A CASE FOR SUPPORT BUILDING THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN
“ If our aim is to empower the residents of this region with information, education, and cultural enhancement, there is no better path to success than through WVIA. An investment now in WVIA is an investment in a better future for all of us.”— Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Board Chair and Building the Future Campaign Co-Chair WVIA MISSIONWVIA educates, inspires, entertains, and fosters citizenship, diverse cultures, and perspectives to nurture community. WVIA VISIONA joyful, engaged, well-informed, compassionate community through public media.
The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 paved the way to create a special and unique type of broadcaster, free from corporate interests, political influence, and unswayed by financial stakeholders. This special broadcaster would prove that media could be used to improve lives.WVIA accepted this challenge and continues to deliver. For almost 60 years, WVIA has provided people of every age and interest with a classroom, a passport to access the world, and a stage to experience the arts. Today, WVIA is a dynamic media presence with three radio channels, three television channels, and multiple online and digital platforms. It is time to transform and innovate—our changing world demands it. WVIA is committed to being an active part of this change as the trusted voice for the future of our 22-county region and beyond.“ WVIA is an essential ingredient in our region’s collective effort to enhance lives and improve community. Through the exponential power of media combined with our tireless pursuit to inspire positive change, our mission is fairly simple: to make this region better.”—Carla McCabe, President & CEOBuilding the Future 3 A Comprehensive Campaign to Build WVIA’s Future
RECENT ADDITIONS TO OURSERVICE:• a weekly multi-platform public affairs series – Keystone Edition• a new journalism team that delivers vital and untold regional stories • a new collaboration between WVIA and WITF, Aging Together in PA is a twelve-month iniative with insightful programming for aging adults, families, and their caregivers to enhance quality of life for the aging population• a digital first series that celebrates our region’s leading manufacturing companies that have local pride and national ambition NEPA @ Work• an initiative uniting our region against antisemitism, hate speech, and extremism – We Stand Against Hate that includes Making NEPA Home and the Emmy award-winning Holocaust Warnings• a career pathways and workforce development effort in English and Spanish – Careers That Work/Carreras que funcionan• a hunger awareness program – Food for Thought Hunger Summit• Youth Voices - a student media literacy and workforce development initiativeNATIONAL PROGRAMSWVIA has continually adapted to serve our region—creating spaces in our 1970s building to accommodate new programming and new technologies. Today, the building must be transformed—but we must do more than update spaces. It is time to reimagine our facility to position us for the future, empowering our talented team to continue to inform, educate, and inspire. We plan to optimize our current space with a $10 million capital and programming campaign focused on our four pillars of service: Education, Journalism, Arts and Culture, and Local Storytelling. Significant infrastructure upgrades, a reimagined building layout, and corresponding programming investments will ensure WVIA will be a driving force for good in our region for decades to come. We have an exciting opportunity with a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for capital improvements that will lead to immediate enhancements and position us to meet future needs.Join us to invest in dynamic media for the future of our region. “WVIA is a community gem that could not be created today. It is a gift from the generations that came before us, and our responsibility is to protect and nurture it for the benefit of future generations. Always keeping close to our founding north star—to improve lives and our community.”—Kate Sickora, Chief Development Officer4 Building the FutureThe Building the Future Campaign
KEY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES• Youth Voices• Act 48 Credit Provider• Kids in the Classroom • Careers that Work/Carreras que funcionan • Student Showcase of the NEPA Film Festival• Young Writers and Illustrators Contest • Artist of the Week• Scholastic Scrimmage • Great Teachers Essay Contest • Be My Neighbor Day • Classroom CurriculumAUDIENCE REACH WVIA’s audience reach continues to expand.Television2 million+ PA residentsRadio1.2 million PA residentsDigital PlatformsworldwideOur world is changing; WVIA’s mission has not. With more options than ever to consume content on-demand from sources all over the world, our region needs WVIA—a trusted local source for content in education, arts and culture, local storytelling, and now, journalism. We are intentionally investing in local journalism, as print journalism continues to scale back. A free press was considered an essential ideal by our country’s founders to preserve and nurture our democracy; with accurate information we can be active in our communities. WVIA is filling a local media gap with the stories that affect daily lives in our region.With this campaign, we are positioning WVIA for lasting impact, a future that strengthens our communities. In addition to specific needs, essential infrastructure upgrades will include exterior facade and roof replacement, a new HVAC system, and complete mechanical and plumbing upgrades. Other improvements such as enhanced security measures, ADA accessibility, a code-compliant entrance, and adequate parking and bathroom facilities will become a reality.WVIA’s home must reflect the professional, dynamic media presence it is today. Building the Future 5 WVIA provides a critical service to keep our region safe and informed during moments of disasters and life-threatening emergencies.As the trusted media company that reaches over two million Pennsylvanians, WVIA’s network of interconnected terrestrial transmitters and translators ensures that every resident has access to critical emergency alerts andlife-saving information. Both FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and PEMA (Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency) depend on WVIA as the backbone to disseminate local, state, and national emergency alert notifications. In addition, when internet connectivity is threatened or compromised, WVIA’s television broadcast signalguarantees messages can still be swiftly delivered to cellular telephone providers. Federal agencies trust WVIA and our engineering team and infrastructure to relay life-saving communications like AMBER Alerts, Homeland Security information, extreme weather events, and other critical, life-saving information.
