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This June marks the conclusion of WTVP's 40th anniversary on air and the start of another
decade of service to our viewers and members throughout Central Illinois.
Many increases and improvements to programming and service have occurred during these years.
Our technical capacity has improved significantly. From our initial broadcasts that barely made it to Pekin, we have
constantly increased our reach to now include all or parts of twenty-two counties surrounding our transmitter in East Peoria.
From a part-time service, we have gradually increased our broadcast day and channel capacity to 24 hours per day, 365 days
per year on three digital channels. From broadcast-only, we have increased to a multimedia service that now includes Internet
delivery of streamed and archived programming, and full services related to Illinois Adventure and a new service for seniors
titled "Next Avenue."
From our humble beginnings with offices in trailers and a second floor studio and control room
courtesy of Bradley University, we have graduated to our own state of the art broadcast facility on Peoria's Riverfront. And
there are more changes on the horizon: some dictated by changing operations and technology, and others dictated by the
Federal Communications Commission.
Throughout all these years two things remain constant—our dedication to providing you with the
quality public broadcasting service you expect and deserve, and our sincere gratitude for the financial support and trust
you place in WTVP each year. Thank you for making our first forty years possible.
One change that is taking place this June that deserves special note is the retirement of our
Trustee and friend Marianne Moll. Marianne is retiring from CEFCU Financial after a long and distinguished service there,
and she is also stepping down after 14 years on WTVP's Board of Trustees where she has served with distinction in a variety
of offices including Secretary, Treasurer and Chair. I will personally miss her wise counsel and steady hand on the tiller,
and I join our entire Board and staff in wishing her Godspeed and a happy retirement.
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