Don't miss tonight's NOVA special, The Bible's Buried Secrets, which presents the latest archeological scholarship from the Holy Land to explore the beginnings of modern religion and the origins of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament.
Be sure to join us after NOVA for Buried Secrets: Local Perspectives, a panel of area religious experts from our area engaging in a roundtable discussion about the content and the context of the Nova program.
Over a thousand guests joined us at the WTCI studios on Sunday for our annual Family Day. Kids of all ages had an opportunity to meet some of their favorite PBS friends: Curious George, Super Why, Arthur, Word Girl, and the star of one of our newest shows, Martha Speaks. Our very own Brooke Honeycutt painted faces (and hands), and everyone had a blast in front of the green screen. If you were one of the hundreds that came out and you'd like to share your experience, post a comment below and tell us about it. If you missed your chance, be sure to join us next year, and keep an eye on this site for new opportunities to learn, contribute, volunteer, and experience all that WTCI offers our community.
Family Day at WTCI November 9th from Noon to 3 p.m. - Meet PBS Kids Characters and See WTCI's Broadcast Studio
If you are looking for something fun and free to do in November, look no further. WTCI, your community’s PBS station, is holding Family Day on Sunday, November 9, from noon to 3 p.m. at WTCI’s broadcast studio, located at 7540 Bonnyshire Drive. The event offers something for everyone: special guests from PBS Kids, storytelling, hands-on activities, a digital TV information booth and station tours for those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at WTCI’s studio. WTCI is also holding a book drive during the event to support a local elementary school library. Children who donate a used book can pick out a new book from our Ready to Learn library—a great way to teach children the spirit of giving as we enter the holiday season.
Curious George, Arthur, Word Girl, Martha Speaks, and the Super Readers from Super WHY! will greet kids, and a photographer will be on hand to capture these special moments. Read 20, a Hamilton County organization promoting literacy skills for early childhood, will provide reading activities throughout the day in WTCI’s Ready to Learn Center, which serves as the centerpiece for WTCI’s educational outreach services. Kids will have a chance to see what it is like to be on TV in a special camera station set up in our studio, and several other interactive activities will be set up throughout the studio. WTCI’s technical staff will also be on hand to provide tips and information for the digital TV transition coming up in February 2009.
Additional details about Family Day activities are posted on our Family Day web page - we'll be updating the page as we add new partners and events! We hope to see you November 9th!
Yet another essential viewing comes to us from Frontline this Tuesday, October 28th at 10pm. "The War Briefing" lays out the foreign policy and military challenges facing our next president.Here's a look:
In an effort to continue our mission to educate and inform, your local PBS station will share an up close and personal look into the latest happenings in our nation’s capital. Tennessee District 3’s U.S. Congressman, Zach Wamp (R-TN), will share his perspective on the recent financial fallout and what state and Washington lawmakers are doing to secure our future through energy, conservation and health care strategies, in a WTCI special program to air Friday, October 24 at 9 p.m.—Conversations with the Congressman.
Levi Stubbs died today. You may not know the name, but you certainly know the voice. Stubbs was a member of The Four Tops, one of Motown's most popular groups. Their catalog includes the classics "Reach Out (I'll Be There)", "Baby, I Need Your Lovin'", and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)". Folks from my generation probably know him best as the voice of Audrey II, the man-eating plant in the 1986 film "Little Shop of Horrors".
Do yourself a favor and go sort through your record collection tonight and listen to The Four Tops again. There's an urgency in Stubbs' powerful vocals that's a rare treat indeed. We'll certainly miss the man, but let's be thankful we can hold on to that voice.
Berkshire Hathaway Chairman & CEO Warren Buffett made news over the last few weeks with large investments in Goldman Sachs and General Electric. The "Oracle of Omaha" is one of the most respected business minds in America and is generally regarded among the greatest investors in history. So, when he talks, the business community listens. He sat down with Charlie Rose earlier this week to talk about his recent major investments and the current economic crisis, and if you missed it, you're in luck. It's here, in its entirety.
WTCI believes strong families are crucial to a strong community. That's why we're proud to bring you a new weekly season of First Things First with Julie Baumgardner. We've made some changes to the show that we think you're going to like. Many of the episodes are now divided into segments to get different perspectives on a number of issues that are important to you. From child discipline to talking to your spouse about financial issues, Julie engages experts in honest, informative discussions.