WVIA is our region’s largest classroom— and we can grow our impact. Capital Upgrades A versatile, state-of-the-art classroom wired for video interactions and seamless virtual participation, to create:• A place for students to learn together and with our certified teachers, journalists, engineers, and production teams using digital resources and production tools• A learning and performance space for the jazz conservancy program for high school musicians• A place for professional development workshops Programming Enhancements • STEM offerings for all students with specific attention to empowering those not typically represented in STEM careers• Social Emotional Learning opportunities for teachers, counselors, and caregivers • Academic initiatives to address performance gaps• Inclusive materials to address the changing demographics of our region• Inclusive materials to combat shortcomings and equity gaps in our regional workforce• Collaborative experiences for educational powerhouses of our region • Content Excellence Fund for Lifelong LearningWe engage teachers and students of every age with free, Pennsylvania standards-aligned curricula that enhance learning across our region. We partner with over 44 school districts, as well as regional libraries, camps and preschools to provide events and resources for teachers, counselors, and caregivers, as well as Act 48 professional development for educators.Education is at the heart of WVIA’s mission. No other resource is better aligned or equipped to deliver digital educational services than WVIA, and we are poised to expand learning opportunities with new content and both in-person and virtual experiences.6 Building the Future3,400+School Supply Kits, Books, and Educational Resources Distributed2,500+Individuals reached through 56 Educational Engagement Sessions for Students, Teachers, and Community Members95,000+Students Engaged Through our 42 School District PartnershipsEducation and Lifelong Learning - The Frieder Family Center for Education
“WVIA provides experiences with the arts so that as we make our way through a world filled with obstacles and challenges, we can be grounded in a sense of our own humanity and the humanity of others, empowering us to work toward stronger, more equitable communities and a richer life for all.”— Erika Funke, Senior Producer and Host of Classical Music, ArtScene, and Keystone Edition: ArtsWVIA is our region’s largest classroom— and we can grow our impact. WVIA is, effectively, the largest and most accessible concert hall, art gallery, theatre, library, and musical venue in our region. Capital Upgrades• Reconfigured audience access and ADA accessibility to the Sordoni Theater and large studio • Production dressing adjacent to studios for on-air guests and artists• Expanded parking and bathroom facilities Programming Enhancements • WVIA Arts Radio to include Pro Track software and equipment • New audio recording booths and mixing console upgrade • Editing suites and post-production equipment and technology improvements• Content Fund for Excellence in the ArtsOur building is a community asset—it should be a welcoming space where people can convene to discuss and learn together, to experience a creative performance, or to participate in locally produced programs. Built in 1972, it no longer serves the needs of the community and demands our attention.We will continue to welcome our community in an upgraded environment by creating new spaces for artist interviews and promotion of regional art events. Building the Future 7 Center for Celebrating Arts and Culture
Capital Upgrades • Designated workstations for content creators• Collaborative work spaces for teams• Designated workshop for set production with storage • Improved access between studio facilities Programming Enhancements • Content archival system • Emerging digital platform specialist • Sound-proofing upgrades to studio and recording spaces• Equipment and technology upgrades• Content Excellence Fund for Local ContentWVIA is the premier storyteller for our region, today and for future audiences. WVIA celebrates our people, preserves our history, and instills pride in our region. To connect critical services and resources to people in need, WVIA routinely highlights our regional nonprofits and the important work they do.Upgrading our studio space to meet modern standards will provide flexibility and resources for emerging and timely local production opportunities.8 Building the Future“ WVIA is proud to be our region’s premiere storyteller. Our award-winning team has an unwavering commitment to documenting and preserving our heritage and addressing social concerns important to the people of our region.”— Ben Payavis, II, Chief Content Officer and Executive ProducerCenter for Local Content and Storytelling
