Dear Friends,
High temperatures continue unabated as summer in Southern Arizona ostensibly drew to a close. Before we know it, though, the November elections will be upon us, and AZPM News has numerous resources to help you make informed choices. Find information about debates, local races, and national issues, register to vote, and more at AZPM’s Your Vote 2024 Election Center. The deadline to register to vote is October 7! My sincere thanks to members of the community who helped to encourage citizens to participate in the electoral process by voting – through a series of on-air spots produced this year.
Stream the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate Simulcast live on PBS 6 or NPR 89.1, October 1 starting at 6 p.m.
Fact Check Arizona is back with all-new episodes that put a public radio twist on your typical fact check. Not only does our news team look at accuracy, but they take you behind the scenes with context, analysis, and expert thoughts on what a statement really says about a race for office or Arizona politics in general. Find Fact Check Arizona wherever you get your podcasts or streaming at originals.azpm.org/factcheck.
I’m pleased to announce that AZPM’s weekly radio news program and podcast, The Buzz, was honored with a first-place award from the National Educational Telecommunications Association for its innovative look at the last mayoral election, “El Tour de Mayor.” In a nod to the popular local bicycle race, El Tour de Tucson, AZPM staff took each of the mayoral candidates on a drive through the city to talk about what they saw. If you missed this episode, listen to it here.
And speaking of podcasts, Season 3 of AZPM’s original podcast Tapped, which examines the water crisis in the Southwest, is attracting national and international attention, with segments airing recently on CNN and NPR’s All Things Considered Weekend. Find Tapped wherever you get your podcasts or streaming at originals.azpm.org/tapped.
In VOCES: AMERICAN HISTORIA, host John Leguizamo explores the rich and often overlooked history of Latinos.
Additionally, AZPM presents a free, in-person screening of episode three of the series, followed by a panel discussion led by Arizona Illustrated producer Tony Paniagua. Reserve your spot now for this special Hispanic Heritage event, Tuesday, October 8 at CATALYST Creative Collective in the Tucson Mall.
NOVA is the most-watched prime time science series on American television, demystifying the scientific and technological concepts that shape and define our lives, our planet, and our universe. A new five-part series, NOVA: The Solar System, tells the story of the life of our solar system in five dramatic episodes, spanning billions of years and exploring the awesome beauty of our planetary neighbors. NOVA: The Solar System premieres Wednesdays at 9 p.m. beginning October 2.
Marlow Murder Club on MASTERPIECE premieres October 27 on PBS 6. Members can binge the full series with AZPM Passport.
Classical 90.5 pays tribute to Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day on October 14 with the obscure Columbus overtures by Wagner and Shostakovich, and chamber pieces by Roberto Sierra reflecting the impact on the locals of Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean. October 20 is the 125th anniversary of the birth of American composer Charles Ives, so we'll play several pieces by him, including his fairly traditional Symphony No. 1 and his innovative "Concord" Sonata. And, of course, we have a full day of music appropriate for Halloween – music associated with things supernatural and devilish by the likes of Franz Liszt, Paul Dukas, Antonín Dvořák, and Hector Berlioz, plus a Venezuelan cantata recounting a singing contest with the devil.
Drop-off gently used sweaters and outerwear to any Shaffer location during the Mister Rogers Sweater Drive, Oct 13-Nov 13.
Work continues on our new home, The Paul and Alice Baker Center for Public Media at the UA Tech Park at The Bridges, located at the corner of Kino at 36th St. We are about a year away from substantial completion of the “construction phase” and will then launch into a 4-6 month “transition phase” where broadcast and production equipment will be installed and tested. Thanks to the generosity of the Bakers and so many Bridging Communities Capital Campaign supporters, this 100% donor-funded project, which is currently about 88% funded, will help to equip AZPM for the coming decades with both equipment and production spaces to better serve the entire community. If you would like more information about how you can help, please visit azpm.org/capital.
Finally, my heartfelt thanks to those of you who made a financial contribution during our recent radio and television fundraising drives. 100% of contributions received in on-air campaigns like these are used to acquire and broadcast programs from PBS, NPR, and elsewhere. These funds are considered Operating Funds and are separate from the Capital Campaign Fund to complete construction of the Baker Center. If you like what you see and hear on AZPM’s stations, it’s thanks to people like YOU! Thank you for your continued support of AZPM and its public service stations.
Sincerely,
Jack Gibson
AZPM Chief Executive Officer
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.