Local Content Impact Report 2023

WMHT USES MEDIA TO ENRICH OUR COMMUNITIES WITH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ADVANCE EDUCATION, CULTURE AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS, CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSITY, AND REVEAL WHAT WE HAVE IN COMMON.

THE 2023 WMHT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SHELBY SCHNEIDER BOARD CHAIR

MARY-ELLEN PICHÈ VICE CHAIR

KAREN CARPENTER SECRETARY

DEL B. SALMON TREASURER

ANTHONY V. HAYES PRESIDENT & CEO

DON APPLYRS

BRIDGET BALL SHAW

IAN BERRY

ANGELA DIXON

DORIS FISCHER MALESARDI

TAMMIS GROFT

KATHY JIMINO

SUSAN KRESS

MARTIN MBUGUA

GINA MINTZER

BARB NELSON

SUSAN NOVOTNY

KHADIJAH PEEK

KAREN OPALKA

TOBI SAULNIER

MARY SIMONI

DANIKA VITTORIO

GWEN WRIGHT

TERESA ZIELINSKI

A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT & CEO ANTHONY V. HAYES — NOVEMBER 2023

Friends,

This past year has been a true rite of passage for WMHT. With the retirement of my predecessor, Robert Altman, it has been my distinct pleasure to begin leading an organization with a long history of developing rich and meaningful programming that uniquely serves our regional audience in the Capital District and beyond.

Our mission to enrich our communities with programs and services that advance education, culture and civic engagement, empower individuals, celebrate our diversity and reveal what we have in common has never been more relevant or important than it is today.

Exciting highlights of our new creative e orts this year include:

A collaboration with public media partners across New York State to explore important topics in our community including: Opioids in NY, Work In Progress: job seeking stories to help navigate a rapidly changing economy and Aging Together in NY: the rise of social isolation among seniors.

NY&, a new companion series to our flagship public a airs program New York NOW, tackles the ways New Yorkers can be critically engaged to improve their lives and communities.

Reframing an Empire: an hour-long documentary and 10 part, multi-platform series exploring NY history and context in the time of Thomas Cole.

For the fourth year in a row, WEXT was chosen as Radio Station of the Year at the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards for our work promoting the Local 518 music scene and musicians. We are especially proud of having won each year since the inception of this award for local radio.

We are entering our 5th year showcasing local Classical Student of the Month talent on Classical WMHT-FM.

WELCOME, ANTHONY! Anthony aims to build upon the legacy of WMHT’s commitment to community.

Additionally, each of our programs have been adapted for PBS LearningMedia and made available to teachers throughout New York State and the nation.

And all of this new content was produced in parallel with our ongoing local TV and radio programming: New York NOW, AHA! A House for Arts, RISE Radio Reading Service, Classical WMHT-FM and WEXT Radio.

As I close this letter, we have been informed that two documentaries, Bridging the Divide, and Rooted Out, have been nominated for 2023 New York Emmy® Awards. As you read more about all of our programs in this report, we hope the commitment to excellence and creativity we bring to all of our work and our community shines through.

We thank you for your support, which made all of our work possible. We look forward to building upon this year’s success and charting the future with you.

Sincerely,

Anthony V. Hayes

THE UNTOLD STORIES HIDDEN IN THE LEGACY OF THOMAS COLE

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.

KIDS & EDUCATION

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

ARTS & CULTURE

RADIO & MUSIC

TEACHER APPRECIATION

PBS LEARNINGMEDIA

EARLY LITERACY

NEW YORK NOW

WORK IN PROGRESS

CIVICS EDUCATION

TVFILM

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHT

AGING TOGETHER IN NY

Aging Together in NY is a unique multi-platform storytelling project covering the rise of social isolation among seniors and community-based solutions to counter it. Aging presents a unique stage of life, one that has not been adequately explored. As life expectancy grows, our society has not kept up with the potential of an added generation of experience, potentially decades beyond age sixty-five. While projected longevity and increased quality of life presents opportunities, there are challenges that need attention now.

ABOVE: Dr. Carolyn Grosvenor, volunteer physician at the Capital City Rescue Mission; Lynn Keyes, Board Member for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Capital Region; psychologist Roger Monthie greeting a neighbor; Rev. Mother Grace Wilgefortis Ferris.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHT

WORK IN PROGRESS

Across the life course, people need di erent things to successfully navigate a rapidly changing economy. From conversations with middle schoolers around what the future of work could look like to mid-life career shifts, e orts to retain experienced workers and people of all ages seeking flexibility in their employment options, WMHT shared job seeking stories from across the lifespan in a new series, Work in Progress.

