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In today’s fast-paced, high-tech world,
we’re constantly bombarded with media
messages everywhere we go. But what ends
up passing for news these days is often
just a bunch of repetitious soundbites and
exaggerated headlines.
Flashy graphics, flying boxes and
scrolling headlines fill the television
screen during any given news program,
accompanied by a cacophony of whooshing
sound effects, multiple talking heads and
opinionated talk show hosts. Interviews are
conducted in a rush to capture those few little soundbites that will be
repeated over and over in a seemingly endless loop.
More often than not, the result is that the newsmakers themselves
don’t actually get to be heard, and the viewers are left with a lot of
supposed style but very little substance.
That’s why, when you’re looking for a simple, straightforward,
and detailed report about what’s going on in Virginia‘s Capitol, the
perfect antidote to all the cable news network noise is
This Week in
Richmond
.
ThisWeek in Richmond
is a public television program that captures
first-hand perspectives of state legislators and other decision-makers
from around the Capitol. It is hosted by state capitol veteran David
Bailey, produced by Blue Ridge PBS, and recorded live to tape in
Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation‘s Capitol Studio in
the General Assembly Building.
With
This Week in Richmond
, viewers get a non-partisan, in-
depth look at current events, developments and decisions coming out
of the Capitol each week through complete, unedited interviews with
the people who are making Virginia‘s government work every day.
From budget cuts to regulatory affairs, the program spotlights
the latest happenings at the General Assembly while it is in session.
During the rest of the year, it provides timely insights and behind-the-
headlines analysis about taxes, education and other matters that are
critical to people across the Commonwealth.
Originally airing weekly on Blue Ridge PBS during sessions
and then once a month the rest of the year, the half hour program
started out focusing on issues of greatest importance to the southwest
region of Virginia. It quickly expanded to cover issues that affect all
Virginians, and it now airs weekly throughout the year on various
PBS stations and other outlets around the state.
Since its inception,
This Week in Richmond
has hosted a
veritable who’s who of movers and shakers connected with Virginia
government—each with their own unique perspective on what‘s
happening at any point in time.
From the leadership in both chambers and the executive branch,
to agency heads and cabinet members, to the clerks of both the Senate
and the House of Delegates, to current and former governors and first
ladies, to Virginia members of Congress, the show has given viewers
a chance to hear directly from a wide range of the most influential
people behind the scenes.
Some of the shows feature a unique mix of perspectives and others
revolve around a common theme. For instance, one show featured
the three colonels—from three different branches of service—who
serve in the House of Delegates. Both the viewers and participants
enjoyed the experience so much that there have even been requests
for an encore.
As to the age old question, is there a doctor in the House? Why
yes, there are three. And they were all featured on another one of the
most popular shows, bringing an interesting combination of medical
perspectives to the legislative issues at hand.
One of the most unique and fun shows was taped at the Old
Fiddlers‘ Convention in Galax, a southwestern Virginia tradition
since 1935. And one of the most heartwarming shows featured a
group of state employees who volunteered their time to help restore
a state park.
This Week in Richmond
also recently featured a couple of
especially interesting guests—long-time Capitol news veterans Bob
Lewis from the Associated Press and Jeff Shapiro from the
Richmond
Times-Dispatch
—who discussed what it’s been like to cover the
Capitol and its newsmakers first hand over the years.
For its guests, the show is an increasingly rare opportunity to
expound on the issues that matter to them the most in an easy going
and relaxed atmosphere.
For viewers, it’s an equally rare opportunity to get a glimpse of
the people and personalities behind the positions through complete
and unedited conversations.
As one viewer said, “The main thing I like about the show is that
the host doesn’t constantly interrupt the guest or interject his own
ideas about the subject. He lets his guests talk.”
While there have been last minute changes due to ever-evolving
schedules and even a mild case of stage fright or two, guests of the
show say that they feel like they get a real chance to discuss the issues
that are important to them and their constituents. And viewers say
that they always learn something new.
When asked which shows he thought stood out over the years,
host David Bailey replied, “It’s not the show, but the personality that
stands out.” While he hesitated to single out any one person or show,
it was obvious who one of Bailey‘s all-time favorite guests has been.
“Senator Yvonne Miller was absolutely delightful,” he said with a
big smile.
The one guest that Bailey would NOT like to have again?
Himself. Due to various scheduling difficulties and a last minute
cancellation or two, the show was once left with a deadline to meet
and no guest to interview. But, as they say, “The show must go on.”
So the show’s host found himself in the position of having to fill
26 minutes of airtime with his own perspective about what goes on
behind the scenes.
As with other PBS productions,
This Week in Richmond
depends
on the generous support of its underwriters to help produce, direct,
tape and distribute the program throughout the year. People and
organizations who believe in the importance of transparency in state
government, as well as having week to week coverage of what goes
on at the Capitol, provide the funding needed to make each show
possible.
This Week in Richmond
thanks them—and the show
participants—for all that they do.
If you want to stay informed about the most current issues
facing our Commonwealth—from the point of view of those who
are making government work here in Virginia—this is the show you
need to watch.
If you want to get your message out to your constituents—and
all Virginians—to keep them informed about the issues that are most
important to them, this is the show you need to be on.
Check your local listings for dates and times for the show on
stations across the state. You can also check out past programs that
are available on demand at
.
Whether you’re a participant or a viewer, you can cut through all
the other media noise out there and stay informed each week with a
straightforward, detailed report about what’s going on here and now
in Virginia’s Capitol. Simply put, you are cordially invited to relax,
pull up a chair, and be our guest—for
This Week in Richmond
.
Sarah Alderson is an award-winning freelance writer who also
works in the Senate broadcast control room during sessions and
the Capitol Studio throughout the year. She can be reached at
and her new blog launches in
March at
Be Our Guest
—
for
This Week in Richmond
V
