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Message from the General Manager
It’s hard to believe that it is already February. One year ago, we were counting down to the planned end of analog TV. Today, I write this column on a break in the NETA (National Educational Telecommunications Association) meeting where I just came from a speech by Larry Sidman, President of APTS, our advocacy organization. He told us that exactly one year from the DTV deadline (February 17th); the FCC is to present to Congress a plan for expanding the use and availability of Broadband. This plan could have a major impact on ALL broadcasters and will spark a very big debate between and among commercial broadcasters, Public media, Cable and Satellite operators, the phone companies and the high-tech sector in general. My point? Simply that the phrase “rapidly changing media environment” we’ve used so often is more than a cliché. So how will WGBY respond and move forward? First, we’ll continue to follow our mission as we did last month with the Senatorial Debate. Jim Madigan and the WGBY team convened and executed the only western Mass debate. It was covered by newspapers and commercial TV from Albany to Boston, carried on public TV and Radio across the Commonwealth, and ultimately worldwide when supporters posted clips on YouTube. We’re working with UMASS, AIC and many others to create and curate a special week of programming that will mark the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day in April. With help from Thomson, our transmitter manufacturer in Southwick, we’re one of the first stations in the country to experiment with Mobile DTV as part of our digital signal. In the midst of all this our dedicated staff will plan and execute special events, educational contests and lots more. But we also plan to revisit our strategic plan with the Board of Tribunes and our staff. I believe we’re still doing the right things and heading in the right direction, but our route is ever more confusing, and the tools for our work keep changing. We need to stop and consider a bit. Thus, this column is a bit of a “heads up”. Our members and viewers are rarely shy with suggestions and ideas, but in the next few months, we welcome them even more. So, please go to WGBY.ORG and click on "Contact Us". Of course, while you’re there, I invite you to renew your membership or make an additional gift. After all, it is YOUR support that makes all of the above possible. Thank you! Cordially, |
February 2010 
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