FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 29, 2008
Contact: Bobbie Fisher,Chief Communications Officer, 757.889.9107

WHRO TO AIR SPECIAL PROGRAM ON THE ARTS IN HAMPTON ROADS
What Matters looks at how the economic downturn is affecting area organizations

Norfolk: WHRO TV15 will air a special one-hour episode of its Friday night public affairs program, What Matters, on January 9, 2009, at 8:30pm, looking at how area arts organizations are responding to the economic downturn that has gripped the community. 
 As these organizations are forced to make tough decisions – ranging from eliminating programs and performances to salary cuts and layoffs – What Matters will investigate the current state of the arts in Hampton Roads.  What would our community be like if the arts were to go away?  Is it critical in these tough times to continue to support the arts?  What is the future of the arts in Hampton Roads?
 The Arts in Hampton Roads, an hour long special edition of What Matters, will air on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 8:30pm.   Invited guests include representatives from the area’s arts organizations, the business community, government officials and others.  Confirmed so far are Carla Johnson of the Virginia Symphony, Gus Stuhlreyer of the Virginia Opera, William Hennessey of the Chrysler Museum of Art, Rob Cross of the Virginia Arts Festival, and Keith Stava with the Virginia Stage Company.
 WHRO is inviting the community to email questions to ask these experts as well.  Questions can be submitted to http://www.whatmatters.tv/.
 What Matters is produced by Barbara Hamm Lee and hosted by Cathy Lewis.  It airs on WHRO TV15/15.1 on Fridays at 8:30 and 10:30pm.  This special one-hour edition will air at 8:30pm and 10:30pm on January 9th, and again at 2:30am on January 10th and 3:00pm on January 11th.
 “The arts are an important measure of the quality of life in any community,” said Lee, “and initiating this conversation is vital.  We’re pleased that so many organizations will be represented in the discussion.”