An open letter to you, our loyal viewer

Here at WGVU, there is always something new on the horizon - new programs, new events, new ways for us to bring you the best that PBS and NPR have to offer.  This spring, we're looking forward to even more new experiences.  In April, we'll present the new PBS miniseries Carrier, both on WGVU TV and here in West Michigan.  In May, we're partnering with D&W to present The Kalamazoo Food & Wine Fest, our first ever wine tasting event in Kalamazoo.  And this summer, watch for a brand new look for our Showplace guide; the redesigned version will include more features on upcoming shows and events, as well as complete listings for all of our television channels, WGVU TV, Create and WGVU HD.  It's all part of our continuing commitment to listening to what our members, viewers and listeners are looking for from Public Broadcasting in West Michigan.

This month, we're asking you to show your support for everything that we do here at WGVU.  We're holding our March Membership Campaign on WGVU TV, with many all-new programs featuring some of your favorite musical acts and self-help gurus.  During these programs, you can call in to talk to one of our volunteers, or visit wgvu.org/support to make your contribution online.  You can find out more about upcoming programs right here on our web site by clicking on Television.

We're also holding a special web-only Radio Membership Campaign this month, as a prelude to our regular on-air drive.  We hear from many of you that it's hard to make a pledge during the drive, as you're driving to or from work, or in the middle of an errand, or on the way out of town for that well deserved vacation or family visit.  So, we invite you to join us for this online-based Campaign.  Who knows – if this campaign is successful, perhaps we'll be able to shorten the on-air drive even more than we already have.  As always, you can choose from any of our thank gifts right online, including our new web exclusive gift - a WGVU flash drive that you can use to easily transfer your photos, music and documents.  WGVU TV and Radio couldn't exist without our members, and we wouldn't be able to expand our services throughout West Michigan.   Please take this opportunity to show us what WGVU means to you by continuing your support of WGVU TV and Radio.

Join us this month at one of our ongoing events, WGVU Jazz Night at Z's or Independent Cinema.  These two series are made possible by support from our members, and both are offered free every month.  Jazz Night continues through April, the first and third Thursdays of every month with the best in local and regional jazz acts.  The Independent Cinema series takes place at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts the first Tuesday of every month - on March 4, we present the film King Corn.  Stay tuned to our web site for more information on these and other upcoming events from WGVU.  As always, we thank you for your support - have a wonderful month!

Michael T. Walenta, General Manager, WGVU