We are almost at the end of 2020, and what a year it has been!
None of us could have imagined how this year would go, but as we’ve all adjusted to a new normal, WHRO Public Media has strived to be a helpful resource to you and our local community. From creating televised educational content for children learning at home to developing webinars and other resources for teachers suddenly tasked with facilitating distance learning, our education team has worked diligently to help both parents and teachers navigate a new educational landscape. Additionally, our radio and television staff have found new ways to bring you the news, local public affairs programs, music and artsrelated content that you count on from us.
While some of our programs or events may have looked different this past year, our commitment to inform, enlighten and entertain has remained unchanged. Even in the midst of uncertainty, we’ve celebrated a few treasured milestones this year. In September, we celebrated 30 years of our two public radio stations, WHRO and WHRV, serving the Hampton Roads region. Several of our radio hosts have been with us that entire time, including Jae Sinnett, our wellknown jazz musician and announcer. Our programs also earned several awards this year including five Emmy awards, three Addy Awards, two NETA Awards, and three journalism awards for reporting from our news team.
I don’t know how different your holidays may look this year. I know many of us have suspended travel plans and put holiday parties on hold, but whatever your modified celebrations look like, I hope you will include some of the wonderful programs we have planned to lift your spirits. You’ll find great television specials including The Ornament of the World (Dec. 8, 8 p.m.), Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas, with Vanessa Williams (Dec. 15, 8 p.m.) and Christmas at Belmont (Dec. 15, 9 p.m.). On WHRV, we have holiday programs on Dec. 20, the Sunday before Christmas, starting at 6 p.m., as well as all day on Dec. 25. And throughout the season you can enjoy old and new holiday favorites on WHRO FM.
As we head into the holiday season, and look forward to wrapping up a difficult year, I’d like to say thank you for your faithful support throughout 2020. Your support makes our work possible! This month features both our television and radio membership drives—a last push to finish this year strong. Our resources are kept strong by you—a community of people who recognize the profound importance of an independent news service driven by a public mission.
Staying well-informed has never been so important to our daily lives, and WHRO has never been more determined to ensure that the indispensable news and information you count on is always here for you, now and in the year ahead. I hope you will consider contributing a holiday donation or year-end gift to help us fulfill this mission. As fierce and unwavering as our commitment and determination are, listener funding is always THE critical power source that makes it all possible. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
I hope you and your family have a safe and wonderful holiday season!
Bert Schmidt President & Chief Executive Officer