Sam’s Perspective: New Studio

I’m Sam Jones As I start my 10th season with Rogers State Public Television, I do so surrounded by a new look. While I spent the summer with family, validia onions, home grown tomatoes, baseball, fishing and a little travel, my extended family at RSU Public Television was taking advantage of the down time to make a few needed and planned changes. My reputation with a hammer isn’t all that healthy and I complain a lot so I wasn’t invited to the party.

The old studio, which had served for many years, desperately needed an update but there was never enough time or money to take it on. Because of the cost, hiring an outside crew was out of the question. Any and all renovations would be done in house. Upstairs, the folks responsible for any physical changes had been busy for over a year trying to find the money to make the renovations. They had to beg, plead and smile a lot but they came through. Then they came downstairs to the studio and the physical work began.

First the studio walls were redone in a manner that allows for considerably more live as well as taped shows to be produced. Then came the sets. The show that I host, Perspectives has a new look. Change is also coming for “I’ve Got Answers”. We sincerely hope you will like the new look. Personally, I think its important to give a big thank you to the administration, production and engineering departments and the students for all of the long hard hours they put in. They did an incredible job. They always do.

While I’m on the subject its important for you to understand that Public Television is considered by many to be the red haired stepchild of broadcasting. In fact, there are those in Washington that would like to do away with Public Broadcasting.

RSU Public Television doesn’t make any money from commercials or government. Yet our programing is always a cut above the rest. Shows such as I Want Answers, Midsomers Murders, Miss Fisher’s Mysteries, The Red Green Show, Green Country People and Places and WPC 56, a new police drama set in the 50s. That programing costs money. Where do we get that money? Virtually all of our operating budget comes from you, the viewer or corporate grants.

I’ve seen what the talented women, men and students associated with Rogers State Public Television can do. Year after year they take what you contribute and turn it into quality television that’s not only an alternative for what seems to cover the landscape but also informs, educates and entertains. You won’t find Naked and Afraid or the Real Housewives of somewhere or Fat Guys in the Woods or any other alleged “Reality TV” which isn’t, on Rogers State Public Television. Additionally you won’t find any of the so called News Departments that push the police blotter and call it news, on RSU Public Television. We don’t provide a dating service and we sure don’t offer programming that children shouldn’t watch. There is, after all, a line between bad taste and serious programing. Information, entertainment, education. The big three and we stand by our product of quality programming.

Having said that, if you’re wondering if I’m standing proud for RSU Public Television… you’re right. Don’t need any applause, but a few dollar would help. We hope you like the changes you see and we’d love to hear from you.

RSU Public Television… Its your future and its one you can control. That’s my perspective.