WVIA is a clear, measured voice that makes sense of the world around us—Capital Upgrades • Dedicated space designed to enhance journalism workflow • Additional voiceover booths and adjacent editing booths • Additional equipped interview rooms • Designated workstations • Addition of journalism innovation space• Equipment upgrades/additions and technology Programming Enhancements• Designated beat reporters, editors, and support staff• More enterprise, database and interactive content• Equipment and technology upgrades, including central software system• Intern training opportunities and mentorship program• Content Excellence Fund for JournalismThe need for accurate, authentic journalism from a trusted source is more important than ever. The changing media landscape and decreased local coverage play a significant role in the rise of the disinformation and division that threaten our democracy. WVIA is answering this call with our WVIA News Team.We plan further expansion to address the essential need to inform and educate the community on issues that matter. To advance these goals, we will create the Journalism Center for Excellence, highlighting people and organizations that impact daily lives, providing the transparency critical to a healthy and functioning democracy, and offering thoughtful context that details the background required to appreciate complex issues. Building the Future 9 “WVIA News is uniquely positioned to deliver the high-quality journalism our community deserves. We’re able to focus on topics that truly affect the lives of people in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, telling stories without corporate or advertiser influence. And we’re able to make all of those decisions right here, locally. It’s news from the ground up, not the other way around.”—Julie Sidoni, Director of Journalismand we are committed to creating a promising future.Journalism - The Hawk Family Foundation Journalism Center for ExcellenceRobert Collado Isabela Weiss Kat Bolus Haley O’Brien Borys Krawczeniuk Sarah Hofius Hall Lydia McFarlane Sarah Scinto Roger DuPuis“Just like a building’s foundation, the WVIA News Team’s foundation is built to last. Our foundation is dedicated to integrity, transparency and public service as part of our mission to deliver accurate and unbiased reporting, build trust and continue to provide impactful journalism to inform the communities where we live.”– Faith Golay, Managing Editor
Your Investment Now Can Help WVIA Buildthe Future to Benefit Generations To ComeYour investment now will position WVIA to spread its wings with a fully equipped home for our growing mission. Together we can help create an inspired future for our communities and others around the world.JOIN US! LET’S BUILD THE FUTURE.The WVIA team is bound together by the ideals that media can be better, media can be transformational, and media can and does improve lives. With your investment in the WVIA Building the Future Campaign, we will be able to: Create new, engaging content for young children and parents and caregivers, students and teachers, individuals, and families. The reimagined, flexible space and critical infrastructure will empower our talented team, encouraging creativity and boundless opportunities. Meet our changing community needs by informing and convening people in new ways to promote civic discourse, host performances, and celebrate our region together. Enhancing programming will expand our ability to inspire generations to come.10 Building the Future$10 Million Campaign GoalCapital Goal $8.5 million Programming Goal $1.5 millionCampaign Priorities:Education and Lifelong LearningJournalismArts and CultureLocal Content & Storytelling
“ As a lifelong journalist I need to know what’s happening, in my neck of the woods here in Northeast Pennsylvania, and in the rest of the world. Knowledge is power, and through the power of the airwaves, WVIA’s programming provides members of our far-flung communities with news, information, and connection. That’s why I have made a financial commitment to WVIA’s Building the Future Campaign. Being well-informed is well worth the investment.”—Anna Quindlen, Stroudsburg “ For nearly 50 years, it has been a privilege to be a contributing member of WVIA and I am proud to maintain that commitment. Good things have a cost and WVIA requires support at many levels and essentially from individuals. In my view, support for WVIA is not an expense but rather an investment in the culture and unique character of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, unifying us all.”— Andrew J. Sordoni III, WVIA Board Director Emeritus“ For over five decades, WVIA has served our greater community with vital news broadcasts and quality cultural and entertainment programming. WVIA has managed to keep up with ever-increasing requirements in the media industry. But the time has come for modern, updated facilities which are required for WVIA to maintain its excellence and continued response to new, changing needs in our region. It is for this reason we are proud to support the WVIA Building the Future Campaign.” — Gary and Sandy Sojka, Middleburg Building the Future 11
BUILDING THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRSL. Peter FriederRobert T. Kelly, Jr., Esq.WVIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Esq., Board Chair Dennis Cheng, Vice-Chair L. Peter Frieder Gert C. McGowan, Esq. M. Holly Morrison, D.Ed. Dr. Karen Murphy Jose A. de los Rios John F. Pullo, Sr. BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Justin GenzlingerJon KirkwoodGrace McGregor KramerPatrick Marty Lili Rosenstreich Jonathan Weis Jan Alexander WesselDIRECTOR EMERITUS:Andrew J. Sordoni, III “ WVIA is not just television. WVIA is not just radio. WVIA is a community treasure that improves and enhances lives for all of us who call this special region home.”— L. Peter Frieder, WVIA Board Member and Building the Future Campaign Co-Chair BUILDING THE FUTURE CAMPAIGNWVIA BUILDING THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEECOCHAIRS: L. Peter Frieder Robert T. Kelly, Jr., Esq.MEMBERS: Susan Belin Harmar Brereton Jeanne Genzlinger Sandy Insalaco Jay Lemons Nick Niles Christine Posly Greg Posly John Pullo Anna Quindlen Thom Rippon Martin WalzerSkip Wieder