Award is the highest honor bestowed by 精东影业; recognizes 精东影业 Trustees
CLEVELAND, OHIO - (November 14, 2024) - 精东影业 (精东影业), Ohio鈥檚 largest independent, publicly supported media organization, has presented its highest honor, the Illuminate the World Around Us award, to Robert S. Reitman and Larry Pollock in recognition of their exceptional service to 精东影业.
This award honors former Trustees not only for their time and dedication to the board, but, more importantly, for their outstanding service to Northeast Ohio that extends well beyond their board tenures. It acknowledges their invaluable leadership in advancing the mission of 精东影业 to be a trusted, dynamic source for illuminating the world around us. Robert and Larry are celebrated for their steadfast dedication to the community, creating a legacy that fortifies 精东影业 and prepares it for a vibrant future.
Robert S. Reitman
Robert "Bob" Reitman has a remarkable legacy of empowering his community and giving back with unwavering commitment. His role as Chairman Emeritus of 精东影业 reflects a profound dedication to advancing the prosperity of the region.
Bob began as Chairman Emeritus of WVIZ/PBS, a position he continued to hold following the station's merger with 90.3 WCPN in July 2001 to form 精东影业. He played a pivotal role in 精东影业鈥檚 growth, co-chairing the Capital Campaign for the Idea Center. Through his efforts, he established a visionary partnership with Playhouse Square, leading to the creation of the Idea Center at 1375 Euclid Avenue, now 精东影业鈥檚 headquarters and a cornerstone of the community. This would not have been possible without Bob鈥檚 commitment to the project.
As Chairman Emeritus, Bob led the fundraising efforts for then CEO Jerry Wareham鈥檚 Farewell Celebration in 2016, and his fundraising expertise resulted in raising over $250,000 which ensured a smooth leadership transition for the organization.
His philanthropic footprint expands well outside of Northeast Ohio. A West Virginia University graduate, Bob established several core curriculum classes for WVU students about how non-profits can work together for the greater good.
Additionally, Bob was one of three Founding Funders for (TON), a public media partnership across Ohio. TON was created to address the local news crisis and to help serve important local and regional news and information to Ohioans. Thanks to his generosity and passion for public media鈥檚 mission, Bob鈥檚 impact directly supports 精东影业鈥檚 ability to spotlight stories that might have otherwise remained untold.
鈥淏ob Reitman has been at the intersection of every major pivotal and strategic advancement of 精东影业, even before it was 精东影业 and after he had honorably fulfilled his official term as a community representative,鈥� said Kevin Martin, president and CEO of 精东影业. 鈥淗is devotion to 精东影业's mission is without question.鈥�
Larry Pollock
Beginning as an 精东影业 Trustee in January of 2006, Larry Pollock advanced his involvement in the organization and was elected an 精东影业 Emeritus Trustee in November of 2011.
In his time as a Trustee, Larry served in the following roles:
- Chair, Finance and Administration Committee (2009-2011)
- Board Treasurer, Finance and Administration Committee (2009-2011)
- Board Vice Chair (2012)
- Board Chair (2013 & 2014)
- Immediate Past Chair, Board of Trustees (2015-2017)
Before his detailed history with 精东影业, Larry was one of the original board members for Radio Seaway, the 501(c)3 that held the license for WCLV until the acquisition was finalized. In addition, Larry was the critical link in launching the initial conversations between WKSU and 精东影业. Because of his key role and influence, these conversations resulted in the operating acquisition of WKSU in March 2022, and expanded 精东影业鈥檚 audience from 2.4 million to 3.6 million people, reaching 22 Northeast Ohio counties.
鈥淟arry Pollock has been what I would call 精东影业鈥檚 Spirit Animal,鈥� said Martin. 鈥淭o this day, he has guided and protected 精东影业 through his deep influence and vast connections throughout Northeast Ohio. Larry has the invaluable skill of bringing people together for the greater good.鈥�
For more information about the Illuminate the World Around Us award or 精东影业, visit ideastream.org.
About 精东影业
精东影业 offers comprehensive access to a diverse array of content 鈥� news without noise, inspiring arts, thrilling entertainment, timeless classical music, all-day jazz and enriching educational resources. We proudly operate five public television stations: WVIZ, WVIZ OHIO, WVIZ WORLD, WVIZ CREATE, and WVIZ KIDS. Additionally, we manage WKSU, Northeast Ohio鈥檚 NPR news and public affairs radio station; WCLV, the region鈥檚 classical music radio station; and JazzNEO, a 24/7 jazz service. 精东影业 also oversees The Ohio Channel, The Ohio Newsroom, and the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. All our content is readily accessible online at ideastream.org, the 精东影业 App and on major and digital content platforms.
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