PBS 39, the Lehigh Valley’s public television station, has cut jobs and expenses, and is now pursuing a “transformation.”
That is from the station’s board meeting in July. Channel 39, also known as WLVT, once employed about 80 people and is down to 60. If revenue shortfalls continue, station officials said they are ready to act.
That could happen.
Year-to-date revenue at 39 is well short of plans, and the station has suffered a bigger operating loss than expected.
Meanwhile, the PBS station has an $80 million endowment, but at the meeting, bids to seek state and federal funding were discussed.
“Almost every category came under budget,” a finance official said at the meeting. As a result, 39 is trying to make sure everybody involved is aware of revenue goals. That does seem like a good idea, eh?
The station also suffered an “email compromise” but reported no significant damage.
One specific item, sort of, that was raised was “a great new content strategy.”
There was also some jargon about a “rightsized” organization and a plan to “flatten out” the organizational chart, looking at each position.
39 will save $10,000 annually with a new trash-hauling contract. That is not part of the transformation, but it is something.
PBS 39, based in Bethlehem, goes by the name Lehigh Valley Public Media. In addition to a television station, it operates the WLVR National Public Radio station and LehighValleyNews.com, an online news operation.
PBS 39 broadcasts some local shows, along with a dose of reruns from elsewhere and Lawrence Welk. The station and other outlets serve Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and nearby areas.
To see the station’s website: https://www.wlvt.org/
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