~~~ T,' H".I,mT.I-Ii'.N ij .'j~:i¡;'ii ,@ (i; ~~~ T. ¡'"H." "l,m.T. ..'......E...~ rN' WLIW:~ì. ; i\ 'j; v NET.ORG is a House of Ideas. A luminous destination in the media landscape. From the streets and neighborhoods of New York City to the far reaches of AmericaJ this vibrant institution invites people to see in new ways, to be touched by creativity and inspiration, to revel in discovery and wonder. Built on a mission to educate, celebrate, innovateJ and inspire, this House of Ideas promotes a vision of people more deeply connected to the world around them. During 2008-09, WNET.ORG harnessed the highest potential of public media in pursuit of its mission. Through its array of broadcast and online outlets, it reported the news of the day. opened channels of dialogue on critical issues facing American citizensJ showcased the artists that define the pinnacle of cultural expression in our timeJ and made opportunities for lifelong learning available to all. All that WNET.ORG undertakes is made possible by the generous support of individuals and organizations that believe in our mission. In this reportJ we look back at some of the highlights from the House of Ideas during the year 2008-09. Here, we also recognize the vital contributions of those supporters who have empowered our unique vision. Thanks to their commitment, our mission-driven media continues to touch the minds and hearts of millions every day. z o ~INSPIRE- ~ PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND WALKS OF LIFE WITH MEDIA THAT IS , POWERFUL, RESONANT AND UNIQUE. Profound, enlightening, stirring, provocative - a source of ideas that transcend the ordinary. All year long, WNET.ORG's programs widen horizons, ignite discussion, fire the imagination, and encourage people to make the world a better place. ~: Ili iI4'~_... 1_..-..~ I dä~,:. s--J ii i(), ~l - f\~' "- .~~~" ~.. l'ii . '\".~~'""j .-~~ , , .,~.~', ..."..~~. " Ii ~...~ .. 'i.~,t, . ~~i1. ":".", . ~.." .('~i: '';''.', .",.~",..~l:'lì!C. I~"~~~.".'~.. ,j,.~.:, t,i ~.:l1:;'-"".'1,' ".,..r,~~ '~ I' .:.~ ,......l~ . ~ _.2..' ,-..\~¡O.A.~ .~. ~'- t';"~ ..'.'~ ..~ì~.:I/ .,."1 ~~ ~.~;. Z íf l'f¡l 4,t-= .:~ o- ~_ Ci ~CELEBRATE ~ MUSIC, CULTURE, HISTORY, THE ARTS, AND THE WONDERS OF , THE NATURAL WORLD Touching the heart, opening eyes wide, and sending spirits soaring. Whether it's capturing the nuances of a classic theater production in our own backyard, showcasing an artist blazing new ground in the pop idiom, or sending audiences on an epic journey through the history of an idea, WN ET.ORG p,rovides a non-stop feast for the mind and the senses. -.J ~I n II II .--1 ~ .._ Co WG CI"~ c:~aÕ .. CI i: .E ~ II CI ~ i: vi i: .. II CI .. CI W 0 w _OCli:U~Z~ .- CI II :: ..i: ii i: .,. :! ë:c ~ .. c o E i: tI :: i: M CI tI Z :: CI ::.. II 0 CI ~ ~ !; ~o m .c f! ...Q :¡ Q, i: 0 w .. C' 0 ~ tI :: ~ .~ i: :i I- .. .s 2 Q, '0 .o_i: 0 II tI i: C - :: Z C .c Q, Q, i: ~ '0 0 .c .. W U:l 0 tI:!.. i:.. C' ll :E )( U tI ~.. ..'0 ~ tI -.:: w :; o CI CI i: tI C' - .. 0 Om ..i:~o~o'~~" o I- :: Q, C' èi :¡ 0 - '0 ;: .c II ll Q,i:..U..OCI .. w.. ii0 tlE C'f! II E E~ 9 I- Uu MClClûCI":'O z )( :ß ë .c CI .c C' CI 3: u w ël CI U ._ ~ .. .. .!: E Z :E .. i: U CI II '0 U :i - CI CI .- 2 .c II tI :: z I- C -~~ Q,::~=S-Q,..OCI.Q Q, II U :. NOISSIW II tI tI ~ tI Q, l: z o- ~EDUCATE ~ OUR COMMUNITY - AND ALL AMERICA - WITH INSPIRING " OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW Deep ties to the community and an educational mission that knows no limits. Through its dynamic partnerships with teachers, schools, parents, and institutions throughout the tri-state area and all across the country, WNET.ORG pn\ng~-leacnlng~leacn promotes a powerful vision of public nd learning lea:ng media as a source of lifelong learning, ~iRTEEN WLÏw21 WL'Wll discovery and inspiration. I, I~ o ~.. g nng ¡\ ~ II ¡ != ~' ¡ rw" tiÎ í~ fC ii ~I ~,~f' ¡~ 92501.6961\ r i ~ rr~ tr ~ßm =iOO I ~"thff ~~ WNET.ORG is on a mission: A mission to make media more engaging, more i The media today is a whirlwind of change. Stations reconfigure. Channels vital, and more educationaL. WNET.ORG has always been a trailblazer, rebrand and shift identity. Programs come and go with whatever way the market and this year was no exception. By taking the best of the public television I winds are blowing. WNET.ORG is a different story. With its educational mission, tradition and innovating with new technology and bold ideas, WNET.ORG its close ties to the community and its dedication to fulfilling the highest promise continued to lead the evolution of public media in our society. of media in our lives, WNET.ORG is more than just another TV channel. It is a public trust - a revered institution where people turn for knowledge, clarity, During 2008-09, the organization was faced with many urgent challenges. opportunity, and even hope. The digital revolution called for new production models. The new habits of media