Get all the latest and let YOUR voice be heard

You see and hear it everywhere. The elections this year are highly contested and are taking center stage in discussions throughout the state and the country. Where can you get the most information to make your decision? How can you let candidates, and everyone else, know what issues are most important to you? DPTV can help you with both!

Vice Presidential Candidates Debate Thursday 10/2
To get to know the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, DPTV is bringing you the debates live, uninterrupted and commercial free! Tonight, the greatly anticipated debate between the Vice Presidential candidates will be broadcast from St. Louis from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Catch every second and every expression as Biden and Palin debate the issues and explain why their party is the right choice for your vote.

The historic Presidential election isn’t the only decision you need to make this year though. There are many hotly contested state seats up for grabs this year as well. With plenty of coverage on the National election, how do you learn more about your LOCAL choices? The Great Debates is how! Sundays from 3 PM to 5: 30 PM DPTV is airing a series of debates between candidates for the State House of Representatives arguing their plans for Michigan and reasons why voters should send them to Lansing. This week, candidates from District 22, 33, 25, 24 and 20 are featured in 30 minute debates. Best of all, you can view all the Great Debates online at DPTV.org on-demand. Not sure of your District? All debates are listed in Archives and specify what area the district covers so you can watch just your district debate or watch them all to learn about all the candidates who want to win votes to serve in Lansing.

Looking for that one stop where you can see the debates, listen to what others are thinking and let others know what your important issues are? Look no further than the new MiVote site! This site is presented by DPTV and U of M Dearborn and is the perfect place to get updated on the issues both federal and state, get the latest on political news, debate your choice with others and even upload your own comments about the issues that matter to you most. With the deadline to register coming up on Monday, you can even find out how to register to vote so you’re ready for the election in November.

Lots of resources to help you become an informed voter and to make your voice heard as far as your major issues this election season. DPTV is happy to help bring you the information you need.

Pam Reynolds
DPTV Member Services

I’m not going to sleep!

I love all the specials we air during fundraising time. Things you would never get to see anywhere else just “magically” appear and keep me busy with reminder emails and punching buttons to set another recording session on the DVR.

Tonight is a great example as DPTV airs a new special, Motor City Celebrities at 8 PM. This 1 hour special brings back great memories of TV in the Motor City as it reviews Kelly and Company, with John Kelly and Marilyn Turner. It also looks back at Lou Gordon. A must see for anyone who lived in Detroit during the 70’s.

Another new special starts at 9 PM as Great Performances remembers Luciano Pavarotti in Pavarotti, A Live in Seven Arias. This 2 hour special includes concert footage and interviews with Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo. I’m hoping that our WRCJ friends will join is for this one as well.



The great entertainment continues Thursday as “Ol’ Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music is featured at 8 PM. This 1965 Emmy winning concert features so many favorites like I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Come Fly with Me, My Kind of Town and The Lady Is a Tramp. Sinatra fans won’t want to miss this!

A brand new special follows at 9:30 PM as DPTV brings Rain: The Beatles Experience to Detroit. This tribute group is amazing! Songs in the special include Hey, Jude, Yesterday, Revolution and Come Together. And you’ll want to watch the breaks for news of the just confirmed concert with Rain bringing this live show to Detroit!

Friday is a great night as well as Johnny Cash: A Man and His Vision is back by popular demand at 8 PM. This review of the Johnny Cash show features great show footage and performances.

Get ready for a unique experience Friday at 9 PM as DPTV brings you the first airing of Vox Lumiere: The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This creative mixed-media presentation puts a whole new twist to the 1923 silent film featuring Lon Chaney as the song and dance troupe Vox Lumiere (which means Voices of Light) add a rock score and act out and interact with the original film. Rocky Horror Picture Show fans will love this one, especially the live show feel to this!

