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Excerpted from Central PA magazine, January 2007
A Message from the President
Based on a 1950s radio program of the same name, This I Believe is a series of three-minute essays that NPR has aired on its news programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered since April 2005. In these recorded essays, Americans from all walks of life share the personal philosophies and core values that guide their daily lives. And now, WITF is launching an opportunity for Central Pennsylvanians to express their most profound and life-steering beliefs on WITF-FM.
In this regional version of the national series, we are seeking contributors whose essays present a concrete belief or conviction. We hope the contributor will tell us a compelling story about how he or she came to hold that belief, or how belief was challenged, or how that belief shapes daily life.
The original series was hosted by acclaimed journalist Edward R. Murrow. In creating This I Believe, Murrow said the program sought “to point to the common meeting grounds of beliefs, which is the essence of brotherhood and the floor of our civilization.” For five minutes each day, they heard from statesmen and secretaries, teachers and cab drivers, all of whom spoke about their most deeply held beliefs.
Contributors in the 1950s included Supreme Court justice William O. Douglas, who spoke about the faith of his father’s generation. Sociologist Charles Johnson told how faith and empathy helped lift his family from slavery. Martha Mann wrote about her own battles with alcoholism and depression, and how they led her to help others. Sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Deutsch wrote about her exploration of religions and philosophies.
Today’s contributors to the national series include an army medic in Iraq, Sgt. Ernesto Haibi, who has seen his share of violence and death. Haibi believes humankind’s goodness can foster a positive, more peaceful future. Comic-book artist Frank Miller used to think patriotism was a sentimental value. After the September 11 attacks, though, Miller believes patriotism is essential to our national survival.
We believe that Central Pennsylvanians can contribute insightful and thought-provoking essays that should be heard right here, where they were written and lived. If you would like to contribute a This I Believe essay, please write your contribution of 500 words or less and send it to WITF at fm@witf.org. Please label the subject line “This I Believe submission.”
Or, the contributions may be mailed to WITF at our new address: WITF-FM 89.5 This I Believe, WITF Public Media Center, 4801 Lindle Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111. Please include your name, address, phone number (daytime and evening) and e-mail address(es). Essays will not be returned.
WITF will review all material submitted and will contact those we wish to ask to record their essays beginning February 1. Our target date to begin broadcasting regional editions of This I Believe will be March 1, 2007.
As always, we appreciate your comments. I can be reached at 800-366-9483, or via e-mail at kathleen_pavelko@witf.org.
Game-Day Alternatives
Whether you’re suffering from too much football or not enough playoff games in January, WITF-TV has an alternative that will take your mind off all of it. Tune in Sunday, January 28, from 2 to 7pm for an afternoon of some of the most popular program specials your public television station has presented. You may or may not be anxiously awaiting the Super Bowl game the following week, but WITF will be here just for you, with programs you’re sure to enjoy.
Sponsor a Gala Table
Corporate table reservations for the WITF Grand Opening Gala, Where Ideas Take Flight, on Saturday, April 21, 2007, are filling up fast. This is a perfect opportunity to entertain clients or treat deserving staff to an evening of sophisticated fun. The 1960s retro-themed gala is sure to be a blast, complete with a VIP Airport Cocktail Lounge, a Destination Dinner, a Moroccan-themed Casino and the Gala Dance Party. To reserve your corporate table or to learn more about the corporate marketing benefits of a Gala table purchase, please contact Suzanne Graney, director of developmental programs and events, at 717-910-2948, or at suzanne_graney@witf.org, or visit our website at www.witf.org/gala.
Speakers in the House
The members of WITF’s Speakers’ Bureau can now be found in one place: http://www.witf.org/pressroom/speakers/speakers.shtml (or go to www.witf.org and click on “Speakers’ Bureau”). Members and topics include Cary Burkett, host of Classical Air, speaking on classical music and theater; Beth Reed, educational services coordinator, discussing children’s programming and education; and WITF president and CEO Kathleen Pavelko speaking on topics including public broadcasting in today’s media environment.
To book a speaker for your organization or event, contact Jan McKnight, promotions manager, at jan_mcknight@witf.org or at 717-910-2940.
More News, More Benefits
Your contributions to WITF provide benefits to the region. Annual donors of $45 or more receive a subscription to Central PA magazine. To contribute, contact Donor Services at 800-366-9483, or use the online donation form at www.witf.org.
The WITF Premier Circle — Donors who support WITF through annual operating contributions of $1,000 or more — enjoy glimpses of life “behind the scenes” at WITF, access to PBS and NPR personalities, and invitations to exclusive events. To learn more about how you can become a Premier Circle member, call Ted Reese at 717-910-2950, or e-mail him at ted_reese@witf.org.
© 2007 WITF Inc.
The print edition of Central PA magazine is sold at selected newsstands and is also available as a member benefit of public broadcasting station WITF, Harrisburg, PA, for a minimum contribution of $45 (seniors and students $25). Become a member online.
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