Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SANTIAGO409
2009-04-29 18:09:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Santiago
Cable title:  

TV CO-OP NOMINATIONS FROM SANTIAGO, CHILE

Tags:  KPAO ENRG ENVR PGOV ECON EFIN CI 
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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

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