Rogers State University Public Television launches its 2008-2009 season this week with several new programs, the return of some favorite shows and a new digital channel.
“We are thrilled to offer a new and exciting slate of programming to RSU Public TV viewers this year,” said Dan Schiedel, general manager of RSU Public TV. “Responding to viewer feedback, we created a season with something for everyone.”
The third season of “Green Country Perspectives with Sam Jones” starts Friday, Sept. 5. The weekly show promotes public affairs, cultural understanding and the arts as host and veteran news anchor, Sam Jones, interviews guests on-air. “Green Country Perspectives with Sam Jones” airs a new program each Friday at 8:30 p.m. with re-peats on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. and again on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m.
The new season kicks off on Friday, September 5th with guests Bart Boatright and John Bolton. Both are key officials involved in developing Tulsa’s new BOK Center. Jones explores the challenges and the issues that have come up during construction and how officials plan to incorporate sustainable practices in the recently-opened 550,000-square-foot facility.
Another new series launched on RSU Public TV “Ballykissangel” premieres at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Set in Ireland, the drama of “Ballykissangel” revolves around the life of a young English priest as he becomes part of a rural community. Father Peter Clifford is English, looks about twelve years old, and isn’t afraid to confront his superiors if the need arises. Ballykissangel’s new priest is not everything the community expected, and he’s thrown in at the deep end as he attempts to lead his new flock.
“Ballykissangel” stars Stephen Tompkinson as Father Clifford and Dervla Kirwan as Assumpta Fitzgerald and features Tony Doyle (“Peak Practice”) and Niall Toibin (“Brideshead Revisited”) among the outstanding ensemble cast.
RSU Public Television officially launched its second DTV channel (36.2) Monday, Sept. 1 with carriage of the Classic Arts Showcase Channel.
The spectrum of classic arts disciplines aired on Classic Arts Showcase includes video samplings of animation, architectural art, ballet, chamber and choral music, dance, folk art, museum art, musical theater, opera, orchestral, recital, solo instrumental, solo vocal, and theatrical performances, as well as classic film and archival documentaries.
The station, based on RSU’s Claremore campus, reaches about 1.2 million people within a 75-mile radius of the campus and is Oklahoma’s only full-powered television station operated by a public university.
RSU Public TV broadcasts on UHF Channel 35, Tulsa and Claremore cable channel 19, DISH TV channel 35 and satellite systems across northeastern Oklahoma. More information is available by visiting rsu.tv or calling (800) 823-7210.
Future episodes of Green Country Perspectives with Sam Jones include:
- Sept. 12 – Jones will catch up with Senator Stratton Taylor as he discusses retirement from state government to the on-going success of his private law practice.
- Sept. 19 – Oklahoma’s Labor Commissioner, Lloyd Fields will discuss where he sees our state heading economically and whether the state’s new immigration policies hurt or help Oklahomans.
- Sept. 26 – Taylor Hall, general manager of the Tulsa Oilers, join Jones on set to talk about how a state known for its hot, dry summers sustains a hockey league that is doing so well.
All shows air at 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and are repeated at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.