This is a big day for our community. In service to you, we are excited to share that New England Public Radio and WGBY-Public Television are joining forces to become New England Public Media.

Together, we’ll build on a shared legacy of investing in the communities of western New England. At a time when other media outlets are contracting, we are stepping forward to share and maximize our resources.

We believe the future of public media in our communities is about:

• creating dynamic local content and educational programming
• providing access to a broad array of local and national programs available anytime, across all media, including TV, radio, online, and mobile
• and deepening our commitment to sharing new voices and inspiring new conversations

With today’s announcement, NEPR is no longer just public radio. WGBY is no longer just public television. Together, we’ll become a robust, new multi-platform organization committed to sharing the stories of our local communities, the region, and the world.

New England Public Media will be a new, independent nonprofit organization with a new board of directors.

Rest assured that the New England Public Radio and WGBY-Public Television programs you love aren’t going anywhere. When you flip on your car radio tomorrow morning, you’ll be greeted by Morning Edition as always, and when you kick off your shoes at the end of the day, Connecting Point will be there waiting for you.

And while you catch up on the day’s news, and binge-watch the latest season of Victoria, know that we’ll be working on bringing all of our talent, technology, resources, and leadership together to serve you.

You can find out more about what’s ahead by reading the press release or checking out our FAQs below.

While we work towards this new endeavor, your continued support of both WGBY and NEPR are more important than ever. Your gifts to WGBY and NEPR are vital to the health of our organizations and we hope that you’ll continue to support us in this time of change.

This is a pivotal moment for public media in our western New England community. We’re excited about the new stories we can start telling and shaping our future together.

Warm regards,

Martin Miller
President
Former CEO & General Manager, NEPR

Anthony Hayes
COO & General Manager
Former General Manager, WGBY

FAQ

Why are you coming together?
Building on a shared legacy of serving our communities with valued, trusted programs and services, NEPR and WGBY are joining forces to create New England Public Media. We are stepping forward at a time when other media outlets are contracting, to share and maximize our resources on behalf of audiences across the region.

The future of public media in our communities is about:

• creating dynamic local content and educational services
• providing access to a broad array of local and national programs available anytime, across all media, including TV, radio, online, and mobile
• a deep commitment to local journalism, telling the stories of our region, sharing new voices and inspiring new conversations

What’s happening with NEPR and WGBY?
NEPR is no longer just public radio. WGBY is no longer just public television. Together as NEPM, we will be a robust, new multi-platform organization committed to sharing the stories of our local communities, the region, and the world. New England Public Media will be an independent nonprofit organization with a new board of directors, representative of NEPR and WGBY.

Will my favorite programs still be available?
The services of NEPR and WGBY that you know and love will continue, and in time will be joined by new enhanced programs and services. See schedules at nepr.net and wgby.org. As we begin work as New England Public Media, we’re excited about the new stories we can start telling together.

What’s changing?
By coming together we will be able to enhance our work in local journalism, tapping the capabilities of both our TV and radio teams, who will have additional capacity and resources to cover local topics and address the needs and interests of residents throughout the region. Along with an expanded news service, NEPM will focus on new content creation including new music streams, multi-platform and digital programming, as well as educational programs for children, families and educators, in addition to the music programs and TV favorites audiences now enjoy.

When will this change happen?
We’re working on bringing all of our talent, technology, resources and leadership together. Our plan is to begin integrating operations this summer.

Where will you be located?
The staff of NEPM will work out of our existing facilities at 1525 Main Street and 44 Hampden Street in Springfield and also from the Five College Studios on the UMass Amherst campus.

Why is my contribution important?
While we work towards this new endeavor, your continued support of both WGBY and NEPR are more important than ever. Your gifts to WGBY and NEPR are vital to the health of our organizations and we hope that you’ll continue to support us and be part of building this new public media organization for the region.

What happens with my membership?
If you’re currently a member of NEPR or WGBY, your membership will continue. You’ll receive more information as the stations come together. We hope you’ll be excited to be a member of the new organization and stay connected with us through your membership as we grow and offer new services.

I have questions. How can I reach you?
For questions about NEPR contact: radio@nepr.net or call 413-735-6600
For questions about WGBY: membership@wgby.org or call 413-781-2801
For Press questions: Vanessa Cerillo at vcerillo@nepr.net or 413-735-6605