1 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,019 Austin has reached a four-year, 2 00:00:12,020 --> 00:00:14,039 $63 million deal with 3 00:00:14,040 --> 00:00:15,879 the city's firefighters, ending 4 00:00:15,880 --> 00:00:17,779 months of negotiation with Austin 5 00:00:17,780 --> 00:00:19,779 Firefighters Association. 6 00:00:19,780 --> 00:00:21,239 We're talking with KUT's Andrew 7 00:00:21,240 --> 00:00:23,179 Weber to find out what that means 8 00:00:23,180 --> 00:00:24,559 for Austin. 9 00:00:24,560 --> 00:00:26,559 And for bird enthusiasts, Texas 10 00:00:26,560 --> 00:00:28,519 Standard's Raul Alonzo 11 00:00:28,520 --> 00:00:30,859 explains what a bird count is, 12 00:00:30,860 --> 00:00:32,758 why it matters, and how you can take 13 00:00:32,759 --> 00:00:35,589 part in one next Saturday. 14 00:00:35,590 --> 00:00:37,949 Also Confucius Jones, KUTXer, 15 00:00:37,950 --> 00:00:39,769 and one half of the hip hop podcast, 16 00:00:39,770 --> 00:00:41,889 The Breaks, shares his favorite song 17 00:00:41,890 --> 00:00:43,639 of the year with us. 18 00:00:43,640 --> 00:00:45,519 The Austin Signal is a production 19 00:00:45,520 --> 00:00:47,559 of KUT News, hosted by 20 00:00:47,560 --> 00:00:48,560 Miles Bloxson. 21 00:00:49,530 --> 00:00:51,049 Plus, if you're looking for holiday 22 00:00:51,050 --> 00:00:52,869 TV episodes to go along with the 23 00:00:52,870 --> 00:00:55,229 holidays, ATX TV Festival's 24 00:00:55,230 --> 00:00:57,229 head of programming, Jennifer Morgan 25 00:00:57,230 --> 00:00:59,289 joins us with some pics. 26 00:00:59,290 --> 00:01:01,249 That and more coming up on Austin 27 00:01:01,250 --> 00:01:02,250 Signal. 28 00:01:13,470 --> 00:01:14,609 Hi there, Austin. 29 00:01:14,610 --> 00:01:16,469 It's Friday, December 19th and 30 00:01:16,470 --> 00:01:17,629 I'm Miles Bloxson. 31 00:01:17,630 --> 00:01:19,289 We're getting closer and closer to 32 00:01:19,290 --> 00:01:20,729 Christmas. And while there are some 33 00:01:20,730 --> 00:01:22,589 amazing songs to listen to and 34 00:01:22,590 --> 00:01:24,729 movies to watch, there are also some 35 00:01:24,730 --> 00:01:26,709 epic TV shows that highlight 36 00:01:26,710 --> 00:01:27,609 the holiday. 37 00:01:27,610 --> 00:01:29,069 We'll have some of our favorites 38 00:01:29,070 --> 00:01:31,309 coming up later in the show. 39 00:01:31,310 --> 00:01:32,829 This is the Austin Signal. 40 00:01:34,030 --> 00:01:35,709 A quick headline before we start the 41 00:01:35,710 --> 00:01:37,349 show, police say they've arrested a 42 00:01:37,350 --> 00:01:39,589 man who was responsible for multiple 43 00:01:39,590 --> 00:01:41,669 overnight explosions in South 44 00:01:41,670 --> 00:01:43,569 Austin. APD said that today 45 00:01:43,570 --> 00:01:45,489 they've arrested Derek Gillespie 46 00:01:45,490 --> 00:01:47,769 at his house near 47 00:01:47,770 --> 00:01:49,549 St. Edward's for possessing 48 00:01:49,550 --> 00:01:50,949 explosive devices. 49 00:01:50,950 --> 00:01:52,409 Police say neighbors complained for 50 00:01:52,410 --> 00:01:54,469 months about overnight explosions, 51 00:01:54,470 --> 00:01:56,109 which led to an investigation 52 00:01:56,110 --> 00:01:58,289 involving federal authorities. 53 00:01:58,290 --> 00:02:00,209 Gillespy was arrested at his home 54 00:02:00,210 --> 00:02:02,109 on Tuesday and charged with 55 00:02:02,110 --> 00:02:03,569 a third degree felony. 56 00:02:03,570 --> 00:02:05,189 We have more on this story at 57 00:02:05,190 --> 00:02:07,049 KUT.org. 58 00:02:08,090 --> 00:02:09,969 The City of Austin has agreed 59 00:02:09,970 --> 00:02:12,199 to the four-year labor contract. 60 00:02:12,200 --> 00:02:14,559 Put forth by the Austin Firefighters 61 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:15,599 Association. 62 00:02:15,600 --> 00:02:17,419 This is after months of 63 00:02:17,420 --> 00:02:19,319 back and forth between the two. 64 00:02:19,320 --> 00:02:21,219 So what's in the contract and 65 00:02:21,220 --> 00:02:23,119 what does this mean for Austin 66 00:02:23,120 --> 00:02:24,619 and its firefighters? 67 00:02:24,620 --> 00:02:26,619 Joining us now is KUT's 68 00:02:26,620 --> 00:02:27,939 government and accountability 69 00:02:27,940 --> 00:02:29,859 reporter, Andrew Weber. 70 00:02:29,860 --> 00:02:31,399 Andrew, thanks so much for joining 71 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:33,479 us today on Austin Signal. 72 00:02:33,480 --> 00:02:34,839 Of course. 73 00:02:34,840 --> 00:02:36,479 So take us back to the beginning. 74 00:02:36,480 --> 00:02:38,199 Why does there need to be a contract 75 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:39,959 like this in the first place? 76 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:41,619 That's a good question. 77 00:02:41,620 --> 00:02:43,819 It's a labor contract. 78 00:02:43,820 --> 00:02:45,259 So if you get hired, obviously 79 00:02:45,260 --> 00:02:47,379 there's gonna be some protections, 80 00:02:47,380 --> 00:02:48,599 some guarantees, how much you're 81 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:50,519 gonna get paid, stuff like that. 82 00:02:50,520 --> 00:02:52,599 And that applies to firefighters as 83 00:02:52,600 --> 00:02:53,699 well. 84 00:02:53,700 --> 00:02:56,139 Texas is a very, I 85 00:02:56,140 --> 00:02:57,939 think you could argue, union-averse 86 00:02:57,940 --> 00:02:59,699 state. So you don't necessarily, as 87 00:02:59,700 --> 00:03:01,859 a city, have to have a 88 00:03:01,860 --> 00:03:04,119 big, long drawn-out contract 89 00:03:04,120 --> 00:03:05,959 with your first 90 00:03:05,960 --> 00:03:07,499 responders, like police and fire and 91 00:03:07,500 --> 00:03:08,859 EMS and stuff like. 92 00:03:08,860 --> 00:03:10,699 Uh, but cities like Austin do 93 00:03:10,700 --> 00:03:12,679 these so they can sort of 94 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:14,719 retain and recruit folk, 95 00:03:14,720 --> 00:03:15,719 recruit folks, excuse me. 96 00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:17,819 Um, that's the sort of a big, 97 00:03:17,820 --> 00:03:19,139 you know, it's a big thing, 98 00:03:19,140 --> 00:03:20,879 especially at a time when, when the 99 00:03:20,880 --> 00:03:22,639 Austin fire department, uh, is kind 100 00:03:22,640 --> 00:03:23,559 of short staffed. 