Fifty years ago today, December 17, 1972, WGVU (Originally WGVC) brought public television and its mission to educate, inform, inspire, and engage to the airwaves. Don Lubbers, the President of Grand Valley State College at the time, kicked off the first broadcast from the basement of Manitou Hall, stating that would be the end of the“dubious distinction” of being the largest area without a public television station in the United States.
Since then, WGVU has grown into two television and two radio stations, impacting and enriching the lives of millions across West Michigan. General Manager Jim Rademaker states, “As a first-generation PBS kid who started out on Mister Rogers and Sesame Street in the late ‘60s, public broadcasting has been a central part of my life through every major milestone. We are fortunate to continue this strong tradition for all families across the region.”
As the local home for PBS and NPR, WGVU and its staff are committed to providing the highest quality programs over the air, streaming, and in the community. Assistant General Manager Megan Davey adds, “I am proud that our services are accessible to all and that we truly believe that access to high-quality, educational, informational, and entertaining programs is something that our community can benefit from and deserves.”
Education and children have been and will continue to be a hallmark of WGVU. Serving 28 counties, the WGVU Education team provides programming and resources for teachers and families. In addition, throughout the year, WGVU has partnered with community organizations to hold discussions on critical issues such as civil conversation, the continued implications of the Holocaust, and more. When asked what she looks forward to in the future with WGVU, Davey said, “I can’t wait to see the impact we can continue to have on our community and how we can all grow and learn together.”
The future of WGVU will be more than just acting as a television and radio station. With plans to expand local broadcast and digital operations in the coming year and a commitment to cultivating community partnerships, the WGVU of 2023 will be much bigger and better than what debuted 50 years ago.
Rademaker reiterates, “we are so fortunate to have received the support of our West Michigan community, and we do not take that for granted. We could not have made it this far without you, and we certainly look forward to moving forward with you for the next fifty years.”