Local Content Impact Report 2022

LOCAL CONTENT

IMPACT

WMHT offers four distinct public television services WMHT 17.1, WMHT 17.2 (Create), WMHT 17.3 (World), and WMHT PBS Kids (17.4) which reach more than half a million households in Eastern NY and Western New England. A livestream service that allows viewers to see WMHT-TV’s broadcast feed began in 2020, and over 108,000 listeners tune in to our three radio stations each week.

WMHT’s websites were viewed more than 1,480,000 times during FY22. This number compares with about 1,300,000 page views in FY21 and 1,000,000 in FY20. WMHT’s strategic focus on digital content, and supplementing on-air with digital, accounts for this increase.

Nearly 30,000 individuals made a contribution to support WMHT during FY22. They were joined by hundreds of local businesses who supported WMHT through underwriting. Building partnerships is a key part of our future and to the growth of our community. WMHT built dozens of new partnerships during the year in the corporate, educational, government, cultural and business communities.

THE 2022 WMHT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

KATHY JIMINO BOARD CHAIR

DON APPLYRS

IAN BERRY

KAREN CARPENTER PALUMBO

ANGELA DIXON

DORIS FISCHER MALESARDI MONA GOLUB

SUSAN KRESS

MARTIN MBUGUA

STEADY MOONO

LEE MCELROY JR.

BARB NELSON

KHADIJAH PEEK

MARY-ELLEN PICHÈ DEL SALMON

TOBI SAULNIER MARY SIMONI

KELLY SMITH

DANIKA VITTORIO TERESA ZIELINSKI

WMHT ENVISIONS A COMMUNITY CONFIDENT IN ITS IDENTITY, ITS POTENTIAL FULLY REALIZED, INSPIRED AND CONNECTED THROUGH TRUSTED PUBLIC MEDIA.

SHELBY SCHNEIDER VICE CHAIR VIKI SAND SECRETARY BRIDGET BALL SHAW TREASURER ROBERT ALTMAN PRESIDENT & CEO

Friends,

The past year once again saw the pandemic play an outsized role in our public and private lives while the equally harsh realities of our divided nation weighed heavily as well. We remain grateful that we were able to continue our work throughout because of the ongoing generosity and support of our audiences.

At its core, our work aims to inspire as much as educate; it truly shines when it’s able to provide some respite in difficult times. Through our arts and culture programming we’re able to share some of the richest moments of the human experience—of abundance, of sorrow, in times of uncertainty or great celebration. A deep understanding of our history and our place in the natural world was supported by extraordinary programming during the past year.

Our work in news and public affairs has never been more important, and we have worked to bring you a variety of points of view, thinking that we are at our best when we better understand those with whom we disagree…and also in the belief that that work will also reveal not only what separates us, but what we have in common.

That commitment has long been a part of our work in education, and particularly in our programming dedicated to our youngest learners. Those audiences are large and diverse and offer hope to us all for the future.

But, of course, much remains to be done.

The challenges our communities face are large, the opportunities to serve, robust and growing. Thanks to you we are well positioned to continue to provide the programming that you and your family have relied upon and to add our service to others working to make our communities stronger.

Many thanks for your support, which makes all of our work possible.

Best wishes, Robert

PROGRAMMING AT A GLANCE

Since 1953, WMHT Public Media has provided programs and services to our local communities that encourage growth and learning through the power of media. We envision a community confident in its identity, its potential fully realized, inspired and connected through trusted public media. In 2022, we continued to engage our community with robust content highlighting the unique stories and strengths housed in our diverse region.

KIDS

TECH VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

MY BROTHER’S KEEPERSENEGALESE FILMMAKERS

NEW YORK NOW

FUTURE OF WORKCUOMO REPORTING

TVFILM

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHT

BRIDGING THE DIVIDE

In the late 1970s, New York State Department of Transportation demolished nine blocks of a commercial property and residential residences to build the Hoosick Street Bridge. South of the bridge sits a historic Victorian downtown. To the North, one of the area’s most disinvested neighborhoods, where activists and community organizers work to foster a livable, walkable, and affordable community, free from the shadows of a dividing line. The City of Troy was selected as one of 16 cities nationwide to receive a $25,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative to implement The Uniting Line Project, a mural to cover the pillars under the bridge by local artist Jade Warrick. WMHT produced a 30-minute documentary covering the ongoing initiative, with a comprehensive multi-platform content and promotional campaign to drive engagement.

