friends

Celebrating Asian Paciﬁc American Heritage Month from left: rls friend susan luo (overseer), panelist nam pham (ma assistant secretary of business development), liz cheng (general manager of wgbh tv and world channel), panelist dr. sridhar tayur (professor, tepper school of business, carnegie mellon university), panelist and rls fellow rebecca lee (partner, locke lord llp, overseers advisory board), rls friend helen chin schlichte (overseers advisory board), and leverett wing (overseers advisory board) SHARING THE VISION NEWSLETTER • SUMMER 2015

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Upcoming RLS Events American Experience: Walt Disney WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 6PM

No single ﬁgure shaped American culture in the 20th century more than Disney. Discover why at this preview and discussion. The Taste of WGBH: Food and Wine Festival

Furthering the

Leventhal Legacy

s co-founder and Managing Partner of Faros Properties, alexander leventhal, 34, is the third generation of his family to enter the real estate business. His grandfather, the late Norman Leventhal, is a legendary Bostonian, founder of Beacon Companies and developer of South Station, Post Office Square, and Rowes Wharf. His dad, Alan, is CEO of prominent real estate investment firm Beacon Capital Partners. Both men also embraced a variety of causes. Norman established the Boston Public Library’s Map Center; Alan is Chairman of the Board of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. Following in their footsteps, Alexander serves on WGBH’s Board of Overseers and has been a Ralph Lowell Society member since 2010. After living in New York for a few years, he recently moved to the Back Bay with his wife, lia n n e . Did you miss Boston? Very much…I loved living in New York, but I’m happy to be back home with family and friends, living in a place where my grandfather had such a major impact. What did you learn from your grandfather? Both he and my father are great role models, and they absolutely inspire what I do every day. They set an example for how my brothers and myself live our lives, professionally, personally, and when it comes to our philanthropy. Your WGBH favorites? My wife and I love Downton Abbey. The cinematography is amazing, as is the acting. It’s fascinating to see the interaction between characters from two different worlds living in the same house. I’m also a fan of documentaries, particularly Frontline’s work. Why do you support WGBH? Education is the basis for everything in life: it opens doors and expands possibilities. WGBH’s mission, its commitment to education and to producing smart, engaging programs available to everyone, is very much in line with the values my family hold dear. What do you say to your peers to encourage them to get involved with WGBH? I want them to understand the significance of what WGBH does. It’s much more than Downton Abbey—WGBH produces a diverse mix of media, including Web and mobile content, that reaches families and children in homes and classrooms across the country. It changes people’s lives.

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CHEF’S GALA RECEPTION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7PM

Enjoy complimentary tickets to this evening of music and 24 restaurant-hosted tables. Nova: Making North America THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 7PM

Get a ﬁrst look at this sweeping series about the birth of the North American continent. RLS Film Club THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Join us for exclusive previews of theatrical releases at local cinemas. Downton Abbey Season 6 Party SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

Celebrate Downton Abbey’s ﬁnal season! RLS membership expired? Renew or increase your support in order to attend these events and more! Questions? Contact Carrie Colodner (carrie_colodner@wgbh.org).

r a lp h lo we l l s o ci e t y m e m b e r sh i p l eve ls friend • $1,500 fellow • $2,500 sponsor • $5,000 benefactor • $10,000 president’s circle • $25,000 chairman’s circle • $50,000 innovator’s circle • $100,000 For a complete list of the benefits and privileges at each membership level, please call the Ralph Lowell Society Hotline at 617-300-3900, visit wgbh. org/ralphlowell, or email ralph_lowell_ society@wgbh.org. We welcome your questions and value your support. RLS Chair • Simone Stedry Winston Director • Kaja K. Fickes Senior Development Officer • Beth Zogby Senior Events Manager • Jeanmarie Roberts Development Officer • Marion Westgate Development Associate • Carrie Colodner Development Assistant • Glenna Pop-Stefanov

An Eventful Season Lidia’s Italy

Right Here at WGBH

David Pogue Talks Science

RLS members and friends met Lidia Bastianich, chef and host of Lidia’s Kitchen, for a special evening of conversation with Boston Magazine restaurant critic and author Corby Kummer, followed by a reception featuring Lidia’s own Bastianich Wines.

