Governance

Governance

The passion for public television has been passed from WNIT's founders to a new generation of community leaders. Michiana Public Broadcasting Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. WNIT is owned by all of us in the community and governed by a Board of Directors. This board has a number of operating committees which advise and direct the management of the station. The board hires the President and General Manager of WNIT to lead day-to-day operations, maintain its financial integrity and strategically move the station forward.

Past general managers of WNIT have been: Thomas Brubaker (1975-1983 ), Donald Checots (1983 -1993), Jon Housand (1993-1994), Trina Cutter (1994-2002), and Mary Pruess (2002-2012). The current President and General Manager is Greg Giczi (2013+).

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

WNIT has these departments: Administration, Development, Operations, Production, and Programming

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

As with any organization, revenue is needed to fund operations. The revenue generating entity within WNIT is the Development Department. This department is headed by the Vice President of Marketing & Development.

WNIT uses and adapts for this market many of the fundraising techniques that have proven successful within national public media and other non-profits. The Development Department consists of several different areas, each with its own annual revenue goal.

Volunteering:

While not a part of revenue generation, volunteer recruitment and administration is an important part of the Development Department's role. Volunteers assist with pledge drives, special events, and office support. They represent the spirit of community support. Volunteers will have a wide variety of skills from retired CEOs to administrative assistants. It is important to use volunteers in appropriate roles.

PROGRAMMING DEPARTMENT

Programming refers to the overall content WNIT provides to the community. It may be broadcast on our television channels, transmitted over the internet, sent to a mobile device, or be an in-person presentation to a community group.

One major strength of public broadcasting is that programming on local PBS stations is a local decision. While WNIT may use a nationally recognized public television programming consultant, the final decision to carry or not carry a program is made here. Each year, WNIT schedules over 5000 programs from a variety of sources.

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

WNIT is recognized as one of the leading PBS stations in the state for quality productions as well as variety and diversity of projects. We are Michiana's story tellers, bringing the rich history of our region's people, places and things to life for our viewers. From quiz shows on the health and function of the brain, to cooking up a delicious meal while discussing an interesting book, WNIT has a comprehensive portfolio of regular local series programs as well as a vast array of one time documentaries which have achieved the region's highest honors.

Production Services:

WNIT also makes its production facilities, staff and talent available to create productions for organizations throughout Michiana. The revenues received from these projects are an added revenue source to support WNIT's mission. From marketing videos for non-profits, to web videos, including performance and historical long form documentaries, WNIT has the ability to create concepts and scripts, video record events, provide music backgrounds, and offer post production services for community organizations that seek WNIT for its high production standards.

BROADCAST OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

Three operational areas comprise this department: Engineering, On-air Operations, and Traffic. All are supervised by the Director of Broadcast Operations.

ADMINISTRATION

Overall management, finance, and human resources make up WNIT's Administration.

WNIT's chief executive is the President and General Manager. The President reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Our strong Board of Directors provides additional depth and expertise on a variety of strategic and managerial matters.