(October 26, 2023; Calistoga, CA.)—Rich and Leslie Frank, founders of Napa Valley’s Frank Family Vineyards, are pleased to announce that the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media, which they established in 2020, funded a state-of-the-art newsroom at the College of Media at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday.
To mark the opening, Brian Williams, former anchor of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour with Brian Williams and NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, hosted a conversation about the evolution of broadcast news in America. The conversation was led by Colleen King, director of the Frank Center and clinical assistant professor of journalism. King worked closely with Williams as his executive producer of The 11th Hour.
“It starts here,” said Brian Williams. “For the lucky few who get to go here (University of Illinois), get trained up, and get into the industry, the employers are going to realize they got a first-class education here.”
Since 1999, the studio—connected to Campbell Hall, the home of Illinois Public Media—has served as the site for the college’s broadcast journalism courses. The renovation project, which began mid-March, was made possible thanks to a gift from the Franks. In 2020, the Franks gave the College of Media $7.5 million—the largest gift in college history—to establish the Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media and to renovate Richmond Studio. This project was the first major overhaul of the building since it was erected in 1996. Students in the College of Media now have access to a state-of-the-art broadcast studio and newsroom after nearly $2 million in renovations were completed at the Richmond Studio.
The renovation project included a fully remodeled studio with a new control room, a new equipment storage and check-out room, as well as a video and audio production room where students can record podcasts.
A former classroom and computer lab located adjacent to the studio transitioned to a collaborative room that serves not only as a class meeting space with a lab but also a newsroom and green room. A scrolling, LED news ticker was installed around the perimeter of the newsroom and computer lab area, and nearly all of the equipment—including studio cameras, lights, and the control systems—was upgraded to more modern versions that newsrooms around the country are currently using, allowing students to learn best practices.
“My commitment to the University of Illinois, and Leslie’s career and passion for journalism inspired us to want to give back to the journalism program by creating a new, state-of-the art broadcast facility,” Rich Frank said. “We were really impressed with the program here and the people who are dedicated to making it one of the top in the country.”
The Richard and Leslie Frank Center for Leadership and Innovation in Media endeavors to develop students who are leaders in their professions by offering access to a diverse group of experts and practitioners through residencies and a speaker series, and by supporting outside learning opportunities such as professional immersion experiences, conference participation, and internships. The Frank Center aims to enhance opportunities for the College of Media to engage with the public on pressing issues.
Rich Frank, former president of Disney Studios, and Leslie Frank, an Emmy-award winning broadcast journalist, both leaders in Napa Valley, wanted to make an investment in the University of Illinois that would have an impact for generations.
“Shaping journalists starts at the university level,” said Leslie Frank. “We feel that the University of Illinois has a fantastic journalism program and think our contribution will only enhance it, giving students more advantages and opportunities to become successful in their future journalism careers.”
Rich Frank, who received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Illinois, is no stranger to media. He began his career at the advertising agency BBDO in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to work as a sales Manager at KTLA. He then served as President of Chris-Craft Broadcasting. In 1977 he became President of Paramount Television Group, overseeing the creation and production of such shows as Taxi, Family Ties and Cheers as well as the creation of the groundbreaking entertainment news show, Entertainment Tonight. In 1985 he became President of Disney Studios. Under his leadership, the studio created iconic sitcoms such as The Golden Girls and Home Improvement, and films including Good Morning Vietnam, Dead Poets Society and The Lion King. He also oversaw the launch of the Disney Channel. Rich served three terms as President of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. In 2007, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognized him with the prestigious Syd Cassyd Founder’s Award. In 2011, Rich received an honorary doctorate from the American Film Institute where he is currently a Vice Chairman on the AFI’s Board of Directors. Rich previously served on the board of the Motion Picture Association of America. His archival interview with the Television Academy provides a fascinating historical perspective of the evolution of modern television: https://bit.ly/3iQvS7s.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Leslie Frank began her career in Canada before crossing the border to work in some of the largest television markets in the United States. She spent more than 25 years covering many major stories including the 9/11 attacks where she reported live from ground zero in New York City, as well as from the scene of the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and inside the courtroom at the Michael Jackson trial. Leslie spent the last nine years of her TV news career reporting and anchoring at the number one rated station, KABC in Los Angeles, where she covered politics, crime, weather calamities, as well as interviewing some of the biggest stars in Hollywood on the red carpet. Prior to Los Angeles, Leslie was the main anchor at KCPQ in Seattle, where she took the 10 pm newscast to number one in its time slot and clinched an Emmy for outstanding news anchor.
Rich and Leslie returned to the Illinois campus yesterday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, speaking with students and faculty.
A slideshow showcasing renovation highlights can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNdSQGPE3Bs
About Frank Family Vineyards
Frank Family Vineyards has been a part of Napa Valley’s landscape for three decades. Founded by former Disney Studios President Rich Frank, along with his wife, Leslie, an Emmy Award-winning former broadcast news journalist, the winery is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines with balance and memorable guest experiences. Consistently recognized as having one of the best tasting rooms in Napa Valley, Frank Family is considered one of today’s most successful California wineries. The team at Frank Family proudly stewards of 380 acres of sustainably farmed, coveted vineyards spanning five estate properties, including the iconic Winston Hill Vineyard in Rutherford. While best known for its classic renditions of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the world-class portfolio also includes méthode champenoise sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and more.
For more information about Frank Family Vineyards, please visit www.frankfamilyvineyards.com
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