NOVEMBER 2023
A WORD FROM OUR CEO, JACK GIBSON
Since we began operations in 1959, AZPM has remained committed to educating, informing, and inspiring audiences across Southern Arizona. AZPM has, since then, evolved into the most trusted source of news and information, and has been a key promoter of thoughtful conversation, debate, and collaboration. With additional support from generous donors like you, our new facility will strengthen that impact in the community and help us continue to break barriers well into the future.
While we are excited about what the future holds, we understand the importance of honoring where we came from. Now your contribution and support can reflect that. By joining the 1959 Club with a five-year sustaining donation, your gift will honor the foundation AZPM was built on. This contribution will recognize the legacy we began building back on March 8, 1959 with the launch of KUAT Channel 6, Arizona’s first public television station, and the journey we have had since then.
Visit azpm.org/capital to take a virtual tour and read about this transformational project.
Every contribution makes a difference.
Invest in AZPM Today to Transform Tomorrow
For the first time in history, AZPM is building a new public media campus designed to keep the community’s needs at the forefront. Having called the basement levels of the University of Arizona’s Modern Languages Building home for over 50 years, with your support, Southern Arizona will have a new, state-of-the-art public media home, The Paul and Alice Baker Center for Public Media.
Designed as a public square, this will be in Tucson’s newest, most innovative mixed-use development to be located at UA Tech Park at the Bridges, on the corner of Kino Parkway and 36th Street. It will be a convening place for public debates, presentations, screenings, and events for generations to come.
AZPM is launching its “1959 Club,” which will consist of multiyear supporters of its Capital Campaign for the new state-of-the-art facility. Members who pledge for the five years of the campaign, at $19.59 per month or more, will qualify for the 1959 Club and be recognized. The year 1959 is when KUAT, now AZPM’s PBS Channel 6, became the first educational television station in Arizona.
We’ve raised over 84% of the $65 million needed, now we need YOUR help to get to the finish line! While your annual gift is always the most critical, for those who can do more, this exciting opportunity awaits!
To make a donation or for more information, please call Melissa Rios at 520-848-4100 or donate online at azpm.org/bridging.
Q&A with Bridging Communities Supporter Louise Glasser
Q: Why do you care about public media?
A: Public media is my source of news and issues both local and national. It gives me reliable fodder for thought and discussion on such a multitude of topics. And as one who seems to live “on the road,” it makes my life more interesting.
Q: What motivated you to give to and help lead this campaign?
A: If there is something that I can do to ensure the continuing success of such a treasured and necessary local resource, I am more than willing to help with this campaign. The thought that the new facility will make more “public” Arizona Public Media with its potential uses makes it even more appealing.
Q: What would you say to a donor who is on the fence about supporting?
A: AZPM is one of the things that make Tucson such a special place, giving the community pure and honest information and entertainment.
Learn more about AZPM’s capital campaign at azpm.org/capital.
Billie Jean King
Iconic Female Athletes Share Their Stories
In an upcoming documentary executive-produced by tennis legend Billie Jean King, viewers hear firsthand from female athletes about their journeys to stardom. Athletes including Naomi Osaka, Chloe Kim, Suni Lee, Diana Flores, and Billie Jean King herself interview each other, diving into the trials, tribulations, successes, failures, and unique experiences that have composed each of their careers.
Groundbreakers is a captivating and passionate testament to the persistence and grit that characterize not only the progression of women in sports, but the progression of women in society.
Airs Tuesday, November 21, at 8 p.m. on PBS 6. Watch this program live or stream anytime with AZPM Passport.
Explore the Natural Wonder of Arizona
Did you catch the premiere of Arizona Illustrated in September? The new season continues its legacy of engaging Southern Arizona’s viewers with thought-provoking, diverse stories that reflect our community, and includes an episode entirely in Spanish. We hope you’ll join us for a special screening on November 28th.
Have you explored the great outdoors with Isaac “Ike” Easley’s adventure series Trail Mix’d? Discover the beauty of low desert, pine forest, and everything in between as we experience the variety of Arizona landscapes.
