CHANGING SEASONS

One of the most breathtaking vistas in central Illinois is Grandview Drive as the leaves change color. On a crisp day when the sights and smells of Fall surround us, central Illinois is not just beautiful…it is glorious. Fall is a season of change. Change can be frustrating, like that first 45-degree rainy day that cuts you to the core! And change can be delightful, like the first taste of cider harvested from a local orchard.

At WTVP PBS we’ve pledged to be transparent as we continue to navigate a season of change. Over the past 10 months, an extraordinary number of key interventions, acts of generosity and remedial steps have occurred to sustain the station. Each step brings us closer to paving the way for a strong and vibrant future of impacting our community with essential and quality programs that engage, inform and inspire. 

One of the most meaningful, relevant and worthwhile steps towards health and wholeness here at WTVP has been the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) audit. In addition to member donations, the station relies on funding from the CPB for approximately 20-25% of our annual budgeted revenue. Many might view an audit negatively or as a nuisance, but we at WTVP have gathered a wealth of information from this process in refreshing our knowledge or learning, in some cases, the underlying requirements of this very important grant.

The CPB audit process is nearing its completion. Since the start of the audit, the staff and board of WTVP have worked tirelessly to provide all information requested by the audit team, and to take corrective actions where needed. This is our moment at WTVP to not only recover from a diffi cult period but to establish ourselves moving forward as a trustworthy and reliable partner, working in good standing with the CPB. 

We deeply value our partnership with the CPB, and understand this audit deserves all the time and attention that it requires. We will continue to be cooperative and responsive to all requests from the CPB as we wait for the process to conclude and for funding to recommence.

What does this mean for the station’s financial health? We ended last fiscal year (June 30) in the black, thanks in large part to an anonymous donor’s pledge to get the station through this season. We have an endowment. We have confidence that in the near future we will see the reinstatement of CPB funding.

How can you help? Consider giving a special gift to help us get to the finish line of this unique season of change. We are here for you and because of you. I thank you for your steadfast support and ask you to give enthusiastically (as you have always done) to keep your public television station moving forward towards a very bright and beautiful future.

With gratitude,

JENN