rls friends francis and wai chin share a moment with lidia bastianich (center)

rls president’s circle members woody (overseers advisory board) and elizabeth ives enjoy the evening

with Young Fans

RLS members and their families spent a Saturday afternoon at WGBH with Yahoo Tech founder David Pogue, host of Nova ScienceNow and Nova’s Making Stuff. Pogue regaled his young audience (and their parents and grandparents) with his entertaining talk: “Should Science Be Allowed To Be Interesting? One Man’s Insane Journey Through A TV Career On PBS.” Afterwards, everyone enjoyed refreshments and a book signing.

rls benefactor cynthia strauss (overseer, left) and friend show off their autographed lidia bastianich books

rls friends ralph and audrey wagner with boston magazine restaurant critic and author corby kummer (center)

rls friends susan luo (overseer) and her husband cyrus mozayeni introduce their sons to david pogue

young fans line up to get their books signed by david pogue from left: rls friend colleen kettle, lidia bastianich, rls chairman’s circle member terrie bloom (trustee), and rls friend virginia ziobro

rls fellows david stone and heather hohenthal sample some of lidia’s bastianich wines

david pogue greets a young science enthusiast

rls friend oliver rosen and guest lisa ephgrave

corby kummer and lidia bastianich take questions from the audience

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“ Our new Trustees are dedicated supporters of WGBH’s public service mission.” RI C K B URN ES, C H A I R WG B H B OARD OF TR U STE E S

Welcome Aboard

New Trustees and Vice Chairs

GBH President jon ab b ott and Board of Trustees Chair rick burnes agree that this is an auspicious moment for WGBH. “WGBH is creating and innovating public media in ways that are expanding not only our purposedriven, educationally rich content, but the reach and impact of our work,” says Jon. And it is in that context that Jon and Rick welcome WGBH’s newest Trustees and salute our recently elected/re-elected Vice Chairs. “Our new Trustees—Lynn Bay Dayton, Joseph F. Fallon, Grace Fey, and Ann M. Fudge—are dedicated supporters of WGBH’s public service mission,” says Rick. “They will add valuable perspective to the Board as they help build on our strengths as the region’s and nation’s leading public media broadcaster and producer.” During WGBH’s annual meeting in February, the Board of Trustees also elected Lynn Bay Dayton, Marjie B. Kargman, and William A. Lowell to serve as Vice Chairs of the Board, joining former WGBH President Henry P. Becton, Jr., who was re-elected as Vice Chair. Congratulations to all! lynn b ay dayton is the owner and operator of Dayton Home, a Bostonbased luxury boutique specializing in custom furniture and interior design. Lynn is an active board member for Public Radio International and MSPCAAngell. She previously served as Trustee from 2005–2014, is a former member of the WGBH Board of Overseers, and is past Chair of WGBH’s Ralph Lowell Society.

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jo s e ph f. fa llo n is CEO and President of The Fallon Company and oversees the development and investment operations of the company’s real estate portfolio, which includes Fan Pier, Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, Park Lane Seaport, and the Marriott Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. He joined WGBH’s Board of Overseers in 2009. gr ac e f e y is President of Grace Fey Advisors, LLC, a consulting firm for corporate and nonproﬁt governance issues. She joined the WGBH Board of Overseers in 2010. She has previously chaired the boards of the University of Massachusetts, Zoo New England, and the Museum of Fine Arts. She is a Director of The Boston Foundation. a n n m. f u d ge is the retired Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands. She currently serves as a Director of General Electric, Novartis, and Unilever, as the Chair of the US Program Advisory Panel of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and as a Trustee of the Brookings Institution, Council on Foreign Relations, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

“ We appreciate and trust WGBH to deliver programs of real integrity, and we care about its future.” AN N SC HWARZ

