GREEN BAY — I am a part-time employee with the Wisconsin Public Television production facility in Green Bay. It saddens me — along with all the other employees, one who has dedicated his life to Wisconsin Public Television — to know we were a convenient budget cut. Just a, “Thanks for your dedication; you have 90 days.”
The reporters did mention our facility has won numerous awards for productions created right here in Northeastern Wisconsin. If our facility were allowed to grow, we would continue to have potential to enhance the area.
Malcolm Brett, director of television, did come to Green Bay to speak of a budget shortfall but it was communicated and believed that people’s jobs were secure. I did not hear: I challenge you to find a way to keep your facility open. Then, if it could not be done, closing the facility would only seem logical.
I have seen many projects come to the table with the potential of being nationally televised and hearing from management, “Well, we can’t go out and raise funds; there is a policy that WPT out of the Madison office strictly does that.” This causes me a little confusion about all the dollars raised in Northeast Wisconsin from foundations, corporations and individuals. Don’t they have a say in where their money is being utilized? We have a full production studio on the UWGB campus. When it is gone, it will never come back.
Not that I want to lose my job, but seeing I was never challenged, I would like to challenge Northeast Wisconsin to help save our production facility; save hard-working people’s jobs; save our mark on the map. Please send your letters of support to keep our Green Bay station operational to: Wisconsin Public Television, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay, WI 54311.
Michelle Danforth