Local TV Station Going Green

JimboK · #1 07-25-2007, 09:49 PM

Tonight on the 6:00 news our local NBC affiliate solicited ideas from its viewers for going green, with ideas to be submitted via this web page. Interestingly, this is the same station who I invited to our central VA meetup a couple of months ago and never responded. But who has at least one Prius used by their news staff.

Here is my submittal:
I drive for maximum fuel mileage using many "hypermiling" techniques, getting up to 80 MPG in my Toyota Prius. Many of the techniques are explained at www.cleanmpg.com.

This past weekend I competed in the MPG Challenge event at the annual Hybridfest in Madison, Wisconsin. I didn't win, but I still got 87.9 MPG in the event. See this link from your sister station for more:

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/8631507.html

I'll be glad to demonstrate my techniques. I'll even conduct a driving clinic for your staff to show them how to get more fuel mileage out of the NBC12 Prius. Then you *really* can lead by example!

We'll see if they respond this time.

xcel · #2 07-25-2007, 11:35 PM

Hi Jim:

___I sure hope they take you up on it as this is yet another opportunity to help the average Joe reduce his or her fuel consumption while we all wait for more efficient diesel’s, HEV’s, PHEV’s and BEV’s to make their appearance.

___Keep us informed as to their reply.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Skwyre7 · #3 07-31-2007, 07:49 AM

Any word, Jim? I'll show them how to drive their non-hybrid vehicles. Unless Wayne magically appears in Richmond, in which case we'll let him do all the teaching.

JimboK · #4 07-31-2007, 09:24 AM

Nope, nothing so far. Supposedly their "green" campaign lasts several weeks, so I'll just sit tight.

JimboK · #5 08-06-2007, 11:52 AM

Got a call today. They're interested in the clinic. My daytime schedule is full for the next week or so (they want to get it done by next Friday), so they're checking theirs to see if they can film it one evening.

The plan is to meet them at the station and do the clinic on some of the surrounding city streets. I know the streets well, including their normal traffic, light timing, and idiosyncracies -- I've used them all on my cross town commutes. With a little luck it's probably good for 80 MPG.

Michael, if you're reading, the route will be Midlothian Tnpk., Belt Blvd., Hull St., Warwick Rd., and back to Midlothian. Want in?

JimboK · #6 08-07-2007, 11:53 AM

We're set. The taping will be 8/14/07 at 6:00 pm. Not sure when it will air, but I'm guessing it will be later that week based on the deadline we discussed yesterday.

Michael (and others within NBC12's viewing area that might be interested ... Bob?), I'm guessing it won't air on the evening broadcasts, though I didn't ask. Andrew Freiden is doing the piece. He works the early morning and noon shows. Interestingly, he is one of their meteorologists, though he's done other stories not directly related to weather.

xcel · #7 08-07-2007, 07:15 PM

Hi Jim:

___Send us the link when it hits the air!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

JimboK · #8 08-09-2007, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimboK

With a little luck it's probably good for 80 MPG.

That won't even require luck. I made two practice laps around the course this evening, one in each direction. I got 83 MPG on one and 90 on the other. Now my goal is for the reporter to get 80!

Chuck · #9 08-10-2007, 08:53 AM

Might want to make sure it's videotaped to make sure....that's what I should have done.

Skwyre7 · #10 08-14-2007, 07:26 AM

I can't make it tonight.

I've got work obligations.

(It is a business dinner at La Grotta, so it isn't all bad.

) It would have been great to at least ride along. The weather should be good tonight, although a little warm. Will you be taking the NBC12 Prius or yours? If you're taking theirs, don't forget an air pump to inflate those tires! Good luck with Andrew. I think he's one of the better ones to be doing this type of story.