KVPT joins Great Valley Center in new public affairs series

KVPT-Valley Public Television said it has joined with the Great Valley Center on the production of a new public affairs series, “Great Valley,” to premiere on KVPT Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The series will explore solutions to the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the Central Valley, where the population is expected to double over the next four decades, the station said in a new release.

“Every week we hear from our viewers how much they miss having a program that delves into local issues. We’ve taken great care to ensure ‘Great Valley’ exceeds the standard for viewers who are looking for information on the issues that matter most to us,” said KVPT President and CEO Paula Castadio.

Hosting the series will be David Hosley, president of the Great Valley Center, a nonprofit that supports activities and organizations benefitting the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Central Valley.

Topics for the series’ first season include population growth, healthcare, land use, care for the environment, education, employment, civic and social engagement, agriculture and the arts.

“Providing a platform to discuss solutions to local issues is our primary objective with GREAT VALLEY,” Hosley said.

Castadio said that three program funders stepped forward to make production of the series a reality. “AT&T, The San Joaquin Valley Air District and the San Joaquin Valley Council of Governments share in our desire to connect Valley viewers to these important issues and strengthen local communities,” she said.

The series will feature a companion Web site at GreatValley.tv which will go live to coincide with the series premiere on Feb. 5. In addition to airing on Fridays at 7:30, each episode will be repeated on Fridays at 11 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

Select episodes of the series will also air on public television stations KVIE, serving the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto market and KIXE, serving the Chico-Redding market.

KVPT-Valley Public Television said it has served the Central Valley’s community for more than 30 years.

This story was originally published January 21, 2010 at 3:10 PM with the headline "KVPT joins Great Valley Center in new public affairs series."