As a young person, I never thought that I would ever get "that old." Of course, now, 60 doesn't feel very old. What do they say, 60 is the new 40?
I'll go with that. I think about what WHRO must have been like 60 years ago—only one year into its creation, providing classroom instruction to students in Norfolk and Hampton schools through the new technology of television. Sixty years later, WHRO, now owned by the region's 21 school divisions, serves the entire state with high-quality educational products, as well as four television stations and five radio stations. We've definitely gotten better with age.
This summer brings the return of more in-person gatherings that I'm excited about. You can see a couple of our classical music announcers at the last two Virginia Arts Festival Coffee Concerts on June 8 at the Robin Hixon Theater in Norfolk and on June 10 at the Hennage Auditorium in Williamsburg. Both concerts start at 10:30 a.m. The LAVA Music Festival is also ongoing this summer. On June 11, you can enjoy a day of great musical performances from 4–11 p.m. at Toast in Norfolk. Once again WHRO Public Media is the media sponsor for these enjoyable concerts. I hope you will join us there!
We also have some great television and radio programs coming this month. You can see several programs that celebrate Pride month including American Masters: Joe Papp in 5 Acts (June 3, 9 p.m.), True Colors: LGBTQ+ Our Stories, Our Songs (June 7, 8 p.m.) and Prideland (June 26, 2022, 7:00 p.m.), which introduces diverse members of the LGBTQ community living in the modern South. We will also be commemorating Juneteenth with special programs. You can read about two of those being offered by WHRO FM on page 9.
Additionally, we have some exciting programs coming to WHRO Passport. Starting June 1, you can binge-watch Jamaica Inn, a new three-part drama based on the 1936 novel by Daphne du Maurier. Jamaica Inn will be coming to television in 2023, but members with WHRO Passport can enjoy it now! You can also binge all six episodes of the new drama Hotel Portofino on WHRO Passport starting June 19, the date the first episode airs on television. This intriguing drama, set in the 1920s, follows the trials of a British family that opens a hotel on the magical Italian Riviera. If you don't already enjoy WHRO Passport, visit whro.org/passport to learn how to access this amazing member benefit.
Lastly, our next TV membership drive happens this month. We have an exciting lineup of programs for you. I hope you will join us for these great shows and continue to support the content that you love. Without you, we would not be able to continue all the work we do. Thank you for your support!
Bert Schmidt President & Chief Executive Officer