10 Minutes with…Heidi Hartley

  • Posted by Megan Paparella
  • May 23, 2018

10 Minutes with…Heidi Hartley

10 Minutes at Annual Meeting with Heidi Hartley, KQED, Manager, Sponsorship and Partnership Development

  1. How long have you been working in Public Television?
    2 years
  2. Can you share with us details about a project you’re currently working on that really excites you?
    I am working on a multi-platform Kids Corporate sponsorship package that utilizes all of our assets including our main channel, our PBS Kids 24/7 channel and the 24/7 kids app. Kids programming is a unique differentiator for us so it’s really about offering something unique that no one else in the market can. Also, I have a 5 year old son who is obsessed with PBS kids programming so that helps drive my enthusiasm for this project.
  3. What was your favorite or most useful part/session of Annual Meeting?
    There were so many things, but if I had to choose a few, I was able to do a deep dive in to all things Kids, everything from what’s new in kids programming to a detailed look at Kids packages from other markets and what is working for them.
  4. What is your biggest Annual Meeting takeaway… that you’ll incorporate in your work back at your station?
    My key take-aways were don’t “re-create the wheel”, Kids is primarily a non-profit and “missions align” sell, and it’s about creating long-term partnerships. Also, visuals and video are powerful tools in marketing PBS – make sure to include them in your sales collateral and marketing materials.
  5. What is your favorite PBS series or program?
    Do I have to pick just one? I love Frontline. I love PBS’s special programming like Soundbreaking or the Ken Burns documentaries but I also love Nature and Antiques Roadshow.
  6. If you could switch places with any PBS character, who would it be and why?
    The Cat in the Hat. He’s wacky and wonderful! He’s always adventuring off to new places and always learning, and he’s got the best gadgets.
  7. On days that you’re feeling a little tired or overwhelmed, and you imagine going ‘off-the-grid’… what is your ideal situation? Where do you go?
    The beach, no question. Ideally, in a tropical location.