THE FUTURE OF WORK PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHT

Is the right to work a human right? Is the future of work about entrenched haves and have-nots? What are the merits of college vs. training programs in preparing for the jobs of tomorrow? How do we protect and preserve employment opportunities that sustain families, communities, and the nation - fundamental aspects of the American Dream? WMHT’s exploration of the Future of Work explores these and other questions with profiles of millennial, single-parent and other workers, in addition to leading economic, employment, training and technology experts to look at the ways work is evolving - and why it matters.

Featuring exclusive panel discussions with leading local experts, a targeted social media campaign sharing the realities of modern work, and in-the-field reporting through original video, the Future of Work was a multi-department effort and a project continuing into the future as work continues to evolve.

ABOVE: Taunya Hannibal Williams, Patrick LaFortune, and Lois Johnson speak at a roundtable discussion on the pressing issues our community faces around equity, education and opportunity in the workforce hosted by WMHT at Hudson Valley Community College.

HIGHLIGHT

FIELD TRIP

WMHT’s Field Trip is a public powered project. You tell us about the places you love, we go and visit, and your episode becomes a virtual postcard from the spots that make our region amazing. In 2022, the Field Trip Team visited the historic Albany Rural Cemetery for a guided tour of the grounds and key burial plots throughout the property.

VISIT OUR INTERACTIVE MAP TO TOUR THE GRAVE SITES FEATURED IN THE EPISODE! WMHT.ORG/FIELDTRIP

TVFILM PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHT

TVFilm is an engaging showcase for short, creative works of a diverse regional community of independent film and media artists in Upstate New York. TVFilm offers filmmakers in our area the chance to share their thoughts on the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking. We welcome submissions from all filmmakers and encourage entries from women, BIPOC, disabled, and other typically underrepresented filmmakers. TVFilm season 14 featured a record number of films from underrepresented filmmakers across a varied selection of genres.

HOST JERMAINE WELLS

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

A new year brought a fresh opportunity to intentionally fill key positions with talented folks that deeply align with our mission and goals. Will Pedigo, Xavier Blake, Dana Wright, and Jennifer Robilotto hit the ground running on projects built on engagement with the community. Below, each shares a project that has impacted them in their first months on the WMHT team.

HEALING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Our goal is to create content that reflects the diversity of voices and perspectives found throughout our region. Before we turn on a camera, we listen and learn. Once our work is done, we strive to maintain relationships created through our content. This year, our connection to community helped us be present in celebration and sadness, moments of reflection and anticipation. Everything we do is rooted in the community that we serve.

LEFT: In late spring, Will covered an Albany-based vigil in solidarity with Buffalo after recent gun violence in the city.

REPRESENTATION

I was able to help interview filmmakers accepted for Season 14 of the series TVFilm. Creating a space for diverse storytellers and highlighting marginalized voices is something PBS is tasked with and TVFilm is an incredible avenue for that. Daysia Laynee Hiller (pictured left), a first time young BIPOC filmmaker, stood out when we interviewed her. She said being accepted to TVFilm gave her the confidence to call herself a “filmmaker” and that is what this work is all about

THE ROOTS OF COMMUNITY

I loved working on the digital content for Bridging the Divide. I’ve always been interested in how the built environment in cities can impact communities, so being able to take a deep dive with engineers and community members about the impacts of the Collar City Bridge was fascinating.

REFLECTION AND OPPORTUNITY

My first year at WMHT has been such a privilege! I’ve gotten amazing opportunities to work on projects involving members of our community. Seeing how WMHT’s programming can bring positivity to other people’s lives is so rewarding.

SHARING LOCAL STORIES

As a public-centered media organization it’s our greatest joy to share the stories of our state from local creators and storytellers themselves. Here is a selection of the best we offered audiences this past year.

A WILD IDEA: THE BIRTH OF THE APA New York’s Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Great Smokies

OPPORTUNITY & PROMISE: MLK JR. This tribute to Dr. King, hosted by actor Christopher Jackson showcases people & organizations from across New York State that embody the principles of one of America’s most significant leaders.

Produced by the NYS Office of General Services.

UNINVITED: THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES tells the story of non-native species and the massive impact they’ve had on local ecosystems, our economy and human health. Battling these invasives is a complex and expensive task, but simply “letting nature take its course” is far more costly.

Produced by Jim and Steve Powers for the NYSDEC.

