VERMONT PUBLIC TELEVISION OFFERS PROGRAMMING AND SERVICES THAT FOSTER...

Through a rich variety of local programs, national programs and online discussions, Vermont Public Television fosters understanding of various points of view, welcoming diverse voices and opinions.

Vermont Public Television gives Vermonters information and encouragement to participate in national and local civic affairs, with news, analysis and public affairs programming like the PBS NewsHour, BBC World News, Washington Week and Frontline.  With Vermont This Week, Report From Montpelier, Report From Washington, Call the Governor and election debates, Vermont Public Television addresses local issues that matter to Vermonters, giving them information that helps them be active citizens.  Many of Vermont Public Television's programs invite calls, emails and chats, so that viewers can be part of the conversation.  In today’s climate of overheated political talk, Vermont Public Television sees proof every day in Vermont that, in a democracy, people can work together for the common good.  Vermont Public Television is proud to participate in that endeavor.

Other Vermont Public Television programming and services include:

• In 2010, Vermont Public Television partnered with Fred Friendly Seminars, the UVM College of Medicine, Vermont Law School and the Vermont office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Minds on the Edge, a project aimed at increasing awareness of mental illness.  Approximately 50 legislators participated in an information session, and more than 250 Vermonters attended five community forums.  VPT.org hosted statewide resources, videos of stories from Vermonters and story-sharing resources.  Vermonters joined a live online chat with experts in conjunction with a call-in show that was part of the project.  A viewer wrote, “It would help me and other Vermonters in battling the issue of mental health stigma, if more of this type of programming was provided.”  Vermont Public Television and its community partners received national awards from the Association of Public Television Stations and National Alliance on Mental Illness, which said the project “served as a model community engagement campaign that continues to inspire.”  Vermont Public Television also received a community service award from Vermont Association of Broadcasters for the project.
• Making the most of our skills and marshalling limited resources, the three public television stations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont applied successfully for a Corporation for Public Broadcasting grant to produce Making $ense New England, a project that combined a 10-part series and resource-rich website to help northern New Englanders weather -- and even thrive in -- the economic downturn.  The project included 25 workshops around the state held with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Investor Education Foundation and Consumer Credit Counseling Service of New Hampshire and Vermont attended by 388 people.  The workshops focused on investor fraud; budgeting and savings; understanding credit and credit reports; and identity theft and privacy.
• Vermont Public Television partnered with the Vermont National Guard to assist military families during the deployment to Afghanistan.  After a live Vermont Public Television call-in about how community members can help, Guard staff experienced what they called a “significant increase” in offers to help with services such as snow plowing, yard work and child care.
• Vermont Public Television is out in the community often, welcoming viewers at events like our Family Days at area museums and our lively Britcom Teas.  To strengthen our local programming and services, Vermont Public Television staff and board also benefit from the advice and ideas of our Community Council, a diverse group of people from around the state.