101 00:03:23,560 --> 00:03:25,419 So they went into this agreement, 102 00:03:25,420 --> 00:03:27,139 this negotiation that took months 103 00:03:27,140 --> 00:03:28,539 and months and months, and they 104 00:03:28,540 --> 00:03:30,619 reached a deal ultimately with the 105 00:03:30,620 --> 00:03:31,609 firefighters union. 106 00:03:31,610 --> 00:03:33,369 And so the city and the Austin 107 00:03:33,370 --> 00:03:35,089 Firefighters Association negotiated 108 00:03:35,090 --> 00:03:36,129 contracts. 109 00:03:36,130 --> 00:03:38,249 What was the Firefighter Association 110 00:03:38,250 --> 00:03:40,109 hoping to get funded and 111 00:03:40,110 --> 00:03:40,809 why? 112 00:03:40,810 --> 00:03:42,469 Yeah, they just wanted to get a 113 00:03:42,470 --> 00:03:43,749 raise. 114 00:03:43,750 --> 00:03:44,649 You know, over the last couple of 115 00:03:44,650 --> 00:03:46,609 years, EMS and police have both 116 00:03:46,610 --> 00:03:48,569 got new contracts and 117 00:03:48,570 --> 00:03:50,589 they got pretty substantial raises. 118 00:03:50,590 --> 00:03:52,529 Austin firefighters basically said, 119 00:03:52,530 --> 00:03:53,769 okay, well, our contract's up. 120 00:03:53,770 --> 00:03:55,069 We want to get it raised too. 121 00:03:55,070 --> 00:03:57,269 That only seems fair, especially 122 00:03:57,270 --> 00:03:58,709 at a time, like I said, that they're 123 00:03:58,710 --> 00:04:00,129 kind of short staffed. 124 00:04:00,130 --> 00:04:01,909 So that was a big, you know, 125 00:04:01,910 --> 00:04:03,849 probably the top line goal for 126 00:04:03,850 --> 00:04:04,769 the firefighter team. 127 00:04:04,770 --> 00:04:06,669 That totally makes sense, and did 128 00:04:06,670 --> 00:04:08,729 Prop Q and its failure to pass 129 00:04:08,730 --> 00:04:10,369 affect anything here? 130 00:04:10,370 --> 00:04:12,449 Did yes ma'am it very much did 131 00:04:12,450 --> 00:04:14,349 yeah if for folks who you know 132 00:04:14,350 --> 00:04:15,649 Maybe don't remember don't want to 133 00:04:15,650 --> 00:04:17,809 remember that was a measure to 134 00:04:17,810 --> 00:04:19,889 raise 110 million dollars in 135 00:04:19,890 --> 00:04:21,789 property taxes With the goal 136 00:04:21,790 --> 00:04:22,869 of funding a lot of things one of 137 00:04:22,870 --> 00:04:24,769 those things was overtime for the 138 00:04:24,770 --> 00:04:26,729 Austin Fire Department and that 139 00:04:26,730 --> 00:04:28,829 did not pass So the city basically, 140 00:04:28,830 --> 00:04:30,809 you know said okay well, we 141 00:04:30,810 --> 00:04:32,469 were gonna we were kind of banking 142 00:04:32,470 --> 00:04:34,689 literally banking on on this 143 00:04:34,690 --> 00:04:36,889 passing to pay for this this 144 00:04:36,890 --> 00:04:38,939 overtime and They 145 00:04:38,940 --> 00:04:40,219 couldn't because voters said we 146 00:04:40,220 --> 00:04:41,709 don't want to pass this. 147 00:04:41,710 --> 00:04:43,089 Right, Prop Q seemed like it 148 00:04:43,090 --> 00:04:44,989 affected a lot of things that 149 00:04:44,990 --> 00:04:46,689 we're seeing right now in the news. 150 00:04:46,690 --> 00:04:48,729 What was the city saying and why the 151 00:04:48,730 --> 00:04:49,709 back and forth? 152 00:04:49,710 --> 00:04:51,309 Yeah, the city said, okay, well, we 153 00:04:51,310 --> 00:04:52,509 don't have this $8 million. 154 00:04:52,510 --> 00:04:54,289 We can't fund you over time. 155 00:04:54,290 --> 00:04:56,069 So their solution was, and they kind 156 00:04:56,070 --> 00:04:57,529 of floated this over the summer as 157 00:04:57,530 --> 00:04:58,769 well. 158 00:04:58,770 --> 00:05:00,369 What if we changed the required 159 00:05:00,370 --> 00:05:02,269 number of people on a fire truck 160 00:05:02,270 --> 00:05:03,149 at any given time? 161 00:05:03,150 --> 00:05:04,629 It used to, it's always historically 162 00:05:04,630 --> 00:05:06,209 been four people. 163 00:05:06,210 --> 00:05:07,349 They said, Okay, well what if we 164 00:05:07,350 --> 00:05:08,989 scale that back to three? 165 00:05:08,990 --> 00:05:10,849 The firefighters union was 166 00:05:10,850 --> 00:05:12,669 not, not happy at all with 167 00:05:12,670 --> 00:05:14,349 that. So they basically walked away 168 00:05:14,350 --> 00:05:16,329 from the bargaining table and it was 169 00:05:16,330 --> 00:05:18,389 kind of up in the air until this, 170 00:05:18,390 --> 00:05:19,459 this past week. 171 00:05:19,460 --> 00:05:21,299 Oh, wow. So they just agreed 172 00:05:21,300 --> 00:05:22,179 on a deal. 173 00:05:22,180 --> 00:05:23,339 What's in the deal? 174 00:05:23,340 --> 00:05:25,439 The deal is for four years, 175 00:05:25,440 --> 00:05:27,699 it's $63 million over that 176 00:05:27,700 --> 00:05:29,679 time, and 177 00:05:29,680 --> 00:05:31,739 it basically gives, you know, 178 00:05:31,740 --> 00:05:33,079 it achieves the goal of the 179 00:05:33,080 --> 00:05:34,199 Firefighters Union. 180 00:05:34,200 --> 00:05:36,359 A lot of folks are gonna get raises. 181 00:05:36,360 --> 00:05:38,199 Newer, like recruits and cadets 182 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:40,199 will get a pretty substantial raise. 183 00:05:40,200 --> 00:05:42,359 They'll get 6.5% more 184 00:05:42,360 --> 00:05:43,819 next year than they would in this 185 00:05:43,820 --> 00:05:44,839 year. 186 00:05:44,840 --> 00:05:46,819 And all firefighters, like 187 00:05:46,820 --> 00:05:48,299 across the board, are gonna to get a 188 00:05:48,300 --> 00:05:49,259 bonus. 189 00:05:49,260 --> 00:05:51,119 Just for sticking around and, 190 00:05:51,120 --> 00:05:52,839 you know, at a time when they're 191 00:05:52,840 --> 00:05:54,319 kind of short staffed, they'll get 192 00:05:54,320 --> 00:05:56,599 1,100 bucks on 193 00:05:56,600 --> 00:05:58,629 January 7th, I believe. 