(Missoula, Mont., July 8, 2009) The Greater Montana Foundation (GMF) has granted more than a quarter of a million dollars to help fund community interest broadcast programming and preservation in 2009.

Major recipients of the $275,000 in awards, made during the Foundation’s annual meeting in Helena June 25-26, included:

The Montana Historical Society, which received $100,000 in continuation of a grant that establishes video production facilities and helps preserve Montana broadcasting history.

The Montana Public Broadcasting System, which received $50,000 to support a wide variety of TV programming produced in Montana.

The Montana Broadcasters Association, which was provided nearly $28,000 to help fund its ongoing annual awards program to recognize excellence among state broadcasters.

The University of Montana’s School of Journalism, which was granted $27,000 to support four initiatives: the annual student documentary, continued production of the news magazine “Montana Journal,” continued production of “Business: Made in Montana;” expansion of production for “Footbridge Forum,” and increased funding to support student broadcast internships at commercial stations.

Six other individuals or organizations also received funding for broadcast initiatives: Artemis Common Ground of Helena for “Home Ground Radio;” producer Craig Wirth for “The Great Falls Story,” a documentary on the city’s 125 year history; Out in the Cold Productions of Billings for editing support on the ranching story “One Helleva Hand;” MusEco Media and Education Project of Billings for continued production of “Greensmart” TV spots emphasizing environmental responsibility; Montana Public Radio’s Broadcast Media Center in Missoula to expand radio news reporting in western Montana; and student-run radio station KBGA at the University of Montana for infrastructure development.

GMF chairman Bob Hoene of Big Fork said, “The Board of Trustees was very pleased to select these projects; we believe they will benefit the people of Montana.”

The foundation also appointed two new trustees to its 12-member board: Ron Davis, owner of KBOW/KOPR radio in Butte, and Randy Morger, a retired public relations executive from Fort Benton.

The Greater Montana Foundation was established in 1958 by pioneer Montana broadcaster Ed Craney to encourage communication, with an emphasis on electronic media, on issues and trends of importance to Montanans. Over the years, the foundation has donated millions of dollars to help improve local broadcast programming.

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Media desiring more information on the Greater Montana Foundation mission and grants may contact GMF Executive Director Marnee Banks at 406.439.9469, or email info@greatermontana.org.

Ref: GMF 09-01