Vermont Public Television today announced the station’s rebranding to Vermont PBS,to better reflect its evolving mission as a multi-platform media company and to align itself more closelywith the national PBS organization.Over the past few years, and especially with the advent of new digital technologies, the statewide PBSaffiliate has steadily expanded its content offerings and community engagement activities, as part of itsongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for Vermonters.
New Vermont PBS President & CEO Charlie Smith said, “For us, this transition feels like a natural evolution –adopting a brand identity that more truly reflects who we’ve become. Beyond broadcast, PBS uses thepower of public media to engage citizens where they live, to provoke discussion and engagement in thelife of our communities. It is content that enriches our lives and sparks our curiosity– while still treatingour audiences with the intellectual respect they deserve.”
Smith, former president of KeyBank Vermont and Administration Secretary under Governor Douglas, took over from long-time VPT president John King in early April.
The station has been a trusted, community-focused institution since it first came on the air as VermontETV in 1967. Its content expansion has taken an even more dynamic turn with recent developments indigital technology and the growing interconnection between broadcast and web-based services.Nationally, the PBS brand has taken a leading role in this new media landscape, growing to encompassan ever-advancing list of digital technologies and content platforms. It continues to be the nation’s most
trusted public institution and most innovative and trusted provider of content for children (Roper/ASW2013).
Added Smith, “These days, public television is so much more than television, and we live that mantraevery day. We’re excited by the opportunity to align ourselves even more closely with the highlyrespected PBS brand.”
As Vermont’s direct connection to PBS, Vermont PBS is a respected provider in its own right ofthoughtful content that engages Vermonters on many levels, and the station vows to continue thatcommitment, with plans currently in the works for even more local content with the launch of a secondhigh definition channel in the near future.
Vermont PBS can be accessed via broadcast and cable systems statewide, and online at vermontpbs.org.
A clip of "Makin' Friends with Ryan Miller," Vermont PBS' first online only series, can be found below.
Source:Vermont PBS 5.19.2014