The “Our Town” Tyrone television event on WPSX-TV last evening was a smashing success in raising $4,800 for public broadcasting.
“We are very grateful for the generous support from the Tyrone area,” said Greg Petersen, director of programming services for WPSX-TV. “Their willingness to participate in the project as volunteers and donors speaks very well as to their support for their public TV station.”
According to Petersen, the range of pledge amounts for all 28 programs in the series goes from $35,000 to $2,500. The average for all productions in the series is $9,900.
“Nearly $4,800 was pledged by 60 individuals and businesses during the two-hour broadcast,” he said. “By way of comparison, the program raised a respectable amount when compared to other shows in the series.”
Asked how he felt about the overall project, Petersen offered two thumbs up for Tyrone.
“I think the program was better than many of our previous ‘Our Town’ productions,” he said. “A higher than normal number of volunteers used digital video cameras for their pieces and that had a very positive outcome for the overall quality of the program.”
The program took viewers on a journey through Tyrone, from community staplemarks such as the paper mill, to popular eating areas, like East End Pizza.
“My favorite part of the program was the mini-documentary at the end of the program about the circus train wreck,” said Petersen. “Eileen Lehner, who was the volunteer who did that piece, did a great job of shooting the pictures and telling an engaging story.”
Those who may not have had the opportunity have a second chance on New Years’ Day when WPSX-TV plans to broadcast a “marathon” of “Our Town.” Check your local listings.
