PBS affiliate WFWA establishes closer partnership with IPFW

Groundbreaking this fall provides site for campus access

The building will be located in the Triangle Park area off Coliseum Boulevard and near the site of IPFW's proposed residence halls. (See related story in this issue)

WFWA has already raised about $5.23 million for the construction and was helped at the groundbreaking by a $200,000 check in matching funds from the Lutheran Foundation as part of a massive capital campaign. The new building and access to IPFW faculty will allow the station to incrementally increase its local programming, said Roger Rhodes, WFWA president. The station also will be able to supply internships in communications, journalism and other fields to IPFW students.

"This gives us a chance to build the best communications program in Indiana," IPFW Chancellor Michael Wartell said. "WFWA can't help but be influenced by the students."

The new public broadcasting building is largely necessary because of a Federal Communications Commission mandate that all PBS stations broadcast in digital format by May 1, 2003. To accomplish that, WFWA needs new equipment, additional personnel and a larger center. "We needed a new home," said Al Brothers, chairman of the WFWA board. "We had outgrown the place."

The most noticeable change for viewers will come with the addition of "multicasting" for digital televisions. Viewers will be able to choose from a menu of television programs and simultaneously watch Sesame Street on one television and a medical documentary on another set. While watching a show, the station can transmit transcripts or still photos to viewers' computers for those who prefer a more interactive viewing experience. Viewers who do not have a digital TV set will still be able to see WFWA programs on their regular set.

For more information about IPFW, visit:
http://www.ipfw.edu/