WNIT PUBLIC TELEVISION

What's Happening at WNIT

Michiana's Public Television. Television worthy of your trust.

"OUTDOOR ELEMENTS" BEGINS EIGHTH SEASON

December 19, 2008

SOUTH BEND, IN - WNIT'S OUTDOOR ELEMENTS begins its eighth exciting season on Sunday, January 4 at 7:30pm. Host Evie Kirkwood, Interpretive Naturalist and Director of the St. Joseph County Parks Department, celebrates the natural splendor of Michiana.

During January the program uses the themes "Make It Cold" on January 4; "Amazing World of Plants" on January 11; "Plants with a Purpose" on January 18; and "Slimy and Scaly: Snakes, Fish and Salamanders" on January 25.

"It's wonderful when someone recognizes me and says, Wow! My kids really love your show! That really makes it all worthwhile," Evie said recently. "Also, producer Kelsy Zumbrun and the production crew make the program look great. The way they work is incredible."

Evie was raised in New York state and earned a B.S. degree in biology from Penn State with an emphasis on natural resources. She recalls her first involvement with environmental issues was during the inaugural Earth Day in 1970 when her Girl Scout troop picked up litter along a highway.

"The program gives people an opportunity learn more about nature though books, the web site and other resources," Evie said. "I love being outdoors and getting to know the community's natural environment, including endangered butterflies, sandhill cranes and the St. Joseph River fish ladder."

OUTDOOR ELEMENTS provides excellent family viewing and is a great way to explore the wonders of nature in our nearby woods and waterways. Viewers can locate a wealth of family-friendly activities at our website, wnit.org/outdoorelements/

WNIT Public Television is a not-for-profit organization celebrating over 35 years of providing quality programming to the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. WNIT-television worthy of your trust.

"DINNER AND A BOOK" OPENS EIGHTH SEASON

December 19, 2008

SOUTH BEND, IN - WNIT Public Television's popular DINNER AND A BOOK begins its eighth season on Saturday, January 3 at 10:30am. "Good friends, good books, good food make for a good life." That's how host and co-producer Gail Martin describes her attitude toward the program. "Good food and conversation add an extra dimension to life."

For this season's DINNER AND A BOOK, Gail plans to feature international favorites, with a spattering of American best sellers. Among the featured areas are the Burgundy region of France, Cuba, Azerbaijan, the isle of Guernsey, Paris Cordon Bleu and Ireland. On the Americana side, Gail will feature the Elkhart County 4-H Fair during a discussion of U.S. county fairs, a biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth and a study of Amish life.

The format of DINNER AND A BOOK brings together Gail Martin and a co-host as they discuss the featured book and prepare a delicious meal that reflects the culture of the book's setting. All of the books are available on the WNIT web site, wnit.org.

Two of the programs were taped at the American Countryside Farmers Market - Cheating at Canasta by William Trevor, with co-host Marshall King and The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn with co-host Linda Lucchesi.

"It's going to be a great season," Gail commented recently. "From drinking tea to sipping Bacardi rum and saluting Alice Roosevelt Longworth with a glass of champagne, we have a wonderful variety of guests, books and meals."

The series also features books by two local writers- To Perish in Penzance by Lucinda Streiker-Schmidt and A Separate God by Jeanne Dams.

"I love the variety of books and guests," Gail added. "I always enjoy having new guests, and I'm amazed at what they bring to the show - their cooking experiences and their love of books. In addition to everything else, the studio crew is wonderful to work with."

Gail loves to experiment with new dishes from all over the world. This season will feature a variety of cuisines, including French, Italian, Irish, Cuban, Amish and English, all done with an elegant simplicity. "We try to make food accessible to our viewers," Gail explained, "which works because I'm a cook, not a chef." Recipes for the various dishes can be found on the WNIT website at wnit.org.

DINNER AND A BOOK is solely underwritten by the Rex and Alice A. Martin Foundation.

WNIT TO TAKE POSSESSION OF NEW FACILITY

WNIT TO TAKE POSSESSION OF NEW FACILITY

December 17, 2008

SOUTH BEND, IN - WNIT Public Television is pleased to announce that it will take possession of the former WSBT building in South Bend this Friday, December 19 at 12 noon. In a brief ceremony at the building, WNIT Board Chairman Craig Sullivan and President and General Manager Mary Pruess will accept the keys from WSBT representatives.

