A Message from WTCI

Summer has arrived, and WTCI is hard at work on several exciting projects to continue our commitment to being the community’s PBS station and storyteller. In fall 2009 we will air a local documentary about the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park and Moccasin Bend National Park—a project that will complement the fall debut of Ken Burns’ latest project,The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. We have also begun work on a documentary focused on saving the wild mustang and the role these beautiful animals can play in changing the lives of children in need. These projects—along with trusted national programming, four locally produced programs and educational outreach work—embody who we are as a PBS station. We exist to enhance and meet the needs of our community in everything we do. We exist to serve you and inspire a lifetime of learning and exploration.

But as we move ahead with these important projects, we also must face the reality of difficult economic times, just as other nonprofits and businesses in our community are facing financial challenges. As a PBS station, we rely on viewer and community support to cover more than 50 percent of our operating budget so we can bring you the balanced programs you have come to rely on. With our fiscal year coming to an end June 30, we are working hard to close the gap on our annual campaign—and we need your help now more than ever. Our June Membership Festival will feature several popular PBS programs and thank you gifts for those who support WTCI. If you are a current donor, we would appreciate your additional support this month to help use reach our goal. If your annual gift has lapsed, we would love to have you renew your donation this month to show your commitment to your community’s PBS station. Every dollar will help us move closer to our year-end goal and ensure we can continue to bring you the programs and services that make a difference in your life.

We work each day to present programs on the air that tell inspiring, engaging and informative stories about our community, nation and world. We want to continue to tell these stories and serve our community. I hope you will consider helping us reach our annual campaign goals this month! If you are interested in donating to our year-end campaign, please contact Sara Maloney, Director of Annual Giving and Educational Outreach, at (423) 702-7816 or smaloney@wtciTV.org.

Paul Grove President & CEO