KARE manager Helmke honored by Emmy board

KARE 11 takes great pride in seeing one of our own inducted in the prestigious National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle. Managing Editor Jane Helmke receives the honor which is a national award presented by the regional chapters. In this case, the presentation is by the Upper Midwest Chapter. Silver Circle members have displayed superior contributions to the television industry and/or the Academy for at least 25 years.

KARE 11 sports director Randy Shaver recalls Jane's start in the TV business with a chuckle. "Jane was an intern for me when I did weekend sports, when I first showed up here in 1983. And now, she's my boss! What's wrong with that picture? You know? Where did I go wrong?"

Actually, everything went just right, although there were a few bumps along the way. The spunky sports intern became a fresh-faced female sports reporter, briefly. Shaver recalls those early years. "I guess you would call it an experiment to have Jane be a part of the on-air process in sports." IT was an "experiment" because there simply were no women as regular on-air sports personalities at that time. Jane notes in her own biography that she became an intern at then WTCN because another station sports manager told her he "didn't have time for girls in sports."

There were those short-lived moments in 1986 when Channel 11 featured new anchor on the sports desk. Other than one morning when she forgot her microphone (which happens to all on-air people at one time or another) she was more than up to the work. Still, Shaver notes, the future held other prospects than on-camera for his one-time intern's future. "It wasn't her cup of tea, but I mean she loved putting it together. I don't think she really enjoyed seeing herself on camera very much."

Jane Helmke's genius was to saddle up behind the cameras, making the on-air types look and be better. That included the first KARE Silver Circle winner, Pat Miles in 2000. Miles has been retired for several years, but took time to sing the praises of her former producer. "She is the only person in the world who could get me to go on camera at this age. Okay? That's Jane Helmke. I absolutely adore, love, respect, worship her!"

For years, Jane traveled the world with Miles and Photojournalist Jeff Wiltgen, bringing Minnesota viewers the celebrated "Pat Miles Specials". Jane produced every one of those hour-long programs along with a host of other documentaries and special reports. She quickly became known in Gannett, KARE 11's parent company, as one person who could and did do everything. Jane was a producer for the company's 1996 Olympics coverage for the entire chain of stations across the country.

The one-time sports intern soon swept into KARE 11's executive management team. When TV news became truly multi-media, Jane moved into the Managing Editor position. Constantly evolving, she is now in charge of the station's website, kare11.com. Along with Executive Producer Stacey Nogy, Jane is second-in-command to News Director Tom Lindner, who marvels at Jane's versatility. "Just when you think you've figured out who Jane is, she evolves in another way."

The truth is, Jane's co-workers and managers know KARE would not be KARE without her. Lindner puts it this way: "Jane will never talk about what Jane needs. Jane will talk about what others need and how she can get others what they need."

KARE 11 President and General Manager John Remes knows of Jane's renowned work ethic. "Most people say when you say driven, you think of someone who's driven for themselves. Jane is driven for other people. She's driven to help others."

That "help" extends beyond the walls of KARE. Jane's thoughtful mark is on every regional Emmy Statuette. As a founding member of Upper Midwest Chapter in 2000, she took firm hold of one of the fledgling organization's reins. The Board of Governors then-President and General Manager of WCCO-TV, now President of CBS-Boston, Massachusetts, Ed Piette remembers her tenacity. "She literally acted as the conscience of our organization, constantly questioning, researching and offering timely input during the chapter's formative years."

Jane astounded her fellow Board members by writing the entire curriculum for the Chapter's unique TV Immersion class at the University of Minnesota. U seniors spent a semester learning about all aspects of Television directly from Twin Cities broadcasting professionals. Piette recalls the days he and Jane worked together to convince the National Board to upgrade the value of regional Emmys. "She championed the cause which led to two Emmy categories which, when won, automatically qualifies the winners for entry into the national awards. Those categories are 'spot or breaking' news and 'investigative' reporting."

Her writing and producing of major stories, including coverage of the Red River Floods of 1997, led to a deluge of regional and national broadcasting awards including 4 Emmys of her own. However, Jane's greatest legacy remains her family. Teresa, son Keegan and daughter Gracie are living testaments to life's possibilities and Jane's commitment to excellence.

The testimonials from those who have and do work with her include Vice President for News Lindner. "Jane is a talent, I think, beyond her own appreciation." General Manager Remes: "She throws passion into everything. That's why you get those emails at 2-3 in the morning, because she wants to make everybody better."

Former NATAS Upper Midwest Board President Piette sends his praise from Boston. "Passionate and professional, smart and competitive as all get out. Jane, congratulations! You are simply the best." And long-time co-worker Miles sums it up. "We really admire people's abilities, but very few times do you say I really like that person. That is a great human being. And that's Jane, Jane is a great human being, who I like a lot."

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