With help from a significant donation by Schurz Communications, Inc., WNIT now takes ownership of the former WSBT building on the corner of Lafayette and Jefferson in downtown South Bend.

"As we move to a new facility, WNIT renews its commitment to service for the entire region," said Mr. Sullivan. "This is a tremendous milestone in WNIT's ongoing growth as Michiana's public media center and an important investment in our community".

Added Ms. Pruess, "We are sincerely grateful for the leadership of the area foundations and businesses, as well as both federal and local governmental agencies, that has helped bring us to this point. Looking ahead, the next stage of WNIT's evolution is both exciting and challenging, but we know that with the support of our entire region we can achieve our goal."

WNIT Public Television is a not-for-profit organization celebrating over 35 years of providing quality programs of interest to the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. WNIT-television worthy of your trust.

In a brief ceremony on Friday, December 19, Schurz Communications hands the keys of the building at 300 West Jefferson Boulevard to WNIT Public Television.

Shown are: (l-r) John Mann, WSBT's-TV's President and General Manager; Mary Pruess, WNIT President and General Manager; Craig Sullivan, WNIT Chairman; David Ray, President / Editor and Publisher of the South Bend Tribune; and Rod Ganey, WNIT Vice Chairman.

DIGITAL TV RIGHT NOW

DIGITAL TV RIGHT NOW

By Mary Pruess, WNIT President and General Manager

As many of you know, WNIT recently experienced the failure of its two major signal amplifiers, which has resulted in the cessation of our analog broadcasting. The analog signal reception for viewers in our region has been lost and will not be restored.

Fortunately, WNIT has already made the transition digital and is broadcasting all your favorite programs from our state-of-the-art digital transmitter right now. Any viewer experiencing the loss of their analog signal can take measures to receive our digital signal almost immediately. It only takes a couple of simple steps to be all set for digital TV today.

Naturally, we considered replacing the failed tubes, and it is important to note that, at any other time, restoring the analog transmitter to full power would happen immediately. The circumstances surrounding the current equipment problems are unique and require unique solutions to effectively address them.

First, WNIT is already broadcasting two digital channels (and has been for several years) that are used by a large majority of our viewers and are easily accessible to anyone right now. While the federally-mandated cut-off date for analog broadcasting is next February, viewers can make a quick, one-time upgrade to their sets that will resolve the issue immediately. Additionally, the cost to replace the transmitter equipment is quite high and WNIT feels a particular commitment to be responsible stewards of the contributions entrusted to us. We simply could not see it as fiscally prudent to make a sizeable investment in a technology that is already obsolete and will be entirely useless in a matter of months.

Therefore, we have decided to channel our resources into assisting our members and the general public in making the conversion to digital now. Our analog viewers have several options that are quick, easy and efficient. First, a viewer can purchase a digital converter box from local retailers. Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, ABC Warehouse and others all have plentiful supplies of these converter boxes. They range in price from $ 45 to $ 70 and vouchers to defray most of the cost are available from the U.S. government. The converter boxes are easy to install and require no further, ongoing expense.

Secondly, viewers may opt to switch their signal from over-the-air to a cable or satellite provider. Since almost all of these systems receive WNIT programming through our digital transmitter, there has been no loss of reception quality. Finally, viewers can purchase a digital television set. While this would be more expensive than the other choices, it would merit consideration if you are considering replacing your current set in the near future.

In any case, WNIT is ready and able to help you make this conversion. We have established a digital transition hotline at 1.866.964.8674 to answer any question you may have. If you have questions, please call us at that number or visit our website, wnit.org. We will provide you with all the information you need to upgrade your television and to work with you to apply for the converter box coupons or to find a retailer near you.

All analog viewers will need to make a change by next February. While WNIT certainly didn't desire a disruption to our signal for any of our viewers, it does give our audience the opportunity to make the conversion to digital right now. By making the switch, viewers will not only receive their current programs, but they will receive additional digital channels on WNIT and on many commercial channels as well.

As public television for Michiana, WNIT has proudly served the communities of our area for more than three decades. In the digital TV world, the programs you've come to expect from WNIT will still be available. And it will still be free to everyone!

Public television offers an incredible spectrum of entertainment and education, information and inspiration. By making the conversion to digital reception at this time, you will stay abreast of a changing technology and keep your window open to this magical world. And WNIT is with you every step of the way. WNIT - now as always, television worthy of your trust.