We've also made some changes to the look of the program. Our updated set and exciting new graphics reflect our commitment to keeping the show fresh, lively, and relevant. So join us! You now have three opportunities to catch the show each week:
Saturdays at 6:30am
Sundays at 10:00am
Fridays at 10:30pm
The season premiere on teen pregnancy airs this Saturday, October 4th at 6:30am, only on WTCI.
We hope you'll join us tonight for WTCI's HD coverage of the only Vice-Presidential debate before the election. WTCI is committed to providing the information you need to make an informed decision this November 4th. That's why on October 14th, WTCI will broadcast Frontline: The Choice 2008. Since 1988, Frontline has provided viewers with comprehensive biographies of the major party candidates for president, and this year is no different. Mark your calendar now, and join us at 9pm on Tuesday, October 14th for the two-hour premiere of Frontline's 27th season.
WTCI has re-organized the digital channels to better serve our viewers and to prepare for the analog shut-off. Last month, WTCI increased the hours of kids programming on the main analog and digital simulcast channel and dropped the WTCI Kids channel on 45.2. Starting today, the channels have been re-aligned to get ready for the analog shut-off in February 2009.
The Arts and Drama channel which was 45.4 has been moved to 45.1 and re-named WTCI HD. This is actually the high definition (HD) loop that PBS is providing until they can fully program a 24 hour schedule in HD mirroring the national program feeds starting in December. During the day it is converted to standard definition (SD) so it can be paired with two additional SD channels from 1 AM to 7 PM. During the evenings, it will be shown in HD and paired with an additional SD channel.
The digital simulcast of WTCI's analog channel has been moved from 45.1 to 45.2 where it will be available 24 hours a day and labeled as WTCI DT. This will allow DirecTV, DISH, and local cable providers to substitute the digital copy of the analog signal in their channel line-up to deliver an improved signal to the viewer.
WTCI Create will remain at 45.3 and still be available from 1 AM to 7 PM.
The last channel, 45.4, remains open and may be used for occassional programming in the future.
He excelled as an actor, a businessman, a driver, and a humanitarian. Obviously his passing is a great loss to those of us who love great acting. Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the list goes on and on, but I think beyond the iconic performances, I'll remember his generosity. His company's motto, "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good," exemplified Newman's great wit and his passion for giving. Of his business "Newman's Own", he once said, "the embarrassing thing is that the salad dressing is outgrossing my films". Newman's Own has donated over 250 million dollars to charity. Newman's contributions will continue to make an impact, long after we say goodbye.
"If John McCain and Barack Obama square off in the first presidential debate on Sept. 26, the referee of the candidates' slugfest will be Jim Lehrer. A veteran of 10 presidential debates over the last five elections, Lehrer brings an nonconfrontational style to an increasingly acrimonious campaign."
Read more at Time.com
Fall is in the air in the Tennessee Valley, and WTCI is doing some fall cleaning Friday, September 26 and Saturday, September 27 to help clear several items out of storage at our new facility. We have several solid wood desks, credenzas, file cabinets, chairs, lamps, prints, t-shirts, CDs, and more - priced to sell. Don’t miss this great sale!
When: Friday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: WTCI's broadcast studio, 7540 Bonnyshire Dr., by the Tennessee Driver's License Testing Center on Bonny Oaks.
Map:
View Larger Map
Be sure to bring a truck and some friends to help load up all your great finds!
(Photo: Claudia Marcelloni, © CERN)
The Large Hadron Collider (above), the world's largest particle accelerator, struck fear in the hearts of some who believed it was capable of creating a black hole strong enough to destroy the earth a couple of weeks ago when the switch was flipped for the first time. You're reading this, so let's assume the earth as we know it still exists, shall we?
But what IS a black hole? Should we be scared? NOVA addresses these questions in "Monster of the Milky Way" Tuesday at 8pm on WTCI. The program is an examination of black holes, what they are, and their role in the life and death of galaxies. It also details the work of a team led by UCLA astrophysicist Andrea M. Ghez to prove that a black hole exists at the center of the Milky Way.
Be sure to join us Thursday night, September 11th at 8pm as Senators John McCain and Barack Obama make their first joint appearance since becoming their respective parties' nominees. The senators will be participating in a forum about service moderated by Judy Woodruff of the NewsHour and Rick Stengel of Time magazine.
Earlier in the day, the senators will put politics aside as they visit the World Trade Center site together to honor those who died seven years ago in the September 11th terrorist attacks on our nation.
For all the latest on the presidential campaign, visit the Vote 2008 section of our site.
