Public Television for Western New England

Message from the General Manager

Rus PeotterJuly ’09 Manager’s Message

Over the past few months, I’ve used a fair amount of this space to describe some of the challenges facing WGBY and Public Media. But since it’s summer and my August message will have the inevitable year-end focus, let’s take a few lines to talk about some of the accomplishments we’ve had in spite of the challenges.

While it was a long road to get there, with some unexpected bumps, WGBY was able to make its transition to digital TV ahead of the FCC June 12th deadline. As a result we are broadcasting almost 100 hours per day of top-notch programming covering just about every conceivable area of public affairs, news and entertainment. Now, more than ever, viewers have the choice of the best of PBS any time of day they choose. And some extraordinary programming is lining up for the coming fall.

As Schools Match Wits having just completed its third season on WGBY was recently honored with a Platinum Best of Show Aurora Award. An international competition, Aurora Awards, are designed to recognize excellence in the film and video industries and entries are judged on creativity, message effectiveness and technical excellence.

And speaking of local programming, we’ve added to our great line-up with Eco-Exchange, Wednesdays at 7:30pm, specifically designed to give you news you can use and helpful tips and information all related to living your life in a more sustainable way. Host Sandy Thomas expands her role first launched as a special segment of Making It Here.

Our Great New England Auction came back in full force with many familiar faces returning and joined by some new supporters and volunteers. There was an outpouring of support from hundreds of donors and businesses from dozens of area communities giving a variety of items for auction. It was great deals for the bidders and a great deal for WGBY and public television.

The live broadcast of President Barack Obama’s inauguration at a packed Academy of Music topped a number of special events sponsored by WGBY in conjunction with area community organizations. All open to the public free of charge.

Last month, on Masterpiece MYSTERY!, Hercule Poirot, returned to the screen in several great episodes. This month Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple comes back with four new episodes.

And all of this in only the first six months of 2009. It has been a year of extraordinary challenges for WGBY, and we’ve done our best to maintain the high quality and consistency that is the hallmark of public television. But it would not have been possible without the hard work of our dedicated staff and the wonderful support of our many members and viewers, YOU! Thanks.

 

Cordially,
Russell Peotter, signature
Russell J. Peotter
General Manager