194 00:05:58,630 --> 00:06:00,429 Okay. And you said that this is all 195 00:06:00,430 --> 00:06:02,509 about, you know, part of it is about 196 00:06:02,510 --> 00:06:04,129 getting a raise. So what does that 197 00:06:04,130 --> 00:06:05,709 mean for the city's firefighters 198 00:06:05,710 --> 00:06:07,179 other than just getting a race? 199 00:06:07,180 --> 00:06:08,899 They got a raise, so that's good. 200 00:06:08,900 --> 00:06:10,479 I think that'll probably boost 201 00:06:10,480 --> 00:06:12,299 morale, at least from folks I've 202 00:06:12,300 --> 00:06:13,579 talked to. They're also going to get 203 00:06:13,580 --> 00:06:15,419 a new schedule, which this is where 204 00:06:15,420 --> 00:06:16,599 it gets kind of wonky. 205 00:06:16,600 --> 00:06:18,859 Normally firefighters are on for 206 00:06:18,860 --> 00:06:20,919 24 hours, then off for 48 207 00:06:20,920 --> 00:06:21,939 hours. Actually, it's the other way 208 00:06:21,940 --> 00:06:23,819 around. Austin has changed that, 209 00:06:23,820 --> 00:06:25,519 so they're going to have more 210 00:06:25,520 --> 00:06:27,579 consecutive days off. 211 00:06:27,580 --> 00:06:29,959 Portland did this back in 2022, 212 00:06:29,960 --> 00:06:31,819 and they argued it was 213 00:06:31,820 --> 00:06:33,839 successful and it sort of reduced 214 00:06:33,840 --> 00:06:36,289 a lot of burnout amid. 215 00:06:36,290 --> 00:06:38,149 You know, a department that was 216 00:06:38,150 --> 00:06:39,289 understaffed. 217 00:06:39,290 --> 00:06:40,849 We've been speaking with KET's 218 00:06:40,850 --> 00:06:41,949 government and accountability 219 00:06:41,950 --> 00:06:43,789 reporter, Andrew Weber. 220 00:06:43,790 --> 00:06:45,009 Andrew, thanks so much for talking 221 00:06:45,010 --> 00:06:45,389 with us. 222 00:06:45,390 --> 00:06:46,390 Yes ma'am, thank you. 223 00:07:00,540 --> 00:07:02,339 This is the Austin Signal, I'm Miles 224 00:07:02,340 --> 00:07:03,279 Bloxson. 225 00:07:03,280 --> 00:07:05,099 Birders here in Austin will have 226 00:07:05,100 --> 00:07:06,899 a chance to participate in what 227 00:07:06,900 --> 00:07:08,759 could be compared to as a bird 228 00:07:08,760 --> 00:07:09,599 census. 229 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:11,339 It's called the Christmas Bird 230 00:07:11,340 --> 00:07:13,299 Count. For more, we're talking 231 00:07:13,300 --> 00:07:15,419 with Texas Standard Bird enthusiast 232 00:07:15,420 --> 00:07:16,959 Raul Alonzo. 233 00:07:16,960 --> 00:07:18,679 Raul, great to have you here today 234 00:07:18,680 --> 00:07:19,609 on the Austin signal. 235 00:07:19,610 --> 00:07:21,129 Hello Miles, good to be here. 236 00:07:21,130 --> 00:07:23,009 Yeah, so what is the Christmas 237 00:07:23,010 --> 00:07:24,709 bird count? I called it a bird 238 00:07:24,710 --> 00:07:25,709 senses. 239 00:07:25,710 --> 00:07:27,219 Is that even a good comparison? 240 00:07:27,220 --> 00:07:28,779 Yeah, you know, bird census is 241 00:07:28,780 --> 00:07:29,919 actually perfect. 242 00:07:29,920 --> 00:07:30,859 That's kind of what it is, 243 00:07:30,860 --> 00:07:31,919 essentially. 244 00:07:31,920 --> 00:07:33,859 What happens is birders gather in 245 00:07:33,860 --> 00:07:35,639 what is called a circle, which is 246 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:37,479 about 15 miles in diameter in a 247 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:39,099 particular region, and they're 248 00:07:39,100 --> 00:07:40,679 organized into smaller groups within 249 00:07:40,680 --> 00:07:42,799 that region, and they 250 00:07:42,800 --> 00:07:44,799 cover a small 251 00:07:44,800 --> 00:07:46,699 area, and in that 252 00:07:46,700 --> 00:07:48,579 area they're led by one experienced 253 00:07:48,580 --> 00:07:50,659 birder, and they essentially count 254 00:07:50,660 --> 00:07:52,399 all the different bird species that 255 00:07:52,400 --> 00:07:54,319 they can find and they log it. 256 00:07:54,320 --> 00:07:55,899 So yeah, I think census is actually 257 00:07:55,900 --> 00:07:57,139 a really good way of putting that. 258 00:07:57,140 --> 00:07:59,179 Oh wow, and these are done all 259 00:07:59,180 --> 00:08:00,179 over the state, right? 260 00:08:00,180 --> 00:08:01,419 Yeah, all over the country, 261 00:08:01,420 --> 00:08:02,439 actually. 262 00:08:02,440 --> 00:08:04,199 And there's several here in the 263 00:08:04,200 --> 00:08:05,380 central Texas region. 264 00:08:07,040 --> 00:08:08,879 And it's one of the oldest, 265 00:08:08,880 --> 00:08:10,139 they call it citizen science 266 00:08:10,140 --> 00:08:12,059 projects in the world. 267 00:08:12,060 --> 00:08:13,959 I think this year is 126 268 00:08:13,960 --> 00:08:15,339 years that it's been going on here 269 00:08:15,340 --> 00:08:16,340 in the US. 270 00:08:17,360 --> 00:08:18,279 And yeah, lots of folks get 271 00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:19,280 involved. 272 00:08:19,590 --> 00:08:21,049 126 years? 273 00:08:21,050 --> 00:08:22,529 Why do we do these? 274 00:08:22,530 --> 00:08:24,489 So there is, and it's 275 00:08:24,490 --> 00:08:25,909 such an unusual time of year for it 276 00:08:25,910 --> 00:08:27,489 to happen, right? But like the thing 277 00:08:27,490 --> 00:08:29,389 is, uh, the story 278 00:08:29,390 --> 00:08:31,289 I heard is that way, way 279 00:08:31,290 --> 00:08:32,609 back when, when, you know, hunters 280 00:08:32,610 --> 00:08:34,408 will go out in the winter to do 281 00:08:34,409 --> 00:08:36,089 hunting and kill a lot of birds, 282 00:08:36,090 --> 00:08:38,048 essentially, uh some guys once said 283 00:08:38,049 --> 00:08:39,209 like, why don't we count them 284 00:08:39,210 --> 00:08:41,029 instead? And so that practice began, 285 00:08:41,030 --> 00:08:41,908 you know? 286 00:08:41,909 --> 00:08:43,928 Uh, you know, way back when and 287 00:08:43,929 --> 00:08:45,469 it kind of continued every year 288 00:08:45,470 --> 00:08:47,329 since. And so that 289 00:08:47,330 --> 00:08:49,189 data that they have been compiling 290 00:08:49,190 --> 00:08:50,849 over the years has kind of helped 291 00:08:50,850 --> 00:08:52,689 show how a bird population in 292 00:08:52,690 --> 00:08:54,409 a particular region has changed, 293 00:08:54,410 --> 00:08:56,289 especially, and this has 294 00:08:56,290 --> 00:08:57,889 been the story here in central Texas 295 00:08:57,890 --> 00:09:00,009 in the most recent years especially, 296 00:09:00,010 --> 00:09:01,269 is the growth in population 297 00:09:01,270 --> 00:09:03,289 urbanization and what that's 298 00:09:03,290 --> 00:09:04,789 effect that's had on the 299 00:09:04,790 --> 00:09:06,889 environment, on habitat loss and 300 00:09:06,890 --> 00:09:09,209 the effect it's had on the regional 301 00:09:09,210 --> 00:09:10,529 bird population. 