I get excited when I see something like this on the schedule and I'm glad I've got an opportunity to let you know it's coming up friday night at 10:30. The Who at Kilburn 1977, a previously unreleased concert film is Keith Moon's penultimate live performance. It's digitally restored and remastered, so you can be sure this is as good as it gets.
If you miss it friday night, be sure to tune in sunday at 11pm for an encore. If you enjoy the quality music programming WTCI provides, please let us know with your pledge of support.
Presidential hopeful John McCain surprised many with his VP pick, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. If you're interested in learning more about Palin, her experience, and her views on critical issues, check out Charlie Rose's October, 2007 conversation with Governor Palin and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.
If you're looking for a fun saturday evening out, head downtown to Coolidge Park for live music and dancing at Swingfest! The music of Duke Ellington & Glenn Miller will bring back memories and it's sure to create some new ones. Here's a brief schedule:
5:00 - 5:20 p.m. FREE Swing Dance Lesson
5:30 - 6:45 p.m. UpTown Big Band
6:45 - 7:05 p.m. FREE Swing Dance Lesson
7:05 - 8:15 p.m. Swingtime Orchestra
8:30 - 9:45 p.m. Sweet Georgia Sound
You can find more information by clicking here.
The biggest event in politics this week is the Democratic National Convention in Denver. WTCI is the place to catch it all. The NewsHour will start us off at 7pm and PBS will cover the convention each night from 8pm to 11pm. If you need even more analysis, be sure to check in with Charlie Rose as well. And the Vote2008 section of PBS.org is full of additional information on the convention and all the latest in presidential politics.
Of course you'll need to pace yourself. We'll be providing all the same coverage next week for the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul!
Get ready for WTCI's 2008 Kids Club party!
Free gate admission and free unlimited rides for all kids club members
If you aren't a kids club member or to sign up today:
Each kids club member receives a Kids Club Packet filled with stickers, discounts to area attractions, goodies and a tee shirt. Plus admission to Lake Winnie and other great kid events through out the year. Your donation helps support quality children's programming on WTCI –
For more information call 423-702-7816
When you think of an animal that can change color to blend with its environment, a chameleon often comes to mind. But the cuttlefish's extraordinary abilities are so unique, it's almost unbelievable. Nova explores this strange invertebrate's shape & color shifting properties and its surprising intelligence in "Kings of Camouflage".
You can see it Tuesday at 8pm on WTCI and again Wednesday at 11pm. Once you've learned all that they're capable of, go see one up close at the Tennessee Aquarium.
I just read online that two of the four moderators for the upcoming presidential and vice presidential debates are from PBS. Gwen Ifill will moderate the first vice presidential debate on October 2nd and Jim Lehrer will moderate the first presidential debate on September 26th.
Hi everyone, exciting things will be happening for the 2009 season of Southern Accents. Early next year, we'll be bringing you 13 new weekly episodes, more than twice as many new episodes as last season!
We'll travel to Atlanta, Georgia to tour Stone Mountain Park (see pic above) and we'll take you into the dugout at Turner Field and the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame. Get ready to go catfish grabblin' near Cleveland, Tennessee and see how they make those famous Brown Cows at Mayfield Dairy in Athens, TN. We'll visit historic Hatch Show Prints in Nashville, the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, TN, and we'll see how legendary Moon Pies are made, right here in Chattanooga.
Of course, this is just a sample of the more than 50 stories we're preparing for next season! If you have an idea for a great story, please let us know. In the meantime, stop and say hello if you see us in your home town.
-Karen Elliott
Host, "Southern Accents"
This weekend's Nature (Sunday at 8pm) should be really interesting, especially for those of you who love horses. It's called Horse and Rider and looks at the fascinating cooperative relationship between animal & human.
Speaking of nature, these photos were actually taken in the WTCI parking lot. If you haven't been by to visit our new studio on Bonnyshire Drive (just off Bonny Oaks), feel free to give us a call. We're happy to give you a tour. You never know who'll you'll see in the parking lot.
Hiya! It's me, your ever faithful Tennessee Insider Producer, Angela Lee McClister! We are on our second year of syndication and I am always excited to see what the next week brings! We're coming out of a whirlwind weekend of Antiques Roadshow adventures! What a wonderful time that was! I have to say taking off with that same momentum, I couldn't be any more excited to be working on a one hour special for you! Now, it's on to my weekly focus: Tennessee Insider. This week, we have back to back – fresh, interesting and insightful Tennessee Insider episodes.