News Archives

WNIT RECEIVES GRANT FOR DIGITAL ENHANCEMENT

November 13, 2008

WNIT RECEIVES GRANT FOR DIGITAL ENHANCEMENT

SOUTH BEND, IN - WNIT Public Television is pleased to announce that it has received a $ 93,000 grant for equipment that enables WNIT to improve its service to all the communities of Michiana. The equipment is an essential part of the digital system which forms the backbone of WNIT's broadcast technology.

According to Mary Pruess, WNIT's President and General Manager, "Our vision is to become the public media center for all of Michiana, and this new equipment plays a major role in that process. This puts WNIT well on its way in our transition to an all-digital system."

WNIT broadcasts two digital channels, one in high definition and one in standard definition. The new monitoring equipment will become operational in late 2009 and will enable WNIT to better manage multiple digital channels. It provides a more robust and reliable signal on all its channels.

The grant was made by the Digital Distribution Fund of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

WNIT TO PURCHASE REGIONAL MOBILE UNIT

November 10, 2008

WNIT TO PURCHASE REGIONAL MOBILE UNIT

SOUTH BEND, IN - WNIT Public Television is pleased to announce that it has received nearly $ 100,000 from five area Community Foundations to purchase a Regional Mobile Unit. This much needed equipment will enable WNIT to originate programming live from throughout northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan and will be instrumental in helping WNIT forge a greater sense of community in the region.

Funding for this equipment is made possible by the Elkhart County Community Foundation, Kosciusko County Foundation, Marshall County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County in Indiana, and the Berrien County Community Foundation in Michigan. With the Regional Mobile Unit, WNIT will be able to broadcast live from such events as The Venetian Festival in St. Joseph, The Village at Winona's Annual Art Fair, the Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, or the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.

According to Mary Pruess, WNIT's President and General Manager, "From Tippecanoe and Silver Lake to Benton Harbor, from LaPorte to Elkhart, the Regional Mobile Unit will allow WNIT to broadcast live events from anywhere in our broadcast area. It's an essential piece of equipment, and we are very grateful to these five Community Foundations for making this possible."

Added Gail Martin, WNIT's Director of Major Gifts and Capital Campaign, "This equipment, which is part of WNIT's Bigger Picture Campaign, will help WNIT become a major media resource for the region. Thanks to the generosity of these Community Foundations, we can serve all 22 counties in our broadcast area with live, on-the-spot broadcasts."

The unit will become operational in late 2009.

WNIT WINS $240,000 GRANT TO EQUIP MICHIANA'S NEW HOME FOR PUBLIC MEDIA

September 23, 2008

WNIT WINS $240,000 GRANT TO EQUIP MICHIANA'S NEW HOME FOR PUBLIC MEDIA

SOUTH BEND, IN - The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that WNIT Public Television is the recipient of a $239,917 matching grant to help purchase new Master Control and video router equipment as the final link in the "digital backbone" that will turn WNIT into a multi-media hub for all the communities of Michiana. The grant was part of the NTIA's Public Telecommunications Facilities Program.

The new equipment will link all WNIT production equipment along a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure that maximizes flexibility and productivity. This will allow WNIT to become the hub of a communications activity for the Michiana region as new services such as full video teleconferencing, professional development for educators, video-on-demand, and enhanced use of multiple over-the-air and online channels.

Coupled with connectivity to both the St. Joe Valley Metronet and the statewide I-Light 2 fibre optic network, WNIT will be uniquely positioned to convene and facilitate public dialogue around the issues of greatest importance to the citizens of northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

"We are thrilled to receive this grant," said Mary Pruess, "WNIT President and General Manager. WNIT was notified by Senator Lugar's office that our application for a PTFP grant in the amount of $240,000 has been granted. This is a matching grant for purposes of funding the digital backbone for our facility."

WNIT Public Television is a not-for-profit organization celebrating over 34 years of providing quality programs of interest to the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. WNIT-television worthy of your trust.

KIRKWOOD RECOGNIZED AS CONSERVATION EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

February 25, 2008

Evelyn Kirkwood, Director of St. Joseph County Parks, was recently honored by the Soil and Water Conservation District of St. Joseph County as the 2007 Conservation Educator of the Year. Kirkwood was recognized for her skills as a park interpreter and her ability to reach thousands of residents with a conservation message through her bi-weekly column in the South Bend Tribune and her weekly nature show, Outdoor Elements, on WNIT public television.