302 00:09:10,530 --> 00:09:12,409 And so the census 303 00:09:12,410 --> 00:09:14,409 in a way kind of shows how the 304 00:09:14,410 --> 00:09:16,269 human impact, what the human impact 305 00:09:16,270 --> 00:09:18,709 is having on the bird population. 306 00:09:18,710 --> 00:09:20,969 And Travis Autobahn is coordinating 307 00:09:20,970 --> 00:09:22,729 like a local outing or something 308 00:09:22,730 --> 00:09:23,399 like that. 309 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:24,799 Yeah, and there's actually several, 310 00:09:24,800 --> 00:09:27,419 if you go to travisautobahn.org, 311 00:09:27,420 --> 00:09:29,259 you can see several of the events 312 00:09:29,260 --> 00:09:31,039 going on. There's one this weekend 313 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:33,079 on Saturday out there 314 00:09:33,080 --> 00:09:34,979 around McKinney Falls that 315 00:09:34,980 --> 00:09:36,719 the group is leading, and it's open 316 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:38,219 to anyone. 317 00:09:38,220 --> 00:09:40,119 But yeah, folks can just go to 318 00:09:40,120 --> 00:09:41,779 Travisautobon.org for a complete 319 00:09:41,780 --> 00:09:43,739 list and kind of find out how 320 00:09:43,740 --> 00:09:45,419 they can get involved or how they 321 00:09:45,420 --> 00:09:46,519 participate. 322 00:09:46,520 --> 00:09:48,069 Again, it's opened to anybody. 323 00:09:48,070 --> 00:09:49,969 And you went to one in San Marcos 324 00:09:49,970 --> 00:09:51,809 recently. How was your experience 325 00:09:51,810 --> 00:09:52,229 there? 326 00:09:52,230 --> 00:09:54,049 So that was kind of a bit 327 00:09:54,050 --> 00:09:55,050 of an outlier. 328 00:09:55,970 --> 00:09:58,229 I, you know, I met up with the 329 00:09:58,230 --> 00:09:59,049 person leading it. 330 00:09:59,050 --> 00:10:00,369 She was Rebecca Rylander. 331 00:10:00,370 --> 00:10:02,349 She was a really great experienced 332 00:10:02,350 --> 00:10:04,449 birder. She was telling me this was 333 00:10:04,450 --> 00:10:06,289 the 10th year that San 334 00:10:06,290 --> 00:10:08,009 Marcos had their Christmas bird 335 00:10:08,010 --> 00:10:09,509 count. And it was also one of the 336 00:10:09,510 --> 00:10:11,229 coldest. It was this past Sunday 337 00:10:11,230 --> 00:10:12,629 when that cold front was blowing in. 338 00:10:12,630 --> 00:10:13,789 And this was early in the morning, 339 00:10:13,790 --> 00:10:14,799 like 7 a.m. 340 00:10:14,800 --> 00:10:16,799 So we actually did not see 341 00:10:16,800 --> 00:10:18,699 too many birds out there. 342 00:10:18,700 --> 00:10:20,439 They were hunkering down. 343 00:10:20,440 --> 00:10:22,019 But otherwise it was kind of a nice 344 00:10:22,020 --> 00:10:23,839 outing. It was just a nice time to 345 00:10:23,840 --> 00:10:25,129 get away from the screen. 346 00:10:25,130 --> 00:10:26,569 So birds do get cold. 347 00:10:26,570 --> 00:10:27,289 That's what I'm hearing. 348 00:10:27,290 --> 00:10:28,629 They get very cold and if you see 349 00:10:28,630 --> 00:10:29,609 them out on the power lines and 350 00:10:29,610 --> 00:10:30,729 they're all hunched over looking all 351 00:10:30,730 --> 00:10:32,409 cute and plump, it's them trying to 352 00:10:32,410 --> 00:10:33,469 keep warm in the cold. 353 00:10:33,470 --> 00:10:35,449 Oh anything else people 354 00:10:35,450 --> 00:10:37,269 should know if they want to go to 355 00:10:37,270 --> 00:10:39,659 the Austin Christmas bird count 356 00:10:39,660 --> 00:10:41,879 Uh, definitely, you know, approach 357 00:10:41,880 --> 00:10:43,159 it like you're doing any outdoor 358 00:10:43,160 --> 00:10:45,159 activity, where, uh, 359 00:10:45,160 --> 00:10:47,099 sturdy, uh clothes, toes, shoes, 360 00:10:47,100 --> 00:10:49,019 um, you know, something that maybe 361 00:10:49,020 --> 00:10:50,999 you, especially where I was at 362 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:52,439 in San Marcos, we went on a trail 363 00:10:52,440 --> 00:10:53,619 that potentially could have been 364 00:10:53,620 --> 00:10:54,999 muddy. So, you, know, kind of wear 365 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:56,479 stuff thinking that, you know, 366 00:10:56,480 --> 00:10:57,379 you're not going to get incredibly 367 00:10:57,380 --> 00:10:58,939 dirty, but, you know, it's kind of a 368 00:10:58,940 --> 00:11:00,179 hike essentially. 369 00:11:00,180 --> 00:11:01,859 So dress for the elements. 370 00:11:01,860 --> 00:11:03,399 Um, if you have binoculars, bring 371 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:04,939 them cause that definitely helps, uh 372 00:11:04,940 --> 00:11:05,969 spot the birds. 373 00:11:05,970 --> 00:11:07,489 And also apps that help. 374 00:11:07,490 --> 00:11:09,309 EBird is what they log the 375 00:11:09,310 --> 00:11:11,309 bird sightings that they find. 376 00:11:11,310 --> 00:11:13,229 And Merlin is a great app to kind 377 00:11:13,230 --> 00:11:14,429 of help you identify birds. 378 00:11:14,430 --> 00:11:15,769 But some people also like doing it 379 00:11:15,770 --> 00:11:16,629 the old-fashioned way. 380 00:11:16,630 --> 00:11:18,489 So bring along your Sibley's 381 00:11:18,490 --> 00:11:20,809 Journal or bird identification 382 00:11:20,810 --> 00:11:22,509 manual if you have one. 383 00:11:22,510 --> 00:11:23,749 I love it all. 384 00:11:23,750 --> 00:11:25,009 We've been speaking with Texas 385 00:11:25,010 --> 00:11:27,169 Standard's Raul Alonzo. 