consumers called for more speed, more responsiveness and more During 2008-09, we saw that time and again. As people throughout our relevance. And the sluggish economy demanded a slimmer, more flexible, community - and all across America - wrestled with the economy, we were there more cost-efficient organization. WNET.ORG has responded admirably to with information, analysis and expert advice. As audiences looked for relief these challenges, showing ingenuity and creativity every step of the way. II from the scandal and sensation so prevalent in the media, we were there with thoughtful discussion and reasoned commentary. When people searched for A vital institution moves with the times. To thrive, it must preserve its core experiences that stir the soul and touch the heart, we brought them dance, missions and adapt to the changing world around it. If that ability is a i opera, orchestral music, and theater. With stirring explorations of nature measure of success, this was a very successful year for WNET.ORG. i applaud and history, we lifted spirits and broadened horizons. And with engaging programming for children, we helped young minds grow. Sifting through the the managers of WNET.ORG and its media companies for their strategic and I thousands of media choices out there, viewers returned again and again for imaginative thinking in the face of so many obstacles. I also commend the i staff for rolling with the punches. Their belief in the mission of public media the thoughtfulness of our coverage, the lively discussions we sparked, and the is a true asset that has been put to outstanding use in keeping the institution richness of our cultural offerings. They returned to us because they trust us to on course through rough waters. My colleagues on the Board of Trustees give them something that adds to their lives. have been outstanding as well, and 1 am pleased that they share my respect for the work of WNET.ORG in our lives. Nowhere is that bond of trust more evident than in the generosity of our supporters and partners_ Even in challenging times, our community has come Most of all, the Board, management and staff join me in thanking all the through to ensure that we have the financial resources to create our unique remarkable people and organizations that have lent their support during the brand of media. We are deeply grateful to the many individuals, foundations past year. and companies that helped us achieve so much during 2008-09, and we are delighted to acknowledge those contributions in this report. Going forward, we see nothing but opportunities. With the opening of the Lincoln Center studio, we bring an enhanced profile to our place With the opening of our new studio at Lincoln Center and the launch of our in the cultural heart of this great metropolis. From this new studio will groundbreaking public affairs series, NEED TO KNOW, the coming year will be a emerge many exciting programs in the arts, current affairs. history. science, significant one and we are excited about playing an ever more vital role as one of educational fare for children - programs that will reach millions of people our community's most respected institutions. around America through television broadcasts and the web. I want to thank Jim Tisch and the WNET.ORG Board of Trustees for their As WNET.ORG approaches its 50th anniversary in 2012, we come to indispensable guidance throughout the year. I also want to acknowledge appreciate the great tradition and longevity of this revered institution. the incredible work of the staff and volunteers of all of WNET.ORG's media WNET.ORG is truly a part of the fabric of our community. We are proud to companies. Together. we continue tò create media that makes a difference to ceiebrate its venerable history, and we are delighted to playa role in charting millions of people. Together we continue to earn the trust that is at the heart of its~~Jl.~ course to the future. our mission. James 5. Tisch Chairman ~ #0-'- Neal Shapiro President and CEO '0 WNET.ORG ~~l~~~JPT~~ ~~!?S J AMERICAN PUBLIC . Lourdes 150th Anniversary CINE GOLDEN EAGLE DRAGON CHINA AWARDS Prize of Ministry of Constructior.s and FESTiVAL MONDiAL DE L:IMAGE SOUS TELEVISION AWARD . Bob Abernethy, Executive Editor and American Masters: Garrison Keillor: Gold Award Regional Development of the Slovak MARINE, FRANCE In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Host (Achievement Award) A Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes Secrets of the Dead: Doping for Gold Republic People's Choice Secrets of the Dead: Irish Escape Nature: Silence of the Bees Prix Tha!assa ANGEL AWARDS AUSTRALIAN SCREEN SOUND AWARDS Secrets of the Dead: Herculaneum DURBAN WILD TALK AFRICA rESTIVAL Nature: Superfish Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Best Achievement in Sound for Uncovered ROSCAR AWARDS, SOUTH AFRICA FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DU FILM .