Note From the President & CEO | August 2026

Connected and Stronger...Together  
 

Public Media connects us. Think for a moment about the people, personalities and stories that have inspired and influenced you. Maybe it was Mister Rogers gently singing into the camera, “There is no one in the world like you, and I like you just the way you are.” Perhaps Finding Your Roots prompted you to delve into your family history and lineage to better understand your identity and sense of self. Or maybe Itzhak Perlman’s violin playing on Great Performances inspired you (as it did me) to learn a musical instrument.   

People connecting and helping others learn, grow and achieve their potential … all of this happens when a community leans in and says, “We deserve quality, local public media.”  

Last year, you protected this community resource despite incredibly challenging financial headwinds. You showed up—and because of you, WTVP continues to have a place in our community, educating our young people and providing a safe space to discover and enjoy content that has a purpose and makes us stronger.   

And that’s what this year is all about—strength and community.  In July, we launched the WTVP Stronger Together campaign. This campaign is not only about what we have done...it's about what comes next. In this new era of public media, WTVP relies 100% on community support. This requires more than a single moment of generosity. It requires ongoing commitment, continued partnership and a shared investment in the future of public media. Because WTVP is different. We are not owned by a corporation. We are not driven by distant decision-makers. We are rooted right here in central Illinois. We are guided by the people we serve, the stories we share and the community we call home. Every story we tell...every child we reach...every conversation we help start...every moment that informs, inspires or brings us closer together...is made possible by people like you.   

Thank you for your partnership!  

Jenn