Update on WKAR

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Less than 24 hours after I posted my blog, the President of Michigan State University held a press conference. Two things were announced:

1. Michigan State's WKAR TV will not be entered into the spectrum auction, which means all of us can look forward to more wonderful programming on our local PBS station.

2. WKAR-TV has been entered into a partnership with Detroit Public Broadcasting. What this will mean, for now, is unclear.

Here's what I hope happens:

I hope that we continue the wonderful programs from PBS, such as Masterpiece, NOVA, etc.

I hope that we continue the wonderful LOCAL programming and enhance with more local broadcasting from East Lansing, Lansing, the greater Lansing area, and yes, the Detroit area. Don't take away what we already have. I, for one, really enjoy programs like Backstage Pass, the MSU Sports program, and the wonderful Curious Crew...and of course, Quizbusters. And the Michigan-related programming of things such as Under the Radar Michigan and other programs from the region. So many good things--Emmy-awarded things--already a part of WKAR TV and its hard-working crew.

So I, for one, will keep my eyes peeled and hope that the "changes" are good ones and not just for the sake of change, as so often things are in the world.

When I posted my last blog, I sent it everywhere--the Board of Trustees, President Simon, and lots of other venues such as local media. One of the stations--WLNS, our local CBS affiliate--asked to interview me about this. It's been a crazy-busy week at work, but I managed to find a few minutes to meet with the wonderful crew at WLNS.

Do I think I helped change their mind? Did they really want to sell the spectrum? I don't think I, alone, changed their mind if their original intention was to enter the auction. But a lot of voices beside me threw down the gauntlet and let the powers-that-be know that the demise of WKAR-TV was unthinkable. As far as the question of intention when this first was announced...who knows?

I'm just glad that for now, the people of mid-Michigan...and Michigan...can breath a tentative sigh of relief.

As for those powers-that-be...we'll be watching you. You've heard from us, and will hear from us again, if needed.

Now, if you'll excuse me...I'm going to catch up on Downton Abbey. Spelled D-O-W-N-T-O-N.


Peace,

Tamara