Arizona Illustrated Season 10 airs Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on PBS 6.
Trail Mix’d airs Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. on PBS 6.
Watch these programs live or stream anytime with AZPM Passport.
NOVA: Ancient Earth
A Bold Look at the History of Our Planet
NOVA will be airing a five-part series detailing the history of our planet. Through astonishingly lifelike animation, witness the geologic processes that led to the evolution of an animal that stands up straight on two legs, the turbulent climate shifts that allowed early primates to colonize the world, and the catastrophic asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. Examine the paradox and influence of humanity’s significant impact on our planet and consider how we could influence its future.
The series includes dialogue from top scientists and fascinating imagery to shed a new light on Earth’s existence. Don’t miss this incredible lesson in history.
Catch NOVA: Ancient Earth’s finale on November 1 or stream anytime with AZPM Passport.
Don’t Miss These AZPM Originals
The AZPM News Daily podcast provides local, in-depth, and unbiased news coverage of Arizona and the nation. The afternoon podcast will bring you all of Southern Arizona’s news, including local stories about education, health, the environment, in one place so you can stay informed. AZPM News Daily breaks down today’s headlines and how they will impact our community. New episodes will be available Monday through Friday on the AZPM website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen to AZPM News Daily episodes at originals.azpm.org or wherever you get your podcasts.
Explore the relationship between an asteroid and an innovative spacecraft on AZPM’s new one-hour documentary, OSIRIS-REx: To Bennu and Back. Bennu, an asteroid larger than the Empire State Building, is our solar system’s oldest relic and can be traced back more than 4.5 billion years. OSIRIS-REx, a cutting-edge spacecraft, launched in 2016 on a mission to return samples from Bennu to Earth. On September 24, 2023, the sample returned, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking research process into the origin of life on earth.
Led by Dante Lauretta, UA experts and student scientists have been a part of almost every major NASA planetary mission to bring part of an asteroid home for the first time in US history.
Don’t miss OSIRIS-REx: To Bennu and Back on November 22 at 8 p.m. on PBS 6.
Left: Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir
Right: Call the Midwife
Spend the Holidays with AZPM
Christmas cheer will come right to your home with the annual Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir. Featuring some of the world’s best stars, the Tabernacle Choir puts on a show you don’t want to miss.
Life for the midwives at Nonnatus House never slows – even during Christmas. The Call the Midwife: Holiday Special is nothing short of intriguing. Season 12 of the fan-favorite show brought a wedding, unusual houseguests, and a new nun, Sister Veronica. Close out the year with more drama, excitement, and holiday commemoration.
Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir premieres Tuesday, December 12, at 8 p.m. on PBS 6.
Call the Midwife: Holiday Special premieres Monday, December 25, at 8 p.m. on PBS 6.
Watch these programs live or stream anytime with AZPM Passport.
Give Smart — Plan Ahead
Many members like to remember Arizona Public Media in their wills, life insurance, or retirement plans. Will you consider including AZPM in yours?
You are an important part of our present. We invite you to be a part of our future.
To learn more about how you can ensure that AZPM remains vital for generations to come, contact Senior Director of Development Enrique Aldana at (520) 621-3808 or [email protected]. In appreciation, you’ll receive your free copy of “Your Legacy Written in the Stars.”
Every contribution makes a difference.
Amplify your ongoing financial support to AZPM by making a special contribution that goes above and beyond your membership.
Your tax-deductible support ensures that AZPM can continue to be your source for news and entertainment now and in the months to come.
To ensure the future of television, radio, digital media, and educational services that change lives for the better, we need the ongoing support of members like you. One-time membership fees aren’t nearly enough to cover the rising costs of providing quality public media in Southern Arizona — we rely on additional gifts from caring friends like you.
To give today, simply click the “Donate Today” button to send your gift. If you prefer, you can also visit azpm.org/exchange to give online, or call (520) 621-1600.