PRESIDENT’S MEMO

last month in this space, I discussed a new national programming initiative that will be instrumental in helping KERA, KDTN and other public stations around the country meet their programming obligations to you, our viewers. This month, I want to bring the discussion closer to home and highlight another innovation, one whose impact in North Texas has been immediate and beneficial.

That innovation is the Peter W. Baldwin Program Fund, which was established last fall when Pete retired after eight productive years as chairman of North Texas Public Broadcasting. Our idea was to honor the man who led our organization during one of the most dynamic times in its history by creating a fund in his name for the production of public affairs programs-timely, thought- provoking, often controversial shows that deserve to be produced even in the absence of corporate or foundation underwriting.

The contributions that were made last fall to the Peter W. Baldwin Fund have allowed channels 13 and 2 to produce and broadcast a number of important programs of local and regional interest. Among others, the fund has contributed to Project Crossroads-related programs, Channel 13’s Juneteenth special focusing on black artists in Texas, this summer’s live round table examination of the Dallas First report, and Building the Bomb, a new documentary that premieres on Channel 13 this month. In less than a year the Peter W. Baldwin Program Fund has become an indispensable part of NTPB’s programming apparatus. The charter amounts that were contributed are almost gone, and we’ll be looking at ways to replenish the fund in the near future. My hope is that the Peter W. Baldwin Program Fund can be a permanent source of TV worth watching for North Texas audiences.

Finally, I’d like to mention one other item of importance. NTPB has enjoyed a long partnership with the Dallas County Community College District, Tarrant County Junior College and other area community colleges, offering college credit telecourses to busy adult learners. This partnership allows viewers to earn college credit in a wide variety of subject areas in the privacy of their homes, and we are proud to present a new semester of telecourses beginning next month on KDTN Channel 2. To register or to find out more about how to learn something new on Channel 2, call the DCCCD Hotline at (214) 324-7780.

Best wishes,

Richard J. Meyer