SEARCHING FOR TIMBUCTOO

Searching For Timbuctoo tells the little-known story of a Black settlement, established in the wilds of upstate New York, that brought together a group of ardent abolitionists willing to risk their fortunes, their families, and their futures to destroy slavery.

Produced by Paul Miller.

SCREENINGS & EVENTS

In FY22, WMHT continued its tradition of bringing local and national content to audiences via screening events. Featuring documentaries, local programming, and held in collaboration with many of our community partners, we were able to offer a platform for both discovery and discussion.

01. The Black Panthers

Firelight Media & WMHT presented a special virtual screening and discussion around Stanley Nelson’s The Black Panthers: Vanguards of the Revolution for a live virtual audience. The event featured a lively and audience-driven discussion with panelists Stanley Nelson, author and activist Dr. Alice Green, founder of Saratoga Black Lives Matter Lexis Figuereo, and co-founder of community action group All of Us Shawn Young. Held May 12, 2022

02. Albany Film Festival

WMHT screened Bridging the Divide at the second annual Albany Film Festival, held on the campus of UAlbany. The event, held by the NYS Writers Institute, was a celebration of storytelling on screen, and spotlights filmmakers through screenings and Q&A sessions. The Bridging the Divide production team held a panel discussion after screening to an engaged crowd, showcasing the documentary to a brand new audience. Held April 2, 2022

03. The Future of Work

In conjunction with a PBS initiative, WMHT’s exploration of the Future of Work raised critical questions on what the future holds for the US workforce and why it matters. From remote work to apprenticeship programs, WMHT reported on a diverse range of topics that culminated into a series of in-person and virtual community conversations. At a Town Hall discussion at Hudson Valley Community College, WMHT used digital listening tool HEARKEN to facilitate real-time audience feedback during the discussion from Brian Williams, Executive Director of the Capital Region Workforce Development Board: “What role does community play in workforce development? It takes all partners to ensure opportunities for family-sustaining careers to be available.” Held October 20, 2021

LEARNING AT WMHT

TECH VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

What is the true cost of war? Students at Tech Valley High School conducted research to examine the costs and benefits of modern wars to answer this question. They then shared their findings in a podcast, featured on our website. The project is based on the Costs of War project at Brown University. The class is co-taught by ELA teacher Cat Eisele and U.S. history teacher Tom Morrill. Ms. Eisele says, “In two years or less, they are going to be voters. Having that knowledge of how to get that information and accurately analyze it and then use that to inform themselves to be better voters and citizens is really important.” WMHT provided recording equipment, editing support and feedback on the final podcast.

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER

In Troy City School District, My Brother’s Keeper Family and Community Engagement Program is bringing support to families as students return to in-person learning. WMHT’s Ready to Learn program is partnering with Troy CSD to offer literacy programs to the young siblings of students through this program. My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) is an initiative developed by former President Barack Obama focused on closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. MBK’s Family and Community Engagement Program works to increase the academic achievement and college and career readiness of boys and young men of color by developing and sustaining effective relationships with families and the community toward the goal of student success.

In April, WMHT was one of the stops on a regional tour for eight filmmakers from Senegal. Hosted by the International Center of the Capital Region, the filmmakers were participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program, the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. The filmmakers were here to learn about the film industry, especially

independent film production. Our education producer, Catherine Rafferty, met with the filmmakers, gave a tour of our facility, discussed the role of public media in our community, and screened clips from the documentary “Bridging the Divide” and “TVFilm,” our upstate short independent film series. We were so excited and honored to be part of this wonderful experience.

AHA: A HOUSE FOR ARTS

WMHT’s weekly arts and culture show AHA! A House for Arts, continued to put a spotlight on regional artists of all mediums and styles. Now in its sixth season, AHA includes a full half hour of local content, hosted by Lara Ayad, Assistant Professor of Art History at Skidmore College.

Each episode features an in-the-field artist profile, a studio interview with educators and leaders of local arts institutions, and a performance by a local musician to round out each episode.

01. AHA! WEEKLY SHOW

30 episodes in the sixth season of WMHT’s weekly arts and culture showcase.

02. THANK YOU, LARA AHA! said thank you and farewell to longtime host Lara Ayad as she moves cross-country.

03. GUEST: D. COLIN

D. Colin joined the studio to discuss how art can inspire and educate.

04. GUEST: ALI SIFFLET

Ali Sifflet wrote TRY “to remind myself that trying sometimes is enough.”

