Introduction

Molly Dickinson  Shepard

William J. Marrazzo

More than just a distinguished TV station. More than just an award-winning radio service. The WHYY experience for our audiences and members was expanded significantly this year, thanks to advances in technology and new perspectives in storytelling. We were able to provide new on-air, online, on demand and off-air programming and services, while retaining the distinctive qualities that make WHYY the leading public broadcasting station in the tri-state region.

Delaware Tonight, WHYY's weeknight television news program, is now available on four different media platforms: the trusted TV12 analog broadcast at 5:30 p.m.; the new WHYY digital channel 12.1 at 6:30 p.m.; ON DEMAND from Comcast Digital Cable anytime of the day or night; and anytime and anywhere through video streaming at whyy.org.

Another powerful example was fulfilled this past winter through Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane. On the same day, interviews with former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison were simultaneously broadcast on WHYY-FM, streamed on whyy.org and videotaped for the inaugural broadcast of Radio Times on TV.

In other important uses of technology, we increased the capacity of live audio and video streaming at whyy.org through an expanded fiber Internet connection. WHYY-FM's signal received a much-needed "boost" when technicians replaced the 20-year-old antenna atop WHYY's tower in Roxborough, and the WHYY-TV signal dramatically improved when powerful new analog and digital transmitters were installed in Seaford, DE.

As you read through the WHYY 2004 Annual Report, you will discover the innumerable opportunities our audiences are offered to "experience" the best in news and public affairs, arts and culture, children's programming, adult educational services and special programs that widen the horizons of our seniors. That is our goal: to allow our audiences to experience the best there is on-air, online and in person.

It's a new world. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our 125,000 members, as well as foundations, businesses, corporations and government agencies. It is this support that allows us to broaden the WHYY experience, to be the one constant -- and ever-expanding -- entity that our diverse community has in common.