Saturday, I just have one thing to say…60’s LIVE! 3 hours of nothing but the 60’s in a new telethon format shown LIVE nationwide! Join us for this exciting event with the Smothers Brothers, Michelle Phillips, Jackie DeShannon and Petula Clark, to name just a few. Special appearances also by Betty White, Ed Asner, Gavin McCloud, Chloris Leachman, Mike Farrell, Shelly Fabares and Vicki Lawrence! And the best thing…live and archival performances and celebs answering the phones to take your pledge! This all starts at 8 PM.

With all this excitement, I expect to be sleeping all day Sunday, but if you’re up there are lots of specials on all day Sunday as well. Check your Signal guide or our online schedule for details.

Pam Reynolds
DPTV Member Services

Where Else but in America?

I’m always proud to stand up and let people know that I’m an American. With all our freedoms and rights, even our hardships and sorrows, we stand strong and are able to do so much together.

This week on DPTV is a prime example.

Tonight, we wrap up the season of Great Lodges of the National Parks with visits to Jackson Lake Lodge in Wyoming, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Camp Denali and Glacier Bay Lodge in Alaska, all great places protected by our government and that we can visit easily enough. The broadcast starts at 8 PM.

Thursday, the day before our National Holiday, the tables turn a bit as The War of the World: The Clash of Empires airs on the analog channel. This study of World War II begins with a look at ethnic, economic and social issues that may have led to the start of the war. This series sets out to challenge assumptions about the major wars of the 20th century. Harvard historian Niall Ferguson is your host and explores his personal viewpoints and academic work. The 3 part series is based on Dr. Ferguson’s book, which was published to critical acclaim in 2006. Two more episodes will air to complete the series, one on July 10th and one on July 17th at 10 PM.
Friday, July 4th, join us as Jimmy Smits hosts a celebration of America’s 232nd birthday on Capitol Fourth starting at 8 PM and running until 11 PM. The 2008 party features Huey Lewis and the News, Jerry Lee Lewis, Taylor Hicks, Broadway’s Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical singer Hayley Westenra, soprano Harolyn Blackwell and the “star” everyone wants to see…the fireworks!

As you’re spending time with family, friends or even working to make an extra buck or two this weekend, just remember the freedom we have to make our own choices, to choose to watch the network offerings or to choose to watch TV that makes us think, makes us question, informs us, educates us and entertains us.

You are why DPTV is here and why we’re able to bring you programs that do all of this (sometimes all at the same time!) and more. On this 4th of July, I salute you!

Pam Reynolds
DPTV Member Services

Parent Care, Health Care and Back Care

Life is funny and full of quirks. One of the things I find interesting is the fact that a lot of us are finding that we need to care for our aging parents. With people living longer many of us get to enjoy having our parents around with us a lot longer, but we are faced with the realities that come with our parents not being able to handle normal things without help.

DPTV is focusing on this situation this evening with a film by Michael Kirk “Caring for Your Parents”. This documentary chronicles the efforts of five families with senior parents and the issues they grapple with while trying to provide care for their aging parents. This informative look at these challenges airs at 9 PM and will re-air at 2:30 AM Thursday morning. For those with High Definition, our HD channel, 56.1 will air this program tonight at 9 PM, Thursday at 11 AM and again Sunday the 6th at 9 AM, giving you more options for viewing.

Health care seems to be in the forefront of most discussions these days and we realize this. I received so many calls Monday from people who caught a part of Sunday’s “Unnatural Causes” series asking when it was being shown again that I also wanted to address that. There currently is not a re-air date for any of the series. For those watching on the Analog channel, it’s a “one shot” deal with each episode. Coming up Sunday is the second of four episodes “When the Bough Breaks, Becoming American.” This episode focuses on black and white infant-mortality rates and also examines the health of Mexican immigrants who arrive in the U.S. in better health than Americans and their health decline over time. This in depth exploration of America’s racial and socioeconomic inequities in health airs Sunday at 7 PM. HD viewers will be able to catch this episode on Thursday the 3rd at 10 PM with a re-airing at 1 AM Friday morning.

