"...in the public interest."

As you've no doubt noticed by reading my previous posts, I have great difficulty separating myself from the message I hope to get across...that WNCW is a noble undertaking, an extraordinary, creative and essential spirit on the airwaves and is worthy and appreciative of your support.

You'll be pleased - perhaps even overjoyed - to know that, at least this time, you'll receive a respite from my meandering introspections and I'll get directly to the point. It'll take great restraint, but bolstered by two cups of coffee to help me focus, I'll somehow suppress my bloated sense of self-importance and get to the matter at hand.

On Monday, February 4th, 2008 - just after 6:00 a.m. - regional news will return to WNCW's morning drive-time programming. Locally-produced headlines will accompany the NPR & BBC newscasts aired each half-hour during WNCW's Morning Music Mix with Joe Kendrick (weekdays, 6-10 a.m.).

Between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., Joe will be joined by Sr. Producer Kim Clark - a no-doubt-familiar voice to long-time WNCW morning listeners and fans of Local Color (Fridays @ 9 p.m. & Sundays @ 7 p.m.) - who'll bring news and information of regional - and even local - significance to our audience.

We at WNCW - and, particularly, Kim - are more than slightly aware that when one's broadcast signal stretches from eastern Tennessee to Charlotte, from the upstate of South Carolina and even northeastern Georgia to southwestern Virgnia - in addition to our main coverage area of Western North Carolina - the terms "regional" and "local" bring with them a significant challenge. What do "regional" and "local" mean when that much territory is covered? This concern affects almost every activity WNCW undertakes. It's familiar territory to us.

So, our goal is to carefully select, tailor and bring to you stories that affect a broad majority of our audience, and to highlight issues and news events that - while seemingly local - have an impact on far more than those within a given city, county or even state. Occasionally, I suspect Kim will find something humorous to share, as well. But, even then, if she gets you to smile or chuckle, chances are there'll be a nugget of information within that - in some manner - will serve you.

Our intent is to do so intelligently, accurately and objectively.

This is no small task. But, WNCW has an obligation - yes, even a duty - to serve the public. Thomas Jefferson's vision of an educated, enlightened public was best expressed when he wrote in 1789, "Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government."

That idea is - in no small measure - at the very foundation of why WNCW and public broadcasting exist.

In the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 - which gave birth to public radio and television as we know it - there are ten lines in Subpart D (Sec. 396. [47 U.S.C. 396]), which establish the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the entity which leads, oversees, advocates and - along with you, our listeners - helps fund public broadcasting.

In those ten lines, there are no less than five references to public interest. That's rather difficult to ignore.

So, tomorrow morning, WNCW will further strive to serve the public interest. Regional news coverage returns.

Can 2 to 2-1/2 minutes of regional news every half hour during morning drive time make a difference? We believe it can and - along with you - are about to find out.

You've come to know that WNCW is serious about its commitment to music, arts & culture. That commitment has not - and will not - change. We're also serious about bringing significant and compelling news and information to you...our listeners and supporters.

I think Thomas Jefferson would've look pretty snazzy in a WNCW t-shirt. Don't you?

Tune in. Turn on. But don't drop out.

This is WNCW Spindale.

DEW