It’s hard to stay alive in the public media world. Yeah, it’s partially funded by the government, but most of it is kept afloat by “viewers like you,” the everyday Indianapolis people who listen, watch, and participate in the shows proffered by public media. And the recent budget debate, in which GOP members were rallying to cut funding for public media like NPR, highlighted the ever shifting opinion of these stations. That’s why Indianapolis media outlet WFYI’s 40 years in business is such a stellar accomplishment, one they’re more than willing to celebrate in grand style. You can support public media and party down with WFYI on Friday, April 15, 2011 at the WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration at the WFYI headquarters in downtown Indianapolis.
| http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=904587178088 |
| Video of WFYI Channel 20 personality Scott Hoke discussing the WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration, happening April 15, 2011 in Indianapolis |
WFYI has long been a force in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis media outlet has been in business since 1970, when it was nothing but nine employees and three black and white cameras, all funded by the door to door perseverance of “Ardath’s Army,” a group of volunteers dedicated to the cause of public television. The station is best known for its award winning Across Indiana programming, and the beginnings of the Indiana Channel were also budding on the station. Today, WFYI operates across several types of Indianapolis media. Channel 20 WFYI is a PBS affiliate on television, but the organization also runs an Indianapolis radio station, WFYI 90.1 FM, which is an National Public Radio affiliate. The station’s call sign stands for For Your Information, an apt title considering the amount of educational, globe spanning programming that WFYI offers.
| Promotional video for the morning radio program on WFYI 90.1 FM, which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary on April 15, 2011 in Indianapolis |
The WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration is your chance to see all the work that WFYI does for the community and give back a little yourself. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on April 15, 2011, there are plenty of Indianapolis things to do for WFYI fans at the 40th Anniversary Celebration. Guests are invited to tour the studios of WFYI, getting a first hand look at what goes in to making a successful public broadcast. Since this is the media outlet’s “ruby anniversary,” you can also take part in a ruby dig during the celebration; who knows, you might be the luckiest prospector in the studio! You can even relive those professional newscaster dreams by recording a Happy Anniversary WFYI TV spot.
Since WFYI also runs an NPR station, the guest of honor at the WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration will be the smooth voiced host of NPR’s Morning Edition, Steve Innskeep (also, coincidentally, a resident of Carmel, Indiana). You’ll also be able to mingle with other WFYI anchors and personalities. Also, the fare of several Indianapolis restaurants will be available for sampling at this festive Indianapolis event; catering will be provided by Just Pop In, Parcha Sweets, Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, and Li-Lac Chocolates. Brenda Williams and the Soul Providers, an Indianapolis band, will be whisking guests back to the decade of WFYI’s origins with funky covers of hits from the 70′s; even Indianapolis music is giving the nod to WFYI on April 15.
| Video of Brenda Williams and the Soul Providers performing at the Athenaeum in Indianapolis; Brenda Williams and the Soul Providers will be playing at the WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration |
The WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration will take place this coming Friday, April 15, 2011, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m at WFYI headquarters on Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis. Tickets are $40, but space in the studio is limited, so you should reserve your spot as soon as possible. Proceeds will go to continuing WFYI’s mission of accessible, informative public broadcasting in the Circle City. There will be a cash bar with top shelf drinks and complimentary soft drinks for those who’d rather mingle with a jelly glass than a martini (a better deal than you’ll find at any Indianapolis bar). And you can’t celebrate with WFYI unless you celebrate in style: attendees are required to wear business attire or cocktail dress. Sponsored by a number of Indianapolis businesses and Indianapolis schools, including Ivy Tech Community College, Goelzer Investments, Aronstam Jewelers, the Ritz Charles, the Engledow Group, and Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, the WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration is the perfect occasion to recognize the achievements of public broadcasting and ensure it continues for another forty years.
WFYI 40th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, April 15, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40
Event Homepage
WFYI Headquarters
1630 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317.715.2009
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