One other subject that has come up a lot this week is the fact that Priscilla’s Yoga Stretches disappeared this week. Priscilla devotees fear not. Priscilla will be back soon due to popular demand. I’ll update you here as soon as I know the “restart” date or you can check the schedule at dptv.org.

As always, give us a call at Member Services for any questions you can’t find the answer to on our website! We’re in the office Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to help you.

Pam Reynolds
Detroit Public TV
WRCJ 90.9 FM
Member Services
(248) 305-3907

DPTV Pledge Q&A

Every time we run pledge (4 times a year in March, June, September and December) we get lots of questions from viewers. I’d like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions for you.

Why does DPTV do pledge programs?

I hear this question a lot! Detroit Public TV isn't supported by commercial advertisers like other channels in the area. We don't let an advertiser tell us which programs we should be showing by indicating which programs they want their ads run with, we let our viewers, our members, the public tell us what type of programs they want to see.

Pledge is how we raise the money we need to stay on the air, to produce new local programs and to purchase other programs to bring to our viewers.

How does DPTV know what we want to see?

This question always comes up. Another way we hear it is "How does DPTV decide what programs they'll show and which ones they won't?" The answer is pretty simple....it's called pledge.

Pledge is our fundraising function, true enough, but it's more than just a way to raise money to keep the station on the air. If we compare pledge to the well known "American Idol" it makes it a lot easier to understand. On DPTV, instead of voting for your favorite singer, you're voting for the type of programs YOU want to see! We do "listen" to those who "vote" for certain types of pledge programs. We use these "votes" to help us determine what type of programs to show during non-pledge times.

Why should I pledge?

Good question! There are several reasons a viewer should pledge. First, to cast your "vote" to let us know that you want more programs like the one you're pledging for. Second, to help us by making the money available to get additional programs like you want to see. Third, "thank you" gifts are available for your pledge at various levels for different programs. For example, if you really like the Paul McCartney pledge program we’re showing tonight and decide you want to pick up the DVD, by pledging for that program you are letting us know that you want more specials like it and you can choose to receive the DVD as your "thank you" gift at the same time!

Your pledge dollars are used to order your "thank you" gift and the remainder goes into the programming fund while your "vote" is tallied for more music specials in the pop/rock catagory. A lot of "activity" with a $100 pledge!

I can't pledge at that level so what's the point?

Again, a great question. We know that things are tough for everyone in Michigan right now. Believe me, we're right there with you. You can still "vote" and have your voice heard about programs you'd like to see more of. Imagine if everyone on your block could only call in a pledge of $5 to let us know they want to see more music shows. If you had 20 houses on the block, your $5 plus your neighbors’ would give 20 votes for this type of program and would put $100 into the fund to get more programs like it! Plus every pledge makes you an active member of DPTV and gifts are available for as little as a $40 pledge!

One other thing to remember, we do offer "installment" pledges for items as well! So for a $100 pledge, you can actually have it split into 10 payments of $10 each month and receive the DVD or gift once your pledge payments cover the cost of the item. We truly appreciate the ongoing support of installment pledges!

Have more questions? Give us a call in Member Services at (248) 305-3900! We’d be happy to talk with you and answer any questions you have. After all, we’re YOUR station and we’d love your feedback!

Pam Reynolds
Member Services
Detroit Public TV

Tuneful Tuesday

Pull out those purple socks, gather the family together at 9 PM and get ready to enjoy a mix of barbershop, rock, country and jazz tunes with the family we all grew up with as DPTV brings you.

Come on now guys, you know that you would never admit that you liked the Osmonds when you were growing up, but you know you watched the Donny & Marie Show in the privacy of your own home. Your folks had Sonny & Cher and you had Donny & Marie. Admit it, you were surprised when they came out with "Crazy Horses" and "We're Having a Party" (they seemed too clean cut to party!) and got a little wild.

