From the President

I am not alone in this: as January approaches, I will take a few minutes to look back at the year that was, remember the good, learn from the not-so-good, and carry those lessons with me into the New Year.

As an institution, WCNY will do the same thing.

While my 2010 goal for the station is constant - to continue to deliver programs and services rich in content that educates, entertains, and inspires, you – all of us who have a stake in this station’s success need to take a breath and review 2009. It’s our responsibility as stakeholders to contemplate the challenges we have faced, the lessons we have learned, and collectively remember that good can rise out of the ashes of tough times.

And there were some tough times; even our most fundamental service, our delivery system, changed from analog to digital. Not only did we survive, but we survived the federally-mandated transition to digital television twice: once in February and again in June. I look back at both dates and feel immense pride in how WCNY’s staff spent countless volunteer hours helping members of the community with the transition. WCNY was one of a handful of stations around the country to host a digital conversion phone bank, and for our efforts we received over 600 calls.  Volunteers from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other technical staff fielded questions from 160 walk-ins at WCNY Studios.

Due to WCNY’s outreach efforts, the FCC received very few questions from the Syracuse area asking for help. Why should they? WCNY was here to help.

2009 also brought daily news and public affairs programming to WCNY on all platforms: web, radio and television. "Central Issues" has ramped up to tackle issues head-on through conversations with politicians, reporters, community leaders, area citizens, leading experts and more. WCNY’s new Capitol Correspondent Susan Arbetter brings the inner workings of state politics to Central New York via her new radio show, “The Capitol Pressroom,” a daily one-hour public radio news magazine broadcast from the State Capitol in Albany, the very heart of the New York’s political hub. Both programs foster public engagement while providing viewers and listeners information they need to evaluate news, elected leaders, and public policy.

Also in 2009 -- WCNY received a $5 million grant from Restore New York to rehabilitate the existing Case Supply Building in downtown Syracuse. The money will help create a brand new broadcasting facility for us, and serve as our new home as part of the Near Westside Initiative, Inc. (NWSI), a program to revitalize 28 acres on the perimeter of downtown Syracuse.

While these are just a few of the highlights from 2009, you have to admit they are giant steps for a public broadcasting outlet during an economic downturn. I’m constantly amazed by what we produce here, as well as how we keep changing and striving and hitting higher and higher notes.

As we look ahead to the first few months of 2010, I can assure you that WCNY is definitely not resting on its past successes.

As you see on the cover, WCNY is launching a new entertainment series called "WCNY Connected" hosted by Ted and Amy from 93Q. It’s what experts in the television business call "a "lifestyle program" (at least that’s what they tell me). But between you and me, here’s what "WCNY Connected" really is: A program on which you’ll find something for everyone: segments on pets, to cooking, to the arts, to tips for the do-it-yourselfer. Tune in to "WCNY Connected" Thursdays at 9 p.m. on WCNY 24.1.

And there’s more: WCNY is launching a new series with our sister public broadcaster in Albany, WMHT. "Help Wanted" is a 26 episode series featuring a variety of guests who are having a difficult time in the job market. Every episode pairs a guest with organizations that can help him or her find a job, workforce training, consumer protection and family financial planning. Watch the premiere episode on January 6 at 8:30 p.m. on WCNY 24.1.

Of course it wouldn’t be January at WCNY without Travel Auction! Be sure to check out the great trips we have to offer and get those member bid numbers ready. The vacation of your dreams is only weeks away so start packing! The 15th annual Travel Auction will air on January 15-17 & 22-23 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. on WCNY 24.1.

And last but not least, WCNY strives to promote creative expression in children. To that end, for the 5th year in a row, we are hosting The Treehouse Tales Young Writers & Illustrators contest. So get your kids and grandkids involved and submit your stories and illustrations by February 26.

Also! Don’t miss out on the competitive Post-Standard/WCNY Spelling Bee on February 6 at 2 p.m. and watch 35 best spellers from across Central New York.

2010 promises to be even tougher than 2009 in many respects. Much of the stimulus funding that public broadcasting had counted on for next year is being used to close the current year’s budget gap in the state. But even in these uncertain economic times, WCNY is unfailing in its commitment to educating, entertaining and inspiring the community – and I promise you that that unfailing commitment is and will continue to be unwavering.

Obviously the success of WCNY doesn’t happen without the dedicated staff, volunteers and our loyal members. So as we approach the New Year, I want to say "thank you." Thank you to each and every one of you for your continued dedication to making WCNY a promise delivered.

Here’s to another great year!