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Rhode Island
PBS – A New Name for Lifelong Learning
(Posted June 1, 2003) WSBE-TV Channel 36 launched its first broadcast 36 years
ago from Rhode Island College. Although the
name, now Rhode Island PBS, and almost every aspect of day-to-day operations have changed,
the station is faithful to its roots in education. “We are dedicated to the lifelong
learning concept and have become Rhode Island’s most accessible learning resource. Our programming educates and entertains viewers of
all ages in Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts, and eastern Connecticut,” said
President and CEO Susan Farmer. |
Rhode
Island PBS is based in Providence and has 40 employees.
It broadcasts 16.5 hours each weekday and 14 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. In response to viewers’ needs and interests,
the station offers a variety of arts, public affairs, nature, drama, how-to, and
instructional programs.
During each school year, the educational services department delivers more than 184 series
to K-12 students in public, private, and home-based schools. The video streaming pilot program in 12 schools
has expanded to serve 150 schools. The Rhode
Island PBS Foundation, which provides approximately 58% of WSBE-TV’s operating
budget, funds free Internet access for K-12 teachers throughout the state and hosting for
school Web pages.
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The
station’s year-round GED program has made it possible for thousands of Rhode
Islanders to get high school equivalency diplomas. GED Connection has proven to be an effective drop out
recovery and literacy program.
Rhode Island PBS has become well known for much more than its instructional programming. The station’s public affairs programming
includes A Lively Experiment, a weekly panel
discussion featuring local politicians and journalists; The
Thirteenth State (now in its 23rd season), which showcases Rhode Island issues
and individuals; and Justice Matters, a
viewer call-in program on the state’s court system and legal procedures. |
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Ciao
Italia with
Mary Ann Esposito |
|
Bestsellers is an arts/cultural show that features
well-known authors discussing their work, and for those who appreciate the art of cooking,
there’s Ciao Italia with Mary Ann
Esposito. Rhode Island PBS is the main production
site for this series, the longest
running Italian cooking show on public television. (Note: NETA distributes Ciao Italia to PTV stations
nationwide.) |
In addition to its educational and general programming initiatives, Rhode Island PBS is
always striving to improve its community. The
station often takes a partnership approach to local problem solving. With the Roger Williams Medical Center and Providence Business News, the station is working to
increase awareness of the cost of addictions
to Rhode Island companies. The grants-funded
project includes Addictions In The Workplace: The Price
We All Pay (a one-hour video that premiered May 12), a resource guide for
employers, and community workshops. |
The little station that premiered from a Rhode Island college campus more than three
decades ago has grown steadily in every way. It
now has solid, broad-based support from viewers of all ages, corporate underwriting for
frequent special events, and generous donations from merchants and artists for auctions. With help from many communities, Rhode Island PBS
has become those communities’ most accessible learning resource – and so much
more.
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 Visit the Rhode Island PBS Web site: ripbs.org |
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Susan
Farmer,
president & CEO,
Rhode Island PBS |
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