Congressman Jeff Miller (R-FL) delivered the following speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Thursday, March 10, 2005:
Mr. Speaker, it was a pleasure to celebrate a significant milestone in WSRE-TV's history last week as they dedicated their new performance studio in honor of Paul and Jean Amos.
Public television provides valuable commercial-free educational, informational, and cultural programming for communities all across the country. Here in our own backyard, WSRE-TV does a wonderful job of fulfilling the programming needs and interests of the Emerald Coast. As a local viewer and supporter I believe they keep residents connected with the local community, the Nation, and the world in a way that no other outlet can or does.
As we celebrated the dedication of the Jean and Paul Amos performance studio, we recognized that WSRE transcends the typical operation of a public television station. Very few PBS stations around the country can accommodate their viewers within their physical structure. This performance studio is perfect to host forums and engage the public in direct participation to discuss issues important to the community. In keeping with WSRE's mission, former General Manager Allan Pizzato had the foresight to construct this facility to bring the community into WSRE, so it could truly act as a mirror reflecting the interests of the community.
Public broadcasting stations are transforming their mission in order to fulfill the niche of the community and the broadcast world. Just like the Internet is not just used for data gathering, but is now used as a telephone service, cable companies are now offering high speed Internet, and telephone companies are starting to offer cable. Just as these service providers strive to keep up with growing demands, public television stations must do the same.
Years ago, WSRE recognized the need for change and responded quickly. PBS as an organization continues to provide the core base of educational programming and services, but WSRE-TV takes that service to another level. They understand that with cable's niche program offerings that the role of public broadcasting must become more comprehensive, expanding into community outreach programs such as reading services for the blind, educational offerings and instructional courses transmitted over multi-casted digital channels, educational outreach activities such as the national teacher training institute to provide professional development for teachers, and also services that provide resources for daycare providers to help prepare children for school.
Telecommunications is rapidly changing every day. The possibilities are truly limitless. It gives me tremendous pride, both personally and as a member of the Congressional Public Broadcasting Caucus, to know that my public television station is not only keeping up; it's going above and beyond the basic services required of it.
Under Sandy Cesaretti Ray's dynamic leadership and ingenuity, WSRE-TV continues to achieve its mission, bringing high quality services to its viewers. The panhandle is very fortunate to have had such quality leadership here over the past 35 years. Playing such an important part in the life of our community, I want to thank them for their commitment to excellence, and my sincere gratitude to the Amoses for their generous, heartfelt gift.