At 8:30 P.M. on Friday - (just in case I needed to remind you) Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey speaks quite candidly about his visits and the negotiations with Volkswagen. He is joined by City of Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield and the Greater Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce's President and C.E.O. Tom Edd Wilson. Also joining the table for her first at length primetime interview in the Tennessee Valley is Volkswagen Spokesperson, Jill Bratina. Listening to this conversation is a unique opportunity to go past a headline and put a name with a face – and even hear how the automobile manufacturer is timelining the hiring process – that is something I'm sure MANY of you want to know!
At 9:30 P.M. on Friday - (for good measure) the five candidates seeking your vote for Hamilton County Sheriff will sit at the Insider roundtable and share what they can about themselves. This episode is very exciting to me because I think it's hard for everyone to get to know the candidates. For some, it's difficult to get to the events where the candidates are speaking. Being the big PBS fan that I am - I truly appreciate the accessibility. I think this show brings it home to those who care, want to know and will be proactive to get out there and vote.
I know as a voter, I have my share of questions. I've also picked the brains of folks I meet out in the community. Those who inspired me the most are either retired from a county department or have close interactions with those who work in the sheriffs department. That being said, we have a lot of ground to cover with five men in 30 minutes…and I hope it gives YOU the voter a chance to get to know the candidates in such a way, you can confidently vote for your choice.
I'd love some suggestions - maybe you'd like to appear on Insider too? Post on the Insider section of our website! I'm reachable - And want to hear from you
I'll be watching with you Friday,
Angela Lee McClister
WTCI's Alison Lebovitz interviews Rafael Eledge, a Roadshow Appraiser and Mark Walberg the host of Antiques Roadshow, during their visit to the Incline. Watch Online
Thursday's Antiques Roadshow kick-off event was a lot of fun. Executive producer Marsha Bemko and host Mark Walberg braved "America's Most Amazing Mile", the Incline Railway as we welcomed them to the scenic city. Our cameras were there for the event. Be sure to watch online and keep an eye out for more exclusive web video in the coming days!
Steve Inskeep began today's Last Word in Business on NPR's Morning Edition as I drove past Enterprise South on my way to work with these words:
"...another major car corporation has decided to build a factory overseas. It's the story we've come to know so well..."
Of course, the "overseas" in this case is the United States, the company, Volkswagen, and the factory will be right here in Chattanooga. It's likely to be the second-biggest story in our area over the next week (clearly Antiques Roadshow's number one, right?) and we're interested to hear what you have to say about it.
Oh, and in the great tradition of NPR's clever instrumental music breaks between segments, they selected Chattanooga Choo Choo.
Clean out your closets! Antiques Roadshow will be here in just under two weeks!
To help welcome Roadshow to town, please plan on joining WTCI at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, for a special event at the Incline in St. Elmo. In addition to welcoming some special guests from the series, an appraiser will be on hand to appraise one of Chattanooga's most treasured antiques – the Incline Railway. Mayor Littlefield and Mayor Ramsey will be on hand to proclaim next week WTCI ANTIQUES ROADSHOW WEEK in Chattanooga and Hamilton County. We hope to have a HUGE turnout to welcome the Roadshow crew to Chattanooga.
WTCI still has a limited number of tickets available to attend this once in a lifetime event. For a pledge of 400 dollars, you are guaranteed admission to the event on July 19 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. These tickets allow each ticket holder to bring two items for appraisal. You may be lucky enough to tell your story to a national televised audience. Ask fast. These tickets are almost gone.
We're excited to let you know that Antiques Roadshow will also be taping segments at AT&T Field, the Walnut Street Bridge and Chickamauga Battlefield telling stories of local treasures and history. The segments will air as part of the three episodes from Chattanooga premiering in Spring 2009. This is simply another example of how WTCI is helping share our local stories on a national level.
As some of you may know, there's been some controversy surrounding the series "The War of the World: A New History of the 20th Century". Part two of the three-part series, "A Tainted Victory", airs this evening at 10pm. We anticipate strong reactions to some of the opinions voiced in the program. In fact, some of the staff here at WTCI who have previewed tonight's program are troubled by some of the conclusions drawn by the program's host, historian Niall Ferguson.
However, because we believe in diversity of opinion and we stand by our opposition to the censorship of ideas, we've decided to continue airing the program. We hope you'll watch the program and offer your comments here at the WTCI blog. Just click on the word "comments" below to share your thoughts and to read the comments of others who've watched the program. Dialogue is essential to our understanding of any issue and we're glad to provide a forum for this discussion and others.
-Peter G. DeLynn, Vice President of Production
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