Smoky Hills PBS
BUNKER HILL — When PBS first went on the air “it was born out of the idea that Americans deserved a non-commercial television service whose sole mission is to educate and inspire.” Smoky Hills PBS has been making that mission a reality for 40 years now. On Nov. 10 Smoky Hills PBS will celebrate its 40th anniversary of bringing trusted educational programs and services to all ages of viewers in Central and Western Kansas.
Betsy Schwien, General Manager of SHPBS, shares the station’s plans for the year ahead, including the launch of the station’s signature 40th anniversary logo.
“We want to celebrate not only this week, but all year. Our theme, 40 Years: In Your Neighborhood, embodies exactly what has happened over the 40 years here at Smoky Hills PBS. The media landscape has dramatically changed since the grand opening ceremonies 40 years ago. Back then, you could only receive us over the air and on some cable networks," she said. "Now, 40 years later, you can access SHPBS at your fingertips with a click of a button or a tap on your mobile device. Our mission is to be in the communities we serve — whether it’s on your television screen, tablet, or mobile device, at an event, or in classrooms. We provide free services to educate and inspire all ages of people in Central and Western Kansas in a variety of different ways. That mission is as important today as it was 40 years ago.”
This yearlong celebration kicks off with special testimonials featuring memories and moments about Smoky Hills PBS from past volunteers, employees, board members, program guests, and more. The SHPBS Membership Department will also begin a “40 for 40” campaign, an invitation to viewers and PBS fans to give a donation of $40 in honor of the station’s forty years. To support the campaign, visit SmokyHillsPBS.org. To wrap up the celebration of this historic milestone, SHPBS plans to have a 40th anniversary celebration with a dinner and movie event in October 2023. More details on this event will follow next year.
Details on additional initiatives relating to the 40th anniversary can be found here. You can also find it on social platforms using #SHPBS40.