ABOVE: The VET S.T.E.P. program o ers service members the opportunity to learn about jobs in the microelectronics manufacturing field; Matching women with careers they love; M.A.P.P (Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program).

PROGRAMMING 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 2023, the Field Trip team tied on some skates and took a few trips around the rink at Empire State Plaza, tested the region's best mini hotdogs, and learned how Stewart's makes its famous ice cream.

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ICE SKATING AT EMPIRE STATE PLAZA

THE REGION'S BEST MINI HOTDOGS

HOW STEWART'S MAKES ICE CREAM

BELOW: Field Trip hosts Nicole Van Slyke and Matt Rogowicz among the wintery wonderland of the Empire State Plaza skate rink; WMHT employees taste tested the area's mini hot dogs; The Field Trip team met the lovely ladies that help Stewart's make their ice cream.

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 o ers 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 15 featured a record number of films from underrepresented filmmakers across a varied selection of genres.

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COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

Over the past year, the Education team has added a significant number of robust resources to PBS LearningMedia and we are getting a lot of positive feedback from educators. Along with serving educators with local arts, civics, and history resources, we’re able to give additional life and bring a new audience to content our producers have created for other projects such as the NY& digital series and the show AHA! A House for Arts. It’s been gratifying to see WMHT's PBS LearningMedia collections grow.

Mara Drogan DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION

I had the pleasure of photographing participants in our series Aging Together in NY. From opening the doors to their personal homes, to allowing us space to ask questions, I was stunned by their openness and compassion. It was a wonderful experience getting to meet each and every one of these incredible people through this project.

Allison Valiquette DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT

I've greatly enjoyed the challenges that come with producing our civics education series NY&. It can be di cult to take large subjects and boil them down to fit the scope of a short video, but it's a creative process that I gain a lot from. I've been learning so much about the subjects the series covers, and that makes it extra rewarding.

Dana Wright

I am a relatively new employee to WMHT, and over the past year I have gotten to learn more about all the incredible programs and services we o er. I feel deeply proud to work for an organization that creates so much meaningful impact within the community, and I have grown really connected to our mission.

SHARING LOCAL STORIES

ROOTED OUT

A gay couple’s right to marry is challenged when a rural town clerk refuses to sign the couple’s marriage license. Town records deflate the importance of the issue at ensuing board meetings while proponents of the couple struggle to maintain an o cial presence in public records.

Produced by Julie Casper Roth

MLK JR PATHS TO CHANGE

In this one-hour tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. King, New York State introduces viewers to people and organizations in our great state who embody the principles of America’s greatest leader for social justice, freedom, and equality for all.

Produced by NYS O ce of General Services

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 o ered audiences this past year.

TO WADE OR ROW

When Jane visits an underground motel, she puts her trust in its covert clinic, but a sheri 's arrival puts her future in jeopardy. This original short film was featured in TVFilm's 15th season and was an o cial selection at INPUT Taipei.

Produced by Rebecca vanderMeulen

Director Rebecca vanderMeulen (below) and TVFilm producer Catherine Ra erty presented To Wade or Row to an international audience at Input Taipei, an annual conference for public media.

SCREENINGS & EVENTS

In 2023, 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 o er a platform for both discovery and discussion.

Casa Susanna Community Screening

In the 1950s and ‘60s, an underground network of transgender women and cross-dressing men found refuge at a modest house in the Catskills region of New York, known as Casa Susanna. WMHT held a free film screening of the documentary 'Casa Susanna' at the Avalon Lounge in Catskill to a packed crowd. Hosted by local drag artist Davon, the night was filled with laughter, tears, discussion, and community. Held June 20th, 2023

Indie Lens Pop-up Screenings

Indie Lens Pop-Up is a neighborhood series that brings people together—virtually and inperson—for film screenings and community-driven conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS’s Independent Lens, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most, from newsworthy topics and social issues, to family and community relationships. WMHT screened several films in the community, including 'Move Me' and 'Love in the Time of Fentanyl." Held Throughout the Year

LEARNING AT WMHT

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

In celebration of the amazing educators in our region, we asked our online audience to nominate their favorite teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week 2023. We were overwhelmed with nominations and in the end, ten teachers were recognized with a special gift from our Education team and a highlight on WMHT's website and social media. Winning teachers were nominated by fellow education colleagues, parents, and community members across the region. Pictured: Winning educator Robert Aronstein, Music Teacher at Oneida Middle School.

