(DURHAM, April 19, 2006) - Citing shifts in the media landscape, new consumer expectations and advanced technologies that influence its services, New Hampshire Public Television General Manager and CEO Peter Frid today announced the station was initiating strategic organizational changes in order to continue to meet viewer expectations and fulfill its public service mission to New Hampshire and the region.As part of an organizational evaluation leading to the implementation of a five-year strategic plan to provide programs and services that viewers want and will support, NHPTV examined market forces, consumer habits, and new technologies that affect its operations as New Hampshire’s only statewide locally owned and operated television station and PBS member station.Changes in the media landscape include federal regulations that mandate a switch from analog to all digital transmissions by 2009; consumers who increasingly prefer viewing on-demand programming; and technology that enables consumers access to high-definition viewing, as well as programs and information via computer, RSS feeds, podcasting, and cell phone. "The new media environment is challenging public and commercial broadcasters, as well as the print media," Frid noted. "Technology is changing consumer habits for accessing information and entertainment. By refocusing NHPTV’s programs and services to compete within this media landscape, we will take advantage of new opportunities to serve the public with thoughtful and relevant programming, as well as educational and community-focused services and partnerships." To learn more about NHPTV’s scope of services, go to www.nhptv.org/about.NHPTV’s implementation of new technologies has occurred in several areas. The station recently instituted an automated, centralized digital master control operation. This fall, NHPTV will begin producing wide-screen and high-definition local programs (16 x 9) that will enable it to offer expanded content for its high-definition channels. Additionally, using its data transmission capabilities, NHPTV is participating in a law enforcement pilot project to convey important information to police vehicles.Organizational changes effective immediately include consolidating the NHPTV Winter and Spring Auctions into a single 10-day May auction, restructuring NHPTV local productions, and pursuing revenue growth by concentrating on increasing individual donations, corporate contributions, and foundation grant support.This fall, NH OUTLOOK, NHPTV’s newsmagazine, will be reformatted to focus on developing the in-depth, statewide stories that are its strength. These features are elements of NHPTV projects that combine broadcast media, education, community outreach partnerships, and online resources to increase public awareness and engagement. Such projects include "Seeing Seniors: The Future of Aging in NH" and the new "LiveFIT NH" initiative developed with 16 state partner organizations to address health concerns with an informative and appealing approach. Beginning in September, NH OUTLOOK will air twice a week; on the other three weeknights NHPTV will maintain its local focus at 7:30 p.m. with award-winning productions such as WILDLIFE JOURNAL, GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE, and NH CROSSROADS CLASSICS. NHPTV remains committed to producing quality local productions that focus on New Hampshire’s unique people, places, politics and culture."Regrettably, the restructuring affects a number of positions within the organization," Frid noted. "Consequently, a total of 4.8 full-time equivalent staff positions will be lost from NHPTV’s engineering, traffic, production, administrative and Auction departments. These staff members will receive severance pay and medical benefits for 90 days." As NHPTV continues to implement its strategic plan, additional organizational shifts may occur within the next six months, Frid said. "We are confident that this restructuring will enable NHPTV to meet New Hampshire’s need for quality programs, educational services, community outreach partnerships and services delivered through the most up-to-date and efficient means," Frid said.
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