TV CO-OP NOMINATIONS FROM SANTIAGO, CHILE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000409 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/PDA, INR/IAA, PA/OBS/BS-GSANTULLI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO ENRG ENVR PGOV ECON EFIN CI SUBJECT: TV CO-OP NOMINATIONS FROM SANTIAGO, CHILE ¶1. SUMMARY: Following are two PAS Santiago proposals for TV CO-OPs during FY 2010. In priority order the topics are: (a) renewable energy: the generation of fuels from forest residual, such as sawdust, tree trunks, and other organic materials; and (b) volcanic eruptions and natural disasters. END SUMMARY -------------- -------------- Renewable Energy: Fuel Generation from Forest Residual -------------- -------------- ¶2. Post's preference for a TV CO-OP is with TVU in Concepcion, located in Chile's VIII Region. The TV network proposes to produce 4-5 segments that TVU would air as special programs, likely on Sundays during prime-time. ¶3. TVU is a member of an important communications holding in southern Chile, which also includes one of the most important regional newspapers and radio stations in Chile (Diario La Discusion of Chillan, and Radio La Discusion Chillan). Created in 1995 by the University of Concepcion (the third most important university in Chile),TVU is viewed in the entire VIII Region and in the most important cities of southern Chile. ¶4. Because of TVU's close relationship with the University of Concepcion, this project would almost certainly be a joint venture with the University's Technological Development Unit. The university team is developing a pilot program that utilizes a new system of fluid-based reactors, producing biofuel from forest residuals (such as sawdust, tree trunks, and other vegetable materials),and produces chemical products from the produced biofuel. This new technology might be in experimental operation by the end of 2009. ¶5. Alternative energy production using biofuels makes a lot of sense in the VIII Region, where 80% of the exploitable forests are located. The use of forest residuals to produce a natural fuel could become a significant supply of energy in Chile, helping the country meet its energy needs. The university has noted that this energy production method is being investigated in Maine, Oregon and Washington State. ¶6. This project would complement what PA/OBS/BS already did with a TV crew from another Concepcion network on renewable energies. The TVU proposal would follow the successful renewable energy TV CO-OP of Canal 9 Regional, which is in its post-production stage. ¶7. In addition to a series of TV programs, the University of Concepcion would likely use the TVU programs for their classes, seminars, and training about the subject. -------------- Volcanic Eruptions and National Disasters -------------- ¶8. Post's second choice is a proposal from National Television of Chile TV Network, TVN. The network proposes the production of one or two special prime-time programs on volcanic eruptions and the U.S. response to such national disasters. Besides a special program on the topic, the TV crew would produce mini-stories for TVN's prime-time news program and for its newly-created cable, 24-hour news broadcast. ¶9. Chile has the largest number of volcanoes worldwide. Chile is recovering from two major volcanic eruptions. The eruption of the Chaiten volcano in May 2008 destroyed an entire town and displaced 8-10,000 people. The TVN crew seeks to film in Hawaii, California, and Washington State and interview specialists from the U.S. geological service, such as Mr. B. Chouet, whom they believe is working in Hawaii. The crew would also like to interview people living near volcanoes that are considered dangerous, perhaps those in Hawaii, Mount St. Helens, or in Long Valley, Sierra Nevada. TVN also would want to learn about U.S. federal safety or precautionary measures that are activated during an eruption or potential eruption. URBAN