We’re celebrating a big milestone this year at WHRO Public Media—60 years of serving Eastern Virginia!
Long known for our public service mission, WHRO is the only public broadcasting station in the United States that is owned by a collaboration of 21 local public school districts. As you know, the station was formed as Virginia’s first non-commercial, educational television station that brought televised teaching into our region’s classrooms.
It all started in 1961 when the FCC awarded a license to Vince Thomas and Hunter B. Andrews, of the Norfolk and Hampton school systems respectively, to broadcast Home Room One into classrooms as a way to use television to assist with teaching. Since its founding, WHRO Public Media has grown into four television stations and five radio channels.
Through these platforms, we are able to bring to our community high-quality reporting, arts performances, music, podcasts and an array of educational services for teachers and parents. Though some technology and delivery methods have changed, education is still at the heart of all we do. Through our broadcasts, community events, and educational outreach, WHRO enriches the lives of the people of Eastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina every day.
And it is only through your generous support that we’ve been able to do that for these last 60 years. Our members are some of the most faithful I’ve ever known. Though this last year has been a tough one for everyone, your generosity has not wavered. Thank you, for making all we do possible!
I am proud to have been a part of this organization for the past 14 years and I’m so excited about the possibilities as WHRO looks to its next 60 years.
I hope you will join us in celebrating this milestone. You can see an overview of our history and enjoy some archival photos at whro.org/60
Enjoy your summer!
Bert Schmidt President & Chief Executive Officer