386 00:11:27,170 --> 00:11:28,529 We'll have a link to his reporting 387 00:11:28,530 --> 00:11:29,769 in today's podcast. 388 00:11:29,770 --> 00:11:30,609 Show notes. 389 00:11:30,610 --> 00:11:32,149 Raul, thanks so much for being here 390 00:11:32,150 --> 00:11:33,309 today on the Austin Signal. 391 00:11:33,310 --> 00:11:34,310 Thank you, Miles. 392 00:11:39,970 --> 00:11:42,229 Coming up KTX is Confucius 393 00:11:42,230 --> 00:11:44,049 Jones tells us what he loves about 394 00:11:44,050 --> 00:11:46,209 his song of the year slow dreams And 395 00:11:46,210 --> 00:11:47,789 we'll hear from head of programming 396 00:11:47,790 --> 00:11:49,789 Jennifer Morgan with 397 00:11:49,790 --> 00:11:51,949 her top TV Christmas picks 398 00:11:51,950 --> 00:11:53,289 You're listening to the Austin 399 00:11:53,290 --> 00:11:55,249 signal on KUT news at 400 00:11:55,250 --> 00:11:57,409 90.5 and on the KUT 401 00:11:57,410 --> 00:11:59,689 app and online of course at KUT org 402 00:11:59,690 --> 00:12:01,349 That's where you can find past 403 00:12:01,350 --> 00:12:03,289 episodes of our show and all 404 00:12:03,290 --> 00:12:05,149 the podcasts from KUT and 405 00:12:05,150 --> 00:12:07,169 KUTX studios in addition 406 00:12:07,170 --> 00:12:09,039 to the latest reporting from the 407 00:12:09,040 --> 00:12:10,979 KUT Newsroom on Austin 408 00:12:10,980 --> 00:12:13,499 and Central Texas and beyond. 409 00:12:13,500 --> 00:12:15,479 We've got more coming up right here 410 00:12:15,480 --> 00:12:16,700 on Austin Signal. 411 00:12:36,939 --> 00:12:37,919 Well, well. 412 00:12:37,920 --> 00:12:39,119 You're listening to the Austin 413 00:12:39,120 --> 00:12:39,899 Signal. 414 00:12:39,900 --> 00:12:41,939 I'm Confucius Jones, one half of the 415 00:12:41,940 --> 00:12:43,879 Breaks here at KUTX. 416 00:12:43,880 --> 00:12:45,199 One of my favorite songs out of 417 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:47,259 Austin this year is Slow Dreams by 418 00:12:47,260 --> 00:12:47,859 Lynn. 419 00:12:47,860 --> 00:12:49,799 Only like my chicken greener off the 420 00:12:49,800 --> 00:12:51,619 bone asking what God wrote for me. 421 00:12:51,620 --> 00:12:53,459 They can't name a single song 422 00:12:53,460 --> 00:12:55,219 a rapper here in the city coming 423 00:12:55,220 --> 00:12:56,459 from Alabama. 424 00:12:56,460 --> 00:12:57,899 My favorite part of the song is the 425 00:12:57,900 --> 00:12:59,079 soul sample. 426 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:00,339 And my first impression of it was 427 00:13:00,340 --> 00:13:01,579 this was something unique and 428 00:13:01,580 --> 00:13:03,559 different that I'm used to 429 00:13:03,560 --> 00:13:04,800 when it comes to Austin hip hop. 430 00:13:04,801 --> 00:13:06,719 I may wrap it up in 431 00:13:06,720 --> 00:13:08,719 bed like it's a holiday I like 432 00:13:08,720 --> 00:13:10,779 rap sometimes, he want me to ackee 433 00:13:10,780 --> 00:13:12,679 way I like to rap sometimes but 434 00:13:12,680 --> 00:13:14,059 that's just not my role to play 435 00:13:14,060 --> 00:13:15,959 Anyway, I'm focused on which rap 436 00:13:15,960 --> 00:13:16,899 I wanna eat today 437 00:13:16,900 --> 00:13:18,719 The vibe of it is something that 438 00:13:18,720 --> 00:13:20,659 reminds me of slow listening in your 439 00:13:20,660 --> 00:13:22,379 car and helps you get to your 440 00:13:22,380 --> 00:13:23,129 destination. 441 00:13:23,130 --> 00:13:24,869 Gotta know I keep it flush, know 442 00:13:24,870 --> 00:13:27,089 that money on the way Say 443 00:13:27,090 --> 00:13:29,069 it's on with me, she goin' under 444 00:13:29,070 --> 00:13:30,549 These rappers ain't seein' me 445 00:13:30,550 --> 00:13:32,009 Once again my name is Confucius 446 00:13:32,010 --> 00:13:32,949 Jones. 447 00:13:32,950 --> 00:13:35,029 One half of the breaks here at KUTX. 448 00:13:35,030 --> 00:13:36,849 You can find more of our favorite 449 00:13:36,850 --> 00:13:39,549 songs at kutx.org. 450 00:13:39,550 --> 00:13:40,550 This is Austin Signal. 451 00:13:41,420 --> 00:13:43,779 I got that dawg, give me no DMX, 452 00:13:43,780 --> 00:13:45,719 I'm Tommy Smooth You won't catch me 453 00:13:45,720 --> 00:13:47,559 in no pickle, I make that Tommy move 454 00:13:47,560 --> 00:13:49,359 You won't catch me chasing a n***a, 455 00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:50,519 I don't even tie my shoes 456 00:13:56,830 --> 00:13:58,430 You won't catch me in no pickle, I 457 00:13:58,431 --> 00:14:00,329 make that tummy move You won't 458 00:14:00,330 --> 00:14:01,769 catch me chasing this, I don't even 459 00:14:01,770 --> 00:14:03,399 tell I'm just on my head 460 00:14:03,400 --> 00:14:05,739 I know Lambo, 461 00:14:05,740 --> 00:14:07,639 I know it's a Nelly, that don't 462 00:14:07,640 --> 00:14:08,640 make me 463 00:14:09,430 --> 00:14:11,069 This is Austin Signal, I'm Miles 464 00:14:11,070 --> 00:14:11,949 Bloxson. 465 00:14:11,950 --> 00:14:13,649 It's the most wonderful time of the 466 00:14:13,650 --> 00:14:15,089 year, as some would say. 467 00:14:15,090 --> 00:14:16,629 There are some great songs written 468 00:14:16,630 --> 00:14:18,869 about it in awesome movies as well, 469 00:14:18,870 --> 00:14:20,609 but there are also some exceptional 470 00:14:20,610 --> 00:14:22,709 moments in television that depict 471 00:14:22,710 --> 00:14:23,609 the holidays. 472 00:14:23,610 --> 00:14:25,649 That's why we've got ATX TV Fest 473 00:14:25,650 --> 00:14:27,189 in the studio today. 474 00:14:27,190 --> 00:14:28,969 We're talking with Jennifer Morgan, 475 00:14:28,970 --> 00:14:30,089 head of programming. 476 00:14:30,090 --> 00:14:32,189 She's gonna share some of the best 477 00:14:32,190 --> 00:14:34,069 holiday TV episodes on their 478 00:14:34,070 --> 00:14:36,049 list. Jennifer, welcome to Austin 479 00:14:36,050 --> 00:14:37,529 Signal. Hi, thanks for having me. 480 00:14:37,530 --> 00:14:38,339 Of course. 