Gals, admit that you had a huge crush on Donny, had almost all Donny's albums and a poster of him up in your room, right next to Leif Garrett and David Cassidy. It's OK. We grew out of it....or did we?

Tonight will tell as you sit with your family and you relive your memories of the Osmonds, singing along, while the kids get to look at you a little strangely and you get to introduce them to the Osmonds. You couldn't ask for better "family entertainment" or better music and harmonies to wind up a tiring Tuesday.

And gals, you can pledge for a copy of the DVD so you can watch again and again, or just go for the CD set and indulge yourself with the Osmonds in your car or on your stereo whenever you want! I've already entered my pledge! And my husband and I will be watching so won't you join us?







Pam Reynolds

Member Services

Detroit Public TV

Rockin' Music Monday

I'm excited about the primetime lineup tonight on Detroit Public TV! If you happen to be in the Detroit area, tune into Detroit Channel 56 tonight at 8PM and, I promise, you won't be disappointed!

DPTV is Rockin' the night away starting with My Generation, the 60's for some great rock and roll, including Iron Butterfly doing Inagoddadivita and a lot of other great music we all know and love.

At 10PM, the British are coming! Sticking with the same rough timeframe, see performances from groups like the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits and the whole British Beat, an invasion of British groups in a great flashback of tunes that helped change the face of music as we know it.

Not to be outdone, you'll want to hang on past Midnight and step back just a bit in time and catch Doo Wop Love Songs with live and taped performances of songs that you will definately remember hearing as you grew up including The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The Doo Wop shows on DPTV are always big winners and this one is no exception. This "feel good" show will have you tapping your toes and singing along!

All in all, DPTV is rockin' Detroit with all our favs tonight!














Not in the Detroit area? Check your local listings for the PBS station in your area! Most stations are airing these shows during the first part of March and you don't want to miss them!

Figure out which station in your area is bringing you the music, including a new special by James Taylor and Paul McCartney and even The Clash!

Pam Reynolds
Member Services
Detroit Public TV

Working for a Living

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would actually end up working for a TV station in the competitive Detroit market. Yet here I am! I have one of the most important jobs at Detroit Public Television, keeping our wonderful supporting members happy, and I LOVE IT!

Our goals of Educate, Entertain and Inspire come into play here every single day. I enjoy answering questions for people and giving them information that they didn’t know when they called. Usually the calls revolve around our programming and when they can catch a program they missed. Can you believe that a lot of people don’t know that we have a website with our schedule posted? I help walk them through the schedule access and they’re very happy to know that they can get the most up-to-date information right on their own computer.

My favorite thing about working at DPTV, aside from talking with all the great people who support us, is the programs we offer during our pledge breaks! I get to find out about all the great shows and concerts well in advance and I’m really excited about the pledge drive coming up!

Tell me where else you can see Deepak Chopra, Dr. Michael Roizen, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Denese and Brenda Watson for your self help and health all in one place! Top that off with favorites like Women & Money with Suze Orman, Golf help with How to Beat the Bogey Man and all the great kid’s shows.

The real icing on the cake this time around though is the great MUSIC! The Osmonds, My Generation-the 60’s, My Music-Doo Wop Love Songs (which has been really popular!), The Three Tenors, The Clash Live, Daniel O’Donnell, Andre Rieu, Andrea Bocelli, Sissel, British Beat , Paul McCartney and James Taylor just to name a few! There is literally something for EVERYONE!

I never knew I could actually enjoy coming to work and be so thrilled with what I do, but I AM! If you’re like most of my “friends” who told me that “Channel 56 is for kids and old people” then you should tune in and watch! You’d be surprised what’s on Detroit Public Television, especially during the pledge drives!

If you have questions about Detroit Public Television or our programs, give me a call or drop me an email and I’ll be glad to help “educate” you on how we can “entertain” you and “inspire” you to watch too!

Posted by Pam Reynolds
Member Services
Detroit Public TV
(248) 305-3907
preynolds@dptv.org

Extra: DPTV Media Site