An open letter to you, our loyal viewer

Do you ever look around and think about how far the world has come over the last few years? Technology has improved by leaps and bounds, giving us opportunities we could only have dreamed of even a decade ago. This thought has crossed my mind often here at WGVU. I think of everything that we have achieved over the years, all of the advances that we have made and I am amazed. We have award-winning local productions in both TV and radio – even this Showplace guide just received a Platinum rating from the Hermes Creative Awards. Throughout the year, we host several successful events, including our recent Kalamazoo Food & Wine Fest and the upcoming KidsDay at the Zoo. By next February, we’ll have reached another exciting opportunity, as television across the country makes the switch to digital.

We’re committed to making sure that all of our viewers are prepared for the digital transition when it happens on February 17, 2009. If you have questions about how the transition will affect you, give us a call at 800-442-2771. We’re also happy to speak to any local groups or organizations – or, you can schedule a tour of the WGVU Studios, and we’ll talk you through it then. This is a change that we’re all in together, so let us help you be ready.

This month, we’re hosting our Summer Membership Campaign on WGVU TV. June marks the end of our fiscal year, and we need your support to help get the next twelve months off to a great start. During the drive, tune in to hear your favorite musicians, or catch a compelling documentary and call in to show your support for these programs. Or, visit our web site right now at wgvu.org/support and make a contribution toward the PBS show that you watch the most, like NOVA, Masterpiece or Frontline. The best thing about WGVU TV is that there’s always something new to keep you informed and inspired. Let us know that this programming is important to you and make a financial contribution to help keep new shows coming.

WGVU Radio is also growing quickly. Our award-winning news team is busy preparing for this year’s election coverage, while our Music Director has been tweaking the jazz and blues schedule to bring you the best in local, national and even international music. NPR is in full-swing this summer, presenting special reports that you can’t find on any commercial stations, including an in-depth look at the culture of China leading up to the Olympics and a retrospective on the events of 1968. For up-to-date information on the latest specials coming up on WGVU Radio, visit our homepage and click on the WGVU Blog.

It might be summer time in West Michigan, but that doesn’t mean we’re on vacation here at WGVU! We’re always hard at work to bring you the best programs, events and outreach possible. I’m happy to have you with us on our journey and I look forward to even more advances in the future – stay tuned.

Michael T. Walenta, General Manager, WGVU