The award was presented at the Soil and Water Conservation District's annual meeting on February 22, 2008. Kirkwood has worked at St. Joseph County Parks for over 20 years. Her column in the South Bend Tribune began in 1996.

Mike Birkholder was recognized as Conservation Farmer of the Year. Gunter Kison was recognized as the 2007 Wildlife and Forestry Award winner.

For more information about the Soil and Water Conservation District, contact 291-2300.

BOOKS FOR BABIES

A new book for every child born in Elkhart County. That is the 2007 goal WNIT recently announced in cooperation with Families First. This book drive will collect new board books to be distributed to all newborns born in Elkhart County. You may drop off books at any Elkhart Community Elementary School, any Elkhart County United Way agency and also at several faith communities in the Elkhart community. WNIT has pledged to match up to 1,500 books!

WNIT President Mary Pruess introduces the Family First Governance Council at the recent new conference.

The Family First Governance Council standing (from L to R) behind Director Kim Chastain: Phid Wells, Daryl Abbott, Suzy Samuels, Rev. Steve Braden, Jerry Quatman, Mark Mow, Jim Siegman, Jill Richardson.

WNIT TO SERVE MICHIANA FROM NEW LOCATION

IMAGES FROM THE REPAIRS MADE TO OUR ANALOG TRANSMITTER

Click Images To Enlarge

WNIT’S DIANE MARLOW NAMED TO NATIONAL PBS COMMITTEE

SOUTH BEND, IN - WNIT Public Television is pleased to announce that staff member Diane Marlow has been named to serve on the national PBS Traffic Advisory Committee. “Traffic” refers to managing the on-air signal by coordinating programs with promos, underwriting spots and station identification and maintaining the distribution technology system.

The purpose of the twelve-person committee is to facilitate traffic communication among PBS, national distributors and member stations. During the three-year appointment, Marlow will also help WNIT and other stations transition from analog to digital broadcasting. The full committee meets for its annual business meeting this October in Washington, D.C. and for its technology conference next spring in Las Vegas.

Marlow has almost 30 years’ experience in television broadcasting. In addition to WNIT, she has previously worked at WSJV-TV / Fox 28 and AT&T / Comcast Media Sales.

“I’m really pleased at this honor,” she said recently. “Networking with other traffic professionals is a great way to stay abreast of the ever-changing landscape of television technology.”

WNIT Public Television is a not-for-profit organization celebrating over 31 years of providing quality programs of interest to the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

WNIT TO BROADCAST FIRST PROGRAM IN HDTV

WNIT Public Television will introduce its first high-definition television (HDTV) program, PETER AND PAUL AND THE CHRISTIAN REVOLUTION, Wednesday, May 14th at 7pm on digital Channel 35. The two-part special, concluding Wednesday, May 21st at 7pm, is one of the select programs offered in WNIT’s first wave of HDTV programming.

"WNIT has taken big steps to meet the digital television conversion deadline of May 1, 2003 as mandated by the Federal Communications Commission. With the inauguration of our digital signal, I'm pleased to announce that we are now part of a new generation of public broadcasting," said Mary Pruess, President and General Manager.

WNIT will commence its digital broadcast on Channel 35 Wednesday, April 30th. The program schedule for both channels (34 and 35) will be the same, with select programs to be broadcast in high-definition on the new signal. Channel 35, however, will air from 2pm to midnight.

"WNIT's new digital capabilities reflect its continuing commitment to bring state-of-the-art technology to the Michiana area. This commitment is complemented by WNIT's dedication to providing the very best in local and national programming for its viewers," said William Schmuhl Jr., WNIT’s board of directors chairman.

Digital television, coupled with high-definition, will result in dramatically improved picture and sound quality. The technology upgrade will also include multicast capabilities and the means to share supplemental materials (video, audio, text and images) through the digital signal.

The digital television conversion required federal, state and community support. Representative B. Patrick Bauer (D-South Bend) led the effort among Indiana legislators.

"We recognize the enormous value WNIT Public Television offers our community. It's vital for the legislature to insure public television remains on the forefront of broadcast technology and provide programs that serve all the communities in Michiana," said Bauer.

Michiana viewers are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions about DTV by logging on to the station’s Web site, wnit.org and clicking on "DTV On WNIT."

WNIT is a not-for-profit organization celebrating over 29 years of providing quality programming to the communities of northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.