May Highlights and Happenings

It’s May – the month of graduation celebrations, Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and the start of summer. Here in Southern Arizona, it is already beginning to feel like summer. Here at AZPM, we’re turning up the heat under projects that have been simmering on the back burner all winter.

I’m excited to announce that the 20+-year-old main transmitter on Mt. Bigelow, which sustained irreparable damage during winter snowstorms in 2021, is scheduled to be replaced this month. The new, full-power, solid-state transmitter will restore normal over-the-air service on PBS 6, PBS 6+, and PBS KIDS to viewers on the fringes of AZPM’s broadcast footprint. In addition to the custom-built transmitter (which, incidentally, more than filled a tractor-trailer), a new 500kV backup power generator will also be installed. The current generator failed this winter, causing extended outages for over-the-air viewers and listeners of KUAT-TV and KUAT-FM Classical 90.5. Some viewers and listeners may notice some limited service interruptions during the installation period. Barring any unforeseen complications, the new transmitter should be fired up and fully commissioned by the middle of May. I appreciate the patience of our over-the-air viewers and listeners as we work to improve your experience.

AZPM’s original content team has been working on the pilot episode of a new quarterly series featuring the research, discovery, and innovation taking place right here at the University of Arizona. Hosted by University of Arizona astrophysicist Erika Hamden, New Frontiers takes you on a journey of discovery happening right in our own backyard. If you think astrophysics is boring, you haven’t met Erika Hamden! The program premieres May 14, at 8 p.m. on PBS 6.

Also premiering in May is AZPM’s newest podcast, More Than a Game, which explores the untold stories of your favorite sports. Hosted by AZPM’s Tony Perkins, a veteran sports reporter, More Than a Game will be available starting May 17, on our podcast page, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.

For you Anglophiles, AZPM is planning to carry live BBC coverage from London of the coronation of King Charles III starting at approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 5, and projected to last about 7 hours. A 90-minute highlights special is also planned for broadcast on the evening of May 6. Please see the TV program schedule as the date approaches for more details.

AZPM members can binge-watch two new additions to the Passport library this month. Our House tells the story of Fi Lawson, who arrives home one day to find her husband gone and a family of strangers moving into her house. All four episodes are available starting May 15. Starting on May 29, Marriage follows the 30-year ups and downs of married couple Ian and Emma in a four-episode limited series. Both Our House and Marriage are available exclusively on AZPM Passport.

The 34th annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day Concert premieres live from the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 28 on PBS 6 and repeats at 8 p.m. America's national night of Remembrance takes us back to the real meaning of the day through personal stories and tributes interwoven with musical performances. Acclaimed actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise co-host the program, joined by Mary McCormack and an all-star lineup, with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. This deeply moving and reverential night brings us together as one family of Americans to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, military families, and all those who have given their lives for our country.

AZPM members can binge-watch two new additions to the Passport library this month. Our House tells the story of Fi Lawson, who arrives home one day to find that her husband has disappeared, and a family of strangers is moving into her house. All four episodes are available starting May 15. Starting on May 29, Marriage follows the 30-year ups and downs of married couple Ian and Emma in a four-episode limited series. Both Our House and Marriage are only available on AZPM Passport.

Classical 90.5 honors America’s armed forces on two special days. On May 20, Armed Forces Day, the playlist will feature recordings of military service bands, including those of the Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and others, playing not only music especially written for military bands, but also mainstream works transcribed for bands. Memorial Day music will be featured on May 29 in honor of members of the American military forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. And May 23 marks the centennial of famed Spanish pianist Alicia de Larrocha; tune to Classical 90.5 to hear her recordings throughout the day.

Thanks to you and members like you, AZPM is able to provide the very best in trusted news and information, high-quality entertainment, educational programming for all ages, K-12 educational resources, and on-the-job training for University of Arizona students. Your continuing support ensures that AZPM is not influenced by corporate or governmental funding pressures and that it maintains editorial independence and control over its programming. None of this would be possible without your support. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Jack Gibson
AZPM Chief Executive Officer