Ann and Tom Schwarz

A Smart Way to Give

ongtime WGBH supporters ann and tom s c hwa r z were determined to maximize the impact of a planned gift to WGBH to help ensure its future. Their solution: a significant bequest to WGBH through their 401(k) retirement account. “Making a bequest through a 401(k) is a very cost-effective way to support the institutions we care about because the charity gets the full value of the distribution,” says Tom. “If we leave it to our children, it will be double taxed [with estate and income taxes]. It’s a smart way to give.” And they’re a smart couple. He’s a Williams College graduate with an MBA from Harvard, who built a career at Dunkin’ Donuts as a senior executive and then president. Ann is a Smith College graduate and teacher whose passion for the arts paved the way for volunteer leadership positions at both the MFA Boston and the Harvard Art Museums. The Weston couple met 57 years ago during a Smith junior year program in Spain that ignited their lifelong interest in Europe, culture… and each other. Their interest in WGBH came just a bit later, but is no less heartfelt. “We started watching WGBH because of its great children’s programs, especially Zoom,” says Ann, who notes that one of their four children, Margot, auditioned for the series but didn’t make it. “We don’t hold that against WGBH,” she laughs. “She was quite theatrical, but she was not fluent in Ubbi Dubbi.” Not long after, a WGBH Ralph Lowell Society member and friend asked Ann, who led the MFA’s tour program, if she would help WGBH launch its own tours. That was in the early 1990s, and both Ann and Tom have been involved with WGBH ever since: as Sponsor-level members of the RLS (and active participants in its travel program), as Overseers, and now Ann as an Overseers Advisory Board member. “WGBH is the only worthwhile station in Boston,” says Tom, who counts among their favorite programs The NewsHour, Greater Boston’s Beat the Press, and Masterpiece, along with 99.5 WCRB, WGBH’s classical radio service. “Every other medium resorts to sensationalism to attract audiences.” Adds Ann, “We appreciate and trust WGBH to deliver programs of real integrity, and we care about its future. Naming WGBH as a beneficiary through your retirement plan could not be easier.”

Maximize Your Impact “By naming WGBH as a beneficiary of your retirement account,” says Ericka Webb, WGBH director of Gift Planning, “you can realize the full impact of your retirement funds, reduce the size of your taxable estate, and sustain the future of WGBH and public media.” That’s because nonspousal/non-charitable beneficiaries can be subjected to both income and estate taxes, significantly reducing the value of your bequest. “You’ll enjoy the full benefits of the income from your retirement account during your lifetime, while ensuring that the full value of these assets will pass to WGBH tax-free,” says Ericka. It’s easy to do! Notify your plan administrator and complete the “Change of Beneficiary” form. You will be asked for the name of the beneficiary (WGBH Educational Foundation), its address (One Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135), and a tax ID number (04-2104397). Questions? Contact WGBH’s Office of Gift Planning at 800-220-7122 (gift_planning@wgbh.org).

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P RESORTED F I RST-CL ASS MAI L U. S . P OSTAGE PAI D N . READ I N G, MA P ERMI T N O. 2 1 1

WGBH One Guest Street Boston, MA 02135 wgbh.org

FOR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF WGBH • SUMMER 2015

Mark Your Calendar! American Experience’s Walt Disney premieres Monday and Tuesday, September 14 and 15, at 9pm on WGBH 2.

“ I love Frontline because it’s never afraid to tackle the world’s toughest issues…. Health care is a complex issue that is front and center in this country right now and its [Frontline’s Sick Around the World] comparison of our health care system to those in other countries was incredibly enlightening. I think it’s required viewing for anyone interested in health care policy.” –Josh Charles ACTOR, THE GOOD WIFE , S P O RTS NI GH T

For general information, please contact

Winifred Lenihan Vice President for Development WGBH One Guest Street Boston, MA 02135 617-300-3804 win_lenihan@wgbh.org

Sharing the Vision is a publication of WGBH

Publication Coordination Elizabeth Willard Thames

Editorial Susan Reed Matthew Roy

Production Kyra Gregerson

Director, Constituent Communications Cynthia Broner

Associate Director Susan Reed

OF JOSH CHARLES

Design Danielle Pierce

NIERMAN; FRONTLINE • PAGE 3: © 2008 RICHARD FREEDA; ARAM BOGHOSIAN/BOSTON GLOBE • PAGE 4: JOHN HEYMANN PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF LISA DANG PILZER; COURTESY SHELDON GOLDER • PAGE 6: COURTESY OF ALEXANDER AND LIANNE LEVENTHAL • PAGE 7: © WGBH/LISA ABITBOL (8); MIKE RITTER (3) • PAGE 8: © WGBH/MARK OSTROW; COURTESY ANN M. FUDGE • PAGE 9: © WGBH/SUSAN REED • BACK COVER: COURTESY OF © DISNEY; COURTESY