EARLY LITERACY AT WMHT

WMHT's Early Literacy program provides resources, training, and family engagement activities for childcare providers, early education teachers, and families. In-person workshops and community programs use public broadcasting's media content to significantly expand the literacy skills of children. Programs may be held at libraries, schools, daycare centers, faith-based organizations, or community centers. Pictured: Family Learning Coordinator Barbara Lukas at an event.

PBS LearningMedia provides free access to thousands of standards-based lesson plans. WMHT has created new resources based on local content by WMHT. Utilizing the Work in Progress Collection, these resources introduce career exploration and necessary tools to excel in today's economy. An arts education collection includes a video of a studio visit where a local artist, featured on AHA!, reveals their sources of inspiration and demonstrates how they make their art. Additional resources include teaching objectives, tips, and art activities, all at pbslearningmedia.org

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. AHA! welcomed artist Jade Warrick as its new host and expanded its coverage of diverse and underrepresented voices. Each episode features an in-the-field artist profile, a studio interview with creatives and leaders of local arts institutions, and a performance by a local musician or band.

01. AHA! WEEKLY SHOW

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

02. WELCOME, JADE!

Jade Warrick, a beloved local artist, joined AHA! as host.

03. ARTIST PROFILE: ARNELA MAHMUTOVIC

A first-generation Bosniak American navigates the complexities of her identity in her artwork.

04. GUEST: TYPHOID MARY

Typhoid Mary discussed their drag journey and gave advice for aspiring drag artists.

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ARNELA MAHMUTOVIC

JADE WARRICK

NEW YORK NOW

New York NOW, WMHT’s Emmy® Award winning, in-depth public a airs 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.

02. NY& CIVICS SERIES

A brand-new digital series covering the civics information all New Yorkers should know.

03. NY20 LIVE DEBATE IN-STUDIO

A live debate featuring Rep. Paul Tonko and Liz Joy ahead of the 2022 congressional race.

04. VOTE.NYNOW.ORG

A free online guide with voter information, registration links, and important deadlines.

WMHT-FM

Your Classical Companion, WMHT-FM has helped classical music thrive in our region for more than 50 years. With 100,000 listeners each week, WMHT-FM makes this music accessible to all through programs, live concert presentations and the talents of local and nationally-recognized hosts. Each week WMHT Live! and No Ticket Required extend performances in our region via broadcast. Listen live and explore all things classical at classicalwmht.org.

TUNE INTO A PODCAST

BACH'S LUNCH is the first classical podcast to feature full-length classical music pieces.

CONDUCTOR'S NOTES on classical music concerts from the artists themselves.

TUESDAYS WITH TANGLEWOOD Music Center and a rotating selection of music.

Join the MUSICIAN'S LOUNGE for intimate conversations with local artists.

THE FUTURE OF CLASSICAL MUSIC IS LOCAL

Each month throughout the schoolyear, we feature performanc es and interviews showcasing talented classical student musicians from school districts across our community. Tune in on Classical WMHT-FM 89.1/88.7 or at classicalwmht.org

WEXT

WEXT is the Capital Region’s listener-supported roots and rock station from WMHT Public Media. With 30,000 to 35,000 listeners, WEXT’s goal is to provide a unique listening experience with music that knows no boundary of genre.

WEXT celebrated 16 years of music discovery. Exciting guest performances from artists like William Prince, Mark Erelli, Taylor Rae and others played alongside Local 518 sessions with Sawyer Fredericks, Tia Victoria, Marty Wendell, Hold On Honeys, Thomasina Winslow, Girl Love and others.

DAVE MICHAELS

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 on regular radio.

WEXT has continued to foster relationships with several area non-profit organizations and worked with both for profit and non-profit concert promoters to help present a wide array of music in the community. Listen live or explore more of WEXT on wextradio.org.

CHRIS WIENK

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.

ABOVE: Host and WEXT Program Director Chris Wienk with the late Thomasina Winslow, a beloved local musician and frequent guest. Chris hosts artist William Prince at Ca e Lena for an on-air recording.

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, 2023, 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.

FACTS AND FIGURES

SOURCE OF NEW SUPPORTERS

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? Contact us at (518) 880-3400 and we can help get you set up!

WE ASKED DONORS:

We couldn’t survive without the great evening TV programs because there is very little that we watch on other stations. The classical music also provides a crucial respite from the world’s blare, especially these days. Thank you so much for it all.

BARBARA AND PAUL | AVERILL PARK

Thank you for providing so many people with high-quality entertainment!

EMILY | ALBANY

I have grown up listening to public broadcasting and watching its enriching programs on television. It is important for me to support such an impactful organization.

TONYA | TROY

WMHT, Radio and TV and WEXT, are fabulous! Feeds my soul, and I thank you for that.

RUTH | ALBANY