481 00:14:38,340 --> 00:14:40,159 So before we get started, I 482 00:14:40,160 --> 00:14:41,879 have a favorite TV episode and I 483 00:14:41,880 --> 00:14:43,359 know that you have a favorite TV 484 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:45,199 episode, so I have to know 485 00:14:45,200 --> 00:14:45,849 yours. 486 00:14:45,850 --> 00:14:47,829 I think my probably all-time 487 00:14:47,830 --> 00:14:49,729 favorite Christmas episode is the 488 00:14:49,730 --> 00:14:51,589 office Christmas party. 489 00:14:51,590 --> 00:14:53,169 They have a string of Christmas 490 00:14:53,170 --> 00:14:54,329 episodes that they did, but it's the 491 00:14:54,330 --> 00:14:55,269 very first one. 492 00:14:55,270 --> 00:14:57,289 It's really focused on an 493 00:14:57,290 --> 00:14:59,469 in-office Secret Santa Yankee 494 00:14:59,470 --> 00:15:01,249 swap. And to me, it's just the 495 00:15:01,250 --> 00:15:03,289 perfect calibration of 496 00:15:03,290 --> 00:15:05,589 cringe and awkwardness mixed with 497 00:15:05,590 --> 00:15:07,649 like sweetness and 498 00:15:07,650 --> 00:15:09,589 a little bit of just like 499 00:15:09,590 --> 00:15:10,569 holiday earnestness. 500 00:15:10,570 --> 00:15:12,389 But yeah, I think it 501 00:15:12,390 --> 00:15:14,609 still is getting quoted at our 502 00:15:14,610 --> 00:15:15,779 family. 503 00:15:15,780 --> 00:15:17,819 Secret Santa, so yeah, 504 00:15:17,820 --> 00:15:18,539 that's a classic one. 505 00:15:18,540 --> 00:15:20,939 I absolutely love The Office. 506 00:15:20,940 --> 00:15:23,159 Mine would have to be Martin, a 90s 507 00:15:23,160 --> 00:15:24,679 classic, featuring the comedian 508 00:15:24,680 --> 00:15:25,459 Martin Lawrence. 509 00:15:25,460 --> 00:15:26,839 You might know him from, you know, 510 00:15:26,840 --> 00:15:28,359 Will Smith's co-star in Bad Boys. 511 00:15:28,360 --> 00:15:30,039 But this episode is called I Saw 512 00:15:30,040 --> 00:15:31,879 Gina Kissing Santa Claus. 513 00:15:31,880 --> 00:15:33,819 And in the episode, he is 514 00:15:33,820 --> 00:15:35,719 pretending to be Martin for a group 515 00:15:35,720 --> 00:15:37,379 of kids, and they confront him 516 00:15:37,380 --> 00:15:38,439 because they're like, Santa, you 517 00:15:38,440 --> 00:15:39,839 didn't get us gifts from the 518 00:15:39,840 --> 00:15:41,359 previous year, so we're not 519 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:42,739 expecting anything from you this 520 00:15:42,740 --> 00:15:44,299 year. They get really upset with 521 00:15:44,300 --> 00:15:46,219 him, and to calm them down, He 522 00:15:46,220 --> 00:15:47,819 tells him this ridiculous. 523 00:15:47,820 --> 00:15:49,599 Christmas story that he clearly made 524 00:15:49,600 --> 00:15:51,439 up, so, in true Martin 525 00:15:51,440 --> 00:15:52,939 fashion, right? 526 00:15:52,940 --> 00:15:54,219 So now that we've shared our 527 00:15:54,220 --> 00:15:55,339 favorites, let's go ahead and jump 528 00:15:55,340 --> 00:15:56,619 into the list that y'all have 529 00:15:56,620 --> 00:15:59,139 created over at ATX TV Fest. 530 00:15:59,140 --> 00:16:00,519 Yeah, so our team put together a 531 00:16:00,520 --> 00:16:02,639 couple of our favorites, starting 532 00:16:02,640 --> 00:16:04,939 with Ted Lasso's Christmas special, 533 00:16:04,940 --> 00:16:06,299 The Carol of the Bells, which is a 534 00:16:06,300 --> 00:16:08,619 season two episode that kind of 535 00:16:08,620 --> 00:16:10,119 splits characters up into pairs and 536 00:16:10,120 --> 00:16:11,479 sends them on like little journeys 537 00:16:11,480 --> 00:16:12,599 across town. 538 00:16:12,600 --> 00:16:14,639 You have Ted and Rebecca paired up 539 00:16:14,640 --> 00:16:16,499 enlisted for this secret 540 00:16:16,500 --> 00:16:17,279 mission. 541 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:19,419 You have Roy and Keely with 542 00:16:19,420 --> 00:16:22,019 Roy's niece 543 00:16:22,020 --> 00:16:23,779 sort of going around town trying to 544 00:16:23,780 --> 00:16:25,379 find a dentist that's open on 545 00:16:25,380 --> 00:16:26,379 Christmas. 546 00:16:26,380 --> 00:16:27,319 That's not happening. 547 00:16:27,320 --> 00:16:28,359 I know, yeah. 548 00:16:28,360 --> 00:16:29,479 That's... 549 00:16:29,480 --> 00:16:31,299 And then you have this sort of 550 00:16:31,300 --> 00:16:33,879 like found family thread where 551 00:16:33,880 --> 00:16:35,899 Higgins has some of the players over 552 00:16:35,900 --> 00:16:38,279 to his home with his wife that 553 00:16:38,280 --> 00:16:40,379 don't have other places to go. 554 00:16:40,380 --> 00:16:42,139 So it's sort of, you know, showing 555 00:16:42,140 --> 00:16:43,739 you a couple different versions of 556 00:16:43,740 --> 00:16:45,459 Christmas that all feel very 557 00:16:45,460 --> 00:16:46,719 relatable but have that like 558 00:16:46,720 --> 00:16:48,619 signature Ted Lasso comedy. 559 00:16:48,620 --> 00:16:50,719 And then we have Schitt's Creek, 560 00:16:50,720 --> 00:16:52,659 Merry Christmas, Johnny Rose, which 561 00:16:52,660 --> 00:16:54,699 has a really fun sort of flashback 562 00:16:54,700 --> 00:16:56,579 to before the family 563 00:16:56,580 --> 00:16:58,859 sort of loses everything. 564 00:16:58,860 --> 00:17:00,819 With like some really great, I 565 00:17:00,820 --> 00:17:02,759 mean they always have great hair wig 566 00:17:02,760 --> 00:17:05,139 situations going on, but the 567 00:17:05,140 --> 00:17:07,039 flashbacks are particularly good. 568 00:17:07,040 --> 00:17:09,059 And then you really have Johnny 569 00:17:09,060 --> 00:17:11,318 sort of missing the feeling of 570 00:17:11,319 --> 00:17:12,899 their old family Christmas parties 571 00:17:12,900 --> 00:17:15,179 and wanting to recreate that within 572 00:17:15,180 --> 00:17:16,679 the motel. 573 00:17:16,680 --> 00:17:18,979 So again, it's a little bit of like, 574 00:17:18,980 --> 00:17:20,719 everybody has to come together to 575 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:22,199 create their own version of 576 00:17:22,200 --> 00:17:23,598 Christmas, but that's a really fun 577 00:17:23,599 --> 00:17:24,169 one as well. 578 00:17:24,170 --> 00:17:25,189 That's hilarious. 