Virginia’s public media broadcaster PBS 39 recently changed from PBS to become VPM after ending its state funding to run the state’s media house.
The former setup of PBS put a lot of pressure on the public broadcasting stations in the Commonwealth as they had to find new sources of revenue to run the media powerhouse.
In general, VPM is Virginia’s home for public media broadcasting. They make up of Richmond’s WCVE PBS, which is now called VPM PBS TV, while the WCVE News radio 88.9FM is VPM News, providing NPR’s morning radio news coverage.
This recent change of PBS to become VPM helps Public broadcasting expand its funding sources which include three core sources: viewer contributions, corporate underwriting, and grants from private foundations. These sources came into play to ensure that VPM continued to provide public broadcasting services for Virginia and beyond.
VPM PBS TV and News was established in 2013 and has since served as a trailblazer for other Public media broadcasters by leading the creation of new avenues to meet its goals.
The change was very much anticipated as none of the funding sources were sustainable in the long run, viewer contributions are among the most fragile; they’re subject to economic downturns and must be constantly be rebuilt.
This placed PBS 39’s challenges into perspective for viewers who rely on their local public radio or TV station for news and educational programming. As the media environment changes around us all, it will become increasingly difficult for public broadcasters to continue providing quality content.
VPM had to make changes to embrace the shifting media landscape while preserving its core values of independence, diversity of content, and service for all citizens.
What happened here is actually what PBS has been doing for some time now; they are expanding their resources to be able to serve more population in the US.
Book resources have also come into play with VPM becoming a member of eLibraryUSA since 2014, making it accessible to over 30 million readers who use public libraries across the nation.
This helps people get access to more reading materials, especially those enrolled in colleges and universities that allow students into their library’s databases which gives them instant access when needed.
The fact remains that VPM has a lot of work to do as far as continuing to make a mark in the media industry. It looks like they have already started with going online for more information concerning the different changes made and how people can support their cause.
Though it may take some time to get used to the name change since people find it hard to associate PBS with the public broadcasting firm instead of a television channel, but eventually, we would all come around to calling them what they are: VPM!
Public Media Broadcaster: VPM’s mission is to serve Virginia and beyond with content and services that engage, educate and enrich diverse audiences through four core initiatives: distinctive content; media innovation; digital media; and community impact.
What Does VPM Do?
Virginia’s Public Broadcasting Station (PBS 39): VPM PBS is the nation’s most-watched public TV station for pledge week and provides educational and cultural experiences that inspire lifelong learning.
NPR News: VPM News is the only 24/7 all-local news source for NPR combined with a mix of national programs on Richmond FM 88.9.
eLibraryUSA: VPM is part of eLibraryUSA, a service that lets library members use computer networks to access books, journals, newspapers, magazines, reference materials and more from home or work.
Media Matters for America: is a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.
National Public Radio is a multimedia network of public radio stations in the United States. It is a private nonprofit that produces and distributes news, talk, cultural programming, and music to its member stations.
Corporate Underwriting: VPM’s Corporate Underwriting program provides critical support for special projects such as community engagement initiatives, local productions, digital media sites, and donor recognition events.
Grants from Private Foundations: VPM has been fortunate to have received generous grants from several foundations, including The Community Foundation Serving Richmond & Central Virginia, which offers donors the opportunity to help shape VPM’s future with their philanthropic gifts.
Public Media Broadcaster: Through an expansive network of 9 full-power TV channels and 17 FM radio stations, PBS39 reaches over one-third of the nation’s television households
Virginia’s Public Broadcasting Station: PBS is a member station of PBS, the nation’s most-watched public TV station for pledge weeks and provides educational and cultural experiences that inspire lifelong learning.
NPR News: Radio IQ 90.1 FM is the only 24/7 all-local news source for NPR combined with a mix of national programs on Richmond FM 88.9.
Corporate Underwriting: VPM has been fortunate to have received generous grants from several foundations, including The Community Foundation Serving Richmond & Central Virginia, which offers donors the opportunity to help shape VPM’s future with their philanthropic gifts.
Grants from Private Foundations: VPM has been fortunate to have received generous grants from several foundations, including The Community Foundation Serving Richmond & Central Virginia which offers donors the opportunity to help shape VPM’s future with their philanthropic gifts.
Primary Source: What is VPM? / Virginia Business
