WITF

WITF's media create a shared civic and cultural life for the communities of our region, connecting us to each other and to opportunities for lifelong learning.

Description:
WITF, Inc., is a trusted, valued supplier of programs and services that both satisfy and stimulate curiosity for residents in every community in the central Pennsylvania region. WITF broadcast services reach audiences in over 17 counties in central Pennsylvania. The company comprises public broadcasting stations WITF-TV, WITF-FM, news networks RadioPA Networks and Public Radio Capitol News, monthly regional magazine Central PA, WITF.org, WITF Educational Services, Top Flight Media and Media Solutions.

History:
• 1963, The South Central Educational Broadcasting Council is created. It's mission, to bring public television to Central Pennsylvania.
• November 22, 1964, adopting the call letters that stand for "It's Top Flight", WITF-TV began broadcasting from studios in Hershey. Initial support came from the state PTA, Hershey Estates (now HERCO), commercial broadcasters and private contributions from individuals and businesses. Then the funds were matched by the Ford Foundation and state and federal government.
• April 1, 1971, WITF-FM signed on the air with Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. Expanding its mission of education and culture through the medium of radio, WITF-FM became the first classical station for all of central Pennsylvania.
• June 1, 1985, Central PA (formerly Apprise) magazine was born, evolving from WITF's original program guide, and extending its mission further through the medium of print.
• 1997, a website is born... www.witf.org takes its place on the World Wide Web.
• August 26, 1998, WITF-TV made history by launching Pennsylvania's first digital television channel. WITF-DT Channel 36 became one of seven public broadcasting pioneers in America to transmit digital programming.
• 2003, WITF launched ExplorePAhistory.com . The award-winning website uses the state’s historical markers system as an entry point to bring history to life for visitors, students, teachers, and history buffs. The site integrates tourism tools, rich and accurate information, and the only PA standards-based lesson plans for teaching Pennsylvania history.
• November, 2004, WITF added to its public media services with the launch of Public Radio Capitol News (PRCN), a radio news operation designed to serve its affiliates across the state with the news from Pennsylvania’s Capitol.
• April 21, 2007, WITF celebrates the opening of the New Public Media Center
• October 2008, WITF launches ENGAGE: WITF’s HD Radio Service in HD and on the Web
• October 2008, WITF premieres Radio Smart Talk: Coping with the Economy – a live, call-in radio program to help our audience deal with the economic crisis in America
• December 2008, In response to audience demand, WITF makes Radio Smart Talk a permanent addition to the weekday FM line-up
• January 9, 2009, WITF Launches WYPM 93.3 FM Trusted Information from WITF in Chambersburg and reaches 400,000 new listeners in all or parts of Franklin, Adams, Fulton, Cumberland, Huntingdon, Perry and Juniata counties.

Contact person: Sara Wagner, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (717) 704-3659

Address:

4801 Lindle Road Harrisburg, PA 17111 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.witf.org

Directions:

From Camp Hill – Travel PA-581 E/Harrisburg Expy toward I-83/Harrisburg/Hershey. PA-581 E/Harrisburg Expy becomes I-83 N. Merge onto I-283 via exit 46A toward Airport/Lancaster/PA Turnpike. Take the PA-441 exit 2 toward Swatara. Turn left onto Lindle Rd/PA-441. Turn right at intersection. . . (more)

Last updated on November 4, 2009