3 minute read
A Word From GPB President and Chief Revenue Officer Bert Wesley Huffman
from GPB Next - May 2022
by gpbdigital
Dear friends,
There is so much happening at GPB this May. The last few months have been a time of caution for all of us as we’ve begun to emerge from the shadow of a global pandemic. And, though we’re not quite out of the dark just yet, you can feel so much life and activity coming back to the world. And, here at GPB, we’re no exception. After a full two years away from in-person events we’re starting to see our calendars fill with exciting opportunities for you to join us and connect around so much of what we do. Just as GPB has been there for you as a constant companion on television, radio and digital over the course of the pandemic, I hope you’ll give us the same opportunity to join with you in your community.
GPB’s community engagement efforts are such an important part of what we do, and frankly they are the differentiator between public media and our commercial counterparts. While they’re off trying to please advertisers, we’re focused on pleasing you! And, when we can bring it to your city, town or as close as your front door, it’s even better! You can read all about our recent success with Georgia Pollinators Field Day in the pages of this magazine as an example of the many varied ways our community engagement program makes a mark. Be sure to check gpb.org/community often for the latest events you can join. And, if you don’t see one in your neck of the woods, let us know! We’d love to bring GPB to you.
Speaking of bringing GPB to you, I hope you’ll join us for our very special advance screening of the new feature film Downton Abbey: A New Era. All your favorite upstairs and downstairs characters are back for this fantastic new chapter in the story of Downton Abbey. We’re rolling out the red carpet in Atlanta at AMC Phipps Plaza for you to see it before anyone else on May 18. You can even join for a very special VIP reception and exclusive shopping experience at SAKS Fifth Avenue before. What a glamorous evening! You can find out more about the event and how to reserve your tickets on page 11. But hurry, the first movie sold out quickly in 2018!
In addition to Georgia Pollinators Field Day and the Downton Abbey movie screening, in the pages ahead you’ll be introduced to our cover story, MASTERPIECE’S Ridley Road, a riveting drama inspired by true events and set in the sensational early sixties of London. You can also read up on our innovative No Pledge Pledge Drive launched in April. Oftentimes, the best way to remind you of how much your support means is to focus on what you love most and give you more of it! That’s the genius behind this concept of small reminders to support instead of hours of pledge breaks. We’re doing some of that innovative work on television too. Ultimately, the more of the core content you get the better!
And I’m thrilled that our CEO Teya Ryan rounds out this issue of GPB Next with a conversation around public media and the trust between you and us. We are thrilled that once again PBS and its member stations have been named number one in trust among media institutions for the 19th year running!
And there’s so much more! Enjoy your time with this issue of GPB Next and, as always, don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of assistance.
With gratitude,
Bert Wesley Huffman GPB President and Chief Revenue Officer