579 00:17:25,190 --> 00:17:26,549 I mean, Schitt's Creek is a classic, 580 00:17:26,550 --> 00:17:27,358 right? 581 00:17:27,359 --> 00:17:28,699 It's so good. 582 00:17:28,700 --> 00:17:30,559 And sort of the weird 583 00:17:30,560 --> 00:17:32,559 Christmas, you have Gilmore Girls, 584 00:17:32,560 --> 00:17:34,039 the Brace Bridge Dinner, which is a 585 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:35,959 season two episode where 586 00:17:35,960 --> 00:17:37,839 Lorelai works, gets booked 587 00:17:37,840 --> 00:17:40,439 for this holiday convention. 588 00:17:40,440 --> 00:17:41,539 The people who are supposed to come 589 00:17:41,540 --> 00:17:43,619 to the inn get stranded in Boston 590 00:17:43,620 --> 00:17:45,219 by snow and they can't make it. 591 00:17:45,220 --> 00:17:47,199 And so everyone sort of gets 592 00:17:47,200 --> 00:17:49,219 to have their own version of 593 00:17:49,220 --> 00:17:50,459 what this convention was going to 594 00:17:50,460 --> 00:17:52,339 be, but it's bringing together the 595 00:17:52,340 --> 00:17:54,599 Gilmores and the sort of 596 00:17:54,600 --> 00:17:56,419 weirdness that is Stars 597 00:17:56,420 --> 00:17:57,469 Hollow. 598 00:17:57,470 --> 00:17:59,349 Throwing them all together for 599 00:17:59,350 --> 00:18:01,289 this very strange seven 600 00:18:01,290 --> 00:18:03,209 course like old English dinner 601 00:18:03,210 --> 00:18:05,369 and like sleigh rides through town. 602 00:18:05,370 --> 00:18:07,389 So it is kind of like 603 00:18:07,390 --> 00:18:09,269 peak Gilmore Girls weirdness 604 00:18:09,270 --> 00:18:11,029 but really charming. 605 00:18:11,030 --> 00:18:12,309 And then I have another personal 606 00:18:12,310 --> 00:18:14,149 favorite which is the OC, 607 00:18:14,150 --> 00:18:15,169 the best chrysmaca ever. 608 00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:18,039 We'll see. We've got more. 609 00:18:18,040 --> 00:18:19,040 I know, 610 00:18:20,460 --> 00:18:22,359 um, coined Christmas, of course, and 611 00:18:22,360 --> 00:18:24,199 then is really the OC 612 00:18:24,200 --> 00:18:26,079 at its best, um 613 00:18:26,080 --> 00:18:27,899 which is, you know, Seth trying 614 00:18:27,900 --> 00:18:29,459 to figure out what he's doing 615 00:18:29,460 --> 00:18:30,819 romantically, which is always a 616 00:18:30,820 --> 00:18:31,639 mess. 617 00:18:31,640 --> 00:18:33,599 Um, you have Ryan getting introduced 618 00:18:33,600 --> 00:18:35,559 to the idea of Christmas, um 619 00:18:35,560 --> 00:18:36,919 with this new family that he's 620 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:38,539 really starting to sort of open up 621 00:18:38,540 --> 00:18:40,919 to. And then you have 622 00:18:40,920 --> 00:18:43,339 relationship drama, family drama, 623 00:18:43,340 --> 00:18:45,119 you have shoplifting, people are 624 00:18:45,120 --> 00:18:47,299 drunk at a family Christmas party. 625 00:18:47,300 --> 00:18:48,499 I mean, it's got all of the OC 626 00:18:48,500 --> 00:18:49,069 hallmarks. 627 00:18:49,070 --> 00:18:50,909 What more can you ask for? 628 00:18:50,910 --> 00:18:52,749 You got everything in that episode. 629 00:18:52,750 --> 00:18:54,289 Adding that to my list as well. 630 00:18:54,290 --> 00:18:55,290 That does sound like Christmas. 631 00:18:56,730 --> 00:18:58,369 Those are the top ones that we have. 632 00:18:58,370 --> 00:19:00,289 And then obviously the office, you 633 00:19:00,290 --> 00:19:02,229 know, has a lot of good ones in 634 00:19:02,230 --> 00:19:03,309 addition to Christmas party. 635 00:19:03,310 --> 00:19:05,169 So you could have basically a mini 636 00:19:05,170 --> 00:19:06,989 marathon of just office episodes 637 00:19:06,990 --> 00:19:07,679 if you wanted to. 638 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:09,139 Yeah, so people have plenty of 639 00:19:09,140 --> 00:19:11,179 things to watch and ATX 640 00:19:11,180 --> 00:19:13,159 TV just announced the lineup for the 641 00:19:13,160 --> 00:19:14,639 2026 festival. 642 00:19:14,640 --> 00:19:15,919 What programming are y'all most 643 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:17,079 excited about? 644 00:19:17,080 --> 00:19:18,999 Yeah, so the big 645 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:20,739 thing that we just announced is that 646 00:19:20,740 --> 00:19:22,379 we're doing, celebrating the 20th 647 00:19:22,380 --> 00:19:24,119 anniversary of Friday Night Lights, 648 00:19:24,120 --> 00:19:26,079 which is an Austin favorite. 649 00:19:26,080 --> 00:19:27,359 It's a favorite of ours. 650 00:19:27,360 --> 00:19:28,879 It's been part of the festival since 651 00:19:28,880 --> 00:19:29,819 year one. 652 00:19:29,820 --> 00:19:31,639 So we're getting the whole 653 00:19:31,640 --> 00:19:33,659 gang back together for a 20th 654 00:19:33,660 --> 00:19:35,099 Anniversary reunion, and we're 655 00:19:35,100 --> 00:19:36,999 giving them our Texas Made Award, 656 00:19:37,000 --> 00:19:38,059 which is gonna be presented with 657 00:19:38,060 --> 00:19:39,279 Media for Texas. So really 658 00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:41,279 celebrating opportunities that it 659 00:19:41,280 --> 00:19:42,859 brought to the state in terms of 660 00:19:42,860 --> 00:19:44,679 filming, hiring local crew, 661 00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:46,279 hiring local actors. 662 00:19:46,280 --> 00:19:48,199 It really has been such a 663 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:50,419 part of the Austin community and 664 00:19:50,420 --> 00:19:51,679 Texas for the last two decades. 665 00:19:51,680 --> 00:19:53,279 So we really wanted to honor that. 666 00:19:53,280 --> 00:19:55,159 That show is pivotal, and especially 667 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:57,299 it exposed the high 668 00:19:57,300 --> 00:19:59,399 school football scene, which is 669 00:19:59,400 --> 00:20:00,599 major here in Texas. 