D. COLIN

LARA AYAD

NEW YORK NOW

New York NOW, WMHT’s Emmy Award winning weekly, in-depth public affairs program, continued reporting on issues of state-wide importance. Managing Editor Dan Clark provided constant, timely coverage of the latest in New York while maintaining a roster of informed and passionate guests throughout the year. Explore all the coverage from the year on air each weekend, online anytime on nynow.org, or through the New York NOW podcast wherever you play your favorite audio casts.

01. NEW YORK NOW WEEKLY SHOW

50 episodes of breaking and ongoing local and statewide reporting, every week.

02. 2022 EMMYS® NOMINATION

New York NOW was nominated for a 2022 New York EMMY® Award.

03. 2022 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State Address from Albany.

04. PBS NEWSHOUR BREAKS

New York NOW team was featured in breaks during 2022 PBS NewsHour programming.

LEFT: Reporter Darrell Camp during a segment within the 2022 New York EMMY® Award-nominated episode of the program: Cuomo’s Harassment Conundrum, AG’s Report, Senate Leader Stewart Cousins.

TIMES UNION

WMHT-FM

On your radio dial at WMHT-FM 89.1 in New York’s Capital Region and 88.7 in the Poughkeepsie area, WMHT-FM helps keep the arts thriving in our community by making wonderful classical music accessible to all through programs, live concert presentations and the talents of local and nationally-recognized hosts.

50 YEARS OF WMHT-FM

CLASSICAL STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Performances and interviews featuring talented Classical Student Musicians from school districts in our community. LEFT: February 2022’s student musician Charlie Beauregard performs.

On WMHT-FM’s anniversary date, June 8, 2022, the station celebrated with the return of some of its previous radio personalities. Bill Winans, Ann Marie Barker-Schwartz, Robert McBride, Lawrence Boylan, Mary Fairchild and Rich Capparela shared stories, memories, and favorite music. There was also a party and concert with performances by the Capital District Wind Ensemble and the ESYO Chamber Orchestra late in June at Music Haven in Schenectady.

WELCOME: Mary Darcy officially started as Morning Host on WMHT on September 20th, 2021. Mary is an award winning producer, writer, host and performer. As an avid storyteller, Mary truly enjoys bringing history and context to the wonderful music you hear each day at WMHT. ABOVE: Rob Brown preps for a show in-studio.

WEXT

WEXT is the Capital Region’s listener-supported roots and rock station from WMHT Public Media. With 25,000 to 30,000 listeners, WEXT’s goal is to provide a unique listening experience with music that knows no boundary of genre.

WEXT had plenty to celebrate this year. Exciting guest performances from artists like Jewel played alongside hits from our inaugural year, 2007, marking 15 years of roots and rock. WEXT Radio 97.7/106.1 features singer-songwriters, rock and roll, jam bands, alt-country, world and blues music along with a broad array of sounds not heard elsewhere.

RISE is WMHT’s 24-hour radio information service for the blind and print disabled in New York’s Capital Region and the Hudson Valley. Each week, our dedicated team of volunteers reads articles from local and national newspapers, popular periodicals and books to audiences who would otherwise be unable to access such information.

15 YEARS OF WEXT

JEWEL’S AT HOME SESSION ON WEXT RADIO WITH HOST CHRIS WIENK (APRIL 2022)

DAVE MICHAELS

KC MORRIS CHRIS WIENK

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

WMHT depends on the financial support from viewers and listeners like you to make our programs and services possible. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, WMHT saw increased member support, a greater number of members supporting as Monthly Sustaining Partners, and more members using their WMHT Passport benefit. Your continued support helps WMHT bring you the high quality programming that educates, entertains, and inspires—today and into the future. Thank you!

TOTAL NUMBER OF WMHT SUSTAINERS

Thanks to a 7% growth in donors, more than 29,000 donors made financial gifts to WMHT last year, including 44% of whom contribute on an on-going monthly basis as WMHT Sustainers.

TOTAL NUMBER OF WMHT MEMBERS

SOURCE OF

WMHT Passport, our video streaming service, is our largest single source of new supporters.

More programs are being added all the time. Are you taking advantage of this wonderful member benefit? If not, contact us at (518) 880-3400 and we can help get you set up.

When you provide for WMHT in your will, living trust, life insurance, retirement plan, life income gift or other planned gift, you are invited to become a member of the WMHT Legacy Circle. The Legacy Circle honors the philanthropic leadership and vision of those individuals who have so thoughtfully planned a gift for the future of WMHT.