The tri-state area is made richer by its varied tapestry of cultures and neighborhood interests. As WHYY marks the beginning of its fall broadcast season, we commit ourselves to becoming the common ground where each and every member of our community can meet and weave together a vision for our region.

To foster that sense of shared civic space, we aim to become a region-wide community service. Our work has begun in several areas...

• It all begins with WHYY's commitment to create and present more programming for on-air and on-line regional services.
• Starting with WHYY's "Steppin' Out" this month, we are launching monthly "theme events" that will tie together the biggest events in national programming with locally connected TV and radio programs, expanded Web site content, and more.
• Local Truths, a six-part mini-series using local artists, will air during WHYY-FM's Morning Edition. The production team, which includes staff from TV12 and 91FM, will continue its collaboration with a longer video and other shorts over the next 18 months.
• RADIO TIMES NEWS JOURNAL, the first in a series of specials produced in collaboration with 91FM News, debuts September 11th at 11 a.m. This episode, co-hosted by Marty Moss-Coane and Martin Wells, reflects on this summer's drug-dealing crackdown in Philadelphia, known as "Operation Sunrise."
• Because of the success of TV12's history programs, the station has created a Local History Unit. The unit's first new projects will be WE ARE... PENN STATE, a fond look at Penn State, due this December, and BLACK PHILADELPHIA, will explore the rich history of the region's African-American community, to be broadcast in March.
• Look for expanded news about New Jersey with 91FM's addition of a reporter covering that area this fall.
• Dr. Dan Gottlieb's VOICES IN THE FAMILY on 91FM has been revamped to focus on mental health rather than mental illness.
• Finally, WHYY has forged partnerships with Philadelphia's Fairmount Park Commission -- which will result in documentaries as well as short environmental messages for children -- and the Opera Company of Philadelphia, which will broadcast each of its productions this year live on 91FM on Sunday afternoons.

And for those willing and able to make a sizable contribution to WHYY, we offer the WHYY Fellows Program.