670 00:20:00,600 --> 00:20:01,719 And if other people didn't know, 671 00:20:01,720 --> 00:20:03,419 they found out when they watched 672 00:20:03,420 --> 00:20:04,259 that show. 673 00:20:04,260 --> 00:20:06,079 And then we also announced 674 00:20:06,080 --> 00:20:07,739 a Homicide Life on the Street 675 00:20:07,740 --> 00:20:09,939 retrospective, which will 676 00:20:09,940 --> 00:20:11,679 focus on one of their Emmy-winning 677 00:20:11,680 --> 00:20:13,599 episodes, Three Men and Adina. 678 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:15,799 And that will be with showrunner 679 00:20:15,800 --> 00:20:17,579 Tom Fontana, executive producer 680 00:20:17,580 --> 00:20:19,439 David Simon, and Kelsey Korr, 681 00:20:19,440 --> 00:20:20,719 who is the star. 682 00:20:20,720 --> 00:20:22,079 And then, we have a sweet, vicious, 683 00:20:22,080 --> 00:20:24,019 10-year anniversary reunion. 684 00:20:24,020 --> 00:20:26,039 We have a non-writing producers 685 00:20:26,040 --> 00:20:28,359 panel with some top producers from 686 00:20:28,360 --> 00:20:31,059 House of the Dragon, Miss America, 687 00:20:31,060 --> 00:20:32,369 industry. 688 00:20:32,370 --> 00:20:33,829 Lanterns, which is an upcoming HBO 689 00:20:33,830 --> 00:20:35,429 show. So that should be a great 690 00:20:35,430 --> 00:20:37,429 conversation. And then we'll have a 691 00:20:37,430 --> 00:20:39,049 late night show with Greg Owensky, 692 00:20:39,050 --> 00:20:40,909 which is a totally original late 693 00:20:40,910 --> 00:20:42,289 night show that we started last 694 00:20:42,290 --> 00:20:43,149 year. 695 00:20:43,150 --> 00:20:45,009 And Greg is an Emmy winning 696 00:20:45,010 --> 00:20:47,629 writer for Cold Bear Show. 697 00:20:47,630 --> 00:20:48,829 And he's also worked on John 698 00:20:48,830 --> 00:20:50,609 Oliver's Last Week Tonight. 699 00:20:50,610 --> 00:20:51,669 And so that's like a totally 700 00:20:51,670 --> 00:20:53,569 originally episode that people 701 00:20:53,570 --> 00:20:54,769 will get to sort of have a live 702 00:20:54,770 --> 00:20:56,869 studio experience for. 703 00:20:56,870 --> 00:20:58,829 And then, we launched our brand new 704 00:20:58,830 --> 00:21:00,409 Indie TV pilot competition and 705 00:21:00,410 --> 00:21:01,469 showcase. 706 00:21:01,470 --> 00:21:03,189 So I was just gonna ask you about 707 00:21:03,190 --> 00:21:04,999 that. Can you tell us more about it? 708 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:06,139 Yeah, of course. 709 00:21:06,140 --> 00:21:07,599 So this was the first time that 710 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:10,339 we're accepting open submissions for 711 00:21:10,340 --> 00:21:12,239 independently produced 712 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:14,099 pilot episodes to be 713 00:21:14,100 --> 00:21:15,619 featured at the festival as official 714 00:21:15,620 --> 00:21:18,079 selections. So we'll have three 715 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:20,039 that are selected to screen at the 716 00:21:20,040 --> 00:21:22,299 Festival, and then we'll have a 717 00:21:22,300 --> 00:21:23,719 panel of showrunners and executives 718 00:21:23,720 --> 00:21:25,679 that choose one 719 00:21:25,680 --> 00:21:27,959 of those three to be crowned 720 00:21:27,960 --> 00:21:29,819 the best indie TV pilot of ATX TV 721 00:21:29,820 --> 00:21:30,939 Festival. 722 00:21:30,940 --> 00:21:32,339 So yeah, it's a really exciting 723 00:21:32,340 --> 00:21:33,899 opportunity and submissions for that 724 00:21:33,900 --> 00:21:34,779 are open now. 725 00:21:34,780 --> 00:21:36,839 All right, that sounds amazing. 726 00:21:36,840 --> 00:21:38,139 We'll have a link to that and more 727 00:21:38,140 --> 00:21:40,339 in today's podcast show notes at 728 00:21:40,340 --> 00:21:42,219 kut.org slash signal 729 00:21:42,220 --> 00:21:44,279 the ATX TV festival season 730 00:21:44,280 --> 00:21:46,719 15 runs May 28th 731 00:21:46,720 --> 00:21:48,779 through the 31st in the new 732 00:21:48,780 --> 00:21:50,339 year. We've been speaking with 733 00:21:50,340 --> 00:21:52,239 Jennifer Morgan, head of programming 734 00:21:52,240 --> 00:21:54,379 for ATX TV festival, 735 00:21:54,380 --> 00:21:56,139 Jennifer, thanks so much for talking 736 00:21:56,140 --> 00:21:58,139 with us on Austin signal. 737 00:21:58,140 --> 00:21:59,140 Thanks. 738 00:22:02,090 --> 00:22:04,389 That's it for us on Austin 739 00:22:04,390 --> 00:22:06,069 Signal. Thanks so much for hanging 740 00:22:06,070 --> 00:22:07,869 out with us on this beautiful 741 00:22:07,870 --> 00:22:08,929 Friday. 742 00:22:08,930 --> 00:22:10,769 A special thanks to KUT's 743 00:22:10,770 --> 00:22:13,329 Andrew Weber, Texas Standards' Raul 744 00:22:13,330 --> 00:22:15,349 Alonzo, and KUTX's 745 00:22:15,350 --> 00:22:16,809 Confucius Jones. 746 00:22:16,810 --> 00:22:18,389 Also, special thank you to Jennifer 747 00:22:18,390 --> 00:22:20,269 Morgan from ATX 748 00:22:20,270 --> 00:22:21,609 TV Fest. 749 00:22:21,610 --> 00:22:23,489 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 750 00:22:23,490 --> 00:22:24,969 director. Thank you for everything 751 00:22:24,970 --> 00:22:25,989 that you do. 752 00:22:25,990 --> 00:22:27,629 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 753 00:22:27,630 --> 00:22:29,209 producer. She brings it all 754 00:22:29,210 --> 00:22:31,169 together. We're so lucky 755 00:22:31,170 --> 00:22:32,999 to have you We've got more 756 00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:35,259 about the show in our podcast, 757 00:22:35,260 --> 00:22:37,239 show notes at kut.org 758 00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:38,959 slash signal. 759 00:22:38,960 --> 00:22:41,199 I'm Miles Bloxson and for my buddy, 760 00:22:41,200 --> 00:22:42,359 Jerry Quijano. 761 00:22:42,360 --> 00:22:44,199 I hope that you have a wonderful 762 00:22:44,200 --> 00:22:46,059 weekend and be safe out there 763 00:22:46,060 --> 00:22:47,439 and be kind. 764 00:22:47,440 --> 00:22:49,359 That's it for today's show. 765 00:22:49,360 --> 00:22:51,440 This is the Austin Signal.