The annual “WinterFest” membership drive will continue through Dec. 12 on Rogers State University Public Television.
“Membership support is important for our station,” says Stephanie Baumgarte, membership and programming coordinator. “This year we are hoping to not only get the word out about our station but raise the necessary funds for increased programming and services for our viewing area.”
The station, based on the RSU campus in Claremore, reaches more than 1.3 million people within a 75-mile radius of the campus and is Oklahoma’s only full-powered television station operated by a public university.
The highlight of this year’s “WinterFest” is the premiere of the documentary “Will Rogers and American Politics,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, at with an encore presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. The documentary, produced by the RSU Public TV staff, is the culmination of almost two years of work.
John Denver, Orla Fallon, the Statler Brothers, Il Divo, the Moody Blues, and the Lovin’ Spoonful are just a few of the performance programs to air during the membership drive.
In addition, specials such as “ADD and Loving It,” “Change Your Brain, Change Your Body,” and “Stay Rich Forever” will be interspersed throughout the schedule. Also included are special episodes of “The Red Green Show,” “Rick Steves’ Romantic Europe,” and a live “Jerry Yarnell Art” special presentation.
Seven nights are live nights and will feature many special guests in the studio. Steve Gragert, director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, artist Jerry Yarnell, Rex Brown and Brad Mathison of “Two Wheel Oklahoma,” Tad Jones and others will appear to show their support for RSU Public TV and to talk with viewers who call in to pledge. General manager Dan Schiedel and Stephanie Baumgarte, membership and programming coordinator, will share the host spotlight.
The benefits of the station’s growing membership base, which now exceeds 1,000 members, will be evident during “WinterFest” as the station’s new high definition cameras and equipment will bring the studio activities to life as never before, Schiedel said.
“The best is yet to come,” he said. “RSU Public TV is a growing station with strong ties to the community. We’ve just completed a three-year strategic plan with our community partners. The ideas and directions we are about to pursue are very exciting. With our viewers’ support, the possibilities are unlimited.”
RSU Public TV broadcasts on digital channel 35.1 and 35.2, Tulsa and Claremore cable channel 19, Cable Channel 4 in Bartlesville and satellite channel 35 across northeastern